sozzielou's mind is set

[sozzielou]

To achieve Level 9 I will be focussing on myself, mostly on my mindset and motivation. My main quest is to fit comfortably into size 14 trousers by losing body fat. To move towards this achievement, I have set the following quests for this challenge:

 

1. Handstands! STR+2 DEX+3

As a much younger hooman, summer lunchtimes were spent out on the fields doing cartwheels and handstands. Now I wish to revisit those carefree days. Using Chris Salvato's method as a guide, I will spend 5 minutes per day on handstand practice (continued from previous challenge).

 

A = 28+ days of handstand practice

B = 25-27 days

C = 22-24 days

F = 21 days or fewer of handstand practice.

 

2. Floor! CON+2 CHA+ 2 STA+1

I can fit my exercise mat on the floor (just) but in order to really make use of the space in front of my mirrored wardrobe doors, I need to have a clearout, to tidy up and to keep it that way (continued from previous challenge).

 

A = Plenty of space to workout on my mat

B = Satisfactory space but clutter is starting to creep back

C = Mat barely fits and I trashed everywhere else

F = No space for a mat to fit.

 

3. Mindset! WIS+3 CHA+1 CON+1

Inspired by Neghar Fonooni's email article recommending spending 15 minutes per day dedicated to personal time, I have decided to set aside 15 minutes of my day for personal reflection. This time will include my participation in the JillFit "Mindset Makeover" email course and also could include things like meditation, journalling, walking, reading or whatever at the time gives me energy and renewed motivation.

 

A = 28+ days of reflection

B = 25-27 days

C = 22-24 days

F = 21 days or fewer of reflection.

 

During this challenge, not only will I have a birthday, it will also mark a year since I started lifting free weights

[Tearose]

Hi Sozzielou! I like it!

[Hiroro]

I wish you many handstands. Seriously, seems like a bunch of us have this goal so perhaps we should devote a thread to it (maybe I need to get on that). It's exciting that you'll have milestones during your challenge. Following  can't wait to see what comes out of your mindset reset.

[Paisley]

subbed to follow along.  Good luck this challenge.

[sozzielou]

And so it begins ...

[Tearose]

It has begun!! Have an awesome day Sozzielou!

[Terra]

Hey Sozzilelou!  Just jumping in to check on ya, it looks like we are on the same team in the mini challenge...  If I did things right!?!?!    I like your quests for this challenge, we have a similar cleanout type of goal.  How are ya getting your miles in this week? 

[sozzielou]

How are ya getting your miles in this week? 

Hi Terra ... well I run 5km two or three times per week and I often do treadmill hill walks as a finisher to my lifting sessions so hopefully that will help the team look around the island. Go East team!

[sozzielou]

Progress update - week 1

 

1. Handstands

I have achieved 5 practice sessions. Definitely feeling more comfortable when inverted now.

 

2. Floor

Making steady progress; a lttle bit here, a little bit there. Filled a bag of recycling and a bag of rubbish and have removed them from the floor.

 

3. Mindset

Getting into the habit of concentrating 10 or 15 minutes per day on this around the time when I check my emails. Have practiced every day this week, so 7 days practice so far.

 

All round happy; I have been away for 4 days to celebrate my birthday, but have been able to keep the first week momentum going strong. Have participated in the mini-challenge this week; done lots of running and a fair bit of swimming to help the team on our way around the island.

 

Bring on week 2!

[sozzielou]

Progress update - week 2

 

1. Handstands

I have achieved 4 practice sessions. Feeling pretty comfortable and definitely making progress.

 

2. Floor

Progress made, have cleared a bit more, little by little. Slow and steady will win this race, I think.

 

3. Mindset

I have concentrated on this every day for all 7 days this week. Made a small victory over cake this week ... long story short: there was a cake in the house and I didn't eat it all, nor did I eat it all at once. Two small pieces (one eighth of a cake each time) and they were even smaller than the "recommended" one sixth portion sizes on the cake box, so win.

 

I have also participated in the mini challenge this week by posting one of my own recipes and a photo of the finished meal. All round I am very happy and feeling motivated into week 3.

[Terra]

Wahoo!  Progress is being made... 

[sozzielou]

Progress update - week 3

 

1. Handstands

I have achieved 5 practice sessions. Feeling pretty confident with supporting myself just on my hands now.

 

2. Floor

Progress made, can see significantly more carpet than before.

 

3. Mindset

I have concentrated on this every day for 6 out of 7 days this week. I am feeling pretty good about my body and my "control" over food. I have also started a gratitude journal where I try to log something every day for which I feel grateful.

 

I haven't participated in a mini challenge at the Rangers this week because I haven't seen one posted.

