I’m currently learning French using Duolingo. I’ve dabbled in the language before, but dabbled is the key word: never fully committing to learning French… until now. Novice level? Oui. I’m 49 days into a streak of Duolingo French lessons, trying to spend a minimum of 20 minutes on it every day. Sure, I won’t be…
A little more than a year into my focus on daily habits, the overall the results are encouraging. James Clear’s Atomic Habits poured gasoline on my focus on doing things that matter every day, beginning with small things like reading more, writing every day and exercise. It started with changing the routine when I got…
There’s no place like home, but there’s a lot to be said for changing the view once in awhile. So we picked up and relocated to the Cape for one night in the middle of a work week. I’m back to work today, but with a refreshed mind. We settle into a pattern of familiarity…
For all the goals and strategic plans I’ve put together in my lifetime, I don’t believe it all led to a massive leap forward in fitness levels, or weight, or quota attainment, or some other goal I’ve had along the way. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a big believer in goals and working plans. But…
I’m in the middle of establishing a new habit loop that is embarrassingly easy at the moment. I set my alarm for 5:45 AM in case my internal alarm clock doesn’t work. When I get up I immediately get dressed in workout clothes, go downstairs and turn on the coffee maker. I pour myself 16…
“Routine is one of the most powerful tools for removing obstacles. Without routine, the pull of nonessential distractions will overpower us. But if we create a routine that enshrines the essentials, we will begin to execute them on autopilot.” – Greg McKeown I’m a big believer in established routines. Unfortunately I’ve got a lazy routine…
Resistance, Habits and Progress “We’re wounded by fearInjured in doubtI can lose myselfYou I can’t live without” – U2, Red Hill Mining Town Bono is singing about his relationship with God with those lyrics. I’m not inclined to embrace religion in the same way. I’m more pragmatic I guess. A higher power? A creator? I…
I’m pondering a pair of quotes from the stoics. They go well together of course; each a call to action. And these quotes also pair well with two books I’m reading right now. “Give yourself fully to your endeavors. Decide to construct your character through excellent actions and determine to pay the price of a…
Atomic Habits I’ve got a long history of pursuing audacious goals that eventually crash and burn either immediately after accomplishing them or somewhere along the road to getting there. I’ve rowed a million meters in support of a friend, and as soon as I’d accomplished it I walked away from the erg for months. I’ve…