Chanda: Banishing Chaos!

[Chanda]

Chanda the Druid walks into the forrest clearing. The dawn has not yet come, around her all is dark and quiet. Chanda adjusts her shoulders and arms, feeling slightly uncomfortable in her new Level 2 robes. Greater deeds are now expected of her. She settles into a standing meditation pose and looks inwards. Her mind slows down and she looks deeper, letting images float by, acknowledging each image as it comes then letting it go. Soon the image she is looking for starts to form. She sees herself in a far away place, wearing unfamiliar clothes. She is sitting at a table working with a strange device. Chanda can see words on the flat surface in front of her. More words appear on the surface when she touches the rectangular device with her fingers, making clicking sounds. She starts to read...

Dictionary.com defines chaos as "a state of utter confusion or disorder; a total lack of organization or order". For me, Banishing Chaos means getting organized. It means decluttering on all areas: material stuff, emotional, unnecessary tasks, body fat, etc. It means having a plan and sticking to it, while remaining flexible to adapt the plan when circumstances change. It means being more efficient, healthier, relaxed, happier and attentive to my surroundings and the people in my life. This is a life long quest. This challenge is laying out some good starting habits. Habits that will constantly evolve and adapt to meet the demands of my life.

“We are what we repeatedly do; excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.†— Aristotle

My first challenge taught me that it’s the small things done consistently that add up to deliver awesome results. I already knew this in theory but experiencing it myself was a real eye opener. For this challenge I am going to build up on what I started in the first challenge. I want to train myself to spend time each day doing the small things until they become automatic. When I master doing the small daily tasks and they become a habit in my life… Chaos will be banished. In the future, when Chaos does show up, as it inevitably does, I will be ready to deal with it and move on. Best of all, I will have more time to pursue the things that really matter in life!

With the last challenge I broke free from Chaos. With this challenge I intend to banish Chaos from my life!

Enough talk… onto the goal definition:

First the 3 fitness goals. These are similar to the goals from the last challenge. Except that I am taking them up several notches and right into the next level.

1. Fuel: food & drink (CON:+3)

WHY: My body must have enough good fuel to perform.

HOW:

• Average calorie intake to be within 1750 to 1850. The target calorie intake for my target weight at current level of activity is 1800, set between light to moderate level of activity, closer to light. I reserve the right to adjust the target calorie intake during the challenge if one of 3 things happens: I find myself exercising much more than planned, lean mass starts dropping or fat mass starts increasing.
  
• Drink an additional liter of water per day (average to be 0.9l or higher). I already drink at least 1 liter of fluids per day (with meals and tea) but I often forget to drink water between meals.

Scoring: F: 0-9 days done, E: 10-19 days done, D: 20-29 days done, C: over 30 days done (CON:+1), B: at least 35 days done and either calorie or fluid intake within target range (CON:+2), A: at least 35 days done and both average calorie and fluid intake within target range (CON:+3).

2. Mental Strength (DEX: +1, WIS: +1, CHA: +1)

WHY: I am often too tired to think clearly, even my reaction times are slow (both physical and mental).

HOW:

• Go to bed by 11:15PM. With little kids, this may be outside of my control. Plus its possible I will be up a bit later some nights trying to keep up with the other goals. Therefore, I am only asking for 30 days for this goal.
  
• Explore sitting/zazen meditation (just sit and breath). Practice at least 15 times for 7 min each time to count.
  
• Explore mindfulness in everyday tasks. Practice at least 15 times for 7 min each time to count.

Scoring: F: 0-9 days done, E: 10-19 days done, D: 20-29 days done, C: over 30 days done (DEX:+1), B: at least 30 days done and 1 type of meditation explored (DEX: +1, CHA: +1), A: at least 30 days done and 2 types of meditation explored (DEX: +1, WIS: +1, CHA: +1).

3. Strong Body (STR: +2, STA: +2)

WHY: I am demanding more from myself. In order to get it done I need to make sure my body is a lean mean fighting machine.

HOW:

• Exercise on average 140min per week. More is allowed but not expected.
  
• Do 12 x BBWWO and/or Strength training workouts throughout the 6 weeks of the challenge
  
• Do 12 x 30min workouts (can be anything in any combination: yoga/tai chi/mobility/walk/cardio/endurance/interval/etc) throughout the 6 weeks of the challenge.

