How I Spend My Time in the Car...

I drive quite a bit; living in the suburbs, a few minutes from the country, means everything is far away. So while I spend hours in my car each week I occupy my time by focusing on the road, not texting, listening to music, and coming up with quotes that could be read on inspirational posters. When I come up with a good one, I immediately tell Siri to call SisterT and I have her judge my sentiments.
While on the plane to NJ the other day for my grandmother's funeral, I thought of one that I really liked. I feel like I have heard variations before, but this will be my personal mantra for the new few weeks.
Stop wasting time dreaming, and begin planning. 
Besides grammatical pet peeves, I can not tolerate defeatist attitudes. When people say "I can't...," "maybe one day...," I always  wonder "why not?." People may say that I need to have a better grasp on reality, but if we are surrounded in a reality of people who limit themselves that is not a reality I want to share in.
This quote applies to so much:

• School
• Dieting
• Work
• Your Home
• Life Plans

And the list could go on. If you are feeling defeated right now, I say to you make a list! My favorite thing to do is make lists that organize how I will overcome or tackle a problem. 
When I was applying to law schools I began feeling defeated, especially while studying for the LSAT. I had so much homework from classes along with 16 hours of in-class test prep a week. When I thought I couldn't take it any more, I made a list...
What do I want to accomplish: Law School AdmittanceHow will I do it: 1. Do test prep problems given in class2. Sleep at least 6.5 hours a night3. Make room for relaxation on weekends 4. Complete class homework during off time between classes 
I would put a check mark next to each task ever day, so I could that I was progressing. Eventually everything worked out and this list (which was much longer and typed OCD style in my planner) made everything feel less stressful. Rather than sitting on my bed dreaming of a good score, I made plans that would help me accomplish what I wanted. 
Today I just made a new list. During weight loss plateaus can literally drive you crazy. In order to handle this plateau I have decided to try an old diet that my personal trainer recommended... The Fats to Muscle Diet. It is basically a LOW fat diet that centers around thermic eating. (Eating that burns more calories during rest.) 
Rather than dreaming about the day I will overcome this plateau, I have decided to face it and plan for its demise! I now have three separate lists on the fridge: a measurement tracker, grocery list, and meal plan list. Instead of hoping to be off this plateau soon, I plan to be off it within four weeks. 
If you are feeling trapped right now, make a list. Organizing your thoughts and will power will help you in your struggles. I wish you much luck.
Have a great weekend!