Just do it!

 June 16th 2022

Since finishing my chemo treatment, the comment made to me mostly must be "Good to see you looking so well"

This is a lovely comment and remembering the days during treatment when I looked in the mirror and saw a pale,  'ill-looking' person with no energy, appetite or motivation, even to go for a short walk, I realise I have come a long way!

A friend asked me "How did you recover so quickly?" and after finding some info regarding Chemo, & the after effects, this was a really good question, hence, this blog!

After removal of my Portacath at Christies, I was determined to get back to normal life as soon as possible.

I read a book called 'Atomic habits' written by a guy who was involved in a serious accident with a baseball bat , which left him in a coma (I won't give the rest of his story away...)

His tenacity ,  using small daily habits, minuscule changes that can change into life-altering outcomes is so good and exacerbated my need for running, pilates, walking, social activities.

It would be easy to adopt the 'I need some time to get over it' attitude, but I was determined to resume life and tackle my weight gain too, along with all of the above.

I was thinking of the word 'Procrastination' and why it is so hard for us sometimes to make a start on something.

Here are a few of my findings and on examining these, I can see how this book becomes more helpful!

👍JUST DO IT!

Often, we think our future self can handle the task better than our present self. Not true! The longer we procrastinate, the harder it becomes

Just jump in and make a start, maybe it's not as hard as it seems...

I remember completing the annual tax return for the first time many years ago. I procrastinated for ages because I assumed it would be far too difficult for me to do. I was wrong ! 

👍ONE STEP AT A TIME

If you feel you can't do certain tasks, turn them into One step at a time, the steps you know you CAN accomplish

Have you ever got half way through a task, and it suddenly becomes overwhelming, this leads to procrastination.

My first run after chemo was very disappointing! The 1k seemed like hundreds of miles. I had forgotten the fact that I was now one stone heavier, had done no running for over six months, and I had to keep my mind on the slower pace, and not on the clock!

I realised that a little progress each time   was the key and by using the 'compound' method from the book (small decisions)  I was winning!

👍CHANGE YOUR MINDSET

Change your outlook on getting things done. Try making distractions harder to get to ( turn off TV, mute your phone notifications, go to another room if you need to )

Once we get used to procrastinating, our brain has learned that distractions are rewarding. We need to re train our brain to think otherwise

Make it harder / easier for yourself to give in to the bad habits that distract you. 

To help my good food choices, I have now stopped buying biscuits with my weekly shop..

When deciding on a run, I place my gym gear, trainers etc at the side of my bed at night so that, on waking, I can easily get dressed, have breakfast and go, rather than being distracted with something else to do. Already, this small task has helped me take the first step to a good choice.

👍ACCOUNTIBILITY

I am glad I have an accountability partner for certain aspects of my life. This has really helped me focus on the 'habits' I want to make as part of my life.

If you struggle doing things alone, find someone to whom you can be accountable.

eg , losing weight, going to the gym, daily walks, working from home (I can imagine this needs discipline and good habits!)

It's surprising how motivated I become when I know my friend will be waiting at the Parkrun gate for my arrival! I am always pleased I made the effort. ( and so is she!)

Burnage Parkrun - May 2022