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Thursday, April 1, 2010
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Back on April 1
Howdy habithackers. Our official premiere is April 1, so look for us then at habithacker.com where you'll find news, reviews, these daily postings (a bit retooled), and a section that practices what we preach here...the idea that the only reason to hack your habits is to give you more time and energy for creative endeavors. See you then. (If you head to habithacker.com now, you will find some content; most of it will be repeated starting April 1).
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Saturdays we D-Day our drives and then simply relax.
Polish your place twice, do your do, and take 5 (or 8 minutes) of break each half hour, and shovel your shitspot. Day 6 tasks are explained in the left-hand column of the website and at the bottom of this post.
March's Habit: Master the art of meal planning. Every Monday in March you'll plan food for the next week. Let life become more delicious.
Every Saturday we declutter our drives. Set your timer for 11 minutes and run out to the car with a box or a bag. Bring in everything--trash and treasure--that doesn't belong. Once you're back inside, put the stuff away and then go ahead and play.
Zoning in: Weekend Warriors only: Front porch / entry / dining room. I told you it's screw-around Saturday, but if you still want to work: arrange something lovely on your dining room table.
Do the Dirty. Saturday's for changing your sheets...and washing them. But don't punish yourself. Twice a month is good enough.
HabithackerHealth: 11 minutes of exercise. A little more? A little less? Customize it. And drink water.
Monthly habit building: January's habit was to polish your place every day. February's habit was to hack your health by exercising aerobically.
Day 6
The shitspot fix.
Racers take pitstops, slatterns make shitspots--and they happen just as fast. A shitspot is a spot that collects...guess what? Lotsa shit. Once you put down one thing, the pile grows faster and faster. Your shitspot might be on your kitchen counter, a corner of your desk, your dining room table, atop a dresser, whatever. Maybe all these places. Repeat Day #5 and also add this to your routine: spend 11 minutes--no more, clearing what you can from one of your shitspots. Shovel your shitspot. Here's what you're doing so far:
Do your do.Polish your place x2.
Take five (or 8).Shovel your shitspot.
March's Habit: Master the art of meal planning. Every Monday in March you'll plan food for the next week. Let life become more delicious.
_____________________________________________________
Draw the line. Don't take on any of the tasks below unless you've done the first 31 days successfully AND you're ready for more.
Every Saturday we declutter our drives. Set your timer for 11 minutes and run out to the car with a box or a bag. Bring in everything--trash and treasure--that doesn't belong. Once you're back inside, put the stuff away and then go ahead and play.
Zoning in: Weekend Warriors only: Front porch / entry / dining room. I told you it's screw-around Saturday, but if you still want to work: arrange something lovely on your dining room table.
Do the Dirty. Saturday's for changing your sheets...and washing them. But don't punish yourself. Twice a month is good enough.
HabithackerHealth: 11 minutes of exercise. A little more? A little less? Customize it. And drink water.
Monthly habit building: January's habit was to polish your place every day. February's habit was to hack your health by exercising aerobically.
Day 6
The shitspot fix.
Racers take pitstops, slatterns make shitspots--and they happen just as fast. A shitspot is a spot that collects...guess what? Lotsa shit. Once you put down one thing, the pile grows faster and faster. Your shitspot might be on your kitchen counter, a corner of your desk, your dining room table, atop a dresser, whatever. Maybe all these places. Repeat Day #5 and also add this to your routine: spend 11 minutes--no more, clearing what you can from one of your shitspots. Shovel your shitspot. Here's what you're doing so far:
Do your do.Polish your place x2.
Take five (or 8).Shovel your shitspot.
Friday, March 5, 2010
No freak-outs because Friday we free our minds.
Polish your place twice, do your do, and take 5 (or 8 minutes) of break each half hour. Day 5 tasks are explained in the left-hand column of the website and at the bottom of this post.
March's Habit: Master the art of meal planning. Every Monday in March you'll plan food for the next week. Let life become more delicious. Visit food blogs, try new things, and keep it healthy. Check out Serious Eats.
Every Friday we free our minds. Empty your to-dos, reminder, and even random thoughts into your BrainOnPapaer (BOP). Scan your previous week's lists, too. Clutter exists in your mind as well as your house.
Zoning in: Front porch / entry / dining room. Do a detail vacuum in your dining room and entry. I mean: not the half-assed way we do on Mondays, but baseboards and moving furniture. NOT the whole house. Obey me, please.
Do the Dirty. Friday is for frillies and woolies (handwashables). If, unlike me, you've forsaken silks and cashmeres, you get to relax. Or put away any clean clothes you didn't yet hang.
HabithackerHealth: 11 minutes of exercise. A little more? A little less? Customize it. And drink water.
Monthly habit building: January's habit was to polish your place every day. February's habit was to hack your health by exercising aerobically.
Day 5
Take five.
Repeat Day #4. Also master the art of taking breaks. For every half hour you work, whether it's at a crossword or your business, take at least five minutes to reconnect to your relaxed self by walking around if you've been sitting or, if your job is an active one, sitting down after you've been running around. I like to split hours into elevens: that is, work two 11 minute periods each half hour and take the last 8 minutes for recreation. Here's what we're doing so far:
Do your do.
Polish your place x 2.
Take five (or 8).
.
March's Habit: Master the art of meal planning. Every Monday in March you'll plan food for the next week. Let life become more delicious. Visit food blogs, try new things, and keep it healthy. Check out Serious Eats.
_____________________________________________________
Draw the line. Don't take on any of the tasks below unless you've done the first 31 days successfully AND you're ready for more.
Every Friday we free our minds. Empty your to-dos, reminder, and even random thoughts into your BrainOnPapaer (BOP). Scan your previous week's lists, too. Clutter exists in your mind as well as your house.
Zoning in: Front porch / entry / dining room. Do a detail vacuum in your dining room and entry. I mean: not the half-assed way we do on Mondays, but baseboards and moving furniture. NOT the whole house. Obey me, please.
Do the Dirty. Friday is for frillies and woolies (handwashables). If, unlike me, you've forsaken silks and cashmeres, you get to relax. Or put away any clean clothes you didn't yet hang.
HabithackerHealth: 11 minutes of exercise. A little more? A little less? Customize it. And drink water.
Monthly habit building: January's habit was to polish your place every day. February's habit was to hack your health by exercising aerobically.
Day 5
Take five.
Repeat Day #4. Also master the art of taking breaks. For every half hour you work, whether it's at a crossword or your business, take at least five minutes to reconnect to your relaxed self by walking around if you've been sitting or, if your job is an active one, sitting down after you've been running around. I like to split hours into elevens: that is, work two 11 minute periods each half hour and take the last 8 minutes for recreation. Here's what we're doing so far:
Do your do.
Polish your place x 2.
Take five (or 8).
.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Thursday. Pick up some supplies while you do your errands.
Polish your place twice, do your do, buy your notebooks and a timer. Day 4 tasks are explained in the left-hand column and at the bottom of this post.
I own the Polder timer at left and have been happy with it. My personal favorite, a vibrating timer, the Invisible Clock II by Time Now receives such horrible reviews on Amazon that I won't list it here. (Reviewers note that it's hard to program and expensive; if you're technically inclined, like me, you might like it.) I've not personally used it, but here's a link to a vibrating timer at Flylady.net. Her products are usually reliable. See below for some of my favorite notebooks.
March's Habit: Master the art of meal planning. Every Monday in March you'll plan your eats for the next week. Let life become more delicious. Visit food blogs, try new things, but keep it healthy.
Monthly habit building: January's habit was to polish your place every day. February's habit was to hack your health by exercising aerobically.
Day 4
You're in for more. Repeat Day #3 again. And to prepare yourself for what's coming up, buy yourself a timer and a binder or notebook you really like. Steps to date:
Do your do. Polish your place x 2.
Nebooks I can recommend.
3 ring binders (see left) really can't be beat. They're inexpensive; you can pick them up at grocery stores or Target; you can customize their covers if you get the kind with a transparent sleeve; you can add and remove pages and category tabs. Drawback: a little bulky and not much sex appeal.
Circa notebooks. OK, I admit it: I use these expensive buggers. There is a way to try them kinda for free. If you get the $40 starter kit, (see below) you get a $40 gift certificate to Levenger, which has all kinds of covetable stuff. Drawback: pricey, and you can only buy supplies from Levenger. Here's a link to Levenger's Circa collection.
I own the Polder timer at left and have been happy with it. My personal favorite, a vibrating timer, the Invisible Clock II by Time Now receives such horrible reviews on Amazon that I won't list it here. (Reviewers note that it's hard to program and expensive; if you're technically inclined, like me, you might like it.) I've not personally used it, but here's a link to a vibrating timer at Flylady.net. Her products are usually reliable. See below for some of my favorite notebooks.
March's Habit: Master the art of meal planning. Every Monday in March you'll plan your eats for the next week. Let life become more delicious. Visit food blogs, try new things, but keep it healthy.
_____________________________________________________
Draw the line. Don't take on any of the tasks below unless you've done the first 31 days successfully AND you're ready for more..
Every Thursday we chase.Grab your shopping lists and go. Check your car for gas. If you're getting close to a quarter tank, fill it.
Zoning in: Front porch / entry / dining room. Dust the light fixtures in your dining room.
