Smilestones - Energy Boosters With A Grin Inside

SmilestomesCounted in months, 2014 is now one-sixth of the way complete. If we did the math in days we might say we've used up 16.7% of the year. So what have we accomplished and what do we have to show for the healthy choices we have made.

I've discovered my "smilestones!" No, that's not a typo. It's a word I coined (or thought I did) that is a blend of smiles and milestones. They're the accomplishments we pass through on the way to bigger goals that give a chance to smile along the way. They give me energy to continue.

A Thumbs Up Smile
I have friends who are able to set a major goal and then not look at the score board until the game is nearly over. I don't know how they do it, but some of them manage quite well. I, on the other hand, need smilestones. Those checkpoints along the way that let me know how I'm doing and confirm that I'm making happy progress. 

Weight loss: For me, dropping the 50+ pounds that I set out to lose this year is one of the big dials on my fitness dashboard. It's also one of the gauges that doesn't seem to move very fast. Within the next week I hope to surpass a key weight loss smilestone. If all goes well I will have reduced by 20 pounds. Stay tuned. I'll treat myself to a special desert when I lose those next 2.5 pounds. (One pint of Ben & Jerry's ice cream coming up! Now THAT really makes me smile)!

There are other special smilestones that could be achieved in the coming week too. Since receiving my Fitbit for Christmas (thank you so much honey) I've watched my progress build. 
  • Steps taken: I should reach one-million before the week is out.
  • Miles walked: I will pass through the 500 mile mark.
  • Flights of stairs: I will have climbed 2000 flights as part of my daily routine.
Setting goals and monitoring my smilestones has proven to be a healthy edge for me. I'd love to hear about your "smilestones" too. What are your measures of success? What makes you smile when you check your fitness dashboard?
 
March Goals:
Exercise: 100,000 steps per week:
Weight: 279 pounds (or less):
Weight: Record and track all food eaten: 
Weight: Drink 32 oz of water per day: 
Sleep: 6 hours 15 min per night:

Your comments, suggestions, and stories of your healthy edge are always welcome in my guest book
 

March 2, 2014