Just read a great quote on www.myfooddiary.com (a great website for tracking calorie intake and expenditure).  The quote fits perfectly with today's activities.

"Success and failure.  We think of them as opposites, but they're really not.  They're companions--the hero and the sidekick."  --Laurence Shames

Shames is a novelist and erstwhile ghostwriter, so I imagine he knows a little bit about success and failure.  I have to say, running across this quote today was a nice synchornicity.  I was journaling this morning about expectations versus realities...for two reasons.  1. I am playing in a golf tournament today (best ball format so it's not too stressful).  2. I am re-renewing my commitment to eating healthily and working out regularly.

As a recovering perfectionist, it's hard for me not to see failure as both enemy and excuse.  Perfectionists start endeavors with the highest of goals.  They often achieve a great deal because they drive themselves to meet those goals at some pretty ridiculous costs.  But when they (inevitably) prove to be mere humans instead of demi-gods, the crash is hard and the "failure" can become an excuse not to try again.  And/or a nice bludgeon for hitting oneself repeatedly over the head.

So in my journaling today, I wrote a few realistic expectations down for today's golf outing.  I will contribute to the team by enjoying the day and the company.  I will also contribute 3-5 good shots to the overall effort.  Anything more is gravy.

As to the renewed commitment to a healthy lifestyle, well...that's going to be full of Shames's companions--success and failure.  I am sure I will have great days of working out and eating only things that are good for me.  I will also have days where I don't make it to the gym and still manage to eat a serving of chocolate souffle after a steak dinner.  In this case, it's more about the trend than it is about the incident. 

I've also discovered, thanks to my friend Erik, that a weekly day off from being a dedicated intake monitor, is a wonderful way to stave off the "failure" syndrome that so often accompanies eating plans.  Instead of saying, "Oh well, I had the souffle, I might as well eat my way through the rest of the week until Monday," I can plan for the souffle and avoid the guilt.

So, today, I'll have two companions with me on the golf course and at table.  Success and her sidekick, failure.  If I can get the 3rd companion of grace to join us, it should be an awesome day.

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