48 Days to a Better Me

January 23, 2009 by Kelly 

better-meHave you ever woke up, looked yourself in the mirror and thought ‘Yikes!’?

That’s how I felt yesterday.

That and some very unfriendly feedback from my bathroom scale has me on a mission to lose some weight, get in shape and conquer an increasing propensity for laziness.

This is more than a physical deal though.  I’m up for a total me-makeover.

I have several goals in mind.

Such as…

  • Giving up caffeine.
  • Drinking more water.
  • Spending more face to face time with others.
  • Getting back into regular bible study.
  • Set up a budget.

You see, I’m a full time work at home mom.  I’ve moved twice in the last two years and my ‘in person’ life has shrunk down significantly.  Where I used to be social, having lunch with friends, getting out of the house for activities and such – lately I’ve been a real homebody.

The internet provides ample opportunity for interaction.  Between Twitter, forums and instant messengers I’m never far from a friendly conversation – and that’s great!  But it’s not the same as real face time.

I desperately want to do some traveling this year and actually meet these awesome people – but I’m concerned that I’ll make excuses and delay this unless I tackle losing some weight and getting into better shape.

I guess that brings me full circle.  I just want to bump it up a notch in all areas of my life.

Where does 48 Days come in?

The weekend of March 13th I am meeting up with some of my girlfriends from up north.  I haven’t seen most of them in almost two years.  I am super excited about it – but really wish I could drop a few pounds before then.

I’ve checked the calendar and I have exactly seven weeks to take action and see just how much I can spiff myself up.  Seven weeks = 48 Days.

I am going back on Weight Watchers and I’ve dug by rebounder out of the storage closet and set it up.  I’d love to drop 25 pounds but I hesitate to put an exact number on it as I don’t want to get discouraged midway.  I’d rather just make sticking to WW and daily activity the goal.

So – here’s my request of you:  Please hold me accountable.

  • Follow the blog here, I’ll be posting updates regularly.
  • Follow me on Twitter and tweet-nag me anytime you see me slacking off on blog updates ;) (@kellymccausey)

better-me-125And – if you’re feeling as though you’re in the same boat – and would like to join in on 48 Days to a Better Me – grab this graphic and post the personal goals you’re tackling (they don’t have to be the same as mine) on your own blog.

I’m going to use the hashtag #betterme to identify all of the tweets that relate to my goal efforts.  You can use it too.  Whenever you post an update or share something that you’re doing towards your goals, just add the hashtag and it will help me and others keep track and be encouraged.

Other Great Posts You Might Enjoy:

  1. 48 Days to a Better Me Wrap Up
  2. 48 Days to a Better Me: Rebounder Challenge!
  3. 48 Days To a Better Me (recap)
  4. Lose 10 Postpartum Pounds in 5 Weeks
  5. Better Me: Day Twenty-Five

About this Author

Kelly McCausey is a blogger, podcaster, WAHM business coach and proud owner of the Mom's Talk Network family of websites.

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Comments

  • Lexi
    You can do it, Kelly! And you can count on me to twitter nag you.

    <abbr>Lexis last blog post..The Niche Blogger: A Review</abbr>
  • Jodi
    I will accept your invitation to become a better me. I too would like to loose some weight for an upcoming "sissy weekend" with my two sisters. This year we are off to NYC and I would love to feel good about myself again. Misery loves company..... Good luck to you and I too need to be held accountable. Thanks.
    Blessings,
    Jodi
  • Karen
    Way to go! I completely understand where your coming from! I am trying to spiff myself up for a trip to Florida in June. I am trying to do several different things to get toned up and to be in better health. I honestly believe if you have someone to hold you accountable you can accomplish lots more! So, good luck!
  • You've inspired me to get up from my chair, and hop on my Gazelle. I skipped my work-out earlier today. Oops!

    I look forward to following along, and watching you make the transformation. It feels SO good to do something for yourself - we should all do it more often ;)

    <abbr>Lynn Terrys last blog post..How to Deal With Rejection in Networking</abbr>
  • You can do it! You can do it! You can do it!
  • Great idea! I started to diet and exercise the beginning of the new year but have have already stopped due to a flu bug and then general laziness. Lol. I'm need to get off my bum!
  • Kelly, good for you! I understand completely about needing to network offline too. Yet it is hard to pull yourself out the door with the computer just sitting there with friends galore.

    I fixed this by joining our local BNI group. We meet 7 am once a week. Next week I've been invited to visit a local chamber event by one of our BNI members. They are a great help getting me back to face-to-face networking.

    Of course, I've got to stay in touch with my online friends.

