Kalitraz contemplates consistency

[Kalitraz]

So I think that the next big step to leveling up every aspect of my life right now, is developing consistency. I am not proud of it but I am a total flake. I cancle on people ALL THE TIME! I want to be where I say I'll be, when I say I'll be there, having done what I said I'd do. that sounds like a quote I picked up somewhere but I cannot recall where I heard/saw it. I almost think it may have been last challenge round on someone elses thread. Sorry for not crediting you whoever you were.

 

Be where I say I'll be,: I tend to have great intentions and make plans, but then when it comes down to it the me then does not agree with the me that made the plans. I almost always enjoy the things if I actually go to them, but I tend to let the last remnants of my past social anxiety/agoraphobia get the better of me and not go often. I'm gonna try to take a lesson out of that Jim Carrey movie Yes Man and try to be a little better about being positive about plans all the way through from inception to completion. Say yes to the plans I made for myself. Maybe even hopefully boost my adventurer cred a little. 

 

When I say I'll be there,: I procrastinate and tend to run late to things. Not super late (if in that situation, I usually just don't go), but it happens enough that I think that I might be getting a reputation for being a little tardy. Not gonna focus super hard on this, as I feel that by improving the other areas of this challenge will also help with my punctuality. 

 

Having done what I said I'd do. Now that I work from home, I have been kinda blowing off some small work tasks. Never huge things, just little busy-work jobs that won't be missed, but I hate having them hang over me, especially when they start to pile up as they have been lately. I need to work out new habits/routines to stay on task at work and improve my productivity. Even when I am on task, I am less productive than I was at the office. I recently started a bullet journal and I really like having the tactile method of tracking tasks. Being able to hold it in my hands and having the write the things with a pen helps me remember much better than digital tracking. I think I'll continue this through the challenge and just observe its effects and determine if it is something that I will carry through or iterate upon. End goal is to be able to close my computer at the end of the day with no guilt, and no past-due tasks hanging over me. I don't have a great way to measure this but I'll think about some way to track change here. I also tend to procrastinate things outside of work, and will endeavor to more consistently get those done in a timely fashion too. 

 

As far as other challenge aspects. I am working on consistency. Not just in sticking to plans I make, but also sticking with my new habits. I felt I did pretty well laying the groundwork for my them last challenge, but I think that if I had been more consistent about the routine around them (i.e. alarm, walk, shower, brush teeth, start work instead of "oh well I guess I haven't walked yet today, might as well go now", or "I can still work out tomorrow and get enough in for the week") they would be habit already. I want to be much more strict about not missing workouts etc. this challenge. I am shooting for 75% compliance with the pre-established plan, so I can miss/reschedule 3 workouts during this 4 week challenge. I am going to do my workouts every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and walk a mile+ at least 4x a week. I'm also going to shoot for 75% completion of  my other daily chores/habits. This includes things like making my bed, logging food, dental hygiene, drinking enough water, journaling, and meditating among others.

 

One thing I think I can do to be better about these other parts of my life is to cut out some of the dead time I waste digitally. I have a bad habit of just becoming couch-locked after work sitting around watching tv, or bumming round on the internet all evening after work. I am finally free to use the computer how i want and I choose to waste that time? I still want to have access to my TV/computer as it is the primary way that I socialize (either with family sitting around and watching shows or keeping in contact with far-away friends) but I want to limit how much of it I consume. Hopefully doing so might actually help me make more local friends so I don't rely on the distant ones (which is good because things are a little rocky there right now anyway). 

 

The last thing is just a continuation of the diet. I have definitely felt tempted to just pig out on junkfood and I just want to make it an official part of my challenge for that last little bit of accountability to keep me on track. 

 

TLDR:

1. Cultivate integrity and productivity. Be where I said I'd be, when I said I'll be there, having done what I said I'd do. Make and follow through on 1 new adventure (really any sort of activity outside of the house will probably count) each week in addition to sticking with other pre-established plans. 
2. 75% of workouts completed on schedule. Monday, Wednesday, Friday.
3. 75% completion of other daily habits as tracked in Journal. (Will provide pics at the end)
   1. Meditate daily
   2. Make bed daily
   3. Dental Hygiene 2x daily
   4. Drink min of 3 liters of water daily
   5. 7+ hours of sleep nightly
4. Limit non-work screen time to less than 2 hours a day.  
5. Stick to paleo(ish) diet. No fast-food or soda!

