It’s time for my weekly update on how my Challenges are going. Before I give you the low down though, I wanted to talk to you about values. Why? Well, firstly because I’m following Deb’s 52 weeks to Simplify Your Life at Home Life Simplified and this week she has challenged us to define our values. And secondly, I think my values have a big part in my successes and failures this week.
A few times this week I thought, I must sit down and work out what my values are. I’ve been through this exercise a number of times in the past – filling out forms, reading books on the subject, brainstorming. Each time I go through the exercise and then I forget about it. Tonight I had a realisation that made me feel more stupid than I have in a long time. You see, one of my greatest values, one at the core of who I am and who I strive to be is literally tattooed on me.
The answer was there all along - literally tattooed onto me!
My tattoo is actually a traditional Maori Ta Moko (although not done in the traditional way – I did not sit still while someone chiseled this into me!). It is representative of my origins, my Whanau (family), and the characteristics of my people. I really wish I could tell the story behind my Moko more accurately, but it is late at night and I’m really tired.
In short the main shape is my Maunga (my mountain, where I’m from) which is Mt Taranaki. The anchor-like shape you see in the negative (where the ink isn’t) represents the shape of the hammerhead shark. The people of the Taranaki tribes are known for their determination and tenacity, just like the hammerhead. These are characteristics I value and try to uphold.
I can be a bit of a drifter, just cruising along relatively effortlessly, but sometimes quite aimlessly. But when I’m on my game I am the hammerhead shark. If I really want something, and really want to apply myself, I go after it with great determination and tenacity.
The trouble is for me to really want something, it has to resonate with me. I need to make a connection with it. For example, I fear not realising my full potential because what if I put myself on the line and fail? What if my best isn’t good enough? At university I cruised through, having fun but doing quite well. I got to the last semester of my last year and thought to myself, “What if you really tried? If you don’t do it now, you’ll never know.” So I picked one subject and went for it. I topped the class.
So why am I not some hugely successful millionaire you ask? Ha ha, I wish. In part it is because I’m afraid of failing. It’s also because something has to really move me to take me out of my comfortable cruising mode.
How does this apply to my challenges this week?
Sugar Crash Challenge
I have now done the first week of the 8 week ‘I Quit Sugar’ program. It was remarkably easy. The only sugar I’ve had was a spoonful of ice cream which I had because it was homemade and because I wanted to see if I could stop at just a spoonful. I could. I believe the reason I have found it easy is because I’m determined to succeed. I really want to be sugar free and that’s because I went through a process of questioning the program, polling people on their own results, and then writing my ‘break up’ letter with sugar. That letter was the light bulb going on for me. The realisation of why I really need to make a go of this challenge. The reason I can apply my determination and tenacity to succeed. And I think it’s making it easier for me because there are no psychological demons to battle.
Operation Crash Hot
For the same reasons I’m succeeding above, I’m failing here. Yes I want to get fitter and stronger, but the need is not enough to overcome my tiredness or sometimes laziness. In the past week I’ve done my backyard workout from my Week 1 exercise video just once. I was pretty proud of myself for doing it, but I only did it once. I also went to Pilates. Clearly, I need to have a good talk to myself and redefine why I’m doing this, how it will make me feel and challenge myself to want to be the best I can be. I’ll also work on my second exercise video and post it tomorrow.
I can’t believe I’ve had my Moko on my back for ten years, and am only now just realising the power in its meaning and how I can apply it to my life. Perhaps I should have had it tattooed on my forehead?
Have you defined your own values? Perhaps you can link up to Deb’s Simplify Your Life project or head over there for some inspiration.
Laney that is absolutely fabulous – and probably one of the best tattoos with a reason i have heard. I think your plan for re-examining crash hot is a good one – good luck. (and congrats on going at the sugar free so fully!)
Deb @ Home life simplified’s last post..Back to school: Getting ready and organised Round up
Thanks for the feedback Deb. I just can’t believe it has taken me 10 years to grasp how relevant my tattoo is. Growing up at last ;)
Hi Laney! I love the meaning behind your tattoo and if you ever get around to writing about the story behind it in more detail, I for one, would be very interested. I am off now to read more about your sugar quitting journey, I would like o do this too :)
Melissa’s last post..Values
I love that you have a strong origin, a sense of history. I wish I had that.
Mandy’s last post..Food Patrol 90 Day Challenge: I’m feeling impressed with myself!
Everybody does Mandy, if you look hard enough. And if you don’t, be happy in the knowledge you are starting your own history for you and your family.
A lovely tattoo and I love your description of its meaning and your values.
I have found that for me fear of failure is cloaking its true self which is a fear of success. Sounds kinda crazy but at the root sometimes success seems to be a conclusion and and ending. The trick for me has been to try to parlay that into something ongoing. An everlasting struggle for me.
Thanks for sharing!
Teri’s last post..Simplfy Week #2
That’s a great way to put it Teri! You sound like a very driven person.
I love your values of ‘determination and tenacity’ they are really powerful words put together!
Well done on the no sugar thing – I’m not sure i could do as well as you have!
Lyndal’s last post..What makes the girl?
Hi Lyndal! Thanks for dropping by. Yes, they are quite powerful values aren’t they. Of course, I have some softer mushier values too like love and honesty etc etc ;) I was sure I was going to fail the quit sugar program, but I am just getting more and more determined. It’s great!
Oh, what a great read. I love the meaning behind your tattoo. I’m also doing the I quit sugar program, doing OK but still wavering. I will go back and read your letter with interest! Good luck with your journey!
Blythe’s last post..point + shoot {weekend la la}
Thanks Blythe (love your name btw). We have a Facebook support group going to help us all quit sugar – please join us! It’s so motivating. The link is https://www.facebook.com/groups/sugarcrash/
Just saw this post and I reckon I may know another reason why Sugar Crash is going well and Crash Hot is going not as well:
http://zenhabits.net/1/
Kelly Exeter’s last post..It’s been a double fist pump kind of day!
You’re so smart Kelly ;) I’ve had a feeling I am perhaps taking on too much. I don’t know any other way! I think I might shelve Crash Hot until I’m further into Sugar Crash. Thanks!
Not smart … I am just like you it seems. When I decide to do something I go for it – all or nothing, tackling many changes at one time and then beating myself up when I can’t manage to do them all! Saw that post from zenhabits last year and thought ‘aha’!
Kelly Exeter’s last post..It’s been a double fist pump kind of day!
Thanks Kelly. Leo’s site is bloody inspiring isn’t it?
It really is!!
Hi!
Well done on identifying your values! The quit sugar thing sounds interesting. Will have to have a look. I am trying to be healthier in 2012 too so this might be a good thing! u
Belinda’s last post..What are my Values????
Thanks Belinda. Quitting sugar is going really well so far. Have done two weeks. About to start three weeks of full quit ie no fruit even. A bit nervous.