Showing posts with label goal setting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label goal setting. Show all posts

Monday, October 3, 2011

Motivated Monday - Don’t call it a comeback!

Hello lovies! I know you’ve missed your daily dose of the Bougie Budgetista because I know I’ve missed you too. In my writing sabbatical, I’ve come to experience many things and meet some AMAZING people. My vision has had a few revisions and now I’m back and better than ever! As some of my readers would say, I’m “down right motivated”!

So here’s the scoop – I met an amazing writer named Ashley Cisneros who has, for lack of a better phrase, lit a fire under my butt. She, like so many others I’ve come across, risked it all for her dreams, leaving a secure position in her field to explore new, more fruitful ventures. She’s now her own boss working on her own terms. A perfect portrait of a hustler, if you ask me. She has encouraged me to get back on my rock star status and write, write, write my way to my goal of working in my field while pursuing my passion in the fitness world. This project works in phases.

Phase one: Take your vision and make revisions

I had the opportunity to sit down with Ashley for brunch and just talk. Granted, we talked about everything from school to weddings to business ventures, successes and failures, and (most importantly) the lessons learned from it all. During our talk, I learned the importance of the “Everything but the kitchen sink” resume (officially known as a curriculum vitae, for you fancy folks) and tailor each resume to the position you’re applying for. Make your experience align with the job description to give yourself a leg up against the competition. Needless to say, I smacked my forehead and thought, “Now, why didn’t I think of that?” You know you can do it. You know you have the knowledge and skills to make that happen. Now think about all the qualifications you have to help you achieve your goal and put it on paper. Think about all the necessary steps you’ll need to take to get to finish line.

Phase two: You better (Net)Work, Honey!

I’ll admit, I’m not the best networker in the world. But I know people who are! And, believe you me, knowing is half the battle. Ashley, on the other hand, is a master at this art form. So, whether you’re a wall flower like me or a social butterfly like Ashley, the one thing we both recommend you do is get some business cards. You can make them yourself at home or have them professionally done. If you’re going to go the print route, I must recommend VistaPrint. They have amazing deals and wonderful customer service. Plus, what makes a bigger impression – ridges on your flimsy card and off center print, or 500 uniform, print quality cards that you only paid shipping for?

Phase three: Lights, Camera, and Plan of Action

Once you’ve figured out all the steps and possible side steps needed and met some key players in helping you achieve your goal, you now have to put your plan into action. Don’t have an action plan? Make one! Be it a vision board or a business plan or a mantra on a post-it on your bathroom mirror, you MUST have a visual representation of what you’re working towards. It’s a constant reminder that every single day, what you’re doing is getting you closer to where you want to be.

Through Ashley, I’ve met some wonderfully talented people. Where I lack, they have and vice versa. There is the potential for some seriously successful partnerships to flourish. But right now, I must focus on my writing. After all, that was step one in my master plan. If I am going to touch as many people as possible with my story and my passions, then I must write. 

♥  - The Bougie Budgetista

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Great Success!

Today, I got in front of a class for the first time. I went through my routines. I encouraged them. I left it all on the dance floor. And it paid off. My first trial run at Vixen Fitness was a great success. I got this!

♥  - The Bougie Budgetista

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Work It Out Wednesday - Preparing For My First Zumba Class!

When I went to Zumba Instructor Training, Beto (THE Zumba guy), told us there's no point in reinventing the wheel. The same basic moves are used over and over and over again in different combinations, directional variations, fitness variations and so much more. And I shouldn't be afraid to borrow bits and pieces of other people's choreography, then add my own flair. On Tuesday, I'll be leading a song in another instructor's class at Vixen. Though the routine is going to be a surprise, for the most part, here is an instructor out of Baltimore  that I admire. Don't be surprised if you see something similar to this in my first class.

♥  - The Bougie Budgetista





Monday, February 14, 2011

Mission: Accomplished!

Over the weekend, I took a trip down to Miami to achieve a much anticipated goal. I am pleased to announce that I am now an Official Zumba Instructor! Next week, I will be leading a song at Vixen Fitness and hope to join the Instructor in Training program at RhythmX. Stay tuned for details on my first class!

♥  - The Bougie Budgetista

Proud Moment :)

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Work It Out Wednesday - The Power of Pole

Last week, I talked about my experiences at Vixen Fitness. Today, I’d really like to go in depth with regards to my progress in Pole Fitness. Prior to January 22nd, the most I had ever done as far as working out was concerned was Zumba and running. Strength training wasn’t very appealing to me. I couldn’t stand the idea of sitting at the gym on a machine or lifting dumbbells up and down, up and down. How boring is that? I’m all about a workout that doesn’t necessarily feel like a work out, and Pole fit right up my alley.

When I first started, I could barely hold my own body weight up on a pole. I felt like such a weakling. Before the feeling of defeat could set in, I signed up for another class. I was determined not to quit after one try. “You’ll be sore tomorrow” they told me. That was the understatement of the century. I could barely move my arms above my head but the next day, I worked through the pain and tried it again. Quickly, I realized my muscles were getting used to it and I could hold on longer. I watched other girls around me easily try a new trick, shimmying their way up the pole. But I still couldn’t climb. My body wouldn’t let me do it. I heaved a sigh of sadness, thinking “I may never get this”.

