This Saturday is November 1st

I am going to have a larger set of goals, as I want to make improvements not just in poker, but in life.  I absolutely need to get back in shape.  It is something I always say I am going to do, but always fail.  November’s set of goals with have the standard poker goals, which will be changed up slightly, but will also include some health goals.  The reality is that if I do not keep myself in good shape, I will not the lead the quality of life that I wish to lead. 

Here is the reality of it all.  It is all a matter of will power.  Seriously, that is it.  Anyone who tells you any differently about anything in life is full of shit.  If you have the determination and will power to succeed, you will succeed.  You may not be able to become an NFL player, so let’s keep this in perspective.  What I am referring to is thigns that are directly within your ability to control.  I smoked a pack of cigarettes a day for over ten years (started pretty young).  This December 8th will mark 3 years of no smoking.  I did not use the patch, I did not use anything at all, just cold turkey.  It was far and away one of the most difficult things I have ever done and I can never have another cigarette in my life (not that I want one anymore, ewwww, gross!).  However, it was sheer determination and a desire to quit that lead to my success.  This is the same thing as getting back in shape and losing weight.  The reality is it not just possible that it will happen, but PROBABLE!  It is all in how you attack the problem.  If you go into with a positive mentality and a determination that you simply won’t fail – you won’t. 

So that is it.  I am going to exercise more and do a daily workout plan.  I am going to eat better (the big key where my determination slips).  I am going to get more sleep.  One thing that helped me tremendously that I am going to try and apply to my eating habits is the truth about cravings.  The reality is that a craving passes relatively quickly.  As long as you ignore the craving and focus on something else, you will forget about that craving soon.  I can do this.  I will do this.  My plan is to use this blog for another purpose now.  Obviously I will keep with the poker content, as I strive to progress to being a MSNL grinder as my short term goal (playing 2/4 by March).  I will also chronicle my daily efforts on getting back into shape. 

One thing that always made me jealous of people like malfaire and dodgyken and others is that since their occupation is playing poker, they tend to have much more “free” time than I do.  I have a full time career as an engineer and play poker to improve an become better at playing the game I enjoy so thoroughly.  I never feel like I have enough time in the day for all I want to do.  Time for some more truth syrup.  The reality is that this is bullshit.  This is an excuse.  If I want to do this, I can and will do it.  The big key for me anyways is in my diet, not my exercise. 

So here are some of the goals I will have:

• Pushups and situps every day.  I don’t want to get a gym membership and I don’t need to, this is fine enough.
• Some form of cardio every day.  This can be going for a 2-mile walk during lunch or hopping on my bike for 5 miles, whatever, but some form of cardio needs to be done.
• No more soft drinks.  This is my Achilles Heel, but it won’t be that heel anymore.
• Eat more fruit.  I see mixed reviews on fruit and weight loss.  To me, if I am eating fruit and other healthy foods it should be fine.
• Drink LOADS more water.
• Have my snacks become more fruit and veggie based.

It seems like this should be a recipe for success.  Comments are welcome.