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Finding Momentum, Even When You’ve Lost It

Every day for the last year, I’ve committed to completing 2 extraneous tasks: 10 minutes of Spanish and 100 sit-ups. I literally have not missed a day. I’m obsessive about it, because in a world that often seems out of control, at least in this small way, I feel a tangible sense of accomplishment. And even mundane wins like these build on each other. What keeps you going?

Illustration by Lee Crutchley

Discussion

8 comments for “Finding Momentum, Even When You’ve Lost It”

  1. Petra says:

    Since Valentine’s Day, I’ve been writing Morning Pages, a la Julia Cameron, and I haven’t maissed a day. I didn’t pick Feb. 14, btw–that was just a coincidence. But I mark a red “X” on my calendar after I’ve done it. Totally understand the feeling of accomplishment, but I also like its calming effect on me (I”m not always calm, but I have noticed that I have become less reactive or when I do react, I get back to normal much faster).

    Love the 10-minutes-a-day Spanish! Maybe I should try that with French.

    • wendy says:

      My language app keeps track, and lets me know how many days in a row I’ve practiced, so I imagine it feels similar to marking x on the calendar. It also sends email reminders when I haven’t done it yet.

  2. Ehm says:

    Kudos on the situps! I’m _so_ impressed with your daily dedication, Wendy. And likewise, Petra, with the consistent morning pages. I haven’t yet mastered any daily practice, but for six months, I’ve made it to the weight room 2x weekly. I’m amazed how, as you say, it’s really added up.

    • wendy says:

      Kudos to you for making it to the weight room 2x weekly! The easy part of doing Spanish and situps is that is takes very little time, and I don’t have to get in the car.

  3. Anne Roy says:

    books … the next, yet to be read one in the ever-increasing stack … a book with a glass / cup of something close by …

  4. Gigi says:

    Listening to good music.

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