Chanda: Making it Effortless I

[Chanda]

Thanks to another work crisis, I almost forgot to post my goals for this challenge. Crisis is now resolved and I am definetely in!

 

Chanda the Druid steps into the forrest clearing. Dawn is yet to come. The air is still. There is a frost and the grass is brittle underfoot. Chanda is glad to be wearing her new Level 3 robes, they are keeping her body warm. She can barely contain her excitment. It is time to find out what her new tasks are. She quickly settles into the now familiar searching meditation. She sees three words float by "Make it Effortless". She questions the words: "Make what effortless?".

Once again my goals are similar to the goals from the last challenge, adjusted so I continue improving. My idea is to keep doing the challenge in this format until it becomes 2nd nature and effortless. The last challenge was really hard and I barely made it... and of course travelling for 3 weeks over Christmas and New Years threw my routine completely out the door. Lets see how I do with this one!

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

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

HOW:

 

• Average calorie intake to be within 1700 to 1800. 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: The mind runs the show... and it needs to be fit!

HOW:

 

This is a 3 part goal:

• Get at least 7 hours sleep on average per day.
• Meditate regularly adding up to an average of 7min per day.
• Play games like memory and sudoku to exercise the brain at least 15 times.

Scoring: F: 0-9 days done, E: 10-19 days done, D: 20-29 days done, C: 1 part done (DEX:+1), B: 2 parts done (DEX: +1, CHA: +1), A: 3 parts done (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:

 

This one is also a 3 part goal:

• Exercise on average 20min per day (over at least 24 workouts).
• Look after my health or appearance on average 2 times per week
• Walk/Run on average 2km per day.

Scoring: F: 1 week done, E: 2 weeks done, D: 3 weeks done, C: 1 part done (STR +1), B: 2 parts done (STR: +1, STA: +1), A: 3 parts done (STR: +2, STA: +2).

4. LIFE: Getting things done (DEX: +2, CHA: +1, WIS: +2)

The life goal is once again set up around mastering the daily habits.

WHY: 1. I procrastinate and 2. I don’t do the small things consistently. Time to change that!

HOW:

 

This is a 4 part goal:

 

• Do my routines regularly (routines and scoring are similar to last time). Expecting overall average of 85% for success.
• Spend on average 20min per day on maintenance tasks
• Spend on average 20min per day on progress tasks
• Spend on average 20min per day of "me time"

Scoring: F: nothing completed D: 1 part done C: 2 parts done (DEX: +1), B: 3 parts done (DEX: +1, CHA: +1, WIS: +1), A: 4 parts done (DEX: +2, CHA: +1, WIS: +2).

The Challenge remains unchanged: I am a master at starting things… staying consistent is one of my biggest weaknesses. In order to succeed with this challenge I must learn to be efficient with my time and do the important stuff first. 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.

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.

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. I get a nice list of things done during the challenge.

This was not what she expected her tasks to be. Chanda had been sure she was done with all this routine stuff and would be moving onto new and exciting things now that she was a Level 3.

She takes several deep breaths to steady herself. Suddenly she understands.

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

 

With her head held high she steps forward to accept the challenge. “I am ready.â€

[Maris Stella]

I love that Aristotle quote. 

 

Great goals. Good luck to you!

[Lowenna]

Seconding the love for the Aristotle quote. I think that the idea of repeating the same goals until they become second nature is great. Good luck.

[Sunmage]

Chaanda. Welcome back!

I missed you last challenge. your Job in the first was sooo awesome.

Did you notice spezzy has a be more productive than chanda goal?

Awesome!

Viel Glück und Erfolg! Mögen deine Wünsche und Ziele in Erfüllung gehen!

[livingroovy]

Chanda!! Missed you! So glad you are back and excited to see your consistent progress throughout the entire challenge  

[Tanktimus the Encourager]

Those are great goals. Welcome back

[KB21]

Nice to have you back, my motivator haha

Awesome goals...too often we neglect our minds, they need to be trained and toned just as our body does.