Do the Dirty. ThuRsday rags, rugs, the rest. "The rest?" It might simply be to finish folding and putting away Monday's or Tuesday's or Wednesday's loads.
HabithackerHealth: 11 minutes of exercise. A little more? A little less? Customize it. And drink water.Every Thursday we chase.Grab your shopping lists and go. Check your car for gas. If you're getting close to a quarter tank, fill it.
Zoning in: Front porch / entry / dining room. Dust the light fixtures in your dining room.
Do the Dirty. ThuRsday rags, rugs, the rest. "The rest?" It might simply be to finish folding and putting away Monday's or Tuesday's or Wednesday's loads.
Monthly habit building: January's habit was to polish your place every day. February's habit was to hack your health by exercising aerobically.
Day 4
You're in for more. Repeat Day #3 again. And to prepare yourself for what's coming up, buy yourself a timer and a binder or notebook you really like. Steps to date:
Do your do. Polish your place x 2.
Nebooks I can recommend.
3 ring binders (see left) really can't be beat. They're inexpensive; you can pick them up at grocery stores or Target; you can customize their covers if you get the kind with a transparent sleeve; you can add and remove pages and category tabs. Drawback: a little bulky and not much sex appeal.
Circa notebooks. OK, I admit it: I use these expensive buggers. There is a way to try them kinda for free. If you get the $40 starter kit, (see below) you get a $40 gift certificate to Levenger, which has all kinds of covetable stuff. Drawback: pricey, and you can only buy supplies from Levenger. Here's a link to Levenger's Circa collection.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Wednesday's work? Paperwork.
Polish your place twice and do your do. Day 3 tasks are explained in the left-hand column of the website and at the bottom of this post.
March's Habit: Master the art of meal planning. Every Monday in March you'll plan food for the next week. Let life become more delicious. Visit food blogs, try new things, and keep it healthy. For instance, check out Serious Eats.
Every WeDnesday is a D-Day. What's a D-Day? 11 minutes of decluttering, of course.
Every WeDnesday we put derriere in desk chair to work on paperwork. Make a list for Thursday's chasing, making sure you include items from Menu Monday. Pay your bills, write your letters, and when you're done, leave your desk or table clear.
Zoning in: Front porch / entry / dining room. Do a detail dusting in your dining room and entry. (Don't start roaming with your dust rag. Do these rooms only.)
Do the Dirty. Wednesday whites. Make sure you've taken care of Monday's black and blues and Tuesday's towels before you get to the whites.
HabithackerHealth: 11 minutes of exercise. A little more? A little less? Customize it. And drink water.
Monthly habit building: January's habit was to polish your place every day. February's habit was to hack your health by exercising aerobically.
Day 3
Rinse and repeat.
Repeat Day #2 with this important difference: from now on, polish your place twice a day.
Do your do. Polish your place x 2.
March's Habit: Master the art of meal planning. Every Monday in March you'll plan food for the next week. Let life become more delicious. Visit food blogs, try new things, and keep it healthy. For instance, check out Serious Eats.
_____________________________________________________
Draw the line. Don't take on any of the tasks below unless you've done the first 31 days successfully AND you're ready for more..
Every WeDnesday is a D-Day. What's a D-Day? 11 minutes of decluttering, of course.
Every WeDnesday we put derriere in desk chair to work on paperwork. Make a list for Thursday's chasing, making sure you include items from Menu Monday. Pay your bills, write your letters, and when you're done, leave your desk or table clear.
Zoning in: Front porch / entry / dining room. Do a detail dusting in your dining room and entry. (Don't start roaming with your dust rag. Do these rooms only.)
Do the Dirty. Wednesday whites. Make sure you've taken care of Monday's black and blues and Tuesday's towels before you get to the whites.
HabithackerHealth: 11 minutes of exercise. A little more? A little less? Customize it. And drink water.
Monthly habit building: January's habit was to polish your place every day. February's habit was to hack your health by exercising aerobically.
Day 3
Rinse and repeat.
Repeat Day #2 with this important difference: from now on, polish your place twice a day.
Do your do. Polish your place x 2.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
It's terrible Tuesday.
Polish your place and do your do. Day 2 tasks are explained in the left-hand column of the website and at the bottom of this post.
March's Habit: Master the art of meal planning. Every Monday in March you'll plan food for the next week. Let life become more delicious. Visit food blogs, try new things, and keep it healthy. Check out Serious Eats.
Every Tuesday we beat our betes noire . Your bete noire is the thing in life that gives you fits. For me, it's keeping my finished basement cleared of debris. Work on it. For 11 minutes, only once a week.
Every Tuesday we tackle one terrible thing. You may as well tackle the terrible things all in one day. Choose your own terrible thing, or finish up the "zoning in" task below.
Zoning in: Front porch / entry / dining room. Take the stuff you cleared from your diningroom table and put it all away.
Do the Dirty. Tuesday is for tackling the towels...kitchen, bath, etc. ...But don't start this load until yesterday's is folded and put away.
HabithackerHealth: 11 minutes of exercise. A little more? A little less? Customize it. And drink water.
Monthly habit building: January's habit was to polish your place every day. February's habit was to hack your health by exercising aerobically.
Day 2
Do your do.
If you work at home, instead of donning sweats this morning, dress just a tiny bit better. If you work outside of the home, add a little something extra to your outfit: a scarf, earrings, a handbag you don't usually use. Before you leave home, or first thing in the morning, repeat Day #1's activity.
Do your do. Polish your place.
March's Habit: Master the art of meal planning. Every Monday in March you'll plan food for the next week. Let life become more delicious. Visit food blogs, try new things, and keep it healthy. Check out Serious Eats.
_____________________________________________________
Draw the line. Don't take on any of the tasks below unless you've done the first 31 days successfully AND you're ready for more..
Every Tuesday we beat our betes noire . Your bete noire is the thing in life that gives you fits. For me, it's keeping my finished basement cleared of debris. Work on it. For 11 minutes, only once a week.
Every Tuesday we tackle one terrible thing. You may as well tackle the terrible things all in one day. Choose your own terrible thing, or finish up the "zoning in" task below.
Zoning in: Front porch / entry / dining room. Take the stuff you cleared from your diningroom table and put it all away.
Do the Dirty. Tuesday is for tackling the towels...kitchen, bath, etc. ...But don't start this load until yesterday's is folded and put away.
HabithackerHealth: 11 minutes of exercise. A little more? A little less? Customize it. And drink water.
Monthly habit building: January's habit was to polish your place every day. February's habit was to hack your health by exercising aerobically.
Day 2
Do your do.
If you work at home, instead of donning sweats this morning, dress just a tiny bit better. If you work outside of the home, add a little something extra to your outfit: a scarf, earrings, a handbag you don't usually use. Before you leave home, or first thing in the morning, repeat Day #1's activity.
Do your do. Polish your place.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Monday the first. Polish your place, 3H, Menu planning
Every month we restart the 31 days to better habits. If you've already completed them and are ready for more, jump below the line for more tasks. If you need to repeat 31 steps, please do!
Day 1: Get one thing done. Your first day of habithacking, finding one place to clear and clean, is explained in the left-hand column and at the bottom of this post.
March's Habit: Master the art of meal planning. Sit down every Monday in March and plan food for the next week. Let life become more delicious. Visit some food blogs, try new things.
Every Monday is 3H, half-assed housekeeping hour. It only takes an hour and it only happens once a week. Run around the house doing a lousy job of dusting, vacuuming, washing is dirtiest. One hour ONLY. Then stop. Whatever you missed will still be there, waiting for next Monday to roll around.
Every Monday is Menu Monday.Roughly sketch out a meal plan for the following week and add items to the shopping list you'll carry on Thursday. How about : Monday meat; Tuesday leftovers; Wednesday something with wings; Thursday carryout; Friday fish; Saturday spaghetti; Sunday salad extraordinaire. And remember: cutting back on meat and poultry saves $$, calories,and the environment.
Zoning in: Front porch / entry / dining room. Remove all the papers, clean unfolded clothes, magazines, unpaid bills, board games, etc. etc. from your dining room table. Don't take time to put the stuff away yet; load it into a laundry basket or big box.
Do the Dirty. Monday blues (and blacks)...wash everything that's dark.
HabithackerHealth: 11 minutes of exercise. A little more? A little less? Customize it. And drink water.
Monthly habit building: January's habit was to polish your place every day. February's habit was to hack your health by exercising aerobically.
Day 1
Get one thing done. Choose a space to clear and clean. Flylady tells you this should be the kitchen sink. Other organizing gurus suggest nightstands or dining tables. I prefer to clear off my kitchen island; it gives me the biggest boost. Just make sure your special place is small enough and manageable enough to be kept clear every day from now on. On successive days, when you are told to "polish your place" you need only clear this ONE place.
Polish your place.
Day 1: Get one thing done. Your first day of habithacking, finding one place to clear and clean, is explained in the left-hand column and at the bottom of this post.
March's Habit: Master the art of meal planning. Sit down every Monday in March and plan food for the next week. Let life become more delicious. Visit some food blogs, try new things.
_____________________________________________________
Draw the line. Don't take on any of the tasks below unless you've done the first 31 days successfully AND you're ready for more..