    <abbr>Heidi Caswells last blog post..Networking through BNI</abbr>
  • I'm with you. While normally a skinny guy, this winter I've put on a few pounds a couple times. LOL. You and your readers may be interested in the weight loss resources page I put together for my Self-Improvement subscribers. We can do it! See you on Twitter. :)

    <abbr>netkickstarts last blog post..Patience of a Saint Award</abbr>
  • You can do it! I have a similar goal day - Mine is March 6tth my birthday!

    <abbr>Kellys last blog post..Anonymous Donors Help With Woman's Heating Bills</abbr>
  • Count me in!

    <abbr>cloggsys last blog post..Its January 23rd people</abbr>
  • Good job on you Kelly :-) Sure you can do it and better than years before...
    Wish you luck!!! Proud to know you..great blog, i've much learn from you :-)
    and still learning...

    Love,
    Eliz

    <abbr>wahm of Indonesias last blog post..HOT JOBS 2009</abbr>
  • What an awesome idea and Iam sure you can do it and I would love to help hold you accountable!! You can do it!!
  • Kelly

    You can do it!!

    You are already successful in so many other areas - you know what to do and accountability is a key ingredient.

    Imagine how great it will feel to see your friends in March after sticking with your program and making the changes you want to make....that will be a great reunion.

    And then you will roll right into summer -- feeling awesome -- happy to put on the summer clothes that feel good --- rather than the ones that cover up - I have been there and done that...unfortunately :-(

    So go for it - I am cheering you on and working on many of the same goals as you!

    Jana

    <abbr>Janas last blog post..Raw Food Diet Weight Loss - Mango Salsa Recipe</abbr>
  • Barbara
    You can do it! I'm on a similar kick right now, started last week. I'm using the iLose app on my iPod Touch to keep track of all food and exersize. It really helps, I was surprised, but when I see the numbers it makes me try to burn more calories. I put realistic goals in and so far so good. Good luck, I'll tweetnag you!

    <abbr>Barbaras last blog post..Inauguration Photo Collage</abbr>
  • I just started my 16 week challenge last night. We can do this Kelly.

    <abbr>Tricias last blog post..16 Weeks to a Better Me</abbr>
  • Mary
    Hi Kelly, with determination you can do it. Count me in I need to stop the last evening eating, drink more, water, get more, rest, exercise and get out of the house more often to socialize. I am at stay at home mom supportig a pastoral family. Help keep me accountable also.
  • Mary
    oops! the second sentence should rerad "stop the late evening eating"
  • I'm in.. all the best to everyone who is in to shape up( physically & mentally) this 2009 :)

    <abbr>Dominiques last blog post..The year of the Ox- 2009</abbr>
  • D
    GREAT IDEA! I have been doing something similar as well. Since I had fallen in early December and due to complications I have been down since--well at least not very mobile. I have been forced to relook at my life. Now, if something has to be done and of course no one else can or is willing to do it, I just do it. I have realized there is no sense getting upset, mad or even stressed out. If I have to I have to simple as that! It is a priority to me and not anyone else! This has also forced me to re-evaluate what is or is not a priority.
    Obviously being sedentary for such a period of time has forced me to consider my weight issue. Losing weight is one of the most hardest tasks ever to be undertaken by any man women or child! I congratulate any and all who take on this task!
    Today I decided to make muffins-pre packaged of course lol- apple cinnamon flavoured. However I decided to spice things up a bit and add some cut up apple. All I can say was MMmmmmm! I was a little disappointed the mix only made 10 muffins but it was nice to know I could eat a little healthier.
    If anyone has any great ideas on cooking or exercise I hope we can use this forum to help each other.
    Hope this helps you Kelly and everyone else who is taken on this adventure!
  • Marie
    Kelly I think you can do it. Thank you for the invite. I've been on a better me plan since December and plan to keep on keepin on. Good luck!
  • Good for you, Kelly! I got caught up in the holiday craziness and have missed the gym for a month. ONE MONTH! I'm back at it on Monday!

    Get out there, don't lose touch with your friends...it DOES make a world of difference when you work on a computer at home.
  • I thought you were talking about me when I read your list :) I have exactly the same things on my list! Only that I'm thinking of doing it until June but really that is just prolonging it, March is probably better. I'm with ya for sure! :) We can do it!

    <abbr>Lindas last blog post..Prize Update for January 20</abbr>
  • Hey Kelly- great idea- I'm also wanting to lose some weight that i gained. 48 days- that's cool - gives you an achievable time limit. If you lose 2 pounds every 5 days- that'll be 19 pounds that you lose in these 48 days.
    Hmmmm- I think I'm going to do this also. That way a lot can be achieved in a short amount of time.
    We can do it!
  • Kelly,
    I am very excited for you. You have a plan and now you are going to tackle it. I need a kick in the rear myself.
    Many Blessings,
    Dawn

    <abbr>dawnauroras last blog post..Silicone Candle And Soap Molds ~ New Sugar Cone, Primitive Heart Pie</abbr>
  • Carrie
    Thank you Kelly. You have inspired me. It is so much easier to do this kind of change with a friend, and you have a whole army with you.