Looking forward to seeing your progress

[Heidi]

Missed you -- glad to see you are back, and I love the routine as the goal. 

It's a nice process you are imprinting on your world, and I think you will be great at it.

 

Subscribed, and rest assured that I'll be checking in on my favorite Druid.

[Chanda]

Thank you for all the welcome messages!

 

I am not around much but I am still taking part in the challenge. Trying to at least visit all the Druids before the end of the challenge!

 

Report one third of the way through:

 

 

1. Fuel: food & drink (CON:+3)

 

• Average calorie intake (within 1700 to 1800): actual average is 1891
• Drink an additional liter of water per day (average to be 0.9l or higher): average is 0.9

Currently my score on this one is a B because the calorie intake is higher than planned. Thats thanks to a few rather enjoyable and large meals during the first week and also some leftover sugar cravings post the Christmas season feasting. I am not too stressed about it as the body composition and weight are still moving in the right direction. I will eat less sugary goodies and increase the consumption of the good foods and the average will go down.

 

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

 

• Get at least 7 hours sleep on average per day: average is at 6.73hours
• Meditate regularly adding up to an average of 7min per day: average is at 5.4min
• Play games like memory and sudoku to exercise the brain at least 15 times: 1 done.

 

Score for this area at the moment is an E. The thing that is affecting me the most is the lack of sleep. I suspected I wasn't getting enough sleep, now I know that is the case. I need to have more than 7 hours good sleep to function. The average 6.73hours I am getting is not even un-interrupted sleep. MUST GET TO BED EARLIER! As for meditation and playing games, it should be easy enough to get the numbers up during the next 4 weeks.

 

3. Strong Body (STR: +2, STA: +2)

• Exercise on average 140min per day (over at least 24 workouts): average is less than 1 minute *blush*
• Look after my health or appearance on average 2 times per week: done 2
• Walk/Run on average 2km per day: average is 2.65km per day

Score for this one is a C, thanks to the walking (done as part of my regular day and tracked wiht a step counter). Looking after health/appearance should be easy enough to do a bit more to meet the average of twice a week.

 

The horror in this score is that I have exercised 10min in the past 2 weeks (walking doenst count). So if I want an A I need to exercise on average 30min per day from now till the end of the challenge. Realistically thats not likely to happen. 

 

The interesting thing is that even with no exercise and slightly higher than planned food intake, I still lost 0.7kg (1.5lbs) over the past 2 weeks. Given validity to the statement that weight loss is 80% about food intake.

4. LIFE: Getting things done (DEX: +2, CHA: +1, WIS: +2)

• Do my routines regularly (85% or more): average is 81.5%. 
• Spend on average 20min per day on maintenance tasks: average is 26min
• Spend on average 20min per day on progress tasks: average is 14min
• Spend on average 20min per day of "me time": average is 46min

Score for this one is a C. Again I need to step up my game a bit. Looking around the home, average 26min per day maintenance is not enough to keep things clean. Routines are helpful at 81% but only just... need to do a bit more there too. And it goes without saying that not much progress has been made in any area.

 

SUMMARY: This sounds like a bad report by my standards. Although the scores are not As all across the board, I am actually happy with how I am feeling. I feel mostly relaxed and know I can step it up and get more stuff done. Perhaps this making it effortless thing is about letting go of my expectations. I do intend to step it up a notch as I would like to make it to Level 4 and currently my average is less than a C! Setting aside any concerns regarding my Druid career progress... Ultimately, my target is to get to a point where it feels effortless and things are running smoothly... so time to shift up a gear.

 

Lets see how the next weeks go... Hope everyone is doing great!

[I am Eve]

Detailed and honest analysis is a prerequisite for success! You certainly nailed that part.

Way to go!

A tip when it comes to getting to bed is setting an alarm when it's time to wind down.