Every Monday is 3H, half-assed housekeeping hour. It only takes an hour and it only happens once a week. Run around the house doing a lousy job of dusting, vacuuming, washing is dirtiest. One hour ONLY. Then stop. Whatever you missed will still be there, waiting for next Monday to roll around.
Every Monday is Menu Monday.Roughly sketch out a meal plan for the following week and add items to the shopping list you'll carry on Thursday. How about : Monday meat; Tuesday leftovers; Wednesday something with wings; Thursday carryout; Friday fish; Saturday spaghetti; Sunday salad extraordinaire. And remember: cutting back on meat and poultry saves $$, calories,and the environment.
Zoning in: Front porch / entry / dining room. Remove all the papers, clean unfolded clothes, magazines, unpaid bills, board games, etc. etc. from your dining room table. Don't take time to put the stuff away yet; load it into a laundry basket or big box.
Do the Dirty. Monday blues (and blacks)...wash everything that's dark.
HabithackerHealth: 11 minutes of exercise. A little more? A little less? Customize it. And drink water.
Monthly habit building: January's habit was to polish your place every day. February's habit was to hack your health by exercising aerobically.
Day 1
Get one thing done. Choose a space to clear and clean. Flylady tells you this should be the kitchen sink. Other organizing gurus suggest nightstands or dining tables. I prefer to clear off my kitchen island; it gives me the biggest boost. Just make sure your special place is small enough and manageable enough to be kept clear every day from now on. On successive days, when you are told to "polish your place" you need only clear this ONE place.
Polish your place.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
The last day of February is a day to indulge creativity.
Obey your BOP and remember: nothing's ever finished. Day 31 tasks are explained at left and below.
February's Habit: Hack your health in February. Exercise aerobically for 11 minutes. If that's too much, work up to 11 minutes on the treadmill, exercise bike, etc.
Every Sunday we follow our inspirations. Do something creative. Paint something, write something, sing something. If you're too tired, crash creatively by reading a great book.
Zoning in: Weekend Warriors only: Living room / den / family room. What about turning your creativity to one of these rooms? Put out flowers or change the art on your walls.
Do the Dirty. Sunday. Is anything still hanging around your laundry room from the last week? Take care of it.
HabithackerHealth: 11 minutes of exercise.
Monthly habit building: January's habit was to polish your place every day.
February's Habit: Hack your health in February. Exercise aerobically for 11 minutes. If that's too much, work up to 11 minutes on the treadmill, exercise bike, etc.
_____________________________________________________
Draw the line. Don't take on any of the tasks below unless you've done the first 31 days successfully AND you're ready for more..
Every Sunday we follow our inspirations. Do something creative. Paint something, write something, sing something. If you're too tired, crash creatively by reading a great book.
Zoning in: Weekend Warriors only: Living room / den / family room. What about turning your creativity to one of these rooms? Put out flowers or change the art on your walls.
Do the Dirty. Sunday. Is anything still hanging around your laundry room from the last week? Take care of it.
HabithackerHealth: 11 minutes of exercise.
Monthly habit building: January's habit was to polish your place every day.
Day 31
It's never quite done.And that's the honest truth. But once you've got a handle on keeping up with the detritus of life--via routines and habits--you accept that it's never quite done and you do a little then call it quits on the mind-numbing household crap to get onto what's important to you: your creative work. Which is also never quite done.
Obey your BOP.
Remember: it's never quite done.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Lots to look at cuz it's a leap year.
Obey your BOP and do days 27-30. Sorry. it's a leap year. Days 27-30 tasks are explained at left and below.
February's Habit: Hack your health in February. Exercise aerobically for 11 minutes. If that's too much, work up to 11 minutes on the treadmill, exercise bike, etc.
Every Saturday we declutter our drives. Set your timer for 11 minutes and run out to the car with a box or a bag. Bring in everything--trash and treasure--that doesn't belong. Once you're back inside, put the stuff away and then go ahead and play.
Zoning in: Weekend Warriors only: Living room / den / family room. I told you it's screw-around Saturday, but if you feel guilty here's something you might try: put away CDs and DVDs.
Do the Dirty. Saturday's for changing your sheets...and washing them. But don't punish yourself. Twice a month is good enough.
HabithackerHealth: 11 minutes of exercise.
Monthly habit building: January's habit was to polish your place every day.
Day 27February's Habit: Hack your health in February. Exercise aerobically for 11 minutes. If that's too much, work up to 11 minutes on the treadmill, exercise bike, etc.
_____________________________________________________
Draw the line. Don't take on any of the tasks below unless you've done the first 31 days successfully AND you're ready for more..
Every Saturday we declutter our drives. Set your timer for 11 minutes and run out to the car with a box or a bag. Bring in everything--trash and treasure--that doesn't belong. Once you're back inside, put the stuff away and then go ahead and play.
Zoning in: Weekend Warriors only: Living room / den / family room. I told you it's screw-around Saturday, but if you feel guilty here's something you might try: put away CDs and DVDs.
Do the Dirty. Saturday's for changing your sheets...and washing them. But don't punish yourself. Twice a month is good enough.
HabithackerHealth: 11 minutes of exercise.
Monthly habit building: January's habit was to polish your place every day.
Magic eleven.I've been using a timer to give me motivation for twenty-five years. It works to know your time is ticking down. In experimenting with different parcels of time, I've come to the conclusion that 11 really is a magic number. (It is in all the woo-woo arcana, too.) Just like doing things for 15 minutes, you can get four sets of something done in an hour. But you'll also get two sets of 8 minute breaks. Recent research shows you need this. Start setting your timer for 11 minute intervals.
Obey your BOP.
Do an 11.
Day 28
It's never too late.It's never too late to start. Doing a half-assed job is better than doing nothing. Just five minutes is often all it takes. When all else fails, get just one thing done. "It's never too late" also, of course, applies to your creative work. It's not too late to be a painter, a novelist, a teacher, an actress.
Obey your BOP.
Remember: it's never too late.
Day 29
Draw the line.In the daily tasks at right, you'll notice that every month we post Days 1-31 plus the habit of the month. Everything below the line is optional--in the sense that you shouldn't tackle it unless you feel you've got a handle on the tasks above the line. Whenever you get overwhelmed, go back to following the Days 1-31 tasks only. Or simply Polish your place and vow to do a little more another day.
Obey your BOP.
Draw the line.
Day 30
Doing the dirty.Nothing is harder than habithacking laundry. I suggest doing a load every day to make the habit stick. Try this plan: Monday blues (& blacks...darks). Tuesday towels. Wednesday whites. ThuRsday rags, rugs, the rest (stuff that doesn't fit into these other categories). Friday frillies and woolies (hand-washables). Saturday sheets. Make a plan for laundry that works for you and add it to your BOP.
Obey your BOP.
Do the dirty.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Time to clear your upstairs (head, not second floor).
Obey your BOP and check out habithacker.com. Day 26 tasks are explained at left and below.
February's Habit: Hack your health in February. Exercise aerobically for 11 minutes. If that's too much, work up to 11 minutes on the treadmill, exercise bike, etc.
Every Friday we free our minds. Empty your brain into your BrainOnPapaer (BOP). Write down everything you need to remember, do, and take care of for the next week. Scan your previous week's lists, too.
Zoning in: living room / den / family room: Gather up your reading materials spread around these rooms and toss most of them. Realistically: which books and magazines will you read in these rooms in the next week? Those stay. The rest? Throw or put away.
Do the Dirty. Friday is for frillies and woolies (handwashables). If, unlike me, you've forsaken silks and cashmeres, you get to relax. Or put away any clean clothes you didn't yet hang.
HabithackerHealth: 11 minutes of exercise.
Monthly habit building: January's habit was to polish your place every day.
February's Habit: Hack your health in February. Exercise aerobically for 11 minutes. If that's too much, work up to 11 minutes on the treadmill, exercise bike, etc.
_____________________________________________________
Draw the line. Don't take on any of the tasks below unless you've done the first 31 days successfully AND you're ready for more..
Every Friday we free our minds. Empty your brain into your BrainOnPapaer (BOP). Write down everything you need to remember, do, and take care of for the next week. Scan your previous week's lists, too.
Zoning in: living room / den / family room: Gather up your reading materials spread around these rooms and toss most of them. Realistically: which books and magazines will you read in these rooms in the next week? Those stay. The rest? Throw or put away.
Do the Dirty. Friday is for frillies and woolies (handwashables). If, unlike me, you've forsaken silks and cashmeres, you get to relax. Or put away any clean clothes you didn't yet hang.
HabithackerHealth: 11 minutes of exercise.
Monthly habit building: January's habit was to polish your place every day.
Day 26
Try tools and tricks.We've got a sister website that reviews our favorite blogs, products, books, ideas, and all sorts of other tools and tricks. Visit it often and get inspired. www.habithacker.com
Obey your BOP.
Get inspired at www.habithacker.com
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Got the get-up-and-go to get up and go today?
Obey your BOP and add chasing (errand) and car decluttering days. Day 25 tasks are explained in left hand column and at the end of this post.
February's Habit: Hack your health in February. Exercise aerobically for 11 minutes. If that's too much, work up to 11 minutes on the treadmill, exercise bike, etc.
Every Thursday we chase.Grab your shopping lists and go. Check your car for gas. If you're getting close to a quarter tank, fill it.
