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2010-04-01T05:57:00.005-05:00

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Back on April 1

2010-03-16T13:50:00.000-05:00

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).

Saturdays we D-Day our drives and then simply relax.

2010-03-06T00:01:00.000-06:00

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.

_____________________________________________________

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.

No freak-outs because Friday we free our minds.

2010-03-05T00:01:00.000-06:00

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.

_____________________________________________________

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. Pick up some supplies while you do your errands.

2010-03-04T00:01:00.002-06:00

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.

_____________________________________________________

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.
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's work? Paperwork.

2010-03-03T00:01:00.001-06:00

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.

_____________________________________________________

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.

It's terrible Tuesday.

2010-03-02T00:01:00.004-06:00

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.

_____________________________________________________

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 the first. Polish your place, 3H, Menu planning

2010-03-01T00:01:00.002-06:00

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.

_____________________________________________________

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.

The last day of February is a day to indulge creativity.

2010-02-28T00:01:00.000-06:00

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.

_____________________________________________________

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.

Lots to look at cuz it's a leap year.

2010-02-27T00:01:00.002-06:00

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.

_____________________________________________________

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..

Day 27
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.

Time to clear your upstairs (head, not second floor).

2010-02-26T00:01:00.000-06:00

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.

_____________________________________________________

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

Got the get-up-and-go to get up and go today?

2010-02-25T00:01:00.000-06:00

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.

_____________________________________________________

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.

Paperwork? Don't sit on it.

2010-02-24T00:01:00.001-06:00

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.

_____________________________________________________

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.

Tuesdays are tumultuous.

2010-02-23T00:01:00.000-06:00

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.

_____________________________________________________

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.

Mondays: menus, 3H, and who are ya, anyway?

2010-02-22T00:01:00.000-06:00

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.

_____________________________________________________

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?

Sundays are for the creative in you.

2010-02-21T12:59:00.001-06:00

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.

_____________________________________________________

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.

2010-02-20T00:01:00.001-06:00

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.

_____________________________________________________

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.

Day 20
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.

Free your mind Fridays...so you can free your creativity on Sunday.

2010-02-19T00:01:00.000-06:00

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.

_____________________________________________________

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.

Thursdays..it's fun to do chasing as long as you're not chasing your tail.

2010-02-18T00:01:00.000-06:00

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.

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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 get your backside back in a chair: it's time for desk work

2010-02-17T00:01:00.000-06:00

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.

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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.

Toxic Tuesday awaits

2010-02-16T12:10:00.000-06:00

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.

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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 is for half-assed housekeeping and planning menus.

2010-02-15T11:42:00.000-06:00

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.

_____________________________________________________

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 is for creativity and a lithe and lean D-Day

2010-02-14T00:01:00.001-06:00

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.

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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.

Screw-around Saturday and Double your Ds

2010-02-13T00:01:00.002-06:00

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.

_____________________________________________________

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 you free your mind...except while doing D-Day

2010-02-12T00:01:00.001-06:00

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.

_____________________________________________________

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 chasing and closet purge

2010-02-11T00:01:00.000-06:00

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.

_____________________________________________________

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 the 10th: desk work and self-help your wallet

2010-02-10T00:44:00.004-06:00

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.

_____________________________________________________

Draw the line. Don't take on any of the tasks below unless you've done the first 31 days successfully.

Too bad it's Tuesday. It'll be over soon. Trust me.

2010-02-09T00:01:00.003-06:00

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.

_____________________________________________________

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.

Menu Monday and a half-assed housekeeping hour.

2010-02-08T00:01:00.008-06:00

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.

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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..

On the seventh day we rest? No.

2010-02-07T00:01:00.005-06:00

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.

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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 after automatting autos we play.

2010-02-06T00:01:00.003-06:00

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.

_____________________________________________________

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.

If it's Friday, it's free-your-mind time.

2010-02-05T00:01:00.003-06:00

Polish your place twice, do your do, prepare for more, take five (or eight). Day 5 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.

_____________________________________________________

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. You'll feel so relaxed when your brain is empty.
Zoning in: Kitchen. Scrub down your kitchen sink and polish the faucets.
Do the Dirty. Friday is for frillies and woolies (handwashables). If you only throw stuff in the machine...then bully for you. Take the day off.
HabithackerHealth: 11 minutes of exercise.
Monthly habit building: January's habit was to polish your place every day.

