As an educational leader, I feel I do a pretty good job of holding people to high expectations. I even have survey data which shows 98% of my instructional staff would agree. Sunday, however, I did what many people do when they get desperate for success. I actually lowered my expectations simply to make reaching my goal easier. I was shocked myself, and when I reflected on my actions, I quickly reversed my lowered standards back to the previous level.
Luckily, my lowered expectations had nothing to do with education, but they had everything to do with a little black band I wear daily to track my steps. I lowered my Fitbit goal by 2000 steps just because I was tired of not reaching my daily goal for over ten days. I realized I walk a lot less during the day when students are not on campus, and it is really hard for me to get 10,000 steps in before I head to bed each night. Lowering my expectations was not going to help me improve my overall fitness level. Reaching an easier goal did nothing for my heart and lungs; it simply gave me a star on my daily Fitbit chart.
I am proud to say I have now reached my initial goal of 10,000 steps per day four days in a row, and I will hit it again today. What did I do differently? I reintroduced fitness time into my morning routine. I am out and about walking/running every morning before I come to work. I reach 50% of my goal before I even get to work.
I’ve even decided to set a higher goal of running a half-marathon this fall. I already have my training schedule on my phone, and I know if I don’t lower my expectations again I will be crossing the finish line at the end of October.
July 17, 2015 at 6:15 pm
You inspire me! Setting sights high this coming year! In education and personal goals.
July 18, 2015 at 5:02 pm
I’ve always admired how you communicate things that you struggle/d with. It allows me to see that struggle is a part of life for human beings….And, for the most part, is okay.
I agree with you in that I also take much fewer steps when school is not in session…..I too have switched to fitbit (HR Charge- love the bpm data). Rather than change my daily goal …I simply leave it as is and allow myself flexibility.
When school is in, I take more overall steps (goal set at 12,500 steps/45 mins cardio) but during the summer it’s less steps (10k daily) at an increased heart rate (cardio zone or higher) for 45-60 mins or more. So, basically I’m resting more in the summer except for when I’m specifically working on heart health/strength.
To offset the decreased steps during the summer- my NEW goal has been to pay attention to nutrition ….make healthier choices. My rationale is, in a sense, if I’m making smarter energy choices then I shouldn’t have to worry about setting higher/higher step goals.
Anyway, just my thoughts.
Have a wonderful rest of the summer and I look forward to reading your next post….Would love to hear about half-marathon progress 🙂