Zoning in: Living room / den / family room.Pick just one of these rooms and do a detail vacuuming.
Do the Dirty. ThuRsday rags, rugs, the rest. "The rest?" It might simply be to finish folding and putting away Monday's or Tuesday's or Wednesday's loads.
HabithackerHealth: 11 minutes of exercise.
Monthly habit building: January's habit was to polish your place every day.
Day 25
Let's take a drive.Set aside one day a week--and one day only--to get your errands done. We call this Chasing Day. If you're not planning it ahead, after all, you're chasing your tail. Also, one day a week, spend 15 minutes decluttering your drive. As always, customize weekly planning for the day that works for you.
Obey your BOP.
Thursday's Chasing Day.
Saturdays are for Car Clutter.
February's Habit: Hack your health in February. Exercise aerobically for 11 minutes. If that's too much, work up to 11 minutes on the treadmill, exercise bike, etc.
_____________________________________________________
Draw the line. Don't take on any of the tasks below unless you've done the first 31 days successfully AND you're ready for more..
Every Thursday we chase.Grab your shopping lists and go. Check your car for gas. If you're getting close to a quarter tank, fill it.
Zoning in: Living room / den / family room.Pick just one of these rooms and do a detail vacuuming.
Do the Dirty. ThuRsday rags, rugs, the rest. "The rest?" It might simply be to finish folding and putting away Monday's or Tuesday's or Wednesday's loads.
HabithackerHealth: 11 minutes of exercise.
Monthly habit building: January's habit was to polish your place every day.
Day 25
Let's take a drive.Set aside one day a week--and one day only--to get your errands done. We call this Chasing Day. If you're not planning it ahead, after all, you're chasing your tail. Also, one day a week, spend 15 minutes decluttering your drive. As always, customize weekly planning for the day that works for you.
Obey your BOP.
Thursday's Chasing Day.
Saturdays are for Car Clutter.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Paperwork? Don't sit on it.
Obey your BOP and perform P4. Day 24 tasks are explained in the column at left and at the end of this post.
February's Habit: Hack your health in February. Exercise aerobically for 11 minutes. If that's too much, work up to 11 minutes on the treadmill, exercise bike, etc.
Every WeDnesday is a D-Day. What's a D-Day? 11 minutes of decluttering, of course.
Every WeDnesday we put derriere in desk chair to work on paperwork. Make a list for Thursday's chasing, making sure you include items from Menu Monday. Pay your bills, write your letters, and when you're done, leave your desk or table clear.
Zoning in: Living room / den / family room. Take a long-handled duster and get those cobwebs out of the corners of these rooms.
Do the Dirty. Wednesday whites. Make sure you've taken care of Monday's black and blues and Tuesday's towels before you get to the whites.
HabithackerHealth: 11 minutes of exercise.And snack on carrots, not chocolate.
Monthly habit building: January's habit was to polish your place every day.
Day 24
Perform P4 .I agree with the wisdom of Flylady on this one: the only way to tolerate toilet cleaning is to never let it get dirty. Unless you swish that toilet daily and wipe the toothpaste off the mirror, you're in for a bad day when it's time to clean. Add Pee Poo & Paste Patrol--let's just call it the less vulgar P4--to your daily or every other day routine in your BOP. Right after #1 and #2...comes P4.
Obey your BOP.
Perform P4.
February's Habit: Hack your health in February. Exercise aerobically for 11 minutes. If that's too much, work up to 11 minutes on the treadmill, exercise bike, etc.
_____________________________________________________
Draw the line. Don't take on any of the tasks below unless you've done the first 31 days successfully.
Every WeDnesday is a D-Day. What's a D-Day? 11 minutes of decluttering, of course.
Every WeDnesday we put derriere in desk chair to work on paperwork. Make a list for Thursday's chasing, making sure you include items from Menu Monday. Pay your bills, write your letters, and when you're done, leave your desk or table clear.
Zoning in: Living room / den / family room. Take a long-handled duster and get those cobwebs out of the corners of these rooms.
Do the Dirty. Wednesday whites. Make sure you've taken care of Monday's black and blues and Tuesday's towels before you get to the whites.
HabithackerHealth: 11 minutes of exercise.And snack on carrots, not chocolate.
Monthly habit building: January's habit was to polish your place every day.
Day 24
Perform P4 .I agree with the wisdom of Flylady on this one: the only way to tolerate toilet cleaning is to never let it get dirty. Unless you swish that toilet daily and wipe the toothpaste off the mirror, you're in for a bad day when it's time to clean. Add Pee Poo & Paste Patrol--let's just call it the less vulgar P4--to your daily or every other day routine in your BOP. Right after #1 and #2...comes P4.
Obey your BOP.
Perform P4.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Tuesdays are tumultuous.
Obey your BOP and add Free-you- mind Fridays. Day 23 tasks are explained in the left-hand column and at the bottom of this post.
February's Habit: Hack your health in February. Exercise aerobically for 11 minutes or as long as you're able.
Every Tuesday we beat back our betes noire . It's only for 11 minutes, remember, and it's only once a week. What is the one thing that gives you fits? Go beat it back.
Every Tuesday we tackle one terrible thing. You may as well tackle the terrible things all in one day. Choose your own terrible thing, or try: make any doctor or dentist appointments you've been meaning to schedule.
Zoning in: Living room / den / family room. Clear off and dust all flat surfaces.
Do the Dirty. Tuesday is for washing towels. ...But don't start this load until yesterday's is folded and put away.
HabithackerHealth: 11 minutes of exercise. A little more, a little less.
Monthly habit building: January's habit was to polish your place every day.
Day 23
Keep your mind free.
Yes, your brain has been working overtime for years. Here's a trick from David Allen's system of Getting Things Done. Always write down everything you have to do or want to remember. This allows your brain to stop working so hard on the trivialities of life. You ought to be using it for the creative stuff, anyway. From now on, every Friday, empty your brain into your BOP.
Obey your BOP.
Free your mind on Fridays.
February's Habit: Hack your health in February. Exercise aerobically for 11 minutes or as long as you're able.
_____________________________________________________
Draw the line. Don't take on any of the tasks below unless you've done the first 31 days successfully AND you're ready for more..
Every Tuesday we beat back our betes noire . It's only for 11 minutes, remember, and it's only once a week. What is the one thing that gives you fits? Go beat it back.
Every Tuesday we tackle one terrible thing. You may as well tackle the terrible things all in one day. Choose your own terrible thing, or try: make any doctor or dentist appointments you've been meaning to schedule.
Zoning in: Living room / den / family room. Clear off and dust all flat surfaces.
Do the Dirty. Tuesday is for washing towels. ...But don't start this load until yesterday's is folded and put away.
HabithackerHealth: 11 minutes of exercise. A little more, a little less.
Monthly habit building: January's habit was to polish your place every day.
Day 23
Keep your mind free.
Yes, your brain has been working overtime for years. Here's a trick from David Allen's system of Getting Things Done. Always write down everything you have to do or want to remember. This allows your brain to stop working so hard on the trivialities of life. You ought to be using it for the creative stuff, anyway. From now on, every Friday, empty your brain into your BOP.
Obey your BOP.
Free your mind on Fridays.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Mondays: menus, 3H, and who are ya, anyway?
Obey your BOP and ask yourself if your spaces reflect who you are today. Day 22 tasks are explained in the left-hand column and at the bottom of this post.
February's Habit: Hack your health in February. Exercise aerobically for 11 minutes. If that's too much, work up to 11 minutes on the treadmill, exercise bike, etc.
Every Monday we do 3H, half-assed housekeeping hour. On your mark, get set, go. For one hour, zip around the house doing a lousy job of dusting, vacuuming, washing whatever feels the dirtiest. One hour ONLY. Then stop. Anything you missed is fine. After all, Monday will come around again next week and you can go at it in a half-assed way again.
Every Monday is Menu Monday.Roughly sketch out a meal plan for the following week and add items to your shopping list. How about this: Monday chicken (free range, organic, please or don't eat chicken at all--if you don't believe me, google corporate chicken farming); Tuesday leftovers; Wednesday pasta with a red sauce (or any non-meat pasta dish); Thursday stuffed pork chops (OK, I'm lazy and get them already stuffed...for my family--I don't eat meat or poultry at all, but let others make their own choices); Friday carryout; Saturday baked salmon; Sunday chili tofu. Have a big salad every night. Also, make baked potatoes once, brown rice several times, side veggies nightly. Always keep fresh broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, and cabbage on hand (they keep a long time), along with frozen peas and corn. Consider cutting back on meat and poultry to save $$, calories, the environment.
Zoning in: Living room / den/ family room. Check under the furniture cushions for money and other treasures. Finders keepers. Vacuum up the crumbs and stuff.
Do the Dirty. Monday blues (and blacks)...wash everything that's dark. For me it takes two loads...Dark jeans and black, black, black clothes are what I love to wear.
HabithackerHealth: 11 minutes of exercise. A little more? A little less? Customize it.
Monthly habit building: January's habit was to polish your place every day.
Day 22
Who are you? Regina Leeds, in her wonderful zen organizing series of books, has an exercise called Fresh Eyes. Other decluttering writers also have versions of this that go by other names. The idea is to try to see your spaces the way others might see them. Who lives here? An efficient busy person? An overwhelmed creative? Someone you don't want your neighbors to see? Someone you were years ago but aren't anymore? If your spaces don't reflect who you are today, maybe you should change your spaces tomorrow.
