Stop Dreaming, Start Cloud Seeding
Cloud seeding sounds pretty far-fetched; I think I first heard of it during a Buck Rodgers episode (yes, I am that old!). But it's actually done today and can be a powerful lesson. With the end goal being more rain / water, traditional solutions revolved around diverting water from areas where it was more plentiful. Done via aqueducts and pipes, this is a geographically difficult and complex solution that often comes with territorial issues. But who owns the clouds that deliver the rain? Answer: No one.
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It's brilliant really, tweaking something just slightly so as to create the desired effect on the ground. You can do the same thing and you don't even need the ability to travel through space like Buck. Looking to become an early riser? Set a "go to bed" alarm to guarantee sleep. Set out your early morning clothes ahead of time. Get a coffee machine with a timer.
Want to run longer this year? Pick incremental distances. Recruit "long-run buddies." Map out some new cool places to get to.
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Trying to avoid another overuse injury? Focus on five minutes of stretching after each workout. Consider foam rolling at night during a TV session. Consider a weekly yoga or Pilates session.
Get Accountable
Having a goal is one thing. Telling other folks about it is another. You might hesitate to share what you want to achieve, but you might be surprised to find that you are not alone. Some of our most basic goals around fitness, health and wellness aren't unique to us. After all, we could all stand to lose a few pounds, right?
More importantly, involving others makes you accountable and more likely to achieve your goal. It can be a public challenge done via the web or just between friends. Maybe it's a friendly challenge or a hardcore, money-on-the-table proposition. Whatever works for you, do it. Just don't keep the goal to yourself unless you are supremely confident in your personal abilities. If there's no one else, you can tell me on Facebook or Twitter. I promise I won't bug you about it, and I'll even silently root for you.
Good luck. I hope you liked my tips and found them useful. If you did, please pass them on to your friends and family. Who knows who you might help.
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Want to reach your resolution with a race? Search for an event to add to your calendar.