[Chanda]

Detailed and honest analysis is a prerequisite for success! You certainly nailed that part.

Way to go!

A tip when it comes to getting to bed is setting an alarm when it's time to wind down.

 

 Thats a nice way to describe my long updates. Detailed and honest analysis. I like that....

 

Thanks for the tip. I think I read it in one of the Challenge threads. Possibily in yours? Anyway, I may have to give that a go! 

[scuddle]

 Thats a nice way to describe my long updates. Detailed and honest analysis. I like that....

 

Thanks for the tip. I think I read it in one of the Challenge threads. Possibily in yours? Anyway, I may have to give that a go! 

 

I second the 'using an alarm for getting into bed' motion.. . I use my phone alarms for everything! Reminding me to go to the grocery store, do yoga, everything!!

[Chanda]

I second the 'using an alarm for getting into bed' motion.. . I use my phone alarms for everything! Reminding me to go to the grocery store, do yoga, everything!!

 

 

When I do that I get overwhelmed by alarms/reminders and then ignore them. For that I have my lists... But I think I can handle 1 additional alarm for start getting ready for sleep.  

[Sunmage]

Go with the alarm! It can be so easy.

But be careful: its annoying when you went to bed early... don't forget to switch it of...

How does putting in a little bit of effort to get more work for you?

[Chanda]

Oh forgetting to switch off such an alarm would not just be annoying it would be a complete disaster around here... it would likely wake up my husband or my daughters either way it would mean even less sleep. I think I'll set the alarm only on nights I am likely to get distracted. 

 

I'll know how a little more effort is working in a few days. My challenge tracking sheet is a mass of red at the moment... colour should start shifting to black if its working.

[Jakob Kopfeld]

Hi Chanda

I've read in MarisStella's thread that you need some motivating. So I wanted to offer a bit of help with that.

Now I don't know what you need that motivation for, I'm guessing it is connected to your no more procrastination goal.

So here's what I want you to do. Stop whatever excuse activity you're doing right now, get up, and get something done! Just one little thing, then maybe a second, and once you've gathered enough momentum just keep going

[Chanda]

Looks around in shock. I have a no more procrastination goal? Quickly scrolls up to read her goals again. Now seriously, thanks! I did actually get most of the stuff I wanted to do today done. Only missed meditation. Which I am about to go do before I fall asleep. All in all today was a great day. And now I am off to bed, maybe I'll even manage 7 hours of sleep.

[Rebel Pilot Gar]

Popping by your challenge thread as a thanks for all fo the support on mine!

 

I love your storyline and how it ties together with your goals for this challenge. I am with you on the not liking fractions front - so I may steal your ideas as far as grading systems go at the end of this challenge (or at the very least try to fix the attributes I currently have )

[Sunmage]

Procrastination? Sounds Interesting. I'll ook it up tomorrow!

Just keep going with all what you do and whenever you need some motivation just take a glance back to September when you started. Just compare the pictures you took. You started an incredible transition!

That should be enough for a short term kick.

Bedtime for me... don't stay up too long...

Durchziehen! Einfach durchziehen!

[yuubou]

Hey!  Thanks for joining the Busy Bees   It looks like even if you aren't perfect, you are still improving at being the person you want to be, so I think your focus is great!

 

I look forward to hearing your progress!  I'm cheering you on!

[Chanda]

Popping by your challenge thread as a thanks for all fo the support on mine!

 

I love your storyline and how it ties together with your goals for this challenge. I am with you on the not liking fractions front - so I may steal your ideas as far as grading systems go at the end of this challenge (or at the very least try to fix the attributes I currently have )

 

Thanks! Glad you liked the storyline. For me, a big part of the fun in these challenges is developing a bit of a story line. 

 

lol, I wonder how many of us are doing our best to avoid the fractions. That will be one tricky grading system you will have to develop to fix your fractions.