Thursday. Chase by choice. Don't chase your tail.

2010-02-04T00:01:00.001-06:00

Polish your place twice, do your do, and is there more?. Day 4 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.

_____________________________________________________

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. If you don't leave the house with a list, you're not chasing...you're chasing your tail. Put gas in your car if you're close to a quarter tank. On your way in, cart in some garbage from your car floor.
Zoning in: Kitchen. Clean the stove top.
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's work=paper, paper, paper

2010-02-03T00:01:00.002-06:00

Polish your place, do your do, rinse and repeat. Day 3 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.

_____________________________________________________

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. If you can manage it, do a double 11.
Every WeDnesday we put derriere in desk chair to work on paperwork. Catch up on correspondence and make a list for Thursday's chasing. Make sure you include items from Menu Monday planning.
Zoning in: Kitchen. If you have a kitchen island, scrub it down. If not, scrub your counters.
Do the Dirty. Wednesday whites. But don't start until you've removed and folded and put away Monday's black and blues and Tuesday's towels.
HabithackerHealth: 11 minutes of exercise.And snack on carrots, not chocolate.
Monthly habit building: January's habit was to polish your place every day.

Tuesdays...ah, terrible Tuesdays.

2010-02-02T00:01:00.005-06:00

Polish your place and do your do. Day 2 assignments 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.

_____________________________________________________

Draw the line. Don't take on any of the tasks below unless you've done the first 31 days successfully.

Every Tuesday you beat back our bete noire. 11 minutes is all you need. It does add up. So get to work on whatever is torturing you, whether it's thank you notes from last Christmas or the closet so full you can't open the door.
Every Tuesday is tackle something terrible day. You've got the momentum going from beating the black beast, so how about spending 11 minutes sorting and purging your email inbox? Here's some help. First, the always-excellent Regina Leeds has a chapterin her One year to an Organinized Work Life (Amazon link above) on organizing your inbox, and here are two online articles for long-term inbox happiness: Lifehacker's tips on emptying inboxes and Put Things Off on Inbox Heaven.
Zoning in: Kitchen. Give 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. Tuesday towels. But don't start a load until you've removed and folded and put away the Monday black and blues from yesterday.
HabithackerHealth: 11 minutes of exercise.And guzzle your water.
Monthly habit building: January's habit was to polish your place every day.

It's the first Monday of a new month. Start your habits again.

2010-02-01T00:01:00.004-06:00

Polish your place. This Day 1 task is explained at left.
February's Habit: This month's habit is to hack your health. Exercise aerobically for 11 minutes. If that's too much, work up to 11 minutes on the treadmill, exercise bike, etc.

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Draw the line. Don't take on any of the tasks below unless you've done the first 31 days successfully.

Every Monday we do 3H, half-assed housekeeping hour. Your favorite uptempo music is the driving force that's going to give you the energy to get this done. Set your timer for an hour and one hour ONLY. First, do a quick and dirty job of dusting the flat surfaces of your living areas, bedroom, and dining room. Next, vacuum the centers of your rooms. Finally, wash down counters and tables.
Every Monday is Menu Monday. What's for eats the rest of the week? Make a list and then decide what groceries you'll get on Thursday's Chasing Day.
Zoning in: Kitchen. Wipe down the front of your oven. Just a quick swipe.
Do the Dirty. I got the Monday blues. More like black and blues. And they're in the washing machine.
HabithackerHealth: 11 minutes of exercise. And please think before you eat.
Monthly habit building: January's habit was to polish your place every day. Don't go on to February's habit if you haven't mastered January's.

Sundays we celebrate our originality.

2010-01-31T00:01:00.019-06:00

Obey your brain on paper (BOP), and relax. It's really never done. These Day 31 tasks are explained at left.
January's Habit: Polish your place. Is it looking pretty sleek and shiny these days?

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Draw the line. Don't take on any of the tasks below unless you're ready.

Every Sunday we follow our inspirations. Everyone's creative. If you don't think of yourself as an artist, enjoy it as play time. Pick up a pen and draw--how about a self portrait? Stick figures are fun. Or you could even use your originality to rearrange a room.
Zoning in: Weekend Warriors only: entrance/dining room/front porch. Put away anything that's in the entry of your house that doesn't belong there or doesn't look good there.

HabithackerHealth: 11 minutes of exercise. Yes, even on Sundays, Day of Rest NOT. Add a second 11 if you can..
January's Habit: Polish your place.

