Exerciser unhappy with slow results
Take a look at your whole body in the mirror: front to back, head to toe. Notice the improvements that you have made and what you want to work on. Be kind as you look at yourself. You may want to take pictures — for yourself — so you can document your progress.
Dear Harriette: I have been working out twice a week with a virtual trainer for a little over a year now. I am proud of myself for doing this and being mostly consistent, but it is taking forever to get real results. I can’t do high-impact exercises because of a knee injury, but I am working out. The other day I put on some shorts, and I was disappointed to see that even with all this working out, I still have cellulite. It’s not fair. I felt too self-conscious to wear the shorts outside with those dimples showing. Do you think I’m being paranoid? My body is tighter in general, and I definitely feel healthier. It’s just taking too long. — Working Out
Dear Working Out: First, congratulations for sticking to an exercise routine for this long. It has taken commitment on your part to exercise consistently this year. Give yourself credit for what you have accomplished. Take a look at your whole body in the mirror: front to back, head to toe. Notice the improvements that you have made and what you want to work on. Be kind as you look at yourself. You may want to take pictures — for yourself — so you can document your progress.
Regarding the cellulite, check in with your doctor to see if there are any treatments that may work to break it up. Some people maintain cellulite even when they have very little body fat. It may just be there for life, but there are procedures that may help reduce or eliminate it. You can also get a second opinion from a friend to see if they think your cellulite is so unsightly that you should not wear your shorts. Chances are, you are being overly critical.
Dear Harriette: I just secured a big new contract for my company. I run a small business with just two employees. I am careful to save as much money as a I can, because I remember when I could hardly pay the bills.
I’m wondering if I should give my assistant a bonus, given that this money just came in. She has been so helpful to me, including accepting very low pay when times were tough. I will still save as much as I can, but I think she would appreciate it. I can’t promise that I will always give her a bonus when big jobs come in, though. So, I wonder whether or not this is a good idea. — Gift of Appreciation
Dear Gift of Appreciation: Trust your instincts.
It is a wonderful idea to share a bonus with your dedicated assistant at this time. She has proven her loyalty to you and your company.
I’m sure your assistant knows that a windfall has come your way. Yes, give her a check, and thank her for all of her hard work. Tell her that you wanted to give her something extra to express your appreciation. You do not have to say that it is because of the new project. She knows. What’s important is expressing your gratitude for her.
Dear Harriette: I am a freshman at my university. I have always had a strict
schedule because of my parents, and now I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed by the amount of freedom I have in college. Is this normal? I can’t believe it, but I’m actually missing my parents and their rules. I don’t want to ask them to step in and help me. I am supposed to be independent now. How can I make sure I’m making the best use of all this newfound free time? — Freshman Life
Dear Freshman Life: One of the biggest challenges in college is time management. You are not alone in your struggle, but like all students, you have to figure it out — and fast.
I am a big believer in creating a schedule. Use a calendar — a great one is on your smartphone because it’s always with you.
Fill in all appointments, classes and study halls that you have for each day. Evaluate how much time you think you need to study for each class. Allocate time for study in your schedule. Write in mealtimes and downtime so that you have a record of what you do with your time. Any scheduled assignments, exams, labs or other responsibilities should go on your schedule.
Update your schedule daily as new activities present themselves. Reschedule tasks that you didn’t do. Review your calendar at the end of the day to see what you have accomplished and go over the agenda for tomorrow so that when you wake up, you are executing your plan.
In addition to your electronic
schedule, consider making a detailed to-do list. It can be daily, weekly or monthly. Order it based on your classes. Break down your duties and assignments in detail so that you are clear about what must get done and when. Pay attention to your list daily so that you know what you have accomplished and what is left to be done.
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@ harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.