Some workout motivation from Zach Even-Esh.

I’ve been thinking on and off about the household weight loss challenge we’ve been doing. It’s not really actually a thing, because we’re both rather motivated to come home, chill with a beer and go get some ice cream, rather than get a workout in and eat well. Check out that weight chart over there – between us, we’ve actually gained nearly a half pound over six weeks.

Some posts around the intertubez got me thinking last week, and now I have some time to sit down and write.

This starts, for me, with Julien Smith, who reminds us that we are the only ones who give a shit if we succeed. You remember how I said one of the reasons I write this blog is for accountability? Horseshit. It’s true – while people are certainly willing to help me celebrate my victories and wallow in my defeats, nobody is ringing me on a regular basis saying, “Hey, Josh, you’re working out today, right?” or, “Chicken and broccoli for dinner tonight instead of a cheeseburger and fries, right?”

» Raj Ganpath on being awesome
» Julien Smith: The complete guide to not giving a fuck

So I’ve identified a goal: Get to 135 pounds. I think that weight is going to prove to be a little low for my body type (though the government seems to think I need to be at 140 pounds or under to be in the “normal” weight range), but we’ll find out. Maybe it’s only going to prove to be a little low for my lifestyle type; who knows?

I’ve already identified my obstacles, even way back in the beginning.

I know what to do. I just have to do it. And doing burpees every day is a good starting point, but it’s not a complete workout (well, maybe it is when I get near 100). So, onward. Today I’ll be doing some Tabata, I think.

» Alwyn Cosgrove on reaching your goals

Obviously this stuff holds true in other parts of your life, not just in your workouts. Here’s some outside-the-workout motivation from Richard Nikoley at Free The Animal.