Scoring: F: 1 week done, E: 2 weeks done, D: 3 weeks done, C: 4 weeks done (STR +1), B: 5 weeks done and 15 of the planned workouts done (STR: +1, STA: +1), A: 6 weeks done and 20 of the planned workouts done (STR: +2, STA: +2).

4. LIFE: Banishing Chaos (DEX: +2, CHA: +1, WIS: +2)

The life goal is completely difference from the last one and set up around mastering the daily habits. These are my arsenal against Chaos.

WHY: Chaos is in my life because of 2 reasons: 1. I procrastinate and 2. I don’t do the small things consistently. Time to change that!

HOW: Do the following items regularly. It doesn’t have to take long, just make sure its done! Time spent on it/quality/content are not being assessed unless otherwise specified.

• Hotspot Patrol (morning is a must, afternoon and evening are optional). This means a quick look through the house and putting things back in their place. In the morning, it also means washing the milk bottles and making the beds. (43 possible)
  
• ToDo list at home and/or work. This is my normal todo list. Its where the majority of my time is spent. For a day to count as done: either finish the 3 MITs (most important tasks) or do at least half the items on the todo list. Unless there is some major crisis. In that case re-prioritize and face the crisis head on to count the day as done. (43 possible)
  
• Time for Family. Daily time with my daughters and my husband is a must. A single special moment, taking the time to answer a question fully, do something special for daughter/husband… anything counts. (43 possible)
  
• Regular contact with other family and friends. Contact someone on average 4 times per week. Contact can take any form: phone/online/in person/write/etc. (24 possible)
  
• Laundry as needed (make sure laundry is done/folded/put away regularly). No more than 2 loads needing to be done or folded at any one time due to negligence on my part (43 possible)
  
• Kitchen is clean at the end of each day (includes washing evening bottles and wiping dining table). (43 possible)
  
• Maintenance. This means doing 15min to maintain the current status in any area – can be anything but mostly its house-keeping. (43 possible)
  
• Progress or work on Special Project, on average 4 times per week. This means doing 15min to make progress in any area or to work on a special project. Progress is things like decluttering/organizing/improving any area. Special Project are activities like for example preparing for Christmas, participation in the NF challenges, planning a road trip, etc. (24 possible)
  
• Prepare for tomorrow. This is things like checking/updating the todo list, laying out clothes for tomorrow, packing bags, collecting whatever is needed for the next day. (43 possible)
  
• Quality Me Time at least 4 times per week. This is when I take the time to do something I really enjoy and to be fully present while doing it: learn, read, stitch, design, watch TV, self care, etc. (24 possible)
  
• Reflect/review/Journal/Report on average 4 times per week. This means check how I am doing, log my progress and report about it regularly. (24 possible)

You'll notice this list has more than just the small things. There are things I consider as being mandatory... family, work, friends, quality me time, etc. A clean home and organized life is worthless if I neglect the important things in the process.

Scoring: F: less than 49% done, E: 50 to 59% done, D: 60 to 69% done, C: 70 to 100% done (DEX: +1), B: 75 to 100% done and at least a C on each individual task (DEX: +1, CHA: +1, WIS: +1), A: 80 to 100% done and at least a C on each individual item (DEX: +2, CHA: +1, WIS: +2).

The Challenge: I am a master at starting things… staying consistent is one of my biggest weaknesses. In order to succeed with this challenge I must break habits built over a lifetime. I need to be consistent with my efforts for the complete 6 weeks, the goals are defined in such a way that I cannot just “catch up†at the last minute. I will seriously have to reduce the time I spend online (oh the horror!!!!) and will have to focus on getting the important stuff done first.

RESULTS: I am already defining what attributes get awarded for each score. I don’t like fractions. My scoring is set stricter than spezzy´s definition. I start earning points only from C and up. There are no fractions of a point, its 1/2/3/4 or nothing! Also I only level up if I achieve an overall B or better.

I am weighing myself and taking measurements roughly every 2 weeks. For this challenge the dates are: 19.Nov, 4.Dec, 19.Dec., give or take a few days. I will report status 3 to 4 times weekly and do a big mid challenge report (4th or 5th of December) and 1 final report before we leave for our Christmas holiday (probably on the 19th or 20th.Dec). I intend to continue doing what I do during the road trip and holidays. If I have internet access I will report back on the 24th.Dec with a small update to the final report.

