Renewed Through Healthy Habits
We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.
Will Durant
For those of you keeping track, I surpassed 1,000 days in a row of 10,000 or more steps last Friday. Almost three years ago, I made the decision to walk or run at least 10,000 steps every day as monitored by my Fitbit.
I work in a job that has me sitting at my desk or at a conference table for much of my days. This means I am more sedentary than is healthy. (The American Heart Association says that 10,000 steps a day is a good minimum for those interested in maintaining a healthy heart. Here’s a great article to give you more information – click here.)
10,000 steps means I am moving over 6 miles every day. I typically get these steps walking early in the morning. Several of my steps come from my treadmill activity at my local Orange Theory Fitness studio. And sometimes, I have to throw on my shoes to venture outside for a late night walk to ensure I make my goal.
Over the past 1,000+ days, I’ve walked in France, Germany, Guatemala, and the United States. I’ve walked in Washington state, Arizona, Wisconsin, New Jersey, Florida, Virginia, Nevada, and Pennsylvania. I’ve walked in airports, grocery stores, shopping malls, hardware stores, and colleges. I’ve hiked in the Cascade Mountains, the Grand Canyon, Sedona, Green Lane Park, Spring Mountain, and countless other trails.
I haven’t done the math yet, but I’m guessing I’ve walked, hiked, or run over 7,000 miles during this walking streak. I don’t plan on stopping.
I want to live a life that goes the distance. This means it is important to establish and maintain healthy habits. In my year of renew, I’ve renewed my focus on some healthy habits – continuing my stepping streak, drinking more water, drinking less alcohol, and eating with more healthy intention. I’ve already seen the difference that these habits have had on my life. I’ve lost some weight. I feel more energy and focus. I sense a renewed sense of purpose.
The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.
Psalm 37:23-24 (NIV)
As we approach the end of January, it is not uncommon for people to lose focus on the habits and goals they set at the beginning of the year. I encourage you to keep going. Take it one day at a time – even one step at a time.
A daily step streak doesn’t happen all at once. It happens one step at a time.
You can do it! Start today! Find some accountability (maybe it’s me). Take time each day to find renewal through healthy habits.