Obey your BOP.
Ask: who lives here?
February's Habit: Hack your health in February. Exercise aerobically for 11 minutes. If that's too much, work up to 11 minutes on the treadmill, exercise bike, etc.
_____________________________________________________
Draw the line. Don't take on any of the tasks below unless you've done the first 31 days successfully AND you're ready for more..
Every Monday we do 3H, half-assed housekeeping hour. On your mark, get set, go. For one hour, zip around the house doing a lousy job of dusting, vacuuming, washing whatever feels the dirtiest. One hour ONLY. Then stop. Anything you missed is fine. After all, Monday will come around again next week and you can go at it in a half-assed way again.
Every Monday is Menu Monday.Roughly sketch out a meal plan for the following week and add items to your shopping list. How about this: Monday chicken (free range, organic, please or don't eat chicken at all--if you don't believe me, google corporate chicken farming); Tuesday leftovers; Wednesday pasta with a red sauce (or any non-meat pasta dish); Thursday stuffed pork chops (OK, I'm lazy and get them already stuffed...for my family--I don't eat meat or poultry at all, but let others make their own choices); Friday carryout; Saturday baked salmon; Sunday chili tofu. Have a big salad every night. Also, make baked potatoes once, brown rice several times, side veggies nightly. Always keep fresh broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, and cabbage on hand (they keep a long time), along with frozen peas and corn. Consider cutting back on meat and poultry to save $$, calories, the environment.
Zoning in: Living room / den/ family room. Check under the furniture cushions for money and other treasures. Finders keepers. Vacuum up the crumbs and stuff.
Do the Dirty. Monday blues (and blacks)...wash everything that's dark. For me it takes two loads...Dark jeans and black, black, black clothes are what I love to wear.
HabithackerHealth: 11 minutes of exercise. A little more? A little less? Customize it.
Monthly habit building: January's habit was to polish your place every day.
Day 22
Who are you? Regina Leeds, in her wonderful zen organizing series of books, has an exercise called Fresh Eyes. Other decluttering writers also have versions of this that go by other names. The idea is to try to see your spaces the way others might see them. Who lives here? An efficient busy person? An overwhelmed creative? Someone you don't want your neighbors to see? Someone you were years ago but aren't anymore? If your spaces don't reflect who you are today, maybe you should change your spaces tomorrow.
Obey your BOP.
Ask: who lives here?
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Sundays are for the creative in you.
Obey your BOP and add Creative Sundays to your schedule. Day 21 tasks are explained at left and at the bottom of this post.
February's Habit: Hack your health in February. Exercise aerobically for 11 minutes. If that's too much, work up to 11 minutes on the treadmill, exercise bike, etc.
Every Sunday we do something creative. Actually, don't just be creative on Sundays...be creative everyday. But, if like many of us, you're so busy you don't give yourself permission to work on some creative work that's been percolating for a while, this is what a wonderful Sunday is for.
Zoning in: Weekend Warriors only: Bathroom / Laundry Really. You don't have to do this on the weekend. But if you truly want a way to put the rest of us to shame: Do a thorough scrub on each bathroom sink.
Do the Dirty. Sunday. Finish folding and putting away anything still in your dryer or laundry basket.
HabithackerHealth: 11 minutes of exercise.
Monthly habit building: January's habit was to polish your place every day.
Day 21
How we keep it fun.Dealing with the detritus is no fun. We can put on good music when we do the dishes or reward ourselves with toys if we've paid our bills on time, but still....the bullshit's still bullshit. And has to be shoveled. But by creating habits that streamline the boring details of life, we can spend more time on creativity and inspiration. Every Sunday we take time to be creative.
Obey your BOP.
Sunday is creative funday.
February's Habit: Hack your health in February. Exercise aerobically for 11 minutes. If that's too much, work up to 11 minutes on the treadmill, exercise bike, etc.
_____________________________________________________
Draw the line. Don't take on any of the tasks below unless you've done the first 31 days successfully AND you're ready for more..
Every Sunday we do something creative. Actually, don't just be creative on Sundays...be creative everyday. But, if like many of us, you're so busy you don't give yourself permission to work on some creative work that's been percolating for a while, this is what a wonderful Sunday is for.
Zoning in: Weekend Warriors only: Bathroom / Laundry Really. You don't have to do this on the weekend. But if you truly want a way to put the rest of us to shame: Do a thorough scrub on each bathroom sink.
Do the Dirty. Sunday. Finish folding and putting away anything still in your dryer or laundry basket.
HabithackerHealth: 11 minutes of exercise.
Monthly habit building: January's habit was to polish your place every day.
Day 21
How we keep it fun.Dealing with the detritus is no fun. We can put on good music when we do the dishes or reward ourselves with toys if we've paid our bills on time, but still....the bullshit's still bullshit. And has to be shoveled. But by creating habits that streamline the boring details of life, we can spend more time on creativity and inspiration. Every Sunday we take time to be creative.
Obey your BOP.
Sunday is creative funday.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Obey your BOP and remember: it's good enough. Really. Day 20 tasks are explained at left and at bottom of posting (thanks subscribers, for letting me know what's helpful. Please tell me what makes this system work for you.).
February's Habit: Hack your health in February. Exercise aerobically for 11 minutes. If that's too much, work up to 11 minutes on the treadmill, exercise bike, etc.
Every Saturday we cart the crap out of our cars and then screw around. Set your timer for 11 minutes and run outside to your parallel parked car...or, if you're lucky, into a warm garage. Pick up all the junk that's cluttering your passenger seat and car floor. Throw the garbage and put away the stuff that belongs elsewhere. Ahhhhh. Now play for the rest of the day, preferably at something creative.
Zoning in: Weekend Warriors only: Bathrooms / Laundry . Frankly, I'd rather you do something you really enjoy, such as paint a silk scarf or write a short sotry. But if you must, you can spend 11 minutes wiping down your filthy washer & dryer. Don't try to pretend it's anything but.
Do the Dirty. Saturday you can change your sheets...if they're dirty. Please don't make any extra work on my account.
HabithackerHealth: 11 minutes of exercise.
Monthly habit building: January's habit was to polish your place every day.
Day 20February's Habit: Hack your health in February. Exercise aerobically for 11 minutes. If that's too much, work up to 11 minutes on the treadmill, exercise bike, etc.
_____________________________________________________
Draw the line. Don't take on any of the tasks below unless you've done the first 31 days successfully AND you're ready for more..
Every Saturday we cart the crap out of our cars and then screw around. Set your timer for 11 minutes and run outside to your parallel parked car...or, if you're lucky, into a warm garage. Pick up all the junk that's cluttering your passenger seat and car floor. Throw the garbage and put away the stuff that belongs elsewhere. Ahhhhh. Now play for the rest of the day, preferably at something creative.
Zoning in: Weekend Warriors only: Bathrooms / Laundry . Frankly, I'd rather you do something you really enjoy, such as paint a silk scarf or write a short sotry. But if you must, you can spend 11 minutes wiping down your filthy washer & dryer. Don't try to pretend it's anything but.
Do the Dirty. Saturday you can change your sheets...if they're dirty. Please don't make any extra work on my account.
HabithackerHealth: 11 minutes of exercise.
Monthly habit building: January's habit was to polish your place every day.
The good and plenty.Repeat after me: good enough is plenty good; it doesn't have to be perfect, it just has to get done. And other such cliches. They're repeated often because so often we forget.
Obey your BOP.
Good enough is plenty good.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Free your mind Fridays...so you can free your creativity on Sunday.
Obey your BOP and customize your routines. Day 19 tasks are explained at left and at bottom of posting.
February's Habit: Hack your health in February. Exercise aerobically for 11 minutes. If that's too much, work up to 11 minutes on the treadmill, exercise bike, etc.
Every Friday we free our minds. Empty your brain into your BrainOnPapaer (BOP). Write down everything you need to remember, do, and take care of for the next week. Scan your previous week's lists, too. This tip is adapted from the famous GTD (Getting Things Done) system. Although David Allen is perhaps not the most thrilling writer, he has revolutionized the productivity world. If you haven't already, you may want to read his seminal book, visit his website, or google "GTD" for all the many websites devoted to this system.
Zoning in: Bedroom / Closet. Clear your nightstands and dust them.
Do the Dirty. Friday we wash frillies and woolies (handwashables). If you don't bother with hand washing, good for you. You're a better habithacker than I.
HabithackerHealth: 11 minutes of exercise.
Monthly habit building: January's habit was to polish your place every day.
Day 19
It's YOUR scene.There's no reason 3H has to be on a Monday. There's no magic to menu planning on a Monday, decluttering on a Wednesday, or beating the bn on a Tuesday. They're written that way here because I find things easier to remember with alliteration (Menu Monday) and catchy phrasing. Please customize. Maybe you can't devote a whole hour once a week to a crappyclean. Then do ten minutes a day six days a week. Whatever works. Obey your BOP.Customize your BOP.
February's Habit: Hack your health in February. Exercise aerobically for 11 minutes. If that's too much, work up to 11 minutes on the treadmill, exercise bike, etc.
_____________________________________________________
Draw the line. Don't take on any of the tasks below unless you've done the first 31 days successfully AND you're ready for more..
