Today was an interesting day. On the one hand there were two small accomplishments. On the other hand, I realized how safe and self focused my goals for the year really are. Let’s start first with the small accomplishments.

I am doing an extended project with a client that has taught me the impact of intentional focus. Just a few months ago I spent more time thinking about what I was going to do than actually doing it. Now my days are much more intentional and productive. I accomplish more in a day now than I did in two or three days in the past. I remember the day in early December that it clicked, “Don’t keep talking about it. Just do it.” Nike was right.

The other small accomplishment actually triggered the ah ha about my goals. I have finally mastered the whole eating thing. For years I ate for all sorts of reasons. I ate if I was tired. I ate if I was stressed. I ate if someone put food in front of me. I also ate like I was going to a fire – rush, rush, rush. For a few weeks now I have been shifting my diet in the right direction – more fruits and veggies and less processed food, sugar, and simple carbs. I am eating more small meals. Last week, I decided for some reason to slow down when I ate. Amazing results pretty quick. I was quite proud of myself, and announced it to Patty when I came home today. Getting the waist in line and losing a few pounds will be easy. I should have that taken care of in three months.

Then it struck me. “You are still playing it safe. You set goals that you know you can accomplish. Sure, you will have to change some things to achieve them but they are very achievable.”

I recently read a quote by Mario Andretti, the great formula one racer, “If everything seems under control your just not driving fast enough.” While I have started the journey, I realize that I have not yet glimpsed what can really happen when you become intentional.

If the year of living intentionally is about going for it, then I can’t be content with safe goals that will probably be achieved in six months. I realized how much I still have to learn and do. As much as it makes me uncomfortable, I have to look deeper. More tomorrow.