What do I expect to see from all of this? Things like: Reach my pre-pregnancies weight. Maintain or increase lean mass. Which should mean a reduction of body fat. Clothes fit better (or possibly worse if suddenly they are too large for me). I smile more. I have more energy. I am more relaxed. My girls are happier and more relaxed. Husband is happy too! I don’t feel isolated. I am more efficient at completing my tasks. I have more time to spend on other pursuits like reading/stitching/designing/learning. My home is visitor ready most of the time. My desk is less cluttered. I am not rushing around to get things done. I am not late to appointments or with finishing my tasks. We are ready for an awesome Holiday Season in 2012. Finish 2012 strong and will be ready for an awesome 2013.

This will be an epic challenge! I have defined it to be as hard as possible while still having a fair chance at success if I stay focused. Except for the set exercise patterns and trying out new meditation forms, these are all things I do already. Just not consistently and never all at the same time!!! I have been preparing for this for many years... now is the time to step up and do it!

Chanda opens her eyes to the light of the new day. She takes a deep steadying breath. With her head held high she steps forward to accept the challenge. “I am ready.â€

[Blaidd]

Great goals, Chanda. Subscribed!!

[Raven]

Oh that's nice, you have a meditation goal too ! Have you ever try to meditate or is it the first time?

And for your lifestyle goal, I absolutly understand your point. It's been 2 years now since I discover a lot of great blogs and website talking about minimalism and decluttering, and it helped me a lot to deal with stuff and how I see my life and my environment... ^^

Good luck with everything !

[Metal Violet]

What can I say Chanda, EPIC challenge and of course I am loving your life goal.

[livingroovy]

The Challenge: I am a master at starting things… staying consistent is one of my biggest weaknesses. In order to succeed with this challenge I must break habits built over a lifetime. I need to be consistent with my efforts for the complete 6 weeks, the goals are defined in such a way that I cannot just “catch up” at the last minute.

This is AWESOME, Chanda!! And so reminiscent of my life/habits. It looks like our challenges are pretty similar in that we are both going for daily, consistent build up. We can be meditation accountability buddies!

[Sunmage]

Yeah! These are great Goals.

I should take my Goals to daily habits, too since I am pretty close to that!

It's great that you also noticed how great mental strenght is.

You are really leveling up your life.

And your Chaos goal reminded me of my really, really, really crowded rooms. Time for some cleaning.

Viel Erfolg!

[SpazzyMal]

Oh, nice stuff you've got going on in here! I really lov goal #4. I'm slowly trying to figure out how to do something similar to this myself. A sort of... most important things schedule, I guess. Once you're in the habit of actually taking care of all the little things, it makes everything so much smoother... but it can be so hard to get to that point where you go on autopilot and just do it. Wishing you tons of luck!

[61stRevolt]

Exciting, sensible goals! I think I'm going to learn a lot from you, and I'll do my best to keep you motivated! I too am a master of starting things and leaving them unfinished. Not this time, we can both do it!!

[guest439437484421]

'Scribed!

[ScurvySpider]

Oh wow, lotta thought and time went into this. I had to create a spreadsheet just to track my tiny little goals. HOW DO YOU DO IT, SUPER-CHANDA?

[shoobie]

I found you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now let me scroll back and read your post!

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Ok... read!! Breaking habits is hard!! really hard! Try to make a little timetable. As those are small things, you can make it 10-15 min to each? maybe? Just an idea!

I am so glad i found you!!!!

[Elfin Harvester]

The Challenge: I am a master at starting things… staying consistent is one of my biggest weaknesses. In order to succeed with this challenge I must break habits built over a lifetime. I need to be consistent with my efforts for the complete 6 weeks, the goals are defined in such a way that I cannot just “catch up” at the last minute. I will seriously have to reduce the time I spend online (oh the horror!!!!) and will have to focus on getting the important stuff done first.

Chanda you're goals are brilliant - I'm totally with you on the 'staying on track' thing.

[Wandern]

Whew! You are hard on yourself scoring wise. But if that's what it takes to stay motivated - you go! I have the feeling I'm going to have to stay off-line more this challenge, too. Which is probably a good thing.

[Chanda]

Thank you everyone for all your comments. I am in a slightly panicking here... could possibly be in way over my head. So far I am keeping up but only just. I am having to be extremely inventive with how I go about my day to get it all done. Hopefully it will all come together in the next few days! I still believe its possible, it is just a huge change to the way I operate and my online time is seriously reduced at the moment.