    My husband is leaving for the Army and I am definitely taking this time to join you. I have 4 kids and frankly I am not at all where I want to be, size wise. This will work out great. I have until May to get myself spiffed up for his graduation.

    Thanks for the kick in the butt!!
  • Hi Kelly, it must be in the air. I've been trying a completely new budget system and doing a new Fit Yummy Mummy challenge for the past 2 weeks and am really pumped. I feel so much better about it all.

    My theme for 2009?

    2009 is Mine.

    Yours too!

    btw, I don't know if this will work for you but to get myself to drink more water I've been using small glass refillable bottles (they're called organica in walmart, I use a big perrier bottle as the main bottle in the fridge) I mix about 3/4 water with 1/4 low sodium club soda or perrier and then squeeze some lemon in. They are so small that they are easy to drink, I like the bottles and can make some ahead so they are fast to grab and taste good.

    I can't lose weight without drinking water no matter what.

    I drink 3 - 6 a day, they're about 300ml (that should be about 10oz but it doesn't seem like it). It's enough for me, you can adjust according to your requirement.

    As for the coffee, I quit a few years ago and started again, dumb, dumb, dumb. But I can only drink half calf otherwise I am jumping off the ceiling - accompany that with pms which is far worse with caffeine - disastrous! Going back to at least 1 cup per day is something I will tackle when I have a few other things down.

    I'm doing a new series called Making Change on my blog about my budget journey, I am so amazed at how much better a cash system is working for me. This week the challenge is groceries. I can't believe how much I've been spending and how much I hate to fork over cash at the store :0)

    I'm also getting into values vs goals, I am finding it invaluable in giving me the 'true grit' that it takes to really find out and stick with what I want to do.

    All in all, life is really good lately. (and that's saying a lot, I started the year with 5 days no hydro and then 3 days dealing with a septic line backup, that wasn't so good).

    I'll be following your progress, I know you'll do great!

    <abbr>Jan - queenofkaoss last blog post..Are Values or Goals Your Compass?</abbr>
  • Exciting stuff! I am with you girl!

    <abbr>LaTaras last blog post..A Better Me</abbr>
  • sharonmc
    Yes I'm in the same boat Kelly! I don't know if it is because of all this snow or what, but this year has been a tough one for getting some of my healthier lifestyle actions into my daily routine.

    At least you have more than a month to "renew" before you'll be meeting with your good friends. I have a surprise birthday party to go to TONIGHT with some ladies that I haven't seen in more than 5 years and I had hoped to be a little "healthier" (thinner) looking before now. Oh well.

    You've inspired me to get my butt in gear and I too will be following your progress and twitter nagging you (to quote Lexi)!
  • Kelly,
    Weight Watchers might be just the thing for you. If not, may I suggest you look into Prism. It's offered at many churches these days. The groups are usually small and meet once a week. They consist of support and an educational video. In my opinion, the foods are much healthier than Weight Watchers and the videos are very intgeresting. I joined last August and lost 30 pounds that I kept off during the holidays. I also work at home, and the meetings were nice "face time" for me.
    Best wishes in your endeavors.
  • Kelly, I'm so with you on this! I recently started cutting way back on caffeine (I was drinking a case of pepsi a week) and started drinking more water. I'm doing great drinking more water, but I'm still not cutting down as much as I'd like on the soda. I've also been working out twice a week (for health and energy reasons not for weight issues) but I'm here to support you as much as I can! You can do it GIRL! Let's show those girlfriends how terrific you are inside AND out.

    <abbr>Deannas last blog post..Suze Orman Free Ebook</abbr>
  • Rhonda
    Hi! It's funny, cause I've been thinking of doing the exact same things (include..trying to quit smoking!!) but it's really hard, especially all by yourself! So I would love to join ALL of you!! I believe with help & friends a person can do just about anything! Good luck to everyone & we'll talk soon! Have A Wonderful Day Filled With MANY Smiles;)
  • Good luck! You can do it... My commitment this year is to get in better shape. I lost 35 pounds last year and would like to lose more and get tone. It is hard to stick to it, but with consistency you can do it. "They" say it takes 28 days - or something like that - to develop a habit. So you should do great!

    <abbr>Petulas last blog post..So sweet to be recognized</abbr>
  • Awesome Kelly - good for you! I'll join you in the challenge. I've tried kicking my own butt many times over the past few years - that butt keeps getting bigger but I still can't seem to kick it ;)
  • Hey Kelly,

    I applaud you! Change isn't easy but when we fight that initial urge to remain where we are, it gets easier.

