Where's Your Weakest Link in these 6 Tips?

Proven strategies. 6 steps for successful weight loss and healthy living.
It's common sense, well known knowledge and the most simple answer to reaching your goals.
I think it will translate differently to each person. We're all working at our own pace and at our own levels.

Each step equally important. 
The chains strength dies at the weakest link. And, the squeaky wheel gets the grease.

Which of these is your "squeaky wheel"? Is there a "weak link" in your chain of strength?

I personally struggle with "Three Meals A Day".
I get so busy some days that I completely skip lunch and really, I'm not sure my breakfast is always considered wholesome. Typically, I grab a granola bar and banana as I head out the door. Ok...really what happens is...I wrestle with my almost 2 year old to put his coat on...I then find one shoe in the hallway and sweetly convince him that he must keep BOTH shoes on so we can go outside. Then, I trick him into thinking we're going outside for play when really we are making a mad dash to the cold car (I don't know how much longer this will work)....and just before rushing out the door, I remember to grab something to eat. Quick solution...Fiber One bar and banana, V8 energy, and some days a boiled egg. Oh yes, sounds real appetizing and like a fulfilling breakfast, right?!
For lunch...I love salads, but many times I have errands to run during the lunch hour and it just becomes a break in the work day. So I retreat into a late afternoon snack knowing the gym lays between that time and dinner time. I've worked hard on the 3 meals a day as of recent (holiday time frame), hence the #whatsonyoursalad idea. I know that 3 square meals a day will help with good moods, energy levels and resisting the temptation to binge on some brownies or even worse those little chocolate bars hanging around my work.

Another area, I admit trouble with...healthy amounts of "Sleep". People, this is by far the hardest for me. I am so guilty of staying up late and hitting the snooze button 3 times (ok, like 5 times) each morning. It's a horrible cycle. My husband has helped me break out of this cycle in the past. We were both getting our 7-8 hours of rest each night until the holidays hit...since then, it's just been him. I hit a wall each evening around 7, but after we put one to sleep and guide the other towards his room...I somehow catch my 800th wind of the day and rev back up, unable to fall asleep at an appropriate hour. This, of course, leads to the perpetual bonk of the snooze button. I hate the sound of my alarm. Why on earth, do I choose to start each day by hearing it on re-peat-peat-peat every 8 minutes?!

If I scan through these 6 tips again...I could say I also have trouble with "One Goal at a Time". Oh, my mind works in so many dimensions  Probably not a good thing. But, I love it. I have so many thoughts rolling around in there, I get beyond excited about putting them into action. Some connected, others random and so very unconnected. Some irrelevant and others profound. I have to train myself to write things down so I don't loose track of the immediately important verses 'of a latter matter. Life is full of so many wonderful opportunities that it's sometimes hard to slow down, taking time to plan individual steps and enjoying each one as they come. Living in the moment, One Goal at a Time, can be tricky for this working momma of 2 filled with excitement, dreams and ambitions.
As for goals in my fitness routine...I've had to lower my standards and reset some goals based off of reality. I may still have the strength to do certain routines like burpees, push-ups, and over head presses but my body screams at me and says "enough" waaaay before it used to. It sucks. But, it is what it is. I simply gave up one thing temporarily for another area to get its permanent fix. I've let go of certain standards because they were no longer fitting to me. Once I came to grips with that I was able to set new goals. I now repeat mountain climbers and girl style push-ups knowing they will condition my body and maintain muscle strength until my body allows me to advance back into burpees and other routines I loved so much.

Are you making too many promises to yourself and loosing the joy found in hitting each milestone? I'm realizing this may be the key to my ultimate success in a healthy living journey. The grid above helps me visualize each step of the overall goal in being what I want to be.

So what about you? When you look over these 6 steps do you feel you are hitting each one?
Which link needs adjusting and focus? We're all so different with unique schedules, my grid fits my life perfectly but maybe not yours...share some others tips that give perspective to weight loss and healthy living!

And check out the ideas we're sharing for #whatsonyoursalad! Come share your creations, tips, ideas too!



I've linked this with Amanda for Desire to Inspire.

I've linked up with YOLO Mondays hosted by the brilliantly beautiful Carly at Lipgloss and Crayons
and Brooke  for Monday Meetup...she's also doing 9 days of healthy giveaways!

And you know...I linked up with Helene and Emily for Tell Me About it Tuesdays!