Lilith_

I'm feeling great about how everything is going. I'm delightfully sore from starting a workout through FitXR, and I got things done yesterday. I work today, so my goal (per usual) is to get my 10k steps in which'll give my arms a chance to recover. I did some research about how weight may increase when starting a workout, so I'm ready for the bump up, and I'm going to try avoiding discouragement. Most useful article: https://www.sparkpeople.com/blog/blog.asp?post=why_the_scale_goes_up_when_you_start_a_new_workout_plan I spoke with a friend yesterday who was discussing their productivity progress, but when I mentioned my health progress in return, they fell silent. I think I shouldn't discuss my health goals or excitement with friends who are not aspiring to the same.

Intro Hello Everyone, I'm respawning here. In my own life, I'm basically rebooting everything, but only in manageable amounts. I've returned, because I'm excited about my progress. This has been my most successful run so far, but I've discovered something disappointing: no one in my life cares. It seems to annoy others when I speak of my excitement, and I recall this like-minded community being exceptional. I don't want my progress to cease, and I long to be a part of this community again. Thank you. Goals I'm overweight, but I'm losing 0.5 lbs daily. I've been sleeping half of my days away, but I'm nearly done cementing a consistent sleep cycle. I've been lethargic, but for the past two weeks, I'm exercising enough to burn 1k calories daily. My hygiene habits are improving, but there's more work to do. Life tasks are getting done more and more - it's only a slow trickle of improvement, and I want more.

Hello everyone! I am a returning player. I regret what time has gone by since my last participation, but I'm ready to respawn. I had a tidal wave of personal life trauma hit me all at once, and in the overwhelm, I had let my wellness go in order to focus on my one remaining HP. I'd like to explain my various trauma, then how I've let things go, and finally what I'd like to do to press New Game Plus. So, I'll keep this point as concise as possible lest I end up writing a short essay. The first thread that unraveled things for me is I began experience a religious change. This change began a phase a self discovery that resulted in breaking up my relationship. It's not that I didn't feel for the individual, it's just that the relationship wasn't good for me, so it was painful to make myself do it. I am now single for the first time since 2003. I'm experiencing a gender transition (from male to non-binary), and that allowed me to begin a sexual orientation transition (hetero to pan). Meanwhile, I'm attending school for a career change which will not only introduce a lot of new debt but may also require me to move away from my child altering the custody agreement in a less than ideal manner. The change is due to a job which is frankly toxic for me and causing a slow death, figuratively. I've had some roommates move in with me, but with how my internal world has been, I haven't been contributing around the house as much as they have which has caused some guilt. Meanwhile, all of my responsibilities are on life support threatening to die on me at any second (I feel), which causes the feeling of a total lack of control in my life. And so, I'm ready to learn how to reboot my life. I've been doing some research, and it sounds like it's going to take some reflection and organization. I could certainly use a guild to help me while I try to power level a new character. So my new game plus - this is my first step. To hopefully reach back into the world and find some manner of encouragement or support. I'm going to be doing some assessing of my current situation and what doesn't seem to be working. Then, I'll reflect on my values and goals. After, I'll be reimagining my level 60 as described in LUYL. Finally, I'm going to basically write a strategy guide on how I can get to level 60 and join in the NF challenge that will be starting next. I'll be creating a public journal and sticking a link in my profile and signature to keep me feeling accountable, so for those who are interested in my New Game Plus journey, it will be accessible. Wish me luck fellow adventurers.

Hello, I hope this is an acceptable place to post this. Through some reflection, I came to realize that I was no longer in love with my girlfriend, so I took 20 seconds of courage to just plow into the conversation. It was painful; I was emotionally over-killed with many lingering status ailments when I came back to life. There's so much guilt, self loathing, and fear when you're the one who has to end things. I feel like I basically just ruined her life, but I'm sure that's how everyone feels in this position. With the help of many friends (more than I thought would answer), I'm barely back up on my feet now and ready to continue my life, but I still feel a bit sick. Anyone have any advice for someone in my position? Some extra details, this was my first relationship since my divorce, and I jumped into it right at my divorce. I know - that's not a good idea - and now I can see why. She doesn't have a place to live now, so I offered to give her a lot of financial help (because of the guilt), because I still care about her, just not in a way that two people in love care about each other. :/

I see this is an old thread, but did you ever find anything for this? I am also looking for heart rate threshold alarms.