 

I'll update when able, but I think a large portion of this challenge is going to happen on paper for me. Recaps and pics of the written challenge will be included with future updates (on that topic what's the best way to add pics without devouring all of the attachment space allotted by the forums?)

[Sylvaa]

So I love the fact that you recognize an area you can improve in and are centering your challenge around it! 

 

It totally makes sense not to update too regularly - especially if you want to take steps to limit screen time! I'll check in once a week to make sure you're sticking with us. 

 

59 minutes ago, Kalitraz said:

(on that topic what's the best way to add pics without devouring all of the attachment space allotted by the forums?)

 

This is totally a great question. What I started doing was using Tapatalk to add pictures on my phone, however after the update, I can't log in anymore.  If they fix that, I think that's the easiest (but I've had to be careful because Tapatalk with unfollow me from my own thread!

[Nadoriel]

~YEY!!! I'm following too ^^

 

I love that you're trying to reduce screen time ^^' I'm a bit addicted to my phone. I don't think I can live without it really. Well.. except on boring holidays.

 

I wish you well and good luck! ^^

[CallunaTook]

On 8/9/2017 at 5:19 PM, Kalitraz said:

Be where I say I'll be,: I tend to have great intentions and make plans, but then when it comes down to it the me then does not agree with the me that made the plans. I almost always enjoy the things if I actually go to them, but I tend to let the last remnants of my past social anxiety/agoraphobia get the better of me and not go often. I'm gonna try to take a lesson out of that Jim Carrey movie Yes Man and try to be a little better about being positive about plans all the way through from inception to completion. Say yes to the plans I made for myself. Maybe even hopefully boost my adventurer cred a little. 

 

I didn't see that movie, but I read the book. It was a fun, quick read and thoughtful; I loved it. Still think about it once in a while. I do recommend it, and I'll look for the movie. (Netflix? hope)

 

I totally understand the urge to hide in the cocoon and not go outside; I have done it myself. I am lucky that my husband has done an excellent job at encouraging me to be less of a hermit. I find that I will often complain and gripe and scowl about going out (and if he says, "Fine, don't go! Just quit complaining and stay home!" then the reverse psychology totally kicks in), but if I will just make myself go anyway because it's good for me, I find out there was nothing to get all worked up about. Last week you should have heard the fit I threw over going to a baseball game - I went anyway, we all had a great time, the boys were so sweet to not do any of that "I told you so" stuff because I would have been so embarrassed - and in retrospect I have no idea why I was being such a fuss budget; I love baseball. For some reason it is hard to catch myself in the act and tell myself 'shut up, you're over-reacting and being a baby!' But maybe if I just keep going, and keep doing stuff, it will get easier, and I'll get less fussy. I hope.  I just gotta keep doin' the thing. And it helps me to keep in mind that part of having friends is being a friend - not all friends can understand that I love them when I don't want to see them for 6 months at a time (I have lost some very dear relationships this way and it was a very hard lesson)! I have to be there for them, too, even if I'd sometimes rather be at home in the quiet. Friends go out of their comfort zone for each other sometimes. So I go. I know it is worth it.  I also have friends who went the other way, and the less they push that social envelope the harder it gets for them to pick up a phone or open their door, and the harder it gets for me to get past their bubble and keep being a good friend. 

 

I am not sure that I can offer much help and I understand that it is hard, but it is also very worthwhile. I admire that you are conscientious and plucky enough to see it and work on it, and I believe in you! You can find a way, and hopefully you will have fun in the process. Cuz we're Adventurers, and adventuring is fun!

 

These are  all some really impressive goals. You can do it! 

 

 

 

[WolfDreamer]

On 8/9/2017 at 6:19 PM, Kalitraz said:

As far as other challenge aspects. I am working on consistency

 

Very tough and powerful challenge. SO many people struggle with this. But I know you can do it. Let me know if I can help in any way.

[Kalitraz]

Well with the challenge starting tomorrow I think I'm going to be off to a great start! I'm leaving after work today for a 3 day camping trip in Glacier National Park!!! I'm super excited. I've been visiting MT all my life but have never been to Glacier! Start the challenge well on all points! #1, Following through on my adventure plan! #2, This trip won't interfere with workout plan, if anything it's a nice supplement. Lots of hiking planned! #3, I'll keep up with as many of my other daily habits as possible while out there. Shouldn't be a problem. #4 Limiting screen time shouldn't be a problem lol. And #5, diet: which is probably going to be the hardest to keep up with. I plan to take my fishing gear so maybe some fresh trout can supplement/replace the non-diet food options that we're gonna have. Anyone have suggestions for hardy trail/camping food that travels well for a couple days? I plan to get some fruit and nuts, but am trying to think of other things that'd be good to take.  Thanks and I'll check back in next week. Good luck to everyone starting their challenges tomorrow!

