#goals

Back in July 2015, my family and I downloaded a pedometer app. It started as a simple competition between our family to see who could get more steps day by day. Soon my family got over it but it opened my eyes to how little physical activity I do in a day. I started challenging myself and pushing myself to get better. For those of you who are close enough to me you probably have seen me pacing, phone in hand trying to get one more step in. Some look at me like I have a bathroom emergency and others may stare at me like I'm weird walking around in circles at times but I have definitely learned to be persistent.
 My family and I have stopped competing but I continued. It's amazing how much you can accomplish if you JUST SET YOUR MIND TO IT. I know it's sooo cliche but I have found it to be very true. I look back at my stats and I am amazed at the results. Some days my phone will be at 1% and I will somehow barely manage to make it through. Or it might be 11:45pm and I only have a little bit of time before a new day begins but somehow I manage to get my steps.

 Starting in October, I made goals to walk at least 10,000 steps. For someone who is comfortable laying on the couch all day it's hard to get up and get walking. Some days I see my pedometer and I'm discouraged. I don't want to, I'm too tired, there's so many more steps and the time is short. So many excuses, so many reasons not to go on. So many reasons to throw in the towel and give up but I'm so thankful for the encouragement of my parents and friends. Though I look crazy pacing back and forth and walking in circles, you just accept it. Thanks to my dad who will go walking at 11pm even if he's tired just so I can reach my silly goals. Though this is something small, I'm encouraged to see that my parents support me and they're there for me even when I seem crazy.
As for myself, this has become a learning experience. My steps have increased throughout the months and I'm constantly pushing myself to do more. In December I managed to break records with 352,944 steps but even better is that this month, February 2016, the shortest month of the year, I broke my record once again. As of right now (and the day isn't over) I'm at 364,781 steps this month. Yes, I have weak days where I give in and don't make my goal but the important thing is to get back at it. I can be hard on myself and failure is discouraging but to see me reach my goals when it seemed impossible is such a rewarding feeling. I know if I am persistent enough and don't give up I CAN reach my goals. I'm currently on a stage where I feel like I'm not going anywhere and all hope is lost but it's little victories like these that keep me going and I know I can get back up.

Who knew,  life lessons from a pedometer app...