I feel guilty ducking out early, but I'd really like to get into planning the next challenge right now and maybe start early.

This past week was successful, and every day feels like it's getting more successful. I'm feeling like it might be time for a new kind of challenge even though this one hasn't ended yet. I've reached a point my quests were designed to take me to, and I feel like I'd be spinning my wheels if I continued. Brainstorming at this point. These goblins outside of town aren't going to level me any more. I think I understand what I need to do to make more fitting goals. I need a line to cross, not just a habit to keep up. I'm learning.

As the weekend passed, I got busy and forgot to perform a daily activity designed to lessen my anxiety and/or focus myself. I told my GF to take 20 dollars out of the envelope. Ooof. It was rough, but it's the only way I'm going to learn. Reflecting back, I see I wasted at least 10 hours, and I could have spent 5 minutes on such an activity no problem, so I wasn't that busy. Otherwise, I'm keeping up with everything I should be. I'm experimenting with routines, and once I get more results, I may be able to finalize that quest in the near future. My anxiety is lower overall due to various factors, so I might be able to jump back on the type of challenges I find more exciting next period. Woot! I can feel the EXP pouring in.

I totally killed it by the way. I've got everything freshly organized into a system I'm feeling comfortable with at the moment. It usually changes which is why I resisted this during my first challenge, but I think both extremes were not right for me. Now when I'm at work, I feel like I've got everything under control which has taken a load of anxiety off. Now I just need to keep my review process tidy so things stay that way. (I subscribe to the GTD methodology for the most part). This past weekend, I also build my mission statement including core values in order of priority and long term goals. Phew; that took some deep digging, but I nailed it. I'm still tweaking my system, especially at home, to be able to get a reasonable amount done. Tweaking and Reviewing are both important for me to keep things going. I'm ready to re-explore my nutrition plan today as well as my workout plan. Things are looking up for me in a big way.

I'm always looking for more party members. I'll send you a PM.

Today's the day I take down work anxiety. I have a Limit Break (sudden burst of energy, motivation, rage, determination, and clarity), and I'm going to kill it. Watch out - here comes Barret.

Task 1 - So here's what I'm going to do. I'm going to journal regularly; at least once per day. Task 2 - I'm going to either read some Buddhist literature, meditate, listen to a lecture, or listen to a hypnosis at least once per day. Task 3 - I'm going to build mission statements for all areas of my life so I have something of a targeting system for my efforts. This will be due by the end of the challenge. Task 4 - Plan routines for working out, eating to include some missing nutrients, working once I get to work, and being productive while also enjoying my time at home. It appears I planned on taking on Shinra without a good enough plan. This will help me to make a plan, and I hope to have some blueprints for taking them down next time.

Unfortunately, I'm going to need to restructure this challenge. I don't have the details yet, but I do know my anxiety is getting worse, and my anxious mind has been using the details of my challenge as ammunition. I feel like I'm cheating, but I'm going to have to reset this challenge period.

It sounds like you've got well thought-out goals and are not pushing yourself to a destructive extent. Good for you! I feel ya about eating whole containers of snacks. The below image has been me walking past the snack isle at the store while others in my household select chips or cookies: May your adventures be happy!

Thanks! For my goal, I just create a quick 5-minute Google Sheet and print it off. This time around it just has all 28 days on the left side, the targets I'm trying to hit at the top, then off to the right I list my frequencies so it's visible if I'm about to fall short. Plus with money on it, it really works.