Saturday--let's get some stuff out of our cars and then have some fun.

2010-01-30T00:01:00.001-06:00

Obey your brain on paper (BOP), and do the dirty. These Day 30 tasks are explained in the column at left.
January's Habit: Polish your place.

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Draw the line. Don't go below it unless you're an able, habithacker veteran.

Every Saturday you have fun after you declutter your drive. Set your timer for 11 minutes to crawl inside your car on a declutter mission. Get the side pockets, get under the seats, check the ashtrays for bubble gum wrappers.
Zoning in: Weekend Warriors only: entrance/dining room/front porch. Clear your dining table of stuff that doesn't belong there.
HabithackerHealth: 11 minutes of exercise. At least. You may be ready for more. Add another 11 if you're able.

Empty your mind...it's what Fridays are for.

2010-01-29T00:01:00.001-06:00

Obey your brain on paper (BOP), and draw the line. These Day 29 tasks are explained in the column at left.
January's Habit: Polish your place. Please, please do it.

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Draw the line. Don't go below it unless you're able.

Every Friday we free our minds. Empty your brain into your 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: Bathroom. Scrub the tub.

HabithackerHealth: Can you do a double 11? (11 minutes plus 11 minutes of aerobics). If not, no worries--stick with a single 11.

It's a Thursday chasing day again.

2010-01-28T00:01:00.001-06:00

Obey your brain on paper (BOP), and remember: it's never to late to get a start on something. These Day 28 tasks are explained in the column at left.
January's Habit: Polish your place.If you do nothing else, please get this done.

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Draw the line. Don't even think about taking on the tasks below unless it's something you can handle.

Every Thursday we chase. Don't forget your lists.

Zoning in: Bathroom. Wash the bathroom floors.
HabithackerHealth: Can you do a double 11? (11 minutes plus 11 minutes).

WeDnesday: derriere to desk chair plus D-Day

2010-01-27T00:01:00.000-06:00

Obey your brain on paper (BOP), and start doing 11s. These Day 27 tasks are explained at left.
January's Habit: Polish your place. No matter what goes by the wayside, this must not.

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Draw the line. The tasks below are for those ready to tackle them. Are you?

Every WeDnesday is a D-Day. What's a D-Day? 11 minutes of decluttering, of course. If you can manage it, do a double 11.
Every WeDnesday we put derriere in desk chair and spend time on paperwork. Pay a few bills and make a list for Thursday's chasing. Make sure you include items from your Menu Monday planning.
Zoning in: Bathroom. Do the P4 basics, plus do an extra special great job of cleaning any bathroom counters or vanities.
HabithackerHealth: 15 minutes of exercise. Or more.

Tuesdays of the black beast

2010-01-26T01:01:00.001-06:00

Obey your brain on paper (BOP), and take a stroll over to www.habithacker.com to learn some tips and tricks. These Day 26 tasks are explained at left.
January's Habit: Polish your place.

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Draw the line. Don't take on any of the tasks below unless you're ready for them.

Every Tuesday you beat your bete noire. Attack that black beast of yours, whether it's a jumble of clutter in your closet or car trunk full of junk. 15 minutes is all it takes.
Every Tuesday is tackle something terrible day. Let's just do the bathroom task below and call it a day, OK?

Zoning in: Bathroom. Do the P4 basics, plus clean the outside of the toilet Yuck. Sorry about this.
HabithackerHealth: 15 minutes of exercise. Are you ready to do more? If so, add a little more.

Half-assed housekeeping today plus planning some meals

2010-01-25T00:01:00.002-06:00

Obey your brain on paper (BOP), and add Chasing Thursdays and Car Clutter Saturdays to your plan. These Day 25 tasks are explained at left.
January's Habit: Polish your place. Is this becoming a habit yet?

_____________________________________________________

Draw the line. Don't take on any of the tasks below unless you're ready.

Every Monday we do 3H, half-assed housekeeping hour. Put on some hard-driving tunes. Set your timer for an hour and one hour ONLY. First, grab a long handled duster and run around like an idiot doing a dip-shit job of dusting the flat surfaces of your living areas, bedroom, and dining room. Next, be a vacuum vixen dancing around hitting the centers of your rooms. Do a quick and crappy job of washing down counters and tables. If you've got any time left, use it on whatever looks the worst to you.

