I’m not a New Years Resolution guy. I do however choose a new word to focus on each year. Two years ago I chose focus. I found myself getting sidetracked while getting sidetracked. Brutal business to be in. Last year I chose no. Probably better in the future to stick to more positive connotations, but last year I found myself saying “no” to people and things more than ever before. Very liberating.
This year I chose the word priority. Like two years ago, I found myself doomscrolling the Reddit app for maybe the twelfth time before dinner. No bueno. So I started a new habit, and that habit then spurred on a second new habit, and before I knew it, my daily routine was much, much more simple. I can do simple.
Take a shot at just 1 of these 3 habits, and I hope you see the returns I do!
Habit #1: No more checking news or social media when my children are awake. I don’t want my children competing with my personal phone for attention – that’s hard enough with my work phone during regular working hours or not. I deleted my Reddit app and my Google News app. Less emotional drag and honestly I wish I did this years ago.
Habit #2: Make a cup of tea when you get home from work. I’m an avid coffee drinker (32 oz per day at least), and I drink coffee until 2-3 in the afternoon. Instead of a pour of whiskey, or a beer, I make tea. It calms me down and it doesn’t make me want to really put back a beer later.
Habit #3: All bets are off on Thursday nights. Seriously. I go-go-go-go Monday through Thursday, and while Friday’s still a work day, if I don’t give myself a breath to play some No Man’s Sky, work on a puzzle (big dork energy), or binge watch something streaming, then I’m a robot on Friday.
I’m not someone who believes that everyone can benefit from a tiny life lesson I learned. I do believe, however, that when I’m stuck in my ways and I can’t get out of a rut, no routine change is off the table.
So cheers to you while I raise my cup of chamomile tea!