Journalled on Monday, 2 October 2023 | Flamengo, Rio de Janeiro: 23 degrees, warmish and overcast.

A new week, a new month, and the countdown to England has begun. So, what are my goals for this month?

Continue my dental treatment. Last Friday, I had an appointment with Dr Thomas. We arranged the treatment and payment before travelling. My next appointment is on the 20th, one month before travelling.

I need to finish the “PlaceBeads” website. There is little left to complete, and I feel I am procrastinating. I know I need to finish it because it is a great opportunity. I have come this far and need to see it through to the end.

I want to lose 3 or 4 kilos. The problem is that Nalva likes to cook at night. She is literally obsessed with cooking. She cannot go a couple of hours without cooking something. I plan to eat only at night, when she cooks, not before. Sometimes, I can go until the end of the day without eating; other times, the temptation is too much. While eating a big meal at night is not ideal, her food is too good to pass up. She cooks very well, and it is impossible not to eat when she cooks.

I like the number 3. I like things that are multiples of 3. But there is a fourth point.

I want to intensify my exercise routine. I have been exercising every day, and it has revolutionised my life. I want my exercise sessions to be more intense and harder, pushing me to the limit. Even though I am almost sixty and in decent shape, I would like to be even stronger, with more intense workouts, stronger arms, and a more toned belly.

I have not been able to exercise early as often as I would have liked over the last month because of the weather and because one of my pupils, who used to have early sessions, has now changed her schedule. This change should give me more time and freedom to exercise in the morning.

Here are my priorities and goals for October. I’m disciplined now, so there should be no problems or excuses. I hate excuses. It is said that excuses are for losers, but to some extent, I agree. When somebody gives me an excuse, I am hesitant. I try not to make excuses. We either prioritise and do it, or we don’t, so there’s no room for excuses.

In some ways, it may sound radical, but life is tough and takes no prisoners. If you can be honest with yourself and recognise that what you did or did not do was due to a lack of prioritisation, focus, or discipline, it will be better for you in the long run.

And that is it: Monday classes and a walk with Perola. We could not go to the park because it was too muddy after the recent rain. When we arrived home from the walk, I exercised before showering and starting the classes.