Day 44: Adversity

Scientific research has shown us in the past that it takes about 21 days for something to become a habit. These scientists clearly did not use a diet and exercise routine as part of their testing. Let me explain. I started this exercise routine a little over a month ago. I have been very successful thus far and things have been going along smoothly. I get up in the morning, eat breakfast, do my workout, and continue on with my day. I make good choices throughout the day and everything seems to go very well. Do I think that this routine is habitual for me now? No, it’s not.

On Monday, my wife became ill. She had a fever, cold sweats, dizziness, and all sorts of other fun things. What did this mean for me? It meant that I was officially Mr. Mom. I have two boys that love early mornings (5:00am is not uncommon). I wake up around 5:00 to start my day, but Jackie is usually there to take care of the boys if they wake up while I’m working out. With her out of the equation I was on my own. My boys woke up early again and I got them ready for the day. I gave them baths, got them dressed, fed them, and by that time it was about 7:00. I hadn’t eaten yet and there was no way I was getting in a workout before I had to leave to drop my boys off at my mom’s house at 7:30. “That’s OK, I’ll workout tonight” I told myself.

I went and played in a golf tournament that day and because lunch was provided I didn’t pack my own. I just planned on making wise food choices from what they had. The tournament played pretty slowly (as they usually do) and because the snacks they provided were mainly candy and salt filled snacks I didn’t eat any of them. We finished our round about 2:00pm and I hadn’t eaten anything since 7:30am. You can imagine want happened next. Not only was I starving and ready for a nice lunch, but when we got to the clubhouse I saw that the lunch was catered by Tucano’s. For those of you who are unfamiliar with this restaurant it is some of the most delicious food I have ever encountered. It’s a Brazilian grill with delicious meats and salads. Of course one of the best dishes they have is bacon wrapped turkey. I tried to practice some will power, but as hungry as I was I just had to try at least a little bit of everything. It was SO delicious, but my body was not used to eating that much. I felt sick for like two hours after the meal. My lack of self discipline almost ruined some of my favorite food for me.

I wish the story ended there. I got home and picked up my boys (Thanks for watching them Mom), and we went back to our house. When we got home the house was a disaster so I began to clean and straighten things so it was a total wreck when Jackie started feeling better. All the while I was watching my boys and keeping them from killing each other. I got them in bed and started on some laundry. I looked at the clock and saw 10:00pm. I hadn’t exercised yet! The day totally passed me by. Should I exercise now? Yeah I guess I should. I am SO tired though. I’m going to finish up some work and go to bed instead.

Tuesday was about the same and I seriously felt guilty by that night. I think that learning to be successful on any diet and exercise plan not only requires self discipline and planning, but also the ability to adjust to unexpected circumstances. In my opinion it is going to take at least a year to get the hang of this diet and exercise thing. By that time I will have dealt with all the seasons, many of life’s adversities, and new and complex situations that may arise. Give me 321 more days, and then I’ll call this program a habit.



One Response to “Day 44: Adversity”

1. Day 44: Adversity golf bar says:

   August 27, 2009 at 12:49 pm

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