Towards the end of last year, I had some self-revelations . . . well, not quite “self-revelations” as much as revelations about why myself, as a person, does not do well with some of the things that are noted to be “best practices” for mornings, consistent habits, etc.
One of the most liberating things was years ago with Brian Buffini. He has a “win the day”, week, month, etc. that outlines a new way of thinking. It is NOT doing 100%. If you think of making one phone call per day; then if you get four or five done, you’ve won the week! I like those odds! I can do that!
So, you read all of these well-meaning habits of successful people. Well, I have read some anyway. They get up at a certain time every day. They do the same thing every morning. They have had more success than me in some areas of life; so I obviously can’t say it doesn’t work. What I do know is that when I’ve given 100% of my efforts, this does not work for me.
I started January with some plans. Every day I would strive for four things, which became five things, and landed as six things. Then it changed to not one of the things on weekends. And, I had to adapt one of the things; I really didn’t adapt it enough in my record tracking, so it’ll look better in February.
Here to you all I am sharing my numbers and wins! I won’t call these losses – honestly because I’m a little touchy and I’ll just up and quit. So these numbers that aren’t too great are just where I need to work a better plan in February!
In January I set out to exercise, little or large, at least once every day. I succeeded 67.74% of the days. That is 21 days of 31. Some exercises were little. Some were hours long. So I don’t know if that is truly accurate (yes I feel a smidge defensive, this is my lowest number). It seems that even on days that will only get a tiny exercise time, I need to do it early. Because I just don’t care about “catching up” later in the day.
I wanted to drink water every day. I am at 93.55%. Pretty good. I am going to dust off my wide array of water bottles to fit every occasion. I am confident that I can get this to 100%.
I wanted to read scripture and have devotional/quiet time with God every day. I’m at 74.19%. For this I am specifically only counting the time here with my specific books and devotionals. So this one does need to improve. But, almost 3/4 . . better than 1/2. I know this one will get better. I do see that I need to keep this in the morning.
Next, I had added eating carnivore shortly after the fist of the month. This came with some problems. I still have some tummy things. So it was in my best interest not to do this all of the days. I ended the month at 70%. February will be more “healthy eating” or “listening to my picky tummy, as long as it is healthy” eating. Last night I didn’t want dinner, so I didn’t eat dinner. Things like that.
A few days later I had added in waking up at a certain time. That was meh. This was a busy month. There were many nights that I was working until midnight. February is going to be the time goal, with the “intentional choice” additive. So that I will be healthy and not a zombie person. But, this one was at 86.36%.
Lastly I added taking my vitamins. I got out of the habit of doing this towards the end of last year with all the crappiness of life. Stupid, right? Life is hard so I’ll make it harder. Anyway, this was added to the list. And I ended at 81.25%.
Overall, tonight I am thankful with the efforts in January! I have room for improvement for sure. But, this was a busy month. An emotional month. And I didn’t quite. I stumbled some days, but I never stopped. So here I am, seven pounds lighter and with a good plan to continue going in to February!
Momma's Silver Lining 