[Rebel Pilot Gar]

Hey all happy almost new year. I've become more consistently inconsistent with my routines and want to get back to a healthier one. May will mark my 10 year anniversary on these forums too, so that's fun.

 

So here's my plan for the first challenge. Going to keep it very basic with the goal of building on each of these items as the year progresses.

 

1) Build a morning exercise habit by using stationary bike for at least 5 minutes daily

• How: Wake up, start coffee, hop on bike, shower
• Goal: at least 5 days/week
• "Big Why": Keeping a consistent exercise routine helps me feel less stressed and anxious. Working out first thing after waking up is ideal to help me feel successful and avoid guilt of missing workouts because "something came up" during the day.

 

2) Save money by reducing alcohol consumption

• How: No drinking alcohol at home. Okay to have 1 with dinner if we go out or a special occasion at home (anniversary), but this allowance is limited to Friday, Saturday, or Sunday.
• How part 2: Having water, flavored seltzer and herbal tea available as alternate option.
• Goal: at least 4 dry days/week
• "Big Why": Continuing to save up to buy a house. (Honestly we have enough, just waiting to find the right house for the right price, but additional money saved is never a bad thing)

 

3) Prepare for eventual move by decluttering

• How: Dedicate 15 mins to declutter / clean a specific area of the house (ex: Kitchen table, specific dresser drawer, specific shelf on bookcase, etc.)
• Goal: at least two 15 min sessions/week
• "Big Why": Preparing for future house. Just because we haven't found one yet doesn't mean we need to wait until last minute to clean our current home.

 

Week 1 Results

Week 2 Results

Week 3 Results

Week 4 Results

[starpuck]

Oooh I love how you broke down your goals into two part how's.  VERY cool.

I am in the same boat of right house at right price.  Just add in a butt load of scaredy cat to my formula to boot.

 

[Rebel Pilot Gar]

1 hour ago, Starpuck said:

Oooh I love how you broke down your goals into two part how's.  VERY cool.

I am in the same boat of right house at right price.  Just add in a butt load of scaredy cat to my formula to boot.

 

Thank you!

These are all goals I have played with in the past... I am very much hoping the reminder of WHY these specific activities are important will help me keep to the plan. (Plus setting realistic expectations to build a good base for future awesomeness rather than the usual motivation crash). Guess we will see how well it works out.

 

Trust me, there's a lot of nervousness on my end. We currently rent, so this would be first house and all the details are quite intimidating. Luckily my partner and I are pretty much on the same page on what we're looking for -- so we're mostly able to bounce thoughts and feels off each other without adding to the stress.

 

Good luck in your home searching!

[Harriet]

11 hours ago, Rebel Pilot Gar said:

Thank you!

These are all goals I have played with in the past... I am very much hoping the reminder of WHY these specific activities are important will help me keep to the plan. (Plus setting realistic expectations to build a good base for future awesomeness rather than the usual motivation crash). Guess we will see how well it works out.

 

I  think having the big whys there is great. I always get sidetracked if I forget my guiding whys. Good luck cutting down the alcohol. It can feel very freeing not to have the habit any more, in my recent experience.

[Alanna]

Hello again! I will be following along - I'm also working on my routine this challenge  

 

My partner and I are searching for our first house, too - we have found a few, but unfortunately we've always had several other buyers decide that they want the same house 🙄. Good luck with your search and decluttering prep! 

[fearless 2.0]

well planned! good challenge goals! yay!

I feel you with the drinking .. hehee

exited to follow along.... 

[Rebel Pilot Gar]

15 hours ago, Harriet said:

 

I  think having the big whys there is great. I always get sidetracked if I forget my guiding whys. Good luck cutting down the alcohol. It can feel very freeing not to have the habit any more, in my recent experience.

Thank you! 
 

5 hours ago, Alanna said:

Hello again! I will be following along - I'm also working on my routine this challenge  

 

My partner and I are searching for our first house, too - we have found a few, but unfortunately we've always had several other buyers decide that they want the same house 🙄. Good luck with your search and decluttering prep! 