 

Overall I am feeling good - especially with my arms - and looking forward to week 4

[sozzielou]

I am feeling good and so convinced I am making progress that I had a measure. Only the scales this time but I was pleasantly surprised by the progress. My weight is down, my body fat is down and my muscle is the same so I am thoroughly happy with myself

 

Stats update:

 

Weight

27 Jul: 84.9kg

23 Aug: 83.6kg

 

Body fat %

27 Jul: 32.6%

23 Aug: 32.1%

 

Body water %

27 Jul: 49.1%

23 Aug:  49.4%

 

Body muscle %

27 Jul: 31.8%

23 Aug: 31.8%

[sozzielou]

Progress update - week 4

 

1. Handstands

I have achieved 5 practice sessions. Feeling pretty confident with tent pushups now, they are fun. Also it's a good opportunity to get into a "downward dog" and then into a deep squat. Makes me feel super bendy!

 

2. Floor

Progress made, I have had a good clearout and removed 4 black bags of clothes and shoes recycling from my wardrobe which has given me more space to put things away properly. I really was ruthless. A weight has lifted off my mind. Feeling really positive.

 

3. Mindset

I have really paid attention to this for a few minutes every day. It's something I am finding useful to remember, practice and keep myself positive and looking forward.

 

I have achieved the mini challenge at the Rangers this week by incorporating "high knees" into my workouts twice. Although my knees were kind of scared at the beginning they are fine with the challenge. I might even get some more in before the next mini is posted!

 

Overall I am feeling happy and confident, and I am moving in to week 5 with a refreshing positiveness

[sozzielou]

Progress update - week 5

 

1. Handstands

I have achieved 6 practice sessions. Still feeling bendy and confident.

 

2. Floor

I have maintained the progress from last week and not cluttered the floor with any more things. Feeling good seeing so much of the carpet!

 

3. Mindset

I have practiced this every week day but haven't done any over the weekend.

 

The mini challenge at the Rangers this week was hopping. Hopping is definitely more difficult than you think. I found I had one leg which was much better than the other. Overall I did 80 hops, to and fro across a line. It was fun and easier on my knees than I thought it would be.

 

Overall I am feeling positive and happy going in to week 6, the final week. I think I am really going to get to grips with these challenges this time around and move on to something else for the next 6-weeker

[sozzielou]

End of challenge summary and assessment

 

1. Handstands! STR+2 DEX+3

As a much younger hooman, summer lunchtimes were spent out on the fields doing cartwheels and handstands. Now I wish to revisit those carefree days. Using Chris Salvato's method as a guide, I will spend 5 minutes per day on handstand practice (continued from previous challenge).

 

A = 28+ days of handstand practice

B = 25-27 days

C = 22-24 days

F = 21 days or fewer of handstand practice.

 

Overall I have accomplished 29 days with handstand practice so that's a grade A and full marks achieved in this area. I can do a handstand but my legs are not yet raching perpendicular to the ground and so I'm not balancing up there yet. A bit more practice and I will have handstands ticked off my checklist!

 

2. Floor! CON+2 CHA+ 2 STA+1

I can fit my exercise mat on the floor (just) but in order to really make use of the space in front of my mirrored wardrobe doors, I need to have a clearout, to tidy up and to keep it that way (continued from previous challenge).

 

A = Plenty of space to workout on my mat

B = Satisfactory space but clutter is starting to creep back

C = Mat barely fits and I trashed everywhere else

F = No space for a mat to fit.

 

I have had a good clearout and been really brutal this time around. The clearout is ongoing. There is plenty of room for my mat to fit however other areas are a little trashed and some clutter is still hanging around. I am grading this as a B because I was really ruthless with my clearout I am still not quite finished at where I wanted to be. Still a great achievement though. 75% points in this area.

 

3. Mindset! WIS+3 CHA+1 CON+1

Inspired by Neghar Fonooni's email article recommending spending 15 minutes per day dedicated to personal time, I have decided to set aside 15 minutes of my day for personal reflection. This time will include my participation in the JillFit "Mindset Makeover" email course and also could include things like meditation, journalling, walking, reading or whatever at the time gives me energy and renewed motivation.

 

A = 28+ days of reflection

B = 25-27 days

C = 22-24 days

F = 21 days or fewer of reflection.

 

I found this challenge really rewarding. I have started a "gratitude journal" which is really valuable to me and something I am going to carry on with. I am still going with the "Mindset Makeover" emails (just over halfway through) and I have found it complimentary practice to the Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) exercises I am already aware of and a good reminder of the way to see the world around me. In total, I have spent time on 36 days for personal reflection and mindset focus which I am really pleased with and I am finding it really motivating. A grade A for this one and full marks achieved.

 

Overall I am really pleased with my progress in this challenge and am happy to have levelled up to a Level 9 Ranger. I am remembering to look at the world in more positive way and am moving away from the victim / martyr mindset that sometimes used to wash over me. My upper body is definitely benefitting from the handstand practice and I am moving towards my lifestyle vision which includes a place to put my mat and train; whether it be meditation, yoga, bodyweight exercises or handstand practice.

 

Edit 09/09/14: Having completed all the mini challenges at the Ranger group I am awarding myself one extra stat point and I am choosing to add that to STAMINA