I got out of the hospital yesterday, and before that day was even over, I was snacking like I always have.
You would think that a hospital visit and health scare would be everything I need to get the wheels turning and make tracks. But I realize it’s not always enough.
There was a time, back in 2013, when it was definitely enough. I’d been in the hospital three or four times in the same year…something in my brain clicked, and I decided there and then that things would change…and they did…for almost 10 years.
Now, there is a mountain of apathy to overcome, so changing will have to come in much smaller doses. Make them small. Find some small, actionable items that will set me on the road to meet these goals.
I didn’t take the time to do that last week, but I want — honestly, I NEED — to do it now. Where else but in public?
1. Get Off My Phone
Goal: Down to 2.5 hours per day
- Turn off all notifications except text: this will ensure I’m not responding to buzzes and blips from my phone at odd intervals throughout the day.
- Put the phone out of your sight: when I’m watching a movie with the family or when I’m engaged in something creative that doesn’t require the phone, set it down in another room, so I’m less likely to get up and grab it.
- Use the Focus Friend app: this free little app gamifies getting off your phone. It locks down apps for up to two hours at a time, and lets you earn points to decorate rooms for your little bean avatar. It’s fun, and it works.
2. Get Creative Again
Goal 1: Write 500 words a day (Blog or journal)
Goal 2: Post three photos a week (Instagram)
- Schedule a time in the evening to write 500 words: consistency begets habit
- Schedule time during the day to take walks and shoot 3 photos a week: whether it’s a 15-minute breaktime walk or an hour at the park, make time during the day to take photos — to stop and look around. Posting 3 times on Insta will build in the accountability…and help me see if I’m progressing.
3. Lose 100 Pounds
- Set aside time during the evenings or weekends to cook whole food: if it’s scheduled, it’s more likely you’ll do it.
- Create a weekly recipe list: lean into recipes that don’t take much work and take 20 minutes or less to cook. Also, having a recipe list gives you a firm idea of what you’re eating for the week, and firms up your intention.
- Bring your lunch to work (including a fruit snack): eat whole foods to break your sugar addiction.
- Eat oatmeal for breakfast: I usually have a PB sandwich and a Coke Zero. Time to stop that, and start the day off right.
I’m falling asleep as I type this. Still on hospital hazy time, I guess.
I’ll tackle the last three goals tomorrow, but this is a decent start.
Photo by Clint McKoy on Unsplash
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