Have you heard the phrase “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail’? I used to think this mantra was original to my father in law, who for years sent every family member an inspirational letter encouraging goal setting. A google search gives credit to Benjamin Franklin. Who knew? Well, probably my father in law.
With Halloween right around the corner, I daily remind myself to stick to the plan. Yep, having consumed WAY too many miniature candy bars in the past I realized I needed to confront my weakness for itty bitty Snickers bars. And single servings of Peanut M & M’s. And Twix. And Kit Kat. I’m not sure why these littles are so delicious: I can walk by a full size bar without a glance. They seem to be the perfect combo of everything I like.
When those annual letters would arrive, a hand addressed envelope mailed separately to each person, mine would sometimes sit for days, sometimes it was eagerly opened, sometimes it was weeks before I read the contents. I knew enclosed would be a call to action, a call to plan and I wanted to be in the right mindset.
I have found myself this time of year putting all my favorite Halloween candies in my cart, telling myself I will save them for the knock on the door and the shout of “trick or treat!!!” I want to ignore my inner voice, the voice of reason, reminding me I can’t eat just one. Some years a trip a buy more has been needed: all the good stuff gone before anyone in costume had a chance to make it to the front porch. Anybody been THERE?
Failing to plan is a plan to fail. Oh, how those empty candy wrappers can expose that.
The strategy that has worked for me is pretty simple. I wait until the last possible minute to bring the bags home. Then they get stored out in the garage, up high, out of sight. The first few years I only purchased the flavors I did not like because I knew I would open the bag. You know, like gum drops. Seriously, those might would go stale in my house.
How about you? How do you avoid consuming hundreds of extra calories this time of year?
Thanks Gary Hannon for always encouraging reflection and action.
I remember your goal list on the fridge. So tell Gary that this call to plan trickled down to another generation. My list isn’t on the fridge, but I have one. Thank you for showing a path of success. — and I remember Ali in that costume. 🙂
Always need that list! Wasn’t Ali just the cutest!?!? You were such a good babysitter and a joy to have around our house.