Follow-Through?…..Not So Much

This is my 26th blog post. I have written every day that I said I would since I started this blog. There is no end in sight, especially if my readership continues to climb.  Because we live in an amazing world, there is never a lack of things to write about. But the fact that I am still writing is a shock to me in another way.  I am terrible at follow-through. The absolute worst!

I have started so many diets, or “lifestyle changes”, only to see every single one fail. I am sure that is true for a lot of us. So, is it lack of willpower?  A lack of meaningful reward? For me it is usually something as simple as a glazed doughnut in the lunchroom. It sits there calling my name and looking so delicious. Okay, I will start again next week!

The same thing with exercise programs. I have been a runner off and on for decades. Note the term off and on. Why not just on? I have belonged to gyms. I get a good streak going and something happens. In the case of exercise, it is usually an injury, or a rainy day, or a cold day, or a cold. Oh, there are many reasons to stop a good program. Doesn’t it just feel good, sometimes, to stay in bed?

I have started many meditation practices. My longest streak is nine days. Even though I enjoy meditating, and feel the results,there is always one day where I just say meh. That day turns into two, then a week, then a month.

I’ve begun several Great American Novels. I am awesome at first lines! Even the first few pages go well…..and then it gets difficult.  So, just journal instead? That doesn’t work either. My streak of journal entries is shorter than my meditation streak.

Disappointingly, even when it comes to taking a principled stand, I lack follow-through.  I remember when the Berlin Wall came down and Hess’s (remember them?) was selling pieces of the wall. My stand was never to shop at Hess’s again. How dare they profit off the suffering of millions. Then, it was probably a great sale on something I needed and principle out the window.

More recently, I pledged never to eat at Burger King again after they moved their headquarters to Canada to avoid paying taxes here! But, have you tasted their new Crispy Chicken Sandwich? It is delightful!

So, in conclusion, if not for lack of follow-through, I would be a svelte, marathon runner, who writes best-selling novels on the side and is known far and wide for his principled stands on the issues of the day.

I think I will keep working on that….at least for a day or two.

Enjoy this warm, sunny Saturday!