Every Monday is Menu Monday. What's for eats the rest of the week? Make a list and then decide what groceries you'll get on Chasing Day.
Zoning in: Bathroom. Do the P4 basics, plus give your sink a good scrub down.
HabithackerHealth: 15 minutes of exercise. Are you ready to do more? If so, add a little more.

On Sundays we get creative.

2010-01-24T00:01:00.001-06:00

Obey your brain on paper (BOP), and perform P4. These Day 43 tasks are explained in the column at left.
January's Habit: Polish your place. Even on your most difficult days, don't neglect this task.

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Draw the line. Don't go below it unless you're an able, habithacker veteran.

Every Sunday we tap into our creativity. Take time for yourself today. Everyone has a creative spirit that needs to be fed. Work on a scrapbook, write a poem, decorate a home-made card, take out your knitting.
Zoning in: Weekend Warriors only: Living areas. Check your heating vents for dust bunnies. A quick swipe with a hand-held swiffer duster will do the trick. If you have a fireplace, you might want to do a little dusting around that instead.
HabithackerHealth: 15 minutes of exercise. At least. You may be ready for more. Add a minute or two if you're able.

It's screw-around Saturdays

2010-01-23T00:01:00.002-06:00

Obey your brain on paper (BOP), and learn to free your mind. These Day 23 tasks are explained in the column at left.
January's Habit: Polish your place.

_____________________________________________________

Draw the line. Don't go below it unless you're an able, habithacker veteran.

Every Saturday we become decluttering drivers. Set your timer for 15 minutes and run out through the freezing temps to your auto. Bring along paper bag or, if you're a real car-clutterer, a garbage bag. Fill it up with everything that doesn't belong. Unless you're in tropical temps, you can do the sorting once you're inside.
Zoning in: Weekend Warriors only: Living areas. It's time to take a look at all your hi-tekkie, electronic, tv-ish, stereo-is, computer-ish, ipodish, dvd-ish, game-ish, etceterish stuff. It wasn't so long ago that we didn't have all this extra stuff to keep clean and organized. Make sure your equipment's well dusted, your CDs are put away, and your cables aren't snaking across the floor.
HabithackerHealth: 15 minutes of exercise. At least. You may be ready for more. Add a minute or two if you're able.

Is your mind clear?

2010-01-22T00:01:00.004-06:00

Obey your brain on paper (BOP), and ask: Who lives here? These Day 22 tasks are explained in the column at left.
January's Habit: Polish your place. It's the primary directive and the only thing you must must must do.

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Draw the line. Don't go below it unless you're able.

Every Friday we free our minds. Get out the notebooks, friends, and write some lists: everything you need to remember, do, and take care of for the next week. Scan your previous week's lists, too.
Zoning in: Living areas. Take a big laundry basket or box and run through your family living rooms picking up everything that doesn't belong for 10 minutes. Then spent another 5 or 10 distributing these items to their homes.
HabithackerHealth: 15 minutes of exercise. At least. You may be ready for more. Add a minute or two if you're able.

Surprise inspection!

2010-01-21T19:10:00.001-06:00

It's like a pop quiz with no grade. Have you shoveled your shitspot today? If so, go get a reward. Right now.

Chase....and pace yourself.

2010-01-21T00:01:00.005-06:00

Obey your brain on paper (BOP), and remember why we're doing this: to have more time for fun, creativity, personal expression. These Day 21 tasks are explained in the column at left.
January's Habit: Polish your place.If you do nothing else, please get this done.

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Draw the line. Don't even think about taking on the tasks below unless it's something you can handle.

Every Thursday we chase. Grab your shopping lists, your overdue library books, and the checks you need to deposit and zoom out good and early. Aren't you glad you cleaned your car last weekend and filled it with gas?
Zoning in: Living areas. Wash the fingerprints off the light switches and doors today.
HabithackerHealth: 15 minutes of exercise. Are you sweating yet?

It's time for paperwork and a 15 minute D-Day

2010-01-20T00:01:00.005-06:00

Obey your brain on paper (BOP), and remember: Good enough is plenty good. These Day 20 tasks are explained at left.
January's Habit: Polish your place. This is the one thing that's most important.

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Draw the line. The tasks below are for those ready to tackle them. Are you?

