Do you know that haunting feeling when you know you have correctly implemented part of some advice, but that you may be forgetting another important bit?
Welcome to my first GHDR update!
That bit of advice/instruction that I gleefully ignored/glossed over/forgot? James Clear talks a lot about the way our brains are wired to protect our identities and that we need to be careful to shift that identity incrementally, lest we trigger our defense mechanisms and create internal resistance? Well, that is why I started with a “minimum effective dose” of some new habits! I did it!
James Clear also talks about maybe not tackling all 40 new habits at once. Yeah … that’s the bit I missed, right there.
Stumbling Forward
None of this changes the fact that my GHDR update was officially due yesterday. So, here is my first swing at a format that I can use going forward.
General Scorecard: D | Plenty of Room to Improve
I bit off way too much for a month and I hope to have learned my lesson … or at least, my NEXT lesson. See below for modifications and updates on specific experiments/practices, etc.
META
I live my life with intention – neither aimless, nor overly striving.
I have been thinking about a part of Cal Newport’s approach, lately. He claims that one of the shortcomings of many “traditional” approaches to self-improvement is that they incorrectly assume that the practitioner is already disciplined. A disciplined person can read a book the “The 7 Habits” and implement its approach all at once. Most of us are not that disciplined … yet.
I am going to focus on developing that discipline slowly and iteratively. Which means adjusting my plans. For now, that will focus on simplifying my systems and USING them, daily.
| Practice | Min | Grade | Plan for March |
|---|---|---|---|
| I use my Notebook Daily (BuJo) | Dated Page | B | CONTINUE |
| EXP: For the next 90 days, I will track daily metrics in my LifeLog. | Logged Metrics | D | TRY TO RESTART |
BODY
I care for myself and am becoming comfortable in my own skin. My cardiovascular health, flexibility, and strength enhance my life experience, not limit it.
This is the area I most over-stretched and have the most room to grow. I am starting on activity, then adding dietary changes (officially) in April. (Truthfully, I will be “trying out” dietary changes this month, but not tracking or expecting any real changes in this area.)
| Practice | Min | Grade | Plan for March |
|---|---|---|---|
| I intentionally move my body every day for better strength, flexibility, and/or health. | 3 min | C- | CONTINUE |
| EXP: For the next 30 days, I will try the “No-S Diet”, paying attention to my compliance and how it affects me and my mood. | No Snacks/Solo Fast Food | ?? | ON HOLD |
| EXP: For the next 30 days, I will try the “Nerd Fitness” app paying particular attention to my feelings about gamification. | Read the Challenge | D | ON HOLD |
MIND
I am curious and think deeply about the things that matter to me. I am always learning. I regularly engage with my hobbies.
Finally, an area my my baseline discipline is established! I read every night. The B+ is because I am trying to expand my non-fiction reading. I am aiming for 12 books this year. Current count: 0.33
(Fiction count this month: 2; 5 for the year.) My Duolingo streak is 59 days. I really enjoy doing my Zentangle doodles, but my “it takes 15 minutes or less” estimate was off by a factor of 2, so making the time has been the challenge. To help develop the habit, I am counting ANY creative act – doodle, writing a blog article, even a haiku. Just aiming for something intentional.
| Practice | Min | Grade | Plan for March |
|---|---|---|---|
| I read daily | 1 page of anything | B+ | CONTINUE |
| For the next 60 days, I will use Duolingo daily to improve my understanding of chess. | 1 lesson | A+ | CONTINUE |
| For the next 30 days, I will do a morning Zentangle. | any creative act | D+ | CONTINUE |
SOUL
My faith is evident in my actions. I live a life that reflects my values. I am growing in my understanding and devotion.
This has been a challenge. Not going to unpack it all here, but this matters to me. I am putting my desire for extensive Bible reading on holdwhile I focus on more practical matters.
Engaging with friends is a different challenge, but another worthy one.
| Practice | Min | Grade | Plan for March |
|---|---|---|---|
| GRAY – I am intentional in what I watch, read, and participate in. | avoid black | D- | CONTINUE |
| BIBLE – I engage with scripture daily | anything | D | ON HOLD |
| EXP: For the next 30 days, I will participate in the daily office. | AM Prayer | D | CONTINUE |
| For the next 90 days, I engage a friend once a week. | call or text | F | CONTINUE |
CRAFT
I bring my best self to my work. I pursue work that is fulfilling and provides for my needs. I am honest in my business dealings.
Work is a struggle. I will take it one step at a time. Step 1 – reflect on my day at work.
| Practice | Min | Grade | Plan for March |
|---|---|---|---|
| I close my workday with reflection and preparation for my next workday. | daily log | F | CONTINUE |
| FLYFREE | 1x per week | C | CONTINUE |
| For the next 30 days, I will track my productive (non-admin) time on workdays. | workday time tracking | F | ON HOLD |