[CallunaTook]

That's awesome - I look forward to seeing how your trip went!  It's gonna be great, I know it. 

 

Adventure Time!

 

[Kalitraz]

Glacier park was incredible!!!! if you ever get a chance to see it in your life I cannot recommend it highly enough. It was even smoky from summer forest fires (late summer in MT is usually just smoky regardless), but the views were still just breathtaking. THe weekend consisted of about 20 miles of hikes, 190 floors climbed (according to fitbit), jumping into glacial waterfalls, seeing big horn sheep and mountain goats within 5 feet of each other and a couple herds of each, a giant golden eagle, a mink and lots of incredible memories. I want to go back very soon!

 

 Challenge was so-so.

1. Definitively followed through on my adventure!

2. First scheduled workout is today and I'm already dealing with serious DOMS from the weekend lol. 

3. My 'Other Habits' went well. I meditated each day (and OMG. the views! the waterfalls! the mountain tops whipped by the wind. It was incredible), making bed is tricky but I rearranged my sleeping bag nicely lol,  brushed teeth  while I was there, drank easily 3 liters of water a day if not double. 7 hours of sleep was a little tricky but I think I came in pretty close to 7 hours. I wasn't tracking it super close. 

4. Yeah, I was totally off the grid. Mission accomplished. 

5. I didn't eat very well on the trip. Tried to stick to almonds, jerky, and dried fruits for my trail mix, but ended up eating a couple sandwiches, a burger, and drinking a Dr. Pepper and Cappuccino (bad because dairy) as well. The drinks were for the drive home as I was quite tired and still had 3 hours on the road ahead of me. 

 

I will post again this afternoon or tomorrow with pics of the trip and confirmation that I met my workout schedule today. 

[SageAndRage]

On 8/9/2017 at 5:19 PM, Kalitraz said:

Having done what I said I'd do. Now that I work from home, I have been kinda blowing off some small work tasks. Never huge things, just little busy-work jobs that won't be missed, but I hate having them hang over me, especially when they start to pile up as they have been lately. I need to work out new habits/routines to stay on task at work and improve my productivity. Even when I am on task, I am less productive than I was at the office. I recently started a bullet journal and I really like having the tactile method of tracking tasks. Being able to hold it in my hands and having the write the things with a pen helps me remember much better than digital tracking. I think I'll continue this through the challenge and just observe its effects and determine if it is something that I will carry through or iterate upon. End goal is to be able to close my computer at the end of the day with no guilt, and no past-due tasks hanging over me. I don't have a great way to measure this but I'll think about some way to track change here. I also tend to procrastinate things outside of work, and will endeavor to more consistently get those done in a timely fashion too. 

 

So...I found the absolute best way for me to do this, if it works for you, is to write down with pen and paper at the beginning of the day all of the things I need to get done. I then go through and mark the top 3 and do them first. Also, I keep my lists in a notebook, and if something has been on my list for more than 3 days and IS NOT a long term project, I immediately give it first priority. I also give myself the rule that once I start a task, I complete it to the furthest point I can, because if I skip around less gets done. 

I've tweaked this more and more over time (now I print off a trifold weekly agenda from outlook so I have my appointments and my hourly, I list my tasks in the middle, and track my time on the left, and can see my full week on the right). But I've been able to measure how much I've gotten done looking back at my lists. Also, if you (like me) have some things that HAVE to get done a certain day or that day, mark it, and don't quit until it's done. 

 

This is just what works for me. Listing SEEMS like it takes a lot of time at first, but the amount of time and brain space it saves you in the long run, and the tracking benefits, are well worth it in my my opinion. Also, crossing things off a list gives me a major boost. And ending the day with a long list when I haven't completed much else pushes me harder. 

[CallunaTook]

Glacier park sounds beautiful. I'm glad you had a good time, and good job meeting your goals even while you were on vacation/travel status!