Every WeDnesday is a D-Day. What's a D-Day? 15 minutes of decluttering, of course.
Every Wednesday we spend a little time on paperwork. Got any shredding to do? Go for it. And don't forget to make a list for Thursday's chasing. Make sure you get items from your Menu Monday brainstorming.
Zoning in: Living areas. I know you did some half-assed dusting on Monday, but today's the real deal. Detail dust for 15 minutes.
HabithackerHealth: 15 minutes of exercise. Just do it.
January's Habit: Polish your place. No matter what else you do, this is the fundamental rule.

Why are Tuesdays terrible? Because you'll meet your bete noire.

2010-01-19T00:01:00.005-06:00

Obey your brain on paper (BOP), and customize it. These Day 19 tasks are explained at left.

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Draw the line. Don't even think about taking on the tasks below unless you're ready--really really ready.

Every Tuesday you beat your bete noire. Your black beast awaits. What is it? Where is it? Mine is my basement and I'm on my way to 15 minutes of beating the chaos back.
Every Tuesday is tackle something terrible day. If you're a real glutton for punishment, go to your BOP list of things you're avoiding. Spend a little time on something.
Zoning in: Living areas. Take a look up today and use a long-handled duster to get the cobwebs.
HabithackerHealth: 15 minutes of exercise. Just do it.
January's Habit: Polish your place. No matter what else you do, this is the fundamental rule.

3H and Menu Mondays

2010-01-18T00:01:00.004-06:00

Obey your brain on paper (BOP), and control your cuisine (unless it's your birthday...in that case, take the day off). These Day 18 tasks are explained at left.

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Draw the line. Don't take on any of the tasks below unless you're ready.

It's Sunday...and that means it's time for some creative juice.

2010-01-17T00:01:00.003-06:00

Obey your brain on paper (BOP), and control your cuisine. These Day 17 tasks are explained at left.

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Draw the line. Don't take on any of the tasks below unless you're ready.

Every Sunday we get creative. Here's an idea: why not decorate your BOP? Use gel pens or markers. If you're going the 3-ring binder route, get a binder with a cover that lets you insert photos you've printed from your computer. (If you're new here, see Day 8 at left for an explanation of your Brain on Paper.)
Zoning in: Weekend Warriors only: Bedroom. No warrioring today, folks. Take advantage of your clean bedroom, have a bath, go to bed early.
HabithackerHealth: 15 minutes of exercise. Yes, even on Sundays, Day of Rest NOT.
January's Habit: Polish your place.

Saturday. Sunshine and a fine time....except for crap-filled car detailing.

2010-01-16T00:01:00.005-06:00

Obey your brain on paper (BOP), finish a fast Fit15 and beat your bête noire. These Day 16 tasks are explained at left. Add more if you want.

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Draw the line. Don't take on any of the tasks below unless you're ready.

Every Saturday we cart out the crap in our cars. Dearest habithackers, you think I believe that you actually REALLY cleaned out your cars the last few times I begged you to do so? I know you can do better. Take a paper bag outside and fill it with your cigarette butst (no, not yours, I'm sure) and soda cans (probably Diet Pepsi if I know you). Then carry in to your house all your important items, like receipts, books, misplaced billls, etc.
Zoning in: Weekend Warriors only: Bedroom. Things must be looking pretty good in that bedroom by now. Today, I'd like you to strip your bed and remake it with clean, cozy sheets.
HabithackerHealth: 15 minutes of exercise. Yes, even on the weekends.
January's Habit: Polish your place.

Free your mind Fridays.

2010-01-15T00:01:00.002-06:00

Obey your brain on paper (BOP) and do a Fitness15. These Day 15 tasks are explained iat left. Add more if you want.

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Draw the line. Don't take on any of the tasks below unless you're ready.

Every Friday we free our brains. Poor, poor overloaded brain. Aren't you glad you now have an auxiliary brain in the form of your Brain on Paper? Once again, sit for 15 minutes and write out anything you have to do or want to remember. Don't worry about actually doing this stuff. Just write it down. Free your brain for the creative things by draining out all the BS.
Zoning in: Bedroom. This might take more than 15 minutes. If you want, stop at 15 whether or not you've finished. Today dust your flat surfaces, which should be easy since they're clear. Then do a thorough vacuum. This is not the 3H center-of-room-only style. Get the corners and get under the bed and into the closet. Stores like Target and Bed, Bath, Beyond have great tools for dusting under beds if you've got hard surface floors.
HabithackerHealth: 15 minutes of heart happy exercise.
January's Habit: Polish your place.