 

Procrastination? Sounds Interesting. I'll ook it up tomorrow!

Just keep going with all what you do and whenever you need some motivation just take a glance back to September when you started. Just compare the pictures you took. You started an incredible transition!

That should be enough for a short term kick.

Bedtime for me... don't stay up too long...

Durchziehen! Einfach durchziehen!

 

Why do today what you can leave till tomorrow? Thats my motto... trying to kick that particular motto out the door!

 

Hey!  Thanks for joining the Busy Bees   It looks like even if you aren't perfect, you are still improving at being the person you want to be, so I think your focus is great!

 

I look forward to hearing your progress!  I'm cheering you on!

 

Thanks for dropping by. I joined the Busy Bees... now I need to make the time to come see how everyone is doing! 

[Chanda]

Half way there! Time to report!

 

1. Fuel: food & drink (CON:+3)

 

• Average calorie intake (within 1700 to 1800): actual average is 1830 (down from 1891 last report).
• Drink an additional liter of water per day (average to be 0.9l or higher): average is 0.93 (up from 0.9 last report)

 

Score is still a B but averages are moving in the right direction. Now if I can just reduce the sugary intake for the next 3 weeks, I will make it to an A easily.

 

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

 

• Get at least 7 hours sleep on average per day: average is at 6.54hours (down from 6.73)
• Meditate regularly adding up to an average of 7min per day: average is at 6.3min (up from 5.4min)
• Play games like memory and sudoku to exercise the brain at least 15 times: 8 done (up from 1 done)

 

Score for this area is now a C (up from an E). Sleep is still my biggest challenge here... On Friday I was up until 3AM, then just as I was going to bed my daughter woke up and she was sick, so then I was up with her until 6AM... I can't avoid my daughter getting sick, but I can avoid staying up until 3AM doing stuff. Needless to say Friday night didn't help my average.  MUST GET TO BED EARLIER!

 

Meditation and playing games are going well and I am forecasting an overall B for this goal.

 

3. Strong Body (STR: +2, STA: +2)

• Exercise on average 140min per day (over at least 24 workouts): average is 5min (up from less than 1 minute)
• Look after my health or appearance on average 2 times per week: done 5 (up from 2)
• Walk/Run on average 2km per day: average is 3.1km per day (up from 2.65km)

Score for this one is still a C, thanks to the walking. The way things are going, I am forecasting a B for this goal...

 

If I want an A I need to exercise on average 35min per day from now till the end of the challenge. 

 

4. LIFE: Getting things done (DEX: +2, CHA: +1, WIS: +2)

• Do my routines regularly (85% or more): average is 84.5% (up from 81.5%). 
• Spend on average 20min per day on maintenance tasks: average is 21.4min (down from 26min)
• Spend on average 20min per day on progress tasks: average is 12.1min (down from 14min)
• Spend on average 20min per day of "me time": average is 50min (up from 46min)

Score for this one is still a C. However, I am very close to getting to a B... and an A is still well within reach. 

 

SUMMARY: Slight improvement in most areas... still not enough to level up. Time to really focus!

[I am Eve]

Now that's what I would call a good half way protocol.

Especially I'd like to compliment you on the Me time!!!

 

But, as you say-now is time for focus...

[scuddle]

Hey, how are your goals and progress doing this week! The horde demands an update!

[Chanda]

Now that's what I would call a good half way protocol.

Especially I'd like to compliment you on the Me time!!!

 

But, as you say-now is time for focus...

 

Thanks. And yes it is time to focus... I expect huge progress this week!

 

Hey, how are your goals and progress doing this week! The horde demands an update!

 

 

Thanks for checking on me. The week is young! 

 

Sleep is still an issue...  

 

But I am doing well so far. I've brought my routines average to 85%. Thus bringing my life goal up to a B.

 

If all goes to plan this week, my Mind and Body goals will go up to a B as well. And if it goes really well the Fuel goal will be an A by the end of the week!