I should have time tomorrow night and Thursday/Friday to come back and report on status so far plus go and checkout all your goals too.

[61stRevolt]

HEY! No panicking! Aren't you druids supposed to be all centered and chill? =P

Seriously, take it slow. You're going to get it, it'll just take some time to adjust.

Also, we'd all rather you take care of yourself the way you need to than stress about posting. Prioritize!!!

[Blaidd]

Oh i'm sorry to hear that you're feeling a little overwhelmed. Is there anything we can do to help? (Also congrats on being your guild's champ for the last challenge).

[Draco]

Completely epic - You can do it Chanda!

[SpazzyMal]

Chanda, don't panic, you've got this! Just take it one task at a time. Break it down into small chunks if you have to, or establish a set schedule and set some alarms on your phone for it until it becomes habitual. Remember, one day at a time. And if one day doesn't go so good, tomorrow is a blank slate.

[jfrankovich]

Amazing goals, Chanda. I love all the thought and details you've put into it. Keep up the great work!

[Chanda]

OK. Back for my first report. So far kept up with everything... I am barely hanging in there! I think today was slightly better but not really sure. I am at home the next 2 days, so will have more time to be online. Planning to spend time visiting everyone's threads.

Thank you so much for selecting me as the Druid Champion for the last challenge. That was a real surprise this morning!!!!

Days 1 to 3: 12-Nov to 14-Nov

FUEL

• Calories: 1646, 1820, 1799
  
• Water: 3 x 1 liter
  
• 
  

MIND

• Meditation: 3 x mindfulness present moment awareness (20min + 10min +10min). I particularly enjoyed the one where I practiced it while reading about mindfulness.
  
• Bed Time: 11:15, 11:45, 11:00 (planned... lets see!)
  

BODY

• Exercise: 1 x pilates and core exercises (30min), 1 x yoga (30min)
  

LIFE

• Hotspot: 3 x Done
  
• ToDo: 3 x Done (this one I am really struggling to keep up with!!!!)
  
• Family: 3 x Done
  
• Contact: 3 x Done
  
• Laundry: 3 x Done
  
• Kitchen: 3 x Done (actually mostly done by my husband, but what counts is that kitchen is clean at the end of the day!)
  
• Maintain: 3 x Done
  
• Progress: 3 x Done
  
• Prepare: 3 x Done (this one is making the most difference so far, preparing for the next day really make the morning run smoothly!)
  
• Me Time: 3 x Done
  
• Review: 3 X Done
  

[Jacqui]

Great job Chanda!

[Wandern]

Thank you so much for selecting me as the Druid Champion for the last challenge. That was a real surprise this morning!!!!

You totally earned and deserved that!

You certainly have not given yourself an easy path these next few weeks. But, knowing you, once you get adjusted you'll make the rest of us eat your dust (again)!

[micmac]

The Challenge: I am a master at starting things… staying consistent is one of my biggest weaknesses. In order to succeed with this challenge I must break habits built over a lifetime. I need to be consistent with my efforts for the complete 6 weeks, the goals are defined in such a way that I cannot just “catch up” at the last minute. I will seriously have to reduce the time I spend online (oh the horror!!!!) and will have to focus on getting the important stuff done first.

This really sounds familiar! I am a compulsive planner and a procrastinator. It seems like you have really planned out a great set of goals, though, to really get where you want. Best of luck!

[shoobie]

It can be a struggle till it becomes a habit... you will get there i am sure!!! You are doing great!

We have an accountabilli-thingy-group going on for sleeping and sweets!! i think it is full but you can be part of the thread if you wanna!!! I'd love to see you peek your head in there!

[BambiKhan]

Your goals look so great! You seem to have whole lot on your plate, no woner you're feeling....whelmed. (not OVERwhelmed, just...whelmed.)

Once you have a routine in place, I think you're going to be in a much better place. I plan out my whole week at the beginning, knowing what I'll do each day. I make a huge list, then take one item off that list, since I know it won't get done in the time I think I have

Can family help out with "hot spot" patrol and kitchen? My mum used to make us "Blitz" a technique I still use today. I set a time, then set a 15-20 min timer, and do AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE in those minutes. Then tea time to decompress and regroup.

Keep on!