On Thursdays we chase. And not our tails.

2010-01-14T00:01:00.001-06:00

Obey your brain on paper (BOP) by following your routines. Do a D-day today, and then add daily or weekly or periodic decluttering D-days to your BOP schedule. These Day 14 tasks are explained in column at left. You can add the following if you wish.

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Draw the line. Don't take on any of the tasks below unless you're ready.

Every Thursday we chase.
As soon as you get in your car, check your gas tank to make sure it's full. If you are close to a quarter tank, fill up today. Next, if you skipped cleaning your car last Saturday, spend a few minutes tidying up. Then do your chasing. What's chasing? Running errands...and getting them all done at once so you're not running out every day or so, which is a bit like chasing your tail. Make sure you use a list.
Zoning in: Bedroom. Take 15 minutes to clear the floor of your closet. If you are able and you have enough room, don't store stuff on the floor. If you're tight for space, hang up the robes and sweaters that have fallen (or have been thrown) onto the floor, throw away any trash, straighten the shoes.
HabithackerHealth: 15 minutes of heart happy exercise. That's easy.
January's Habit: Polish your place. If you do nothing else today, do this. Preferably twice.

Pah. It's the Wednesday wilds of paperwork. How unlucky is that?

2010-01-13T00:01:00.001-06:00

Obey your brain on paper (BOP) by following your morning and evening routine. And do a double D-day. These Day 13 tasks are explained in column at left. You can add the following if you wish.

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Draw the line. Don't take on any of the tasks below unless you're ready.

Every Wednesday we work on paperwork.
If you didn't do your bills last week, start there. If you're caught up, grab the first available stack of papers and for 5 minutes go through one at a time categorizing for the garbage can (keep it next to your chair), for filing, and for things you need to get done. In the next five minutes, file as many papers as you can and get done what you can. Finally, grab paper and pen to make an errand and shopping list to use tomorrow. Never leave the house without a list.
Zoning in: Bedroom. Take 15 minutes to do a crapclear of the top of your dresser. First grab everything that's garbage and toss it. Next, take any dirty glasses or dishes to the kitchen. Then put away the clothes stacked there. If you still have time, tackle the jewelry and coins sitting there. (If it's someone else's money, claim it for yourself. Finders Keepers.) If your timer still hasn't run down, dust your cleared nightstands or start relocating items you swept from your bed into a laundry basket on Monday.
HabithackerHealth: 15 minutes of heart happy exercise. That's easy.
January's Habit: Polish your place.

It's another terrible task Tuesday.

2010-01-12T00:01:00.007-06:00

Obey your brain on paper (BOP) by following your morning and evening routine. And onward to your first D-day. These Day 12 tasks are explained in column at left. You can add the following if you wish.

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Draw the line. Don't take on any of the tasks below unless you're ready.

Every Tuesday it's Tackle-the-Terrible Day
Look back into your BOP for the list of things you've been avoiding. Either work for 15 minutes on the same one you began to tackle last week or choose a new one.
Zoning in: Bedroom. Take 15 minutes to do a crapclear of your nightstands. First grab everything that's garbage and toss it. Next, take any dirty glasses or dishes to the kitchen. Then put away the jewelry, books, magazines, and prescription bottles that have found their way there. If you've got any time left, dust your cleared nightstands or start relocating items you sweeped from your bed into a laundry basket yesterday.
HabithackerHealth: 15 minutes of heart happy exercise. That's easy.
January's Habit: Polish your place.

Mondays mean another half-assed housekeeping hour

2010-01-11T00:01:00.004-06:00

Obey your brain on paper (BOP) by following your morning and evening routine. Remember the Science of Seven. Those are your tasks for Day 11, (explained in column at left). You can add the following if you wish.

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Draw the line. Don't take on any of the tasks below unless you're ready.

