Making the first steps towards a life less ordinary

"We all have the extraordinary coded within us, waiting to be released." - Jean Houston

There's a lot to be said about setting goals and then turning them into reality to make you feel good about yourself, what you've achieved, and knowing what more you could do.

There were so many families in Commonwealth Park this morning, for instance, who either ran or walked their first 5km or 10km as part of the Canberra Times fun run. Many hadn't walked or ran that distance before but over the weeks and months leading up to it were out training - a little bit harder or further every week - so they could reach their goal of finishing the event strongly.

And what they probably also found out along the way is that exercise can be a powerful drug - and unlike so many other drugs - the side effects are positive. The endorphin rush you might experience at the finish line after a fun run, climbing a mountain at sunrise, hiking through a nature park, pumping weights, whatever your drug of choice happens to be - creates a real buzz.

It's not enough to say: 'I really want to lose weight, get fitter, be stronger'.  Try thinking of the bigger picture to make your health a way of life.  Choose an extraordinary goal - like climbing a mountain, going white-water rafting in Spain, running a marathon or half marathon, organising a trek for charity - something that's close to your heart, so that you can bounce out of bed, eat healthier food, and look forward to releasing the powerful drug of exercise - every day.

If you really want to achieve your goals, you need to make them specific and write them down.

Sure, depending on where you are in life, recognise that your extraordinary goal may not happen for awhile - especially if you have very young children, or a really demanding job - or both! Even so, you still need to plan ahead to make them happen.

You have to take ownership of your goals, and most importantly, you need 100% support from your family and friends. You're more likely to work through setbacks and less likely to give up when your goals are extraordinary and you have your own cheer squad behind you!

And my extraordinary goal?  To run the New York City Marathon in November to celebrate my 40th birthday. Yay!