Changes for 2011

[vaneramos]

Here are a few ideas I'm considering for 6 Changes for 2011. I've learned from experience these must not be too time consuming. My life is already complicated. My purpose is not to become busier, but healthier and more effective in achieving the things I want. If anything this depends on simplicity, which is also consistent with the philosophy of Leo Babauta, creator of the 6 Changes method. So my main rule is: no time-consuming daily habits unless they replace or transform something I already do. I might even consider choosing less than six. Three months seems a better time-frame for harder objectives, allowing time to plan, implement, address challenges, permit distraction by the unforeseen, and build confidence in new routines. My ideas so far include:

• declutter
• read nightly instead of playing computer games to wind down before bed
• go to bed at 10:45
• learn PhotoShop
• assemble a cookbook
• seek publication (fiction, poetry, journalism)
• complete daily thought records
• meditate
• walk/exercise daily
• look after plants
• curb impulse spending
• something to improve communication or social networking

Comments

suggestion...

[blt4success66.livejournal.com]

I really like the stream of thought you're on for the coming year.

I assume you're a list-maker so here's something I would like to share with you.

Years ago Mary Kay Ash, of Mary Kay Cosmetics, suggested that you only plan 6 things a day. The reasoning behind it was that a person, on average, only completes 6 items on their to-do lists.

I assume that usually the norm is that someone will make a list much longer only to meet the end of day with frustration. Six must be better than half but not the overwhelming 10 itmes (or less) that most people strive for on a daily basis.

Anyhow, I would suggest if you're going to set a long-term goal, break it down to the ridiculous, daily goals to reach the big picture goals.

...and you already know this, my friend, forgive yourself if you don't do what you planned or reached your goal. You are such a sweet man, be gentle on yourself...a very dear friend recently reminded me to do the same. It's not easy but it's necessary.

HUGS!

Re: suggestion...

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Thanks, Paul. It's true, I'm too hard on myself sometimes, but the 6 Changes method has actually helped me achieve some essential changes, and I feel optimistic about the year ahead.

Sometimes I use lists to get things done, especially under duress when there are many things to do in a short period of time, but I can't sustain that. I'm more process-oriented than task-oriented.

I use lists, as in this case, to brainstorm. It draws ideas out of the ether and puts them into concrete form where I can stop worrying about them and prioritize. Some of the things on this list have been only in my head for the past year. Now it's time to figure out which ones matter the most, and choose the best timing for each of them.

The beauty of the 6 Changes method is that it allows me to focus on one single, simple, important change for a period of two months. It's about avoiding distractions. I don't need a list, because I concentrate on one task. It takes place at a certain time of day, or on a certain time of the week. It helps me to look forward to things, even those that frighten me initially.

It also allows me to honestly justify delay. It's worth putting off one project (e.g. my diet) while I concentrate on something equally important (e.g. my career). This is not procrastination; it is realistic. We all know if we try to fix too many things at once we might achieve short-term gain, but in the end it will likely collapse. Working on one thing at a time and giving myself a chance to grow confident and accustomed to the change has worked pretty well this year.

Just two of those things—dealing with credit card debt and starting to do some freelance work—are extrememly important things that have been on the back burner and caused continual anxiety for I don't know how many years. This year I did something about them.