Every Monday it's 3H or Half-Assed Housekeeping Hour.
Set your timer and stick to it. You're going to spend 1 hour, NO MORE, doing a superficial job of cleaning your house. You can spread this out throughout the day in 15 minute intervals. If Mondays aren't your day to 3H, choose another day. Or spread it out during the week. It's your BOP so you can customize the habits the way you want. Turn on the music, habithackers. Turn it on loud. Grab a feather duster or a rag or a Swiffer dealie and swipe the most noticeably dusty flat areas. No more than 5 minutes in living room, 5 in bedroom, 5 in another room. Grab your vacuum or broom or a Swiffer and attack the middles of the rooms. Don't relocate the furniture or pick up magazines or get under rugs. A half hour of such half-assed floor maintenance is all you should do. Then wipe down your kitchen counters. You are now about 45 minutes into 3H and you're sweating and singing and getting a nice aerobic workout. Finally, spend the rest of your hour on casual wipe ofyour bathroom sinks, quick swishies in your toilets and a spray and a swipe on bathroom mirror. That's it for 3H.
Zoning in: the bedroom. Since you're beat from 3H, let's make it easy. Clear anything off your bed that shouldn't be there and then make the bed. You don't have to put the stuff away. Throw it in a laundry basket for now.
HabithackerHealth: 15 minutes of heart happy exercise. Go do it.
January's Habit: Polish your place. Don't forget about this simple but great habit. It's life changing.

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Sundays. Follow your creative inspirations.

2010-01-10T01:01:00.009-06:00

Obey your brain on paper (BOP) and make your self-help wallet card. Those are your tasks for Day 10, (explained in column at left). You are preparing to declutter your house, your mind, and your life. If you're up for the extras, you can add what's below.

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Draw the line. Don't venture below unless you really feel you can. There's plenty of time.

Sundays you can follow your inspiration.
Did you know they make coloring books for adults? If you don't already have a hobby or craft you're passionate about, coloring with pens or pencils or markers can be remarkably soothing.
Zoning in: take the day off the kitchen unless you want to be a weekend warrior. If so...
Don't forget: weekend zone work is optional. You've purged spices, your countertops, your pantry, even the photos and magnets on the outside of your fridge this week. Now spend 15 minutes tackling the inside of your refrigerator. Drag your garbage can over and throw stuff directly in. Don't keep the Asian stir-fry sauce you've not used in a year or the moldy roasted peppers. Be brutal. Tomorrow we move to the bedroom.

HabithackerHealth: You never get a day off from your 15 minutes of exercise, alas. Just think how happy you'll be at your next official weigh-in. Did you weigh yourself on Day 1 and put your other measurements in a safe place on the floor of your closet? If you've not yet done this, do it today.
January's Habit: Polish your place.

Saturdays are for goofing off. Mostly.

2010-01-09T01:01:00.006-06:00

Obey your brain on paper (BOP) by following your morning and evening routine. Make your D-Day kit.
Above are your tasks for Day 9, (explained in column at left). You can add the following if you wish.

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Draw the line. Are you really ready to do more? You don't have to, you know.

Saturdays you get to fool around. Fun and frolic and...what's this? Clean the car?
Your car is a wreck, no? How did I know? Because mine is, too. Take 15 minutes, no more, to cart out the crap. If you are carcrapfree, take 15 minutes to vacuum the inside of your car or wash the front window or even fill it up with gas. If it's too cold to approach your auto, wait until errand day next Thursday to do this.
Zoning in: take the day off the kitchen unless you want to be a weekend warrior. If so...
Take 15 minutes to glare at the outside of your refrigerator. Too many magnets? Too many handprints? Clear and clean the outside of your fridge.
HabithackerHealth: You never get a day off from your 15 minutes of exercise. Sorry. I'm a bag about that. I'm not called Muscle-llini for nothing.
January's Habit: Polish your place.

Fridays are for freeing your mind.

2010-01-08T01:01:00.005-06:00

Polish your place twice, do your do, celebrate your score, take five, shovel your shitspot, decide on duds, put your brain on paper (BOP) by writing a morning and evening routine.
Above are your tasks for Day 8, (explained in column at left).

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Draw the line. Don't add the following tasks unless you're ready, OK?

Every Friday we free our brains.
Yes, your brain has been working overtime for years. Here's a trick from David Allen's system of Getting Things Done. Now that you have your BOP notebook, it's time to sit for 15 minutes and write out a list of all the crap you have to do or want to remember. Don't worry about actually doing this stuff. Just write it down. That will allow your brain to stop working so hard to recall all the things you've crammed into it.
Zoning in: Kitchen.
Continue the pantry purge you started yesterday. Work for 15 minutes, no more. Set your timer. Do not take out any more stuff than you can purge and put back in 15 minutes.
HabithackerHealth: Are you continuing your 15 minutes of exercise?Don't push it. Just do it. Good.
January's Habit: Polish your place.

Thursday's for chasing. What's chasing? Read on...

