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
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.
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.
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.
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.
books … the next, yet to be read one in the ever-increasing stack … a book with a glass / cup of something close by …
What’s your next book?
Listening to good music.
What’s at the top of your playlist?