    You know I joined a gym a couple of months ago and have been faithfully working out 3-5 times a week ever since. Yesterday at my exercise class, I did a full sit up (with straight legs), FOR THE FIRST TIME! Having 4 kids did a number on my abs even though I'm thin - so this was a huge accomplishment for me.

    For me, the gym was the right thing. I love the social aspect and the comraderie. I will work out harder and longer in a class setting than I will at home. And having instructors to help me and notice when I show up adds to the accountability factor. YMMV but for me it was the right decision.

    Now, on the days I don't go to the gym I actually look forward to my next workout. I wish I had time to go every day. It really is quite addictive!

    <abbr>Carrie Hugginss last blog post..Making Money as a Ghostwriter</abbr>
  • I'm in Kelly! Your post came on the same day I had a hard time finding a pair of pants in my closet that fit! And the timing is perfect - my birthday is March 15th.

    ~ While I won't join you in quitting the coffee - LOL - I will cut back on the joe and increase my water intake.
    ~ I will use my treadmill on a regular basis - unless the weather warms up - then I'll take little dude and the dogs for a walk.
    ~ I'm also going to dig out my 3-lb hand weights again and use them while I walk.
    ~ I will get out more with friends and family (hubby has started calling me a hermit!).

    Again, perfect timing Kelly! Thanks!

    <abbr>CaraM - TheHouseholdHelpers last blog post..Mom Time: Are You A Priority?</abbr>
  • Rebecca Jones
    2 years ago, I was where you're at (sort of). I weighed over 225 and my size 18 jeans were too tight. I felt absolutely miserable, no energy, nothing.
    Then I started logging on daily to Sparkpeople.com (SP)(It's free) and I did the following:
    1. I asked God to help me, that I needed to make changes to live a healthy lifestyle and that I needed His help to reach the weight He wants me to be.
    2. I started wearing a pedometer daily. When I started out, I could barely walk 5,000 steps. I do over 30Know on a regular basis and my personal best is just over 51K.. To get to the higher step count, I just would add 100 steps to what I did the day before. (I use Omron pedometers. After trying several different ones, these have been the most dependable and reliable, and they aren't all that expensive --around $20)
    3. I log all my exercise at Sparkpeople
    4. I started practicing portion control (I can live with that concept the rest of my life).
    5. I log all my food daily and stay within my calorie limits
    6. I added strength training to my exercises. I do all my exercises at home. I don't belong to a gym. I have a stability ball, 3, 10, 15 pound dumbbells, and a resistance tube..

    With those changes, 2 years later I weigh 155 and can fit comfortably in size 8 jeans and dress pants.
    Simple, slow and consistent changes that will be lasting is the best way to go.
    This year, I've added reading the Bible through in a year. I'm doing the chronological reading.

    God bless all of you as you make healthy choices.
  • crazedmom
    I am supporting you Kelley!
  • Kitty Mason
    I'm with you, Girl! Accountability is KEY! I, too, need to get back to WW, but may look into the Prism program first (maybe start one in my church). I want to find a rebounder on Craigs List or FreeCycle. Will look for those organica bottles for water, and an Omron pedometer. All GREAT ideas! It's wonderful to share with each other, encourage, and hold our feet to the fire. Count me in!
  • Hi Kelly,
    You can do this. I am a WW lifetime member for over 12 years. I do Jazzercise right now and am doing a 3 month program on Jazzercise about being a better "me". It starts Feb. 1st for me and I am looking at really nailing down some good healthy eating habits.
    Hugs,
    Nancy Jacobs the basket weaver

    <abbr>Nancys last blog post..A Baking Cookbook Freebie!</abbr>
  • I would love to join in to. My goal is weight loss!

    <abbr>Jessies last blog post..Delay is Not Denial</abbr>
  • Good job Kelly! Hows things going for you?

    I have been trying to eat healthier and hit the gym 3 times a week. I have the support of my sister so that helps.

    I am actually trying to gain weight. And it's hard to eat so much in one day but I am learning to eat smaller meals every 3 to 4 hours and helps a bunch with keeping the metabolism steady all day so you burn more fat or in my case build muscle when I work out.
  • Kelly - I am a few days late but I've decided to jump in and join you for this challenge. I'm excited to see how it will all turn out.

    <abbr>Maries last blog post..48 Days to a Better Me</abbr>
  • I forgot to put my link when I joined.

    http://conversationswithmoms.com/2009/01/28/48-...

    <abbr>Maria M (Conversations with Moms)s last blog post..Mom Blog Monday</abbr>
  • Congrats on your decision to change not only in regards to losing weight but everything else too. Change is such a hard thing to handle sometimes even if we know it's for the best! I'm late in joining you but as of today I'm working on my weight issues once again seems how I'm once again having some health issues due to it!

    <abbr>Tishia Lees last blog post..WW: Silly Boys</abbr>
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