Hello and thanks for stopping in 

 

Oh yeah the one or two we made offers on were like that too. It’s quite frustrating. Thanks and good luck in your continued search also!

 

3 hours ago, fearless 2.0 said:

well planned! good challenge goals! yay!

I feel you with the drinking .. hehee

exited to follow along.... 

Thank you  

Ah the drinking habit. Had been doing well minimizing it for a while and kept slipping back during Covid. Time to work my way to a new, healthier balance. For both me and my wallet 😅

[shaar]

As someone who has moved twice within the past year - that decluttering goal is GOLD!  Future You is gonna thank you so so much!

 

Here for support and sometimes a CAPS LOCK cheer! \o/

[Rebel Pilot Gar]

53 minutes ago, shaar said:

As someone who has moved twice within the past year - that decluttering goal is GOLD!  Future You is gonna thank you so so much!

 

Here for support and sometimes a CAPS LOCK cheer! \o/

I am screenshotting this as a reminder for when I really don’t want to clean lol.

[fearless 2.0]

I minimized down to where I can move with just a medium sprinter. It takes so much stress away!! go you!!!!!!!  

[Asha Phoenix]

Following. And right there with you with house hunting! Good luck on the decluttering.

[Rebel Pilot Gar]

On 12/29/2021 at 12:13 PM, fearless 2.0 said:

I minimized down to where I can move with just a medium sprinter. It takes so much stress away!! go you!!!!!!!  

Amazed and inspired. Perhaps I will get to that point. Right now planning to start with clothing -- because it amazes me how both my clean clothes storage AND dirty laundry can be overflowing at the same time. So obviously there is an opportunity there....

 

((Then books because I need to be realistic in what I will  actually read (or re-read) versus what is better off going to a new home that will appreciate the story more))

 

On 12/30/2021 at 3:02 PM, Asha Phoenix said:

Following. And right there with you with house hunting! Good luck on the decluttering.

Thank you!

[Rebel Pilot Gar]

Happy New Year (or soon to be New Year) all! Despite working this week I have completely lost track of what day of the week it is.

 

 

We changed our holiday plans to staying at home because there is an uptick of covid cases in our area, and chances I may have been exposed at work this week. Spoilers for Covid brain dump

 

Spoiler

Even though I haven't had close contact to my knowledge, and that I wear my mask except when eating/drinking + other recommended hygiene best practices I honestly don't trust that I haven't been exposed based on # people out from work after testing positive . Maybe it's just anxiety, but there also aren't at-home test kits available in our area. And even though we have no symptoms.... I don't want to take the chance of spreading it to friends/family if we have in fact been exposed.

 

IDK - It's tough. I feel like it's the right, socially conscious decision. But also... We spent Christmas with my family and haven't seen the BF's family yet, haven't seen much of our friends. Were supposed to do both this weekend but.... his Mum has different health things that make us extra worried about exposing her even though we're all vaccinated. BF works from home exclusively so I'm our primary exposure risk. So its "my fault" if we do get exposed (in my mind, that is. Not that BF is actively blaming me. If he mentally is, he's been awesome enough not to say it to me directly.) So yeah, while I think we made the RIGHT decision. It's still a tough one and I feel guilty about it.

 

[Alanna]

Happy new year!

 

Spoiler

It's understandable to feel sad about changing plans and missing out on time with friends/family, but I think the precautions are warranted and not just anxiety - Omicron spreads ridiculously easily and is also changing our definition of "fully vaccinated" since a booster dose is needed for good protection from severe symptoms. Vaccines reduce but don't stop spread, too, so unfortunately your vaccination status doesn't fully protect others. I'm glad your partner is on the same page as you and understands that your different exposure profile isn't your fault! I hope you can safely visit his family soon for a belated celebration  

 

[Harriet]

On 12/31/2021 at 10:51 PM, Rebel Pilot Gar said:

Happy New Year (or soon to be New Year) all! Despite working this week I have completely lost track of what day of the week it is.

 

 

We changed our holiday plans to staying at home because there is an uptick of covid cases in our area, and chances I may have been exposed at work this week. Spoilers for Covid brain dump

 

 

Happy new year! I'm sorry about the change of plans. Covid is just worrying in an ongoing way, isn't it? sigh.

