Good Systems + Hardworking/Motivated People = Success

Well, my new systems are working wonders. Here is what I have been using this past week.

1. I set up my gcal (google calendar) with things I want to do each day. Then I have it email me a "reminder". So 6 days a week I get an email into my gmail inbox reminding me to do Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred. This is an awesome 20 minute workout that I have been doing the last 2 weeks. I like it because I can fit it in almost anywhere. Then 5 days a week I get an email reminding me to train for my triathlon (which is in 10 days AHHH!). I keep these emails sitting in my inbox unread until I complete the task and then I delete them. So since I am constantly on my computer and checking my email, it is a constant reminder to get off my rear and go workout like I should. And the OCD in me hates having those unread emails in my inbox so it is motivation to go do it so I can check it off and delete that email. If I am having a lazy day, I won't work out but will keep the email in there. That way on my what should be off day, when I wouldn't normally get an email, I still have one staring me in the face, so I make it up. It has been working great so far! And then at the end of the week, if I have tons of unread gcal reminders, I know I didn't do a good job and reach my goals. I have started using this system for other areas in my life as well, not just fitness, and it is proving quite successful.

2. This week I started another new thing. On my days off, I make myself healthy meals that I can store and eat the rest of the week. So today as I headed out the door for work, I grabbed my Glad container of my brown rice chicken breast concoction. This is great as it really helps with portion control too. Each little container is 189 calories (which was so easily calculated using my Mac app - see below). So combine that with an apple, and you have your self a less than 300 calorie lunch. While this is still in the first few days, I am liking the portion control assistance.

3. I set my cell phone calendar to give me a reminder every day at 8pm to brush and floss. While this doesn't always happen at 8pm, I am flossing, which is a step up from my previous hygiene efforts. And it has helped with the late night snacking.

4. I am tracking my calorie intake and burn with the "Perfect Diet Tracker" Mac app (also available for Windows). It is super simple and is helping me eat healthier. While I have definitely still had my M&M overload days, It is helping me keep a more accurate understanding of what I put into my body.

5. I have specifically asked a few people to help me. I have friends that I can text when I have a craving and they will help talk me out of it. They will also text me or email me occasionally asking how I have been doing. This accountability helps a lot. Thanks Matt and Jess :-D

I am realizing, with the right systems, I am a whole lot more successful. Everything else we do in life fits into a system. Just think about all the systems at your job. Good systems combined with hardworking/motivated people equals success. If you are reading this, you are motivated. So now, it is just time to put the systems in place to get you to success!