Every Friday we free our minds. Empty your brain into your BrainOnPapaer (BOP). Write down everything you need to remember, do, and take care of for the next week. Scan your previous week's lists, too. This tip is adapted from the famous GTD (Getting Things Done) system. Although David Allen is perhaps not the most thrilling writer, he has revolutionized the productivity world. If you haven't already, you may want to read his seminal book, visit his website, or google "GTD" for all the many websites devoted to this system.
Zoning in: Bedroom / Closet. Clear your nightstands and dust them.
Do the Dirty. Friday we wash frillies and woolies (handwashables). If you don't bother with hand washing, good for you. You're a better habithacker than I.
HabithackerHealth: 11 minutes of exercise.
Monthly habit building: January's habit was to polish your place every day.
Day 19
It's YOUR scene.There's no reason 3H has to be on a Monday. There's no magic to menu planning on a Monday, decluttering on a Wednesday, or beating the bn on a Tuesday. They're written that way here because I find things easier to remember with alliteration (Menu Monday) and catchy phrasing. Please customize. Maybe you can't devote a whole hour once a week to a crappyclean. Then do ten minutes a day six days a week. Whatever works. Obey your BOP.Customize your BOP.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Thursdays..it's fun to do chasing as long as you're not chasing your tail.
Obey your BOP and add Half-assed housekeeping hours. Day 18 tasks are explained at left.
February's Habit: Hack your health in February. Exercise aerobically for 11 minutes. If that's too much, work up to 11 minutes on the treadmill, exercise bike, etc.
Every Thursday we chase.Grab your shopping lists and go. But reward yourself, too--buy something to feed your creativity: a new set of brushes, jewelry making supplies, perhaps a book?
Zoning in: Bedroom / Clothes closet. What's that stuff on the floor of your closet? Get rid of it.
Do the Dirty. ThuRsday rags, rugs, the rest. And the rest might simply be to finish folding and putting away Monday's or Tuesday's or Wednesday's loads.
HabithackerHealth: 11 minutes of exercise.
Monthly habit building: January's habit was to polish your place every day.
Day 18
An hour to half-assed house clean.There's another thing we're going to put in the BOP for every Monday and that's 3H or half-assed housekeeping hour. If you spend an hour once a week running around your house like a mad idiot doing a fast and lousy job of vacuuming only the middle of your floors, dusting only the most obvious areas, cleaning your company bathrooms and wiping kitchen countertops, your house will start to look incredibly clean. No joke. We'll add the detail cleaning things later. No one's going to look behind your couch. Promise.
Obey your BOP.
3H: Half-assed housecleaning hour.
February's Habit: Hack your health in February. Exercise aerobically for 11 minutes. If that's too much, work up to 11 minutes on the treadmill, exercise bike, etc.
_____________________________________________________
Draw the line. Don't take on any of the tasks below unless you've done the first 31 days successfully AND you're ready for more..
Every Thursday we chase.Grab your shopping lists and go. But reward yourself, too--buy something to feed your creativity: a new set of brushes, jewelry making supplies, perhaps a book?
Zoning in: Bedroom / Clothes closet. What's that stuff on the floor of your closet? Get rid of it.
Do the Dirty. ThuRsday rags, rugs, the rest. And the rest might simply be to finish folding and putting away Monday's or Tuesday's or Wednesday's loads.
HabithackerHealth: 11 minutes of exercise.
Monthly habit building: January's habit was to polish your place every day.
Day 18
An hour to half-assed house clean.There's another thing we're going to put in the BOP for every Monday and that's 3H or half-assed housekeeping hour. If you spend an hour once a week running around your house like a mad idiot doing a fast and lousy job of vacuuming only the middle of your floors, dusting only the most obvious areas, cleaning your company bathrooms and wiping kitchen countertops, your house will start to look incredibly clean. No joke. We'll add the detail cleaning things later. No one's going to look behind your couch. Promise.
Obey your BOP.
3H: Half-assed housecleaning hour.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Wednesday get your backside back in a chair: it's time for desk work
Obey your BOP and self-help your wallet. Day 17 tasks are explained at left and at bottom of this posting (due to subscriber request--thanks!.)
February's Habit: Hack your health in February. Exercise aerobically for 11 minutes. If that's too much, work up to it.
Every WeDnesday is a D-Day. What's a D-Day? Decluttering for 11 minutes. You know you've got clutter. And it's blocking your creativity. The gurus of feng shui tell us so.
Every WeDnesday we put derriere in desk chair to work on paperwork.Pay bills, attack correspondance, get rid of the big pile of papers...whether it's on your desk or dining table. Make a list for Thursday's chasing, too, making sure you include items from Menu Monday.
Zoning in: Bedroom / clothes closet.You KNOW you have too many accessories. Can you find 3 scarves or handbags or necklaces or ? (I'm going easy on you) to donate or hand over to friends?
Do the Dirty. Wednesday whites. Put away Monday's black and blues and Tuesday's towels before you get to the whites.
HabithackerHealth: 11 minutes of exercise.And snack on carrots, not chocolate.
Monthly habit building: January's habit was to polish your place every day.
Day 17
Control your cuisine.First rule: keep only healthy foods and snacks in the house to avoid temptation. Second rule: do not grocery shop without a list. Third rule: Make out simple weekly menu plans every Monday. By simple I mean, for instance, meat once a week, pasta once, fish once, poultry once, salad twice, carryout once. By the way, if you're trying to lose weight, limiting yourself to a salad at dinner twice a week--loaded with great vegetables, tuna or hard-boiled eggs for protein, and a low fat dressing will get your therre. You can eat big portions of these greens.
Obey your BOP
Add Menu Mondays.
February's Habit: Hack your health in February. Exercise aerobically for 11 minutes. If that's too much, work up to it.
_____________________________________________________
Draw the line. Don't take on any of the tasks below unless you've done the first 31 days successfully.
Every WeDnesday is a D-Day. What's a D-Day? Decluttering for 11 minutes. You know you've got clutter. And it's blocking your creativity. The gurus of feng shui tell us so.
Every WeDnesday we put derriere in desk chair to work on paperwork.Pay bills, attack correspondance, get rid of the big pile of papers...whether it's on your desk or dining table. Make a list for Thursday's chasing, too, making sure you include items from Menu Monday.
Zoning in: Bedroom / clothes closet.You KNOW you have too many accessories. Can you find 3 scarves or handbags or necklaces or ? (I'm going easy on you) to donate or hand over to friends?
Do the Dirty. Wednesday whites. Put away Monday's black and blues and Tuesday's towels before you get to the whites.
HabithackerHealth: 11 minutes of exercise.And snack on carrots, not chocolate.
Monthly habit building: January's habit was to polish your place every day.
Day 17
Control your cuisine.First rule: keep only healthy foods and snacks in the house to avoid temptation. Second rule: do not grocery shop without a list. Third rule: Make out simple weekly menu plans every Monday. By simple I mean, for instance, meat once a week, pasta once, fish once, poultry once, salad twice, carryout once. By the way, if you're trying to lose weight, limiting yourself to a salad at dinner twice a week--loaded with great vegetables, tuna or hard-boiled eggs for protein, and a low fat dressing will get your therre. You can eat big portions of these greens.
Obey your BOP
Add Menu Mondays.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Toxic Tuesday awaits
Obey your Brain on Paper (BOP) and beat your bete noire. Day 16 tasks are explained at left.
February's Habit: Hack your health in February. Exercise aerobically for 11 minutes. If that's too much, work up to 11 minutes on the treadmill, exercise bike, etc. If that's too few minutes, add some.
Every Tuesday we do a bete noire beat. It's only for 11 minutes, remember, and it's only once a week. So go after whatever part of your house or project is giving you fits. Set your timer and stick to it.
Every Tuesday we tackle one terrible thing. You may as well tackle the terrible things all in one day. Choose your own terrible thing, or try: clean your fridge for 11 minutes.
Zoning in: Bedroom / clothes closet. Sort through all the reading material stacked next to your bed. Are you really going to read that old old copy of Poets & Writers?
Do the Dirty. Tuesday towels. ...But don't start on the towels until yesterday's load is folded and loaded into your closets and dressers.
HabithackerHealth: 11 minutes of exercise. A little more, a little less.
Monthly habit building: January's habit was to polish your place every day.
February's Habit: Hack your health in February. Exercise aerobically for 11 minutes. If that's too much, work up to 11 minutes on the treadmill, exercise bike, etc. If that's too few minutes, add some.
_____________________________________________________
Draw the line. Don't take on any of the tasks below unless you've done the first 31 days successfully AND you're ready for more..
Every Tuesday we do a bete noire beat. It's only for 11 minutes, remember, and it's only once a week. So go after whatever part of your house or project is giving you fits. Set your timer and stick to it.
Every Tuesday we tackle one terrible thing. You may as well tackle the terrible things all in one day. Choose your own terrible thing, or try: clean your fridge for 11 minutes.
Zoning in: Bedroom / clothes closet. Sort through all the reading material stacked next to your bed. Are you really going to read that old old copy of Poets & Writers?
Do the Dirty. Tuesday towels. ...But don't start on the towels until yesterday's load is folded and loaded into your closets and dressers.
HabithackerHealth: 11 minutes of exercise. A little more, a little less.
