In a shell by the sea.

Today, tomorrow, and for now on is going to be better. I promise.

I have been really trying to understand where and when my self control weakens during the day. If I could only avoid this somehow, turn this time span of land mines into something that reinforces my control, I could be doing so much better. This will probably not be easy.

The thing is, I am so confident in my self control when I start the day right. When I wake, have my cup of green tea, maybe an apple, go to the gym, avoid mindlessly eating in front of the television or computer, I feel as if you can't stop me. I just get in that mindset. The trouble is when I wake up, I seem to be in a zombie like haze. Most of the time I'm not even hungry but I still head straight to the fridge or cabinet for some sugary cereal or whatever else that is easily accessible. By the time I have fully awoken, I have already completely destroyed my day.

How do you change a behavior when you aren't fully conscious or thinking clearly?

My first idea was to always have something to do in the morning. I could start waking up very early to go to the gym so that I don't have time to eat before I leave the house. By the time I return home I won't want to set back all of the hard work I had just done at the gym.

Another idea I have is to have an approved breakfast already set out for myself. I have even considered making notes and sticking them on the wall right next to my bed or on my door knob so that I am immediately reminded that I should be mindful of my choices.

I need to somehow turn this time of day into something that motivates me.

I am also going to try to set some short term goals to gain some instant gratification. I need to remind myself that I can do this. I need to prove it to myself.

So.

3lbs by Wednesday.

I can do this.