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Here's a snapshot of a little chart I started a few months ago, to help stay on track toward achieving both my hair and physique goals. Thought some of you might find it interesting and/or helpful. Has anyone else used a similar (or completely different) method of staying motivated?
--Val
What a great quote that is!
Ever since I starting cycling in 2000, every ride is meticulously documented in a handwritten journal and also on an Excel spreadsheet. I do feel it gives it all more of a sense of purpose for me.
What I added last year was a weight column and I note my weight thrice per week. This keeps me accountable. I can see trends and know when I have to rein in any unfortunate eating lapses. As long as things don't deviate too much, I know I'm pretty much on track.
I would like to lose another 10 pounds this year and top 5000 miles cycled during the year so those are my goals and a compass.
As for haircuts, LOL, I never needed any motivation there. Pure revulsion and a sense of being free from my bonds keeps me far away.
That chart looks like it will serve you well on both fronts.
I used to do a lot cycling back in the 70s and 80s. I have since
stopped completely. Which is sad since I enjoyed it.
IMHO it has just gotten too darn dangerous. Recently there have been a number of cyclists killed when they got struck
by cars/trucks/buses.
I enjoyed cycling but there are just too many lunatics on the
road.
I know all the stuff about bicycles have just as much of
a right to be on the road but too many rude drivers
seem to think otherwise.
So since I like living i've given up cycling.
I avoid roads with lots of traffic whenever possible and that's most of the time.
I don't want to live my life in fear. I want to feel alive and I love being outdoors and moving (fast if possible) to do that.
I agree there are definitely risks with cycling but there are ways to reduce them. I would love to race but don't because of the ridiculous amount of crashes that occur.
Perhaps you could put your bike in the car and drive to a quieter area. I think it's ashame that you enjoy the activity of cycling and never do it.
That's my biggest hangup about road riding by me. Too congested with traffic so it takes the fun out of riding the road. In fact its so bad I hate even driving around here! Sometimes I wish to never drive and I'm a car guy. But back to cyling that's what I have to do if I'm going to ride.That is load the bike and take it to a more pleasant location but that means more time and aggrivation.So I've adopted using a gym for my fitness as its close to home and there is no traffic.
Mârk
I'm glad we cycle lanes in Holland, but even when I was in australia I rented a bike once in a while and drove on busy roads. I can understand what you mean when it's not safe but I like cycling to much to not do it.
Yeah, that Morrison quote is just about perfect! I'm impressed by your dedication to fitness and cycling... it seems that keeping meticulous records is a good motivational strategy for many people. Thanks for sharing your ideas and words of encouragement.
--Val
How cool is that, Val?! Awesome idea for self motivation! :)
iI see you started growing your hair out just a month before me (nov 2012), so I would love to see an updated picture of you and see how is it going :)
How cool is that, Val?! Awesome idea for self motivation! :)
iI see you started growing your hair out just a month before me (nov 2012), so I would love to see an updated picture of you and see how is it going :)
Glad you like it, bro! I'll be sure to post an update soon. Best wishes to you in reaching your goals, as well!
--Val
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to keep track of shedding. I keep detailed records of what reduces shedding and what increases it. I adjust my diet and dietary supplements accordingly. I may have to increase my hair supplement to offset the shedding increase caused by the WARFARIN. (I have a DVT in my right leg.)
I may be the only person in the world who has a hair spreadsheet.
Scott
I've always enjoyed your scientific approach to--and analysis of--hair growth, shedding patterns, etc., and appreciate your willingness to share your findings and experiences, Scott. Best wishes for continued growth and good health, and good luck in resolving that DVT!
--Val
I echo Jason in admiring that Morrison quote! Love it!
The chart is a great motivational tool though also like Jason "pure revulsion and a sense of being free" alone has been enough for me to never even consider returning to short hair.
As to physique, I'll never have the toned body of that gruesome guy in your image - but fortunately I have no wish to. I'm happy being a skinny beanpole! :)
Damon
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Thanks for the feedback, Damon! "Pure revulsion" to short hair just might be the most effective motivational tool there is!
As for physiques, as long as you're healthy, more power to you! I'm pretty solidly-built by nature, so I really only have the options of being fat and muscular or toned and muscular... skinny just isn't in the cards for me! I have the muscle mass, so it's just a matter of shedding some excess adipose.
Cheers,
Val
My method of staying motivated was to take pictures so I could see the progress. Sometimes I felt like it was not growing at all, but when I looked at the pictures I could see that I did in fact make progress.
Great you found a method that works for you, keep it up!
I agree, Vincent. Tracking progress with photos seems to be a tried and true method of staying motivated. Thanks!
--Val
Hi Val,
I have actually printed out photos of men with long hair and put them on my wall where I see them many times a day. I selected photos of people with similar hair to mine. But believe it or not, my main motivation comes from viewing the MLHH user's directory photos on a daily basis. Also, I constantly check the board for new updates. Once again, I thank the mods for keeping the board going. Keep up the excellent work guys!
Ted
Right on, Ted, on both counts! A combination of the MLHH and some inspirational photos can go a long way in helping a guy reach his goals. And yes, our moderators are awesome.
Cheers,
Val
Who is that in the motivational pic?
What I did to keep track of my hair's progress was to take a picture of myself about twice a week, starting shortly after my hair was cut, and anytime I was depressed about my hair not being long enough, I'd look back through the photos and focus instead on how far I'd come.
Good strategy, Sören. Twice a week is more frequent than I'd photodocument consistently, as I can't imagine seeing a discernable difference in such a short period of time, but if it works for you, keep at it! Looking back on what's been achieved is certainly motivational. Thanks!
--Val