Working on the setup, I've got lots of stuff in the calendar now. I feel like I should add more to it, but I'm refraining because I know I'm prone to getting burnt out with overload. I've got my sheet done too for tracking my challenge commitments.

Dang dude. You've got a lot going on in here already. You've totally got this, though. I'll be rooting you on from messenger per the usual. Keep killin' it!

Nice challenge! You did a great job with your first challenge, I'm sure you'll kick butt with this one too. I think it's real cool how your walking goal escalates each week. Way to be

For this challenge, I'm going to work towards proactively reclaiming certain areas of my life from anxiety. A little bit of background, I have severe anxiety which has been escalating despite my Buddhist attitude. I've begun taking medication for it which helps with the symptoms, but I like address root causes. I still plan to focus on fitness a bit, but the next boss battle in my life is getting control of the major areas. Quests: 1. Destroy the Reactor - get work under control 2. Cleanup the Slums - get the house cleaned up and under control 3. Learn to Use Materia - stay on top of homework and new skill development 4. Prepare for Battle - keep up with nutrition and fitness Since these quests aren't apparently actionable, the breakdown of each is as follows (with pictures and fun stuff ) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1. Destroy the Reactor ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Work has been overwhelming me which exacerbates my anxiety and leaves me feeling completed drained when I get home. I discovered this issue when trying to avoid switching productivity systems unnecessarily. This time, I'm going to carve out space to breath in my day by creating minimum requirements which allow me to relax and be proactive after their completion. I'm an IT worker. Below is my initial planned which is subject to change. Process 30 email. I call my inbox The Hydra. My plan is to alternate between reading my starred emails, the newest emails, and the oldest emails. The things in the middle will eventually get touched by one of those protocols. Spend 1 hour reviewing my tasks. This can include tagging them in a way that makes it more manageable, responding to some that are owed a response, breaking them down into smaller tasks, or simply reminding myself what all I have to do. Actions I decide to take will go to the calendar. Take 5 resolution actions per day. This can include examining an issue, troubleshooting it, ordering equipment for it, or whatever. This needs to include some high priority issues and some of the oldest issues. Take 2 project actions per day. This can include research, communication, reporting, or whatever. If no project is in my cross hairs, then a control project will be decided upon that will make my job easier. More can certainly be done, but after completing these tasks each day, I'm free to do absolutely anything I want whether that means cleaning up my office, playing with a new tech utility that might help, or otherwise. The parameter for my success will be the execution of my plan (including any modifications I've made to my plan) on a daily basis save for emergencies or scheduled events which prevents the execution of the plan. On top of a daily goal, the end of period goal will be to have a perfected plan that works every day, and to have a subjectively improved working experience. My backup protocol for this, should something get in my way or should I shutdown due to anxiety, is to complete 10 work actions or 8 work pomodoros. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2. Cleanup the slums - Part 1 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Because I'm so drained from anxiety at the end of the day, I typically spend my time at home recovering and often neglecting housework which in turn causes me its own brand of stress. By the end of this challenge, I want to have cleaned the house top to bottom while also maintaining the regular operational chores. Below is my action plan: Cleanup one sectors each week for a total of 4 sectors. I've labeled it part 1 because a cleanup job of this caliber requires more time than I can afford in one challenge period for all eight sectors. My sectors include: (1 Living Room, 2 Bedroom, 3 Kitchen, 4 Bathroom, 5 Office, 6 Daughter's Room, 7 Basement, 8 Garage and Yard). Weekly, I'll complete laundry once per week and complete the dishes as needed. (I drink two smoothies a day and have only four smoothie cups, so it'll probably be every other day). It's totally fine if I decide to get ahead, but I don't reckon I will. My parameters for success in part 1 will be that four sectors are cleaned. This include any scrubbing, vacuuming, furniture dusting, or window cleaning that could be executed in that room. That's why I'm only focusing on one sector per week. The parameter for my weekly success is that laundry is washed and put away each week, and that I do not run out of dishes (smoothie cups) during the week. My backup plan if the will is weak or time is limiting is to just keep clothes cleaned and the dishes functional, and for the sector of the week to be at least decluttered and cleaned at its fundamental level (e.g. bathroom has surfaces scrubbed, or living room has everything put away). ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 3. Learn to Use Materia ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Since reading Level Up Your Life and joining nerd fitness, I have my interest fingers in a lot of interest pies, and with each comes a time commitment. I'm also going back to school which requires time all on its own. My intention in this challenge is to create a routine structure that makes accomplishing all of my desires possible by dividing my time in a fair manner. My plan is as follows as is likewise subject to change: Complete 2 pomodoros a night on my interests (which may include researching smoothie recipes while watching TV with the family). My parameters for success will be to have completed those 2 pomodoros each night. My backup plan is to spent at least 1 pomodoro or to recover that pomodoro on a different day. Ultimately, I want to have a perfect routine built by the end of this challenge for my interests. For instance, every other Thursday night I spend playing Magic the Gathering with a new, local community. Every other Sunday I spar with a buddy. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 4. Prepare for Battle ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I do still want to make nutrition and fitness a priority since it gives me the strength I need to complete my daily tasks. Rather than pushing the bar this week, I just want to maintain it. My battle plan is: Workout 4 times a week. Each week must include both strength and cardio Maintain my calorie goal daily via logging Fitbit app The parameters for success will be the execution of this weekly goal. An S-class ranking here would be to exercise every day even a little bit. My backup plan for exercise will be to get in one strength and one cardio workout per week. My backup plan for nutrition will be to eat a known, calorie-safe food plan for the day instead of logging. At the end of the challenge, I'd like to have a strong workout routine defined. =========================================== It's a lot to take on, but I'm going to find an app that can accommodate routines to help push me along. The idea though is to keep things stupidly simple so I can give myself permission to just sit on my butt and veg out guilt free. I'm going to renew my accountability system where I have $100 in an envelope with each goal listed, and if I fail my goal, my girlfriend gets to take $25 out of it. It's been one of the top 3 things keeping me on track. Above this envelope is a stupidly simple list of my objectives with checkboxes for the progress bars.

