Day 2

Well, here it is the end of the third day of the week already (Day 2 of the month), and I haven't done much solid work so far this week. My bad. But salvation is at hand! I have a new Grand Master Plan.

But first, a little backgroud: I find it extremely difficult to get to a number of things on my task list -- mostly because these tasks are so boring (like cleaning house). I also, surprisingly enough, have a difficult time getting to fun stuff I actually want to do, like playing the piano. What to do? Launch a New Plan! And here it is:

The Plan is to allocate 15 minutes per task, or task category. So, if cleaning the house is on the list, get to it . . . for 15 mintes. Then off to the next task . . . for 15 minutes. This way, I should be able to get to everything on the list in a day, even if I don't finish everything. I can always circle back and put in more time on any given task, as surely some tasks will require more than 15 minutes to complete. But having the short time frame of only 15 minutes confronting my procrastinating consciousness, as opposed to the length of time it will take to actually finish the task, makes approaching the task and working on it a lot less intimidating. And therefore, a lot more likely to happen. Makes sense, no?

But the proof, as always, is in the pudding. So we'll see how I do with this plan. Unfortunately, I won't be able to launch the plan till Monday, five days hence, as I will be out of town the Fourth of July weekend (Thursday through Sunday). But come Monday, watch out Mess, I'm comin' to getcha!

Day One

That Core Program, by Peggy Brill, PT, is amazing! I did half of the exercises of the program Monday night (7 out of 14), and my lower back, which has been sore for days, is almost all better! I do believe this will be my ticket to a healthy core and sound musculo-skeletal structure. No more backaches, no more ribs out, neck out, s-i joint out. No more chiropractors. Fantastic!

I also worked on The Mess today for about 20 minutes. The current plan is to work on it for two hours this week, four hours next week, six hours the third week, and eight hours the fourth week. The days I will be working on The Mess are Monday through Thursday. That's the plan -- now let's see how I do.

Day 19

Well, here it is the last day of June. It's been helpful to post about my efforts to install a new habit, namely, Working on The Mess, but I think I've had about enough of posting about it. Terribly boring subject, wouldn't you say? Anyway, I'm off to install a new habit.

This one will be to work The Core Program everyday -- the key term being "everyday." Core Program? What's up with that? Well, I have developed a tendency to throw out my neck and sacro-lilac joint, and more recently, ribs. Turns out this is largely the result of having the core muscles (those of the torso) either too weak or too tight. The Core Program addresses these imbalances by strengthening muscles that are too weak and stretching muscles that are too tight. Once these muscles are appropriately stretched and toned in a balanced way, one is much less prone to developing the kinds of problems that send people to the chiropractor.

So that's the idea behind the Core Program: Fifteen minutes a day of stretching and strengthening key muscles of the torso. I'll let you know how I do. And with the support I derive from this process of posting every day about it, I hope to develop this habit and thereby save my musculo-skeletal system for another day. Thanks for your support. Comments are welcome.

Day 18

Man, where did the last few days go?! Didn't work on The Mess at all! This "Work-on-it-Everyday" business is a very tall order. Well, there's a new week coming up -- time for a fresh start, and a New Plan. Won't that be exciting?! Well, it is to me. I love new plans, and tomorrow will see the unleashing of yet another Grand Master Plan. Stay tuned....

Day 14

Well, here we are at the 2-week mark. Seems significant, no? OK, probably not. But I think so anyway.

Have to say, I didn't put in a lot of time today, as I had other things more pressing, but work on The Mess I did, if only for a short while. "Everyday in everyway, my stuff is getting better and better . . . organized." (I hope you appreciate the parody.)

Day 13

Whoops, I didn't get in a post before the witching hour. Well, let me say I had another good day of working on The Mess. Inch by inch. . . step by step. . .

Day 12

Boy, I am going gung-ho on my stuff today! Major Progress! I am really getting sick of all the clutter, and am getting progressively more serious about finishing this task by the end of July. That would be a major accomplishment! My commitment is growing. I can do this!