Now that I’m retired, I don’t have to do much. There are things to do, but I get to choose the time and the speed with which I do things. This poses a problem. I am not in the habit of being disciplined, and therefore, have not created habits of behavior that are beneficial on a grand scale. I know I’m not looking at this clearly because someone outside looking in might say I have good habits. I don’t drink to excess, don’t smoke, don’t tune out in front of the TV, I stay busy with chores and worthwhile endeavors. I brush twice a day and floss most days.
But I still see lots of areas that I want to manage better. So I ask myself this question. What do I need to do on a daily basis that would become a habit, that would make a difference, and satisfy the primary needs for connection, purpose and fun? Stephen Covey suggested asking yourself this question. “What is one thing you can do on a regular basis that would significantly improve the overall quality of your life?”
Health:
- Cardio and stretch. I have lower back problems that, if I don’t stretch often, can get problematic. If I can get that going regularly, then I’ll move on to weight training.
- Eat right. Smaller portions, healthier choices, avoid the sugary and carb snacks that are so seemingly satisfying. Keep the sweets out of the house.
- Do something, make something, fix something. I need a sense of accomplishment. At the end of the day, I want to be able to look back and say I accomplished something today.
Right now, that means repairs and tidying up our two properties, getting them ready to sell. Not sure what that will look like after moving. - Regularly, if not daily, spend time with friends and family.
Even if this means a phone call, if not in person. - Write. I have a need to leave some thoughts behind for my family and friends to remember me by, or maybe even learn something. I probably won’t get around to writing a book. But a blog? With regular entries? Or my journal. About all kinds of thoughts? That is doable. John Grisham, in an interview on PBS gave advice to would be writers. “Write a page a day.” Would be writers that are unwilling to do that, including myself, just aren’t serious about writing. And there is a journal for ideas that I’m still working on.
What’s on your daily list? What have you done that allows you now to reap a harvest of good results. What do you need to change, to avoid the consequences of missed opportunities?
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