What can you force yourself to do for one week?

Posted by Susanna on June 17, 2008 at 7:47pm

Can you force yourself to do something or give up something for one week? What about for two weeks? How about for 16 weeks? What number is the barrier between easy and hard? Many people do this during Lent and other religious fasting "holidays".

This only seems to be an issue for me when the time frame deals with food. I went to law school at night while working full time. That was a serious challenge of endurance for four years. I approached it with a determination deep inside me that often comes easily when called - except when it comes to food.

I am about to embark on a nutrition program for 16 weeks. The goal of the program is to re-train my brain to eat better ALL the time - for the rest of my life - not just for 16 weeks.

But for some reason, doing something related to food for a set period of time seems so daunting.

I think I have found that determination in me this time. I am tickling it just a bit. Waking it up. I have a bit of a plan developing.

But first, I go on vacation next week.

Comment by Eve on June 17, 2008 at 7:51pm: Good luck to you. I hope your 16 weeks speed by and you can make the lasting changes you are looking for.

Comment by Lisa Newton on June 18, 2008 at 4:24am: For me, it has come down to commitment, goals, and visualization. I'm totally committed to keeping my good habits, and replacing my bad ones. Notice I said "habit." Habits are for a lifetime, and that's what I want.

I have set goals I want to achieve, and I can see myself; one month from now, 2 months from now, 6 months from now, and one year from now.

16 weeks is a good number. It's enough time to retrain your brain to get our eating habits where you want them to be.

Good luck, and I know the Iowa Avenue community will be here to support you along the way...............:)