Like millions of people worldwide, I made a resolution December 31. And like those same millions, just one week into 2007, I’m struggling to keep that resolution.
I wake up with resolve each morning, coaching myself, ‘You will exercise today, Chris. Just do it!’ The Nike “swoosh” kicks me out of bed, I jump into work-out clothes, march downstairs…and then I settle down with a latte and newspaper, move on to email, make a few phone calls, run a few errands, teach piano, do some research/writing… And before I know it, it’s pajama-and-book time and my muscles have sagged another millimeter.
*sigh* So I’ve resorted to bribery.
Bribery is an art form. It involves denial and incentive and creativity, and my Mom was a master of it throughout my childhood. How do you get a kid to water flowers or hang laundry or can vegetables without complaint? You bribe her with “Queen for an Hour” or a fast card game or good old-fashioned ice cream…in the middle of the day, when she should be working, without her brothers knowing.
I’ve resorted to bribery with my piano students—complete 25 lessons, I take them to Starbucks; complete 50 and I take them on an outing of their choosing. Another 25—Starbucks…another 50—outing, etc. I’ve bowled, roller- and ice-skated, climbed rock walls, sat through low-rated kid movies while screaming only in my head, engaged in an eating contest—which I lost, shockingly. I haven’t exactly enjoyed all these outings, but I’m pretty sure my Mom wasn’t thrilled to answer the summons and serve her “queen” for an hour, either.
So now I’m bribing myself to exercise. Starbucks, movies, piano, Starbucks, a novel of political intrigue, Starbucks. There’s a theme here…and it’s working.
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