[shaar]

On 12/31/2021 at 4:51 PM, Rebel Pilot Gar said:

 

We changed our holiday plans to staying at home because there is an uptick of covid cases in our area, and chances I may have been exposed at work this week. Spoilers for Covid brain dump

 

  Hide contents

Even though I haven't had close contact to my knowledge, and that I wear my mask except when eating/drinking + other recommended hygiene best practices I honestly don't trust that I haven't been exposed based on # people out from work after testing positive . Maybe it's just anxiety, but there also aren't at-home test kits available in our area. And even though we have no symptoms.... I don't want to take the chance of spreading it to friends/family if we have in fact been exposed.

 

IDK - It's tough. I feel like it's the right, socially conscious decision. But also... We spent Christmas with my family and haven't seen the BF's family yet, haven't seen much of our friends. Were supposed to do both this weekend but.... his Mum has different health things that make us extra worried about exposing her even though we're all vaccinated. BF works from home exclusively so I'm our primary exposure risk. So its "my fault" if we do get exposed (in my mind, that is. Not that BF is actively blaming me. If he mentally is, he's been awesome enough not to say it to me directly.) So yeah, while I think we made the RIGHT decision. It's still a tough one and I feel guilty about it.

 

 

 

❤️

 

Spoiler

Ugghhh I am right there with you... no at home tests to be found ANYWHERE, usually we can order curbside from a Walgreens or something but they're not doing that because stock is so low, so your only option is to... drive around and look.... yeah, that'll stop the spread of covid.    It sucks out loud but I'm glad you made the smart choice, but you're totally right, there is a lot of guilt around these decisions. There's no easy answer and it's scary out there.  Stay safe and well~ ❤️ 

 

[Rebel Pilot Gar]

On 1/1/2022 at 8:30 AM, Alanna said:

It's understandable to feel sad about changing plans and missing out on time with friends/family, but I think the precautions are warranted and not just anxiety

5 hours ago, Harriet said:

Happy new year! I'm sorry about the change of plans. Covid is just worrying in an ongoing way, isn't it? sigh.

 

1 hour ago, shaar said:

There's no easy answer and it's scary out there.  Stay safe and well~ ❤️ 

Thanks all ~ ❤️

I appreciate the support, and feeling better about our decision. Hope everyone all stays safe and well also.

 

[Rebel Pilot Gar]

Week 1 Tracker:

 

1) Build a morning exercise habit by using stationary bike for at least 5 minutes daily
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜🟩⬜

2) Save money by reducing alcohol consumption
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

3) Prepare for eventual move by decluttering

🟩🟩

[Rebel Pilot Gar]

Day 1 went well, and I've even knocked out the workout already for day 2. Still on holiday (going back to work tomorrow) so hoping to get the second 15 min cleaning session done today -- then any other decluttering this week is a bonus.

 

Honest admittance for Dry January -- I did have a couple drinks on the 1st. But I successfully avoided drinking yesterday!

 

Based on my experience yesterday, the cravings aren't a physical need as much as they are habit. The toughest moment was coming in from evening doggy playtime/walk when I sat on the couch and loaded up Witcher 3 on the Playstation. Probably took about an hour for the feeling of wanting a beer to pass. Then I was fine for the rest of the night. Today I'm expecting similar feeling to yesterday. Interested to see if tomorrow is different since I'll be back in work on my normal schedule.

 

[Alanna]

12 minutes ago, Rebel Pilot Gar said:

Day 1 went well, and I've even knocked out the workout already for day 2. Still on holiday (going back to work tomorrow) so hoping to get the second 15 min cleaning session done today -- then any other decluttering this week is a bonus.

 

 

Good plan! What are you planning to declutter today?

 

12 minutes ago, Rebel Pilot Gar said:

Based on my experience yesterday, the cravings aren't a physical need as much as they are habit. The toughest moment was coming in from evening doggy playtime/walk when I sat on the couch and loaded up Witcher 3 on the Playstation. Probably took about an hour for the feeling of wanting a beer to pass. Then I was fine for the rest of the night. Today I'm expecting similar feeling to yesterday. Interested to see if tomorrow is different since I'll be back in work on my normal schedule.