Monthly habit building: January's habit was to polish your place every day.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Monday is for half-assed housekeeping and planning menus.
Obey your BOP and add a FastFit 11. Day 15 tasks are explained at left.
February's Habit: Hack your health in February. Exercise aerobically for 11 minutes. If that's too much, work up to 11 minutes on the treadmill, exercise bike, etc.
Every Monday we do 3H, half-assed housekeeping hour. Do a fast and crappy job of dusting, vacuuming, washing whatever feels the dirtiest. One hour ONLY. Then stop. It's good enough for this wee.
Every Monday is Menu Monday. Roughly sketch out a meal plan for the following week, as in meat on Monday, tofu on Tuesday and whatever Wednesday.
Zoning in: Bedroom / closet. Fold, hang, and put away clothes for 11 minutes.
Do the Dirty. Monday blues (and blacks and all darks).
HabithackerHealth: 11 minutes of exercise. More, if you want, Less, if you must.
Monthly habit building: January's habit was to polish your place every day.
February's Habit: Hack your health in February. Exercise aerobically for 11 minutes. If that's too much, work up to 11 minutes on the treadmill, exercise bike, etc.
_____________________________________________________
Draw the line. Don't take on any of the tasks below unless you've done the first 31 days successfully AND you're ready for more..
Every Monday we do 3H, half-assed housekeeping hour. Do a fast and crappy job of dusting, vacuuming, washing whatever feels the dirtiest. One hour ONLY. Then stop. It's good enough for this wee.
Every Monday is Menu Monday. Roughly sketch out a meal plan for the following week, as in meat on Monday, tofu on Tuesday and whatever Wednesday.
Zoning in: Bedroom / closet. Fold, hang, and put away clothes for 11 minutes.
Do the Dirty. Monday blues (and blacks and all darks).
HabithackerHealth: 11 minutes of exercise. More, if you want, Less, if you must.
Monthly habit building: January's habit was to polish your place every day.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Sunday is for creativity and a lithe and lean D-Day
Obey your BOP and remember:: D-Days make you lean. Day 14 tasks are explained at left.
February's Habit: Hack your health in February. Exercise aerobically for 11 minutes. If that's too much, work up to 11 minutes on the treadmill, exercise bike, etc.
Every Sunday we do something creative. This is the second Sunday in February so you should be figuring out some creative project. Go work on it. It's the best thing you can do.
Zoning in: Weekend Warriors only: Bedroom / Closet Oh, relax already and go paint or write a poem. But if you must, spend 11 minutes purging your undies drawer. Get rid of any that aren't pretty, don't fit you, and aren't in great shape. You know what I'm talking about.
Do the Dirty. Sunday. Finish folding and putting away anything still in your dryer or laundry basket.
HabithackerHealth: 11 minutes of exercise.
Monthly habit building: January's habit was to polish your place every day.
February's Habit: Hack your health in February. Exercise aerobically for 11 minutes. If that's too much, work up to 11 minutes on the treadmill, exercise bike, etc.
_____________________________________________________
Draw the line. Don't take on any of the tasks below unless you've done the first 31 days successfully AND you're ready for more..
Every Sunday we do something creative. This is the second Sunday in February so you should be figuring out some creative project. Go work on it. It's the best thing you can do.
Zoning in: Weekend Warriors only: Bedroom / Closet Oh, relax already and go paint or write a poem. But if you must, spend 11 minutes purging your undies drawer. Get rid of any that aren't pretty, don't fit you, and aren't in great shape. You know what I'm talking about.
Do the Dirty. Sunday. Finish folding and putting away anything still in your dryer or laundry basket.
HabithackerHealth: 11 minutes of exercise.
Monthly habit building: January's habit was to polish your place every day.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Screw-around Saturday and Double your Ds
Obey your BOP and do a double D-Day. Day 13 tasks are explained at left.
February's Habit: Hack your health in February. Exercise aerobically for 11 minutes. If that's too much, work up to 11 minutes on the treadmill, exercise bike, etc.
Every Saturday we declutter our drives and then spend the rest of the day screwing around. Set your timer for 11 minutes and run out to the car with a box or a bag. Bring in everything--trash and treasure--that doesn't belong. Once you're back inside, put the stuff away and then go ahead and play.
Zoning in: Weekend Warriors only: Bedroom / Closet. Vacuum or dust under your bed.
Do the Dirty. Saturday's for changing your sheets...and washing them.
HabithackerHealth: 11 minutes of exercise.
Monthly habit building: January's habit was to polish your place every day.
February's Habit: Hack your health in February. Exercise aerobically for 11 minutes. If that's too much, work up to 11 minutes on the treadmill, exercise bike, etc.
_____________________________________________________
Draw the line. Don't take on any of the tasks below unless you've done the first 31 days successfully AND you're ready for more..
Every Saturday we declutter our drives and then spend the rest of the day screwing around. Set your timer for 11 minutes and run out to the car with a box or a bag. Bring in everything--trash and treasure--that doesn't belong. Once you're back inside, put the stuff away and then go ahead and play.
Zoning in: Weekend Warriors only: Bedroom / Closet. Vacuum or dust under your bed.
Do the Dirty. Saturday's for changing your sheets...and washing them.
HabithackerHealth: 11 minutes of exercise.
Monthly habit building: January's habit was to polish your place every day.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Friday you free your mind...except while doing D-Day
Obey your BOP and do your first D-Day. Day 12 tasks are explained at left.
February's Habit: Hack your health in February. Exercise aerobically for 11 minutes. If that's too much, work up to 11 minutes on the treadmill, exercise bike, etc.
Every Friday we free our minds. Empty your brain into your BrainOnPapaer (BOP). Write down everything you need to remember, do, and take care of for the next week. Scan your previous week's lists, too.
Zoning in: Bedroom / Closet. Clear your nightstands and dust them.
Do the Dirty. Friday is for frillies and woolies (handwashables). If you only throw stuff in the machine...then take the day off.
HabithackerHealth: 11 minutes of exercise.
Monthly habit building: January's habit was to polish your place every day.
February's Habit: Hack your health in February. Exercise aerobically for 11 minutes. If that's too much, work up to 11 minutes on the treadmill, exercise bike, etc.
_____________________________________________________
Draw the line. Don't take on any of the tasks below unless you've done the first 31 days successfully AND you're ready for more..
Every Friday we free our minds. Empty your brain into your BrainOnPapaer (BOP). Write down everything you need to remember, do, and take care of for the next week. Scan your previous week's lists, too.
Zoning in: Bedroom / Closet. Clear your nightstands and dust them.
Do the Dirty. Friday is for frillies and woolies (handwashables). If you only throw stuff in the machine...then take the day off.
HabithackerHealth: 11 minutes of exercise.
Monthly habit building: January's habit was to polish your place every day.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Thursday chasing and closet purge
Obey your BOP and think about the science of 7. Day 11 tasks are explained at left.
February's Habit: Hack your health in February. Exercise aerobically for 11 minutes. If that's too much, work up to 11 minutes on the treadmill, exercise bike, etc.
Every Thursday we chase.Grab your shopping lists and go.
Zoning in: Bedroom / Clothes closet. Get rid of 5 pieces of clothing. Go do it. I'm not kidding.
Do the Dirty. ThuRsday rags, rugs, the rest. And the rest might simply be to finish folding and putting away Monday's or Tuesday's or Wednesday's loads.
HabithackerHealth: 11 minutes of exercise.
Monthly habit building: January's habit was to polish your place every day.
February's Habit: Hack your health in February. Exercise aerobically for 11 minutes. If that's too much, work up to 11 minutes on the treadmill, exercise bike, etc.
_____________________________________________________
Draw the line. Don't take on any of the tasks below unless you've done the first 31 days successfully AND you're ready for more..
Every Thursday we chase.Grab your shopping lists and go.
Zoning in: Bedroom / Clothes closet. Get rid of 5 pieces of clothing. Go do it. I'm not kidding.
Do the Dirty. ThuRsday rags, rugs, the rest. And the rest might simply be to finish folding and putting away Monday's or Tuesday's or Wednesday's loads.
HabithackerHealth: 11 minutes of exercise.
Monthly habit building: January's habit was to polish your place every day.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Wednesday the 10th: desk work and self-help your wallet
Obey your BOP and self-help your wallet. Day 10 tasks are explained at left.
February's Habit: Hack your health in February. Exercise aerobically for 11 minutes. If that's too much, work up to 11 minutes on the treadmill, exercise bike, etc.
Every WeDnesday is a D-Day. What's a D-Day? 11 minutes of decluttering, of course.
Every WeDnesday we put derriere in desk chair to work on paperwork. Make a list for Thursday's chasing, making sure you include items from Menu Monday. Pay your bills and when you're done, leave your desk or table clear.
Zoning in: Front porch / entry / dining. Clear your dining table (even if it's in the kitchen) and decorate it with vases, flowers, something you like.
Do the Dirty. Wednesday whites. Make sure you've taken care of Monday's black and blues and Tuesday's towels before you get to the whites.
HabithackerHealth: 11 minutes of exercise.And snack on carrots, not chocolate.
Monthly habit building: January's habit was to polish your place every day.
February's Habit: Hack your health in February. Exercise aerobically for 11 minutes. If that's too much, work up to 11 minutes on the treadmill, exercise bike, etc.
