Theophilus Gets Mistaken for Talented

[theophilus]

"May your curse in life be that your hard work is constantly mistaken for talent."

 

This is a quote in an old study book I used when studying for the LSAT a few years back. I had almost forgotten it, but I remembered it recently in the middle of a lovely bout of self-doubt and imposter syndrome. I was feeling really down on myself about a number of things when it dawned on me--it's not that I'm not capable of doing the things I want to do; it's that I lose focus or don't put in the effort actually required to hit my goals. (This is pretty universal for me no matter the area: health, school, personal development...) So this challenge is about embodying this quote--working hard to achieve results. Simple challenges, with clear to-do. Just need to do the work. 

 

Challenge 1: Run

30 miles by the end of the challenge. Aim for 3x/week, but cumulative mileage is what counts.

 

Challenge 2: Eat 

No more purchasing food on campus. At least 80% of my poor eating choices come the school dining options. This would be a big win. 

 

Challenge 3: Breathe

Continue my journey in mindfulness and meditation: at least five minutes/day dedicated to quiet meditation, but also focusing on being fully present in my work and family time. 

 

 

[Defining]

SMART goals FTW; looks great!

[theophilus]

Hit the river for a three mile run this morning. Was all bundled up because it was super cold and windy when I left. Stayed that way with the wind in my face on my way out. Coming back, though, the wind died down and the sun broke through, so I was burning up by the time I got home. New England is what weather would be if it was always drink. 
 

[Xena]

On 2/15/2020 at 10:53 PM, theophilus said:

Challenge 1: Run

 

30 miles by the end of the challenge. Aim for 3x/week, but cumulative mileage is what counts.

 

My absolute favorite kind of challenge!

 

23 hours ago, theophilus said:

Hit the river for a three mile run this morning. Was all bundled up because it was super cold and windy when I left. Stayed that way with the wind in my face on my way out. Coming back, though, the wind died down and the sun broke through, so I was burning up by the time I got home. New England is what weather would be if it was always drink.

 

I don't think I every heard the term "wintery mix" until I moved to New England. Haven't had that too much yet this year, but it's probably waiting for us...

[theophilus]

11 hours ago, Xena said:

 

I don't think I every heard the term "wintery mix" until I moved to New England. Haven't had that too much yet this year, but it's probably waiting for us...

It’s such a misleading term. Almost sounds fun. I grew up in AZ, and the closest I ever got to a “wintry mix” was my Christmas music playlist. 
 

It has been pretty low key this year. I’m just bracing for a miserable March or something. 

[theophilus]

Kicked off the morning with a little meal prep to keep the morning coffee/pastry run in check. Tasty improvised frittata! 

[Xena]

That looks really good!!

[Jupiter]

Great goals! And that frittata looks delicious. 

[darna]

On 2/15/2020 at 10:53 PM, theophilus said:

"May your curse in life be that your hard work is constantly mistaken for talent."

 

This is a quote in an old study book I used when studying for the LSAT a few years back. I had almost forgotten it, but I remembered it recently in the middle of a lovely bout of self-doubt and imposter syndrome. I was feeling really down on myself about a number of things when it dawned on me--it's not that I'm not capable of doing the things I want to do; it's that I lose focus or don't put in the effort actually required to hit my goals. (This is pretty universal for me no matter the area: health, school, personal development...) So this challenge is about embodying this quote--working hard to achieve results. Simple challenges, with clear to-do. Just need to do the work. 

 

Challenge 1: Run

30 miles by the end of the challenge. Aim for 3x/week, but cumulative mileage is what counts.

 

Challenge 2: Eat 

No more purchasing food on campus. At least 80% of my poor eating choices come the school dining options. This would be a big win. 

 

Challenge 3: Breathe

Continue my journey in mindfulness and meditation: at least five minutes/day dedicated to quiet meditation, but also focusing on being fully present in my work and family time. 

