I loved this week’s episode of Happier With Gretchen Rubin.
Gretchen and her sister/co-host, Elizabeth Craft, talked about the essential seven habits. Most of Gretchen’s writings are about habits and happiness, and she’s identified that most habits fall into seven categories.
I decided to use this week’s reminder of the essential seven habits as an opportunity to examine any changes I might like to make in each of these areas.
1. Eat or drink more healthfully.
Oy – where to begin?
When I am busy or stressed, my healthy eating and drinking habits are the first to be abandoned. I really don’t even know where to start here.
I guess if I had to pick one change to make – it would be to give up candy. Especially the stress-induced gummy candy I buy at the gas station on my way home from a crazy day at work.
2. Exercise regularly.
This is the question of the day: how do I effectively exercise while spending time with my baby boy?
There will be a dance party when Teddy is big enough for the jogging stroller. (It’ll be at least two more months, I think; head control is key!)
Until that day, my proposed change is to take a walk with Teddy (and Tee?!) every day after work.
3. Save, spend, and earn wisely.
This one’s pretty easy.
STOP BUYING VENTI PUMPKIN SPICE LATTES EVERY SINGLE DAY.
I really can’t make it any clearer.
4. Rest, relax, and enjoy.
Make your evening routine more hygienic and peaceful – pajamas, music, screen-free, headphones-free.
5. Stop procrastinating. Make progress now.
Figure out how to make money writing. Or, if now’s not the right time for that – just write like a motherfucker until you have time to figure it out.
6. Simplify, clear, and organize.
Get to your personal inbox zero every day – texts, e-mails, phone calls. Handle your personal communication as efficiently as you handle your work communications.
7. Engage more deeply.
This one’s a secret, for now. Hopefully I’ll be able to report on progress eventually.