 

 

[Kalitraz]

Been having a pretty rough week. Barely getting anything done. My "workouts" if you can call them that have been pathetic. 30 pushups and squats is all I managed Mon/Wed and probably today. The scheduled plan for this week fell through, but not because of me. The 2 people I was going with canceled this time. The theater here was showing spirited away and we were going to go see it. Next week they are showing Howel's Moving Castle and I hope to see that and the week after that is Princess Mononoke. Should be fun. It's been like 6 years since I watched these movies. I remember enjoying them but not that many details. Meh. I weighed in yesterday at 261. I am on call for work this week so it really limits what I can go out and do, but I'll try to find something. Been eating fairly well and mostly keeping up with habits. Not as well as I'd like. Ok honestly its about 50/50 this week. My head just isn't in the game. Gonna try and shake it off this weekend and come back strong Monday.

[CallunaTook]

Good luck!  Sorry your plans fell through. I understand it is not as much fun to see a movie alone, but it might be nice if you feel like getting out. I love Howel's Moving Castle! That one was so cute. 

 

I can't even do one push up, so you sound pretty strong to me!  :-D  It's great that you are keeping up with that even though you don't feel like it. I'm sure it will help you maintain your strength for the times when you feel more up to par. 

 

Here's to hoping next week will be better. 

[Nadoriel]

I second what @CallunaTook said! I also can't do a proper pushup, let alone 30 xD it's better to do something than nothing at all!

 

Either way, do your best until you feel 100% into it ^^ hope you feel better soon!

 

Also, watching movies alone is not a bad thing!! I always do that xD The ones my boyfriend doesn't like at least ^^

[Kalitraz]

Well today is special for 2 reasons. Well probably lots of more reasons than that. Today is essentially 2 months since I started and I have lost 40 lbs since then. I've fallen through on my challenge this time in the spirit of what I started. I have not been consistent at all, but I feel pretty accomplished in other ways. I am not going to give myself a grade on this one or probably post any more updates in this thread. My avoidance of screen time has really taken hold and I've not been on the computer much (outside work) this whole challenge. My workouts are still pathetic and inconsistent sadly will keep working on this. Other habits are doing well in that they are actually almost habits now. Still a little work needed, but alot of it is becoming routine. Eating habits have been less than amazing, but still trending towards healthy. My trip to Portland that I just got back from (spontaneous adventure! Check!) had some unfortunate meals, but was a blast regardless. We went crabbing and limited out. That meal was on target lol. Just ate fresh crab till I was stuffed lol. I'm gonna try to figure out how to add more images and post my 2 month progress pic. I'm definitely seeing changes and feelign it too. 

[CallunaTook]

Congratulations on your 2 month anniversary!

[MissoulaSquatch]

Hey, I keep forgetting to come back here and check on your progress.  Don't worry about inconsistencies here and there, they are going to happen.  You're making a ton of changes to your lifestyle and routine, and it's going to take some time for things to take hold.  If you're really struggling, I'd suggest simplifying what you're trying to do until you find a rate of change that works better for you.

So, a little fun fact about the challenges, they actually used to be 6 weeks and that wasn't a randomly chosen number.  Lots of studies show that 6 weeks is the amount of time it takes for us to start dropping old habits and start developing new habits.  The original idea around these challenges was to help people make methodical and positive changes to their lives, and once those changes took hold they would start on the next round.  Unfortunately some people were a bit ocd about the number of weeks and it was shortened to 4 so people could make a new challenge every month.  But the basic premise is still there, this is about habit building.  And if you're having trouble building these new habits, something needs to give.

As far as workouts go..I just missed 6 workouts at the gym in a row, I had a bad mental health week last week and I was laid up the start of this week recovering from a 19 mile hike on Sunday..and I'm fine with missing them.  Things happen.  I just need to take the necessary steps to make sure I'm back in the gym on Thursday when my workouts resume again (I still take rest days on rest days even after missing workouts).

If you're on Facebook, you should join my group Missoula Adventure Crew, we use FB as more of our social side of things and there are always social activities being posted.  Generally speaking, the people in that group and the friends I've made there are pretty healthy and active and I've noticed how much of a positive impact being around them has on my health and activity levels even outside of the hiking.

Keep at it!

[Kalitraz]

Coming back to remind myself what didn't work. The irony that I flaked out on the 'Consistency' challenge is not lost on me. Anyone who followed along back then, thank you for the support and sorry for not following through. I did continue to use the NF resources to go on to lose 100lbs in just over a year (stupid 2 weeks over, I was soooo close). Have since backslid a bit health wise and returned for a new challenge and to surround myself with the support of all you rebels! Sorry to ping anyone following this 6 year old thread