 

 

 

Solid goals! Following anything running! 

[theophilus]

Reemerging this morning after a 48-hour push that saw a lot of work get done but not the most healthy choices. 
 

I have a big court filing due next week that required me to get a lot done for it early this week, which meant damn near an all-nighter on Tuesday, rolling into an (unrelated) court appearance Wednesday morning. Add sick kiddos on top of that (fevers, vomit, yayyyy), and I’ve been an exhausted ball of stress this week. 
 

Haven’t gotten out for any runs since Sunday, and while I’m technically compliant with not buying food on campus, I’ve eaten like garbage nonetheless. I’ve been consistent with my meditation regimen, though, and I think that’s what’s keeping me afloat right now.
 

I get a little lull this weekend, so hopefully I can focus a bit more on running and eating well. 

 

[Kestrel Grey]

Good luck, I hope the weekend is restorative. Nothing about your past few days sounded fun.

[Xena]

^^^ that.

[theophilus]

(Mostly) recovered. Kids are still sick, but they’re fever-lay-on-the-couch-all-day sick and not vomit-all-night sick. Still heartbreaking to see littles so not themselves, but it meant a quiet, mostly restful weekend for everyone. 
 

I tried taking our new pupper on a run for the first time today. Turns out he’s highly distractible. And the pups and the people and the gaggle of geese were just too much to resist. Especially the geese. Still managed to log 2 miles with him. 

[theophilus]

On 2/22/2020 at 9:53 PM, Kestrel Grey said:

Good luck, I hope the weekend is restorative. Nothing about your past few days sounded fun.

 

2 hours ago, Xena said:

^^^ that.

thanks!

[Xena]

Good job getting the pup out there!

[theophilus]

Got out for a night run yesterday. First time I’ve ever used a headlamp. I was worried it would bug the bujeezus out of me, bouncing around on my head and such, but it was actually a breeze. I felt way safer than usual on night runs knowing the cars could see me and I could see where my feet were landing. 
 

Progress so far:

 

Running: 8.2 / 30 miles

 

Eating: *Almost* perfect; slipped up once

 

Meditation: missed the last two days, and feel it. Going to resume tonight. 

[Jupiter]

Nice job!

[theophilus]

Two 3AM nights in two weeks. This is getting silly. But last night I finished the court filing that I was working on last week and feel really good about it. It’s my first real filing in a real case. 
 

Been doing pretty good on the other stuff. Managed to break away for a couple more runs this week and am up over 11.5 miles for the challenge. 
 

Back on the meditation train. Problem now is staying awake when I close my eyes. Hahah. 
 

And food is going alright. Bought a danish this morning on campus, so that’s another slip up. I’ve noticed that the times it’s most challenging is when I’m exhausted and don’t eat breakfast at home. So I guess that means I need to work on getting more sleep. 

[Kestrel Grey]

Everything is helped by getting more sleep.  With the court filing done, hopefully sleep comes your way.

[Xena]

Congratulations on the filing!

[theophilus]

Since the last update I’m up to ~17.5 miles running so far. Still holding ground on not buying food on campus (and seeing some health improvements as a result.) Meditation/mindfulness is still not what I want it to be: I’m doing a better job incorporating mindfulness into my regular day, but it’s hard to set aside the 10-15 minutes each day for dedicated meditation. 

[Xena]

5 hours ago, theophilus said:

it’s hard to set aside the 10-15 minutes each day for dedicated meditation. 

 

What do you think would be best for you as a solution?

allowing shorter meditation?

allowing other types of meditation? (e.g., walking meditation might fit into your day better)

substituting other things for meditation when you really don't have time?

meditating fewer days per week?

making other adjustments to find the time?

 

Any of these might work.

[Xena]

I forget the details, but I think you live vaguely in my neck of the woods. I'm on the Cape...I think you might also be in Mass, or elsewhere in New England. Is your campus shut down for coronavirus? How about the kids with school?