Last Updated on May 21, 2023 by Michael Brockbank
Although I’m not focusing on the challenge just yet, I have been getting myself ready for next week. For the most part, it’s all about psyching myself up. Since I am only accountable to myself, I need to convince me that I can do this. And, I’m confident I can.
Especially with how things have been going lately.
All year, I’ve felt unstoppable. Sure, I had a few setbacks for content so far. But, it’s not from a lack of interest or being lazy this time around. It’s mostly from trying a few new things to streamline the process only for them to backfire.
I’ve actually been doing more this year than I had in 2020.
How Am I Getting Ready?
I’ve found that having a solid plan in place before going forward keeps me focused. When I try to wing it, I often fall the wayside of, “to hell with it.”
To avoid these kinds of situations, I’ve analyzed past failings and have addressed a lot of what’s held me back over the years. And yes, I’m still meditating on anxiety and a false sense of self-worth.
So, how am I getting pumped and ready to start my 12-week fitness challenge?
Planning Out My Week in Advance
For me, it’s all about following a beaten path. I used to think I can just make it up as I go. However, I’ve come to realize that I just can’t do that anymore. It’s not working, and I need to make adjustments.
Normally, it’s the exercise that poses a problem. I’m fairly good at following a decent outline for eating. But, if I’m not burning the calories, it doesn’t really matter.
Everything is going into Asana. This free app will help me with a task checklist while planning out various things ahead of time. I’m even adding social media updates into Asana so I don’t forget.
To top it all off, I have some great ideas for posts during this process. Therefore, I can also get closer to my professional goals, such as writing one million words this year.
Improving Performance on the Site
I’m still working on fixing up the site in terms of the backend nuts and bolts. Recently, I spent time getting ready by adding Google AMP, which significantly improved the site’s mobile scores.
I recently read a report on how Google is going to use Core Vitals as ranking factors in the near future. This means that slow and unoptimized sites will be penalized.
And that’s the last thing this blog needs is another torpedo from Google. I’m just starting to get her afloat again.
Performance increases mixed with more content should at least get the site moving in the right direction. Of course, I do need to squirrel away some time to revamp older blog posts.
Still Contemplating a New Theme
I know I’ve been talking about this for some time, but I’m still considering a new theme. The magazine layout is fun and all, but I want something that is more fitness-related.
This also means that I might be doing away with some features that are not absolutely necessary or hinder the site.
There are plenty of great themes to choose from in the WordPress repository. And until this site starts generating some revenue, I need to keep additions and fixes on the free side of things.
Getting Social Media Ready
I still believe that using social media can add a bit to accountability. After all, I don’t want people to watch me fail. It’s like having a few dozen pairs of eyes watching my progress and making sure I stay on track.
As I said, I am setting up the schedule in Asana. To save on time, I might have to schedule automatic updates throughout the week and then add real-time posts when I get a moment.
This is because I am incredibly busy trying to get at least four blogs going while managing the work I do for GreenGeeks.
At any rate, this is perhaps the most difficult of what I’m trying to do. I simply forget until it’s way too late to post anything…like, just as I’m closing my eyes to go to bed.
Proving to Myself I Can Do This
When all is said and done, I’m getting ready for this 12-week fitness challenge to prove to myself that I can do it. If I can just get back into some of my older habits, the weight will simply melt off.
With how good I feel this year, I’m sure I can do this.
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