In between one pole class and another, I’d take different fitness classes that challenged my body in different ways. Here I was in Sexercise banging out push-ups like they were nothing. Eureka! After just two classes, I could see a difference in my strength! I was rather shocked because I couldn’t necessarily SEE a difference, but there it was. Upper body strength that popped out of nowhere. That night, I rushed home and signed up for more pole classes.

After a three more classes, I was faced with the dreaded Advanced Fireman Spin – a trick which required me to climb up the pole. Despite the fact that my hands were covered in antiperspirant, I felt them getting clammy. I was nervous that, once again, the pole would defeat me. It was my turn to go on the pole and miraculously, up I went nearly effortlessly. I did it.

The moral of this story is that you’ll find that some of the most unconventional fitness regiments can be challenging, but if you’re up for the challenge, you’re going to see change. It may not be instantaneous. You may not see it in the mirror. But you will FEEL it. You will see it in your abilities. Before you know it, you’re doing things you never thought you could do. Next goal – Inverts!

♥ - The Bougie Budgetista

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Work It Out Wednesday - From Couch to 5K

Happy Hump Day, boys and girls! I'm trying out something new today. I'm thinking of  having themed posts for each day of the week? Let me know what you think! And back to our regularly scheduled program...

Today is the 26th day of 2011. It has been said that it takes 21 consecutive days to develop a habit. How are you keeping up with your resolutions? It's okay if you fell off. Life happens. But what are you doing to get back on track? Quite frankly, I've been having trouble staying on my running schedule. I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm still busting my butt working out, but I'm doing nothing to help me achieve my goal of running a marathon. I know I'm not alone with this goal. So for those of you who enjoy this inexpensive and relaxing workout, or for those who would like to enjoy it, here is some of the research I found to get you off that couch and running a 5K.

Aside from my "Get Running" iPod app, which I LOVE, there are loads of training guides online which are really helpful. My favorite site has been Florida East Coast Runners. They have outlined everything you need to know to get running and meet your goals.
See? Everything you need, right there. Best of all- its FREE!

Now that you have the information, make a plan. If you had a plan but need to revise it, get to it. Look up running clubs in your area and get the support and motivate you need to keep going. Just don't quit. You may not see the light at the end of the tunnel just yet, but keep it up and be patient. Before you know it, you'll be crossing the finish line after 26.2 miles with a huge, victorious smile on your face.

♥  - The Bougie Budgetista

Thursday, January 13, 2011

When You Wish Upon a Star - Committing to a Goal in a Magical Place

I should be in bed, but writers block (ok, fine, I'll admit it... and Torment by Lauren Kate) have kept me up.Tomorrow morning, I need to be up early to run. You all know, it is my goal to run a marathon. And though this Disney marathon is slated for January 2012 and a bit beyond my original goal date, I'm not going to lie, I'm pretty stoked for it. As soon as the option for early registration is posted, I'm all over it. 357 days to go... Let the countdown begin!

♥  - The Bougie Budgetista

Saturday, January 1, 2011

Planning for Progress

As you all know, I have made a commitment to myself to write every day this year. Whether it be a full in depth post about amazing deals, fashion fixes, or inspirational entrepreneurs or just a motivating thought for the day, I must fulfill my need to write. And yes, it is a need. It is my catharsis. It soothes me. It helps keep my emotions in check. It makes me feel like my true self. This, however, is not my only goal for 2011. Ladies and gentlemen, this is the year of preparation and progress. Great things are going to happen, and in order to embrace the positive changes, we must prepare ourselves for them.

"People will achieve anything if they think it's worth it and that they're capable. Capability comes with information. Educate yourself about your goals so you can make powerful choices that affect the changes you want in your life!" - Jillian Michaels

Today, I challenge all of you to take a look at your goals for this year. Are they realistic? How committed are you to achieving them? Are you capable of achieving them? The only way to know is to buckle down and do your research.Take the month of January and prepare yourself to take on the year. I'll use my goals to give you an example of my game plan:
  • Become a Zumba Instructor
  • Lose another 20 pounds
  • Run a marathon
  • Blog daily
  • Become a certified wedding planner
  • Build my portfolio as an image consultant
  • Build my portfolio as a full figured model
  • Plan my BFF the most amazing Bachelorette weekend ever (hey, it's one of my goals, ok? Don't judge me) on a reasonable budget
  • Save $10,000
  • Organize my closet to make getting ready in the mornings a cinch
Some of these I've been working on for a while - picking up running (I'm up to 2 miles and working on my first 5K), following the WeightWatchers plan, etc. - but other things required a lot of investigating.

I am an avid Zumba enthusiast. I love going to classes, I have the DVDs at home, I love the sweat I work up, and most of all, I love that Zumba is basically one big party. But over time, I realized, I was dishing out $5-$15 dollars per class. Not the smartest move for a Budgetista. If you put on your hustler's hat, the first thought that should come to mind is "if you're going to do something you love doing, why not get paid for it?" Think about it. An average class has about 20 people in it. Most instructors teach at least 3 classes per week. You do the math. So I asked my fellow enthusiasts, some of which are instructors themselves, and got the inside scoop. Since then, I've set aside the funds to get certified, learned what I need to do to gain experience, and plan on actually teaching classes in March!

Think about your goals. Ask questions. Seek answers. Take the next 31 days and develop a solid game plan. Because, let's face it, if you fail to plan, you plan to fail and 2011 is not a year for failure. In the words of my BFF, "go forth and conquer your dreams."

♥  - The Bougie Budgetista