_____________________________________________________
Draw the line. Don't take on any of the tasks below unless you've done the first 31 days successfully.
Every WeDnesday is a D-Day. What's a D-Day? 11 minutes of decluttering, of course.
Every WeDnesday we put derriere in desk chair to work on paperwork. Make a list for Thursday's chasing, making sure you include items from Menu Monday. Pay your bills and when you're done, leave your desk or table clear.
Zoning in: Front porch / entry / dining. Clear your dining table (even if it's in the kitchen) and decorate it with vases, flowers, something you like.
Do the Dirty. Wednesday whites. Make sure you've taken care of Monday's black and blues and Tuesday's towels before you get to the whites.
HabithackerHealth: 11 minutes of exercise.And snack on carrots, not chocolate.
Monthly habit building: January's habit was to polish your place every day.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Too bad it's Tuesday. It'll be over soon. Trust me.
Obey your Brain on Paper (BOP) and make your D-Day signs. Day 9 tasks are explained at left.
February's Habit: Hack your health in February. Exercise aerobically for 11 minutes. If that's too much, work up to 11 minutes on the treadmill, exercise bike, etc. If that's too few minutes, add some.
Every Tuesday we do a bete noire beat. It's only for 11 minutes, remember, and it's only once a week. So go after whatever part of your house or project is giving you fits. Set your timer and stick to it.
Every Tuesday we tackle one terrible thing. You may as well tackle the terrible things all in one day. If you've beaten that bete noire first, this won't seem so bad: take 11 minutes to tidy up your coat closet. Or, if there is something else you've been avoiding, do that for 11 minutes.
Zoning in: Front porch / entry / diningroom. If your front door has windows or sidelights, polish them up. Clean the fingerprints from the door handle. I use vinegar for everything. It's the nontoxic, green choice.
Do the Dirty. Tuesday towels. ...But don't start on the towels until yesterday's load is folded and loaded into your closets and dressers.
HabithackerHealth: 11 minutes of exercise.And guzzle your water.
Monthly habit building: January's habit was to polish your place every day.
February's Habit: Hack your health in February. Exercise aerobically for 11 minutes. If that's too much, work up to 11 minutes on the treadmill, exercise bike, etc. If that's too few minutes, add some.
_____________________________________________________
Draw the line. Don't take on any of the tasks below unless you've done the first 31 days successfully AND you're ready for more..
Every Tuesday we do a bete noire beat. It's only for 11 minutes, remember, and it's only once a week. So go after whatever part of your house or project is giving you fits. Set your timer and stick to it.
Every Tuesday we tackle one terrible thing. You may as well tackle the terrible things all in one day. If you've beaten that bete noire first, this won't seem so bad: take 11 minutes to tidy up your coat closet. Or, if there is something else you've been avoiding, do that for 11 minutes.
Zoning in: Front porch / entry / diningroom. If your front door has windows or sidelights, polish them up. Clean the fingerprints from the door handle. I use vinegar for everything. It's the nontoxic, green choice.
Do the Dirty. Tuesday towels. ...But don't start on the towels until yesterday's load is folded and loaded into your closets and dressers.
HabithackerHealth: 11 minutes of exercise.And guzzle your water.
Monthly habit building: January's habit was to polish your place every day.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Menu Monday and a half-assed housekeeping hour.
Polish your place twice, do your do, don't forget to take frequent breaks, prepare notebook and timer. shovel your shitspot, decide on tomorrow's duds, and finally...create your Brain on Paper (BOP). Day 8 tasks are explained at left.
February's Habit: Hack your health in February. Exercise aerobically for 11 minutes. If that's too much, work up to 11 minutes on the treadmill, exercise bike, etc.
Every Monday we do 3H, half-assed housekeeping hour. On your mark, get set, go. For one hour, zip around the house doing a lousy job of dusting, vacuuming, washing whatever feels the dirtiest. One hour ONLY. Then stop. Anything you missed is fine. After all, Monday will come around again next week and you can go at it in a half-assed way again.
Every Monday is Menu Monday. Roughly sketch out a meal plan for the following week. Jot down anything you need to buy when you're out chasing on Thursday. Remember: you only grocery shop once a week.
Zoning in: Front porch / entry / diningroom. Stand at your front door and think about what kind of impression your entry gives to a stranger. If it's the wrong one (you decide) what can you do about it?
Do the Dirty. Monday blues (and blacks)...wash everything that's dark. For me it takes two loads...I so often wear black.
HabithackerHealth: 11 minutes of exercise.And guzzle your water.
Monthly habit building: January's habit was to polish your place every day.
February's Habit: Hack your health in February. Exercise aerobically for 11 minutes. If that's too much, work up to 11 minutes on the treadmill, exercise bike, etc.
_____________________________________________________
Draw the line. Don't take on any of the tasks below unless you've done the first 31 days successfully AND you're ready for more..
Every Monday we do 3H, half-assed housekeeping hour. On your mark, get set, go. For one hour, zip around the house doing a lousy job of dusting, vacuuming, washing whatever feels the dirtiest. One hour ONLY. Then stop. Anything you missed is fine. After all, Monday will come around again next week and you can go at it in a half-assed way again.
Every Monday is Menu Monday. Roughly sketch out a meal plan for the following week. Jot down anything you need to buy when you're out chasing on Thursday. Remember: you only grocery shop once a week.
Zoning in: Front porch / entry / diningroom. Stand at your front door and think about what kind of impression your entry gives to a stranger. If it's the wrong one (you decide) what can you do about it?
Do the Dirty. Monday blues (and blacks)...wash everything that's dark. For me it takes two loads...I so often wear black.
HabithackerHealth: 11 minutes of exercise.And guzzle your water.
Monthly habit building: January's habit was to polish your place every day.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
On the seventh day we rest? No.
Polish your place twice, do your do, don't forget to take frequent breaks, prepare for more. shovel your shitspot and decide on tomorrow's duds. Day 7 tasks are explained at left.
February's Habit: Hack your health in February. Exercise aerobically for 11 minutes. If that's too much, work up to 11 minutes on the treadmill, exercise bike, etc.
Every Sunday we follow our inspirations. Do something creative. Paint something, write something, sing something.
Zoning in: Weekend Warriors only: Kitchen. Oh, relax already. But if you must, spend 11 minutes giving a quick polish to any appliances on your counters: microwave, toaster, blender, food processor...and ask yourself: do you really want this many things out collecting dust and grease?.
Do the Dirty. Sunday. Finish folding and putting away anything still in your dryer or laundry basket.
HabithackerHealth: 11 minutes of exercise.
Monthly habit building: January's habit was to polish your place every day.
February's Habit: Hack your health in February. Exercise aerobically for 11 minutes. If that's too much, work up to 11 minutes on the treadmill, exercise bike, etc.
_____________________________________________________
Draw the line. Don't take on any of the tasks below unless you've done the first 31 days successfully AND you're ready for more..
Every Sunday we follow our inspirations. Do something creative. Paint something, write something, sing something.
Zoning in: Weekend Warriors only: Kitchen. Oh, relax already. But if you must, spend 11 minutes giving a quick polish to any appliances on your counters: microwave, toaster, blender, food processor...and ask yourself: do you really want this many things out collecting dust and grease?.
Do the Dirty. Sunday. Finish folding and putting away anything still in your dryer or laundry basket.
HabithackerHealth: 11 minutes of exercise.
Monthly habit building: January's habit was to polish your place every day.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Saturday after automatting autos we play.
Polish your place twice, do your do, don't forget to take frequent breaks, and prepare your timer and notepad. Today add this: shovel your shitspot for five minutes. Day 6 tasks are explained at left.
February's Habit: Hack your health in February. Exercise aerobically for 11 minutes. If that's too much, work up to 11 minutes on the treadmill, exercise bike, etc.
Every Saturday we declutter our drives and then spend the rest of the day screwing around. Set your timer for 11 minutes and run out to the car with a box or a bag. Bring in everything--trash and treasure--that doesn't belong. Once you're back inside, put the stuff away and then go ahead and play.
Zoning in: Weekend Warriors only: Kitchen. I TOLD you you didn't have to work weekends, but some of you are absolute gluttons. Go ahead and declutter your fridge.
Do the Dirty. Saturday's for changing your sheets...and washing them.
HabithackerHealth: 11 minutes of exercise.
Monthly habit building: January's habit was to polish your place every day.
February's Habit: Hack your health in February. Exercise aerobically for 11 minutes. If that's too much, work up to 11 minutes on the treadmill, exercise bike, etc.
_____________________________________________________
Draw the line. Don't take on any of the tasks below unless you've done the first 31 days successfully AND you're ready for more..
Every Saturday we declutter our drives and then spend the rest of the day screwing around. Set your timer for 11 minutes and run out to the car with a box or a bag. Bring in everything--trash and treasure--that doesn't belong. Once you're back inside, put the stuff away and then go ahead and play.
Zoning in: Weekend Warriors only: Kitchen. I TOLD you you didn't have to work weekends, but some of you are absolute gluttons. Go ahead and declutter your fridge.
Do the Dirty. Saturday's for changing your sheets...and washing them.
HabithackerHealth: 11 minutes of exercise.
Monthly habit building: January's habit was to polish your place every day.
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