 

 

Really interesting how environmental cues work like that. Maybe try substituting the beer with a different non-alcoholic drink? At least you know which times are toughest so you can mentally prepare for them!

[Mistr]

I like your nice clear goals.

 

Decluttering is near and dear to my heart. We did not manage to get rid of all our old stuff before moving into this house. It eventually got to the point where we did not have time for another trip to the donation center, so we just moved stuff. That was nine years ago. The garage still has stacks of boxes full of things we obviously can live without, but have not taken the time to sort. When my mom moved into a senior apartment, there were still two big tubs of stuff in her basement that my dad packed from their first house, 35 years earlier.

 

You are warned, and can avoid this trap.

[Rebel Pilot Gar]

3 hours ago, Alanna said:

 

Good plan! What are you planning to declutter today?

 

 

Really interesting how environmental cues work like that. Maybe try substituting the beer with a different non-alcoholic drink? At least you know which times are toughest so you can mentally prepare for them!

I decluttered the kitchen today - specifically the canned food/condiments/spices for stale and expired items. Was still feeling motivated so I also cleaned and oiled our wood utensils and cutting board because they were very much in need of some hydration. 
 

Thanks! So far I am substituting seltzer and herbal tea. It does help that I don’t have anything at home, so i would need to go to the store. 
 

2 hours ago, Mistr said:

I like your nice clear goals.

 

Decluttering is near and dear to my heart. We did not manage to get rid of all our old stuff before moving into this house. It eventually got to the point where we did not have time for another trip to the donation center, so we just moved stuff. That was nine years ago. The garage still has stacks of boxes full of things we obviously can live without, but have not taken the time to sort. When my mom moved into a senior apartment, there were still two big tubs of stuff in her basement that my dad packed from their first house, 35 years earlier.

 

You are warned, and can avoid this trap.

Thank you!

 

Oh I would definitely fall into that trap - honestly I probably have a box or 2 from university… nearly 8 years ago. I appreciate the warning (and reminder that those boxes exist and to go through them in the near future)

[Alanna]

6 minutes ago, Rebel Pilot Gar said:

I decluttered the kitchen today - specifically the canned food/condiments/spices for stale and expired items. Was still feeling motivated so I also cleaned and oiled our wood utensils and cutting board because they were very much in need of some hydration. 

 

That's a good job to tackle before moving! Now that you know what's in your pantry, it's also easier to use up more of it before moving. 

 

7 minutes ago, Rebel Pilot Gar said:

Thanks! So far I am substituting seltzer and herbal tea. It does help that I don’t have anything at home, so i would need to go to the store. 

 

Removing forbidden drinks helps a lot. I hope you enjoy the new tea routine in its place! 

[shaar]

19 hours ago, Rebel Pilot Gar said:

 

Based on my experience yesterday, the cravings aren't a physical need as much as they are habit. The toughest moment was coming in from evening doggy playtime/walk when I sat on the couch and loaded up Witcher 3 on the Playstation. Probably took about an hour for the feeling of wanting a beer to pass. 

 

 

Totally similar experiences here. At the end of a long day, sitting down in front of the TV to game a little and have a drink to chill out. Definitely a habit and it's definitely taking some time for it to pass here too.  It is nice though, to be able to be mindful and notice these things!!

 

16 hours ago, Rebel Pilot Gar said:

 

Thanks! So far I am substituting seltzer and herbal tea. It does help that I don’t have anything at home, so i would need to go to the store. 
 

 

Yesss good, nothing in the house is a HUGE help! When I used to take care of my mom she would always have alcohol available - and of course it enabled me and was that much harder to say no.  Now that I'd have to leave to go to the store, there's that other extra layer of resistance there and it helps.

 

YOU ARE DOING AMAZING!!

[athousandwords]

Love the goals, love the format, love the tracker! Such a great start to the year - I'll be following along!