I crossed the finish line today. My challenges are complete! Looking forward to the next period. Looking forward to trying a guild.

I am one workout away from completing my MA challenge, and I have under 10 meditations left. Some days I can crank out 4, so I think I'm in a good place with this challenge. Instead of switching systems this weekend, I dug deeper into the one I already had and made it more useful and comfortable. I'm cutting it close, but I'm going to make it!

Quest 1 - 10/15 Quest 2 - 20/40 Quest 3 - Still holding steady I have no complaints. Since completing my curling quest, I've diversified my workout which keeps it effective and interesting. I've learned I can even do some shadow boxing to practice my JKD form at work on break some days. I've got to pick up the pace a little on meditation, but since the target is just lowering my resistance to initiating it via an open amount of time, I don't foresee that being a problem. Heck, I could listen to guided meditations on the drive to and from work.

Thanks, Echocheanic. Perhaps an easier to achieve Plan B would be helpful. Maybe even one that could possibly lead me back to Plan A if the energy returned. I am referring to workouts. Truth be told, motivation for all things is low currently, but my workouts and challenges are especially a concern. Reflecting on the factors you've provided, I may have to research recovery to a greater depth. Thank you, TZ!

Quest 1 - 5/15 Quest 2 - 13/40 Quest 3 - Still holding steady I'm struggling with motivation. Trying to stay strong, but sometimes ya ask your body, "You ready?" and it just keeps saying, "No man - please don't make me." haha. I know discipline is a decision and not an internal energy level or something to be conquered with limited willpower, and I have money riding on my success. I've just been in a funk the last few days. Maybe I need a higher quality of recovery time? I'm not giving up - just sayin', the spirit is lower right now.

Duelly noted - tee hee. Alright, a PM is coming your way.