2010-01-07T01:01:00.007-06:00

Polish your place twice, do your do, celebrate your score, take five, shovel your shitspot, and decide on duds. These are your tasks for Day 7, (explained in column at left). What are you going to wear tomorrow? I know. Most of your clothes are in the wash. Laundry is hell on earth. But don't worry. On Day 30 we'll cover a method for dealing with the dirty. If you're up to doing anything more, check out Thursday's chasing routine and zone work.

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Draw the line. Don't add the following tasks unless you're ready, OK?

Every Thursday we chase.
Oh, how we love to "chase." Or not. Chasing, in habithacker parlance, is running errands. Get your grocery shopping done, do your banking, and all the other stuff you've been spreading out throughout the week. If you've been good--and I know you have--stop at Michael's or Hobby Lobby or JoAnne and get yourself a special something to play with on creative Sundays.
Zoning in: Kitchen.
You lied. You said you threw away your spices. If you didn't, steel yourself and try again. If you did, it's time to peep into your pantry or into the cupboards where you keep your food. Purge here, too. Your local food bank will be happy to take non-expired items. Your garbage can is the place for expired stuff. If you are pretty well purged already, Choose one shelf to organize. Work for 15 minutes, no more.
HabithackerHealth: Are you getting used to your 15 minutes of exercise? Good.
January's Habit: Polish your place.

Wednesday's work is paperwork.

2010-01-06T01:01:00.016-06:00

Polish your place twice, do your do, don't forget to take frequent 5-minute breaks, and celebrate your accomplishments. Today add this: shovel your shitspot for five minutes.
Above are your tasks for Day 6, (explained further in column at left). This is all you need to do, but if you want, add the following.

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Draw the line. And don't venture below unless you're ready, OK?

Every Wednesday we work on paperwork.
It's amazing how it builds up. Today, pay any outstanding bills. Then, grab paper and pen to make an errand and shopping list to use tomorrow. Don't leave the house without a list.
Zoning in: Kitchen.
It's spice-vice time. Do you have a Spice Islands oregano from 1982? Throw away any spices older than 3 years. Don't give me any guff about this. This is lenient. Most people say spices are not worth keeping if they're over a year old. Make a list of the spices you need to replace. Penzey's, originating in Wisconsin, is the best place to buy and you can do so online. Secondly, make sure you've got a good spot to keep all your spices. If they are spread all over the kitchen (Mom, this means you), consolidate them into one spot. Make note of any new spice holders you need to buy.
Habithacker Health: Wake up, do your make up, and then shake it up. With 15 minutes of exercise.
January's Habit: Polish your place.

Tuesdays are for tackling something terrble.

2010-01-05T01:01:00.006-06:00

Polish your place twice, do your do, celebrate your score, and take five.
Above are your tasks for Day 5, (explained in column at left). Breaks are very important. We'll explore this more later. This is ALL you need to do, but if you want, add the following.
Every Tuesday it's Tackle-Something-Terrible Day
Set your timer. For 5 minutes, make a list of things you've been putting off. Then spend the next 10 minutes, NO MORE, getting a start on one of these things. Remember: you do not need to finish the Terrible Something. Do not take any more out than you can tackle in these 10 minutes.
Zoning in: Kitchen.(If your kitchen is too messy to start with details, tidy for 15 minutes.) Today, take 15 minutes to examine and clear your countertops. Set your timer and stop all activity at the 15 minute point. Remove any appliances that you don't use either daily or at least 3x/week and find homes for them elsewhere in your kitchen. Better yet, give them away. If you keep any tools or utensils or dishwashing accessories on the countertop ask yourself: is this the best place for them? If so, keep them in a pretty container. As you move things around, give your countertops a thorough wash-down.
HabithackerHealth: Once again, engage in at least 15 minutes of heart healthy activity. If you can't do it all at once, split it up.
January's Habit: Polish your place.

Mondays are for Half-Assed Housekeeping Hour.

2010-01-04T01:01:00.008-06:00

Polish your place twice, do your do, and celebrate your score.
Above are your tasks for Day 4, (explained in column at left). This is all you need to do, but if you want, add the following.
Every Monday it's 3H or Half-Assed Housekeeping Hour.
Spend 1 hour, NO MORE, doing a superficial job of cleaning your house. You can spread this out throughout the day in 15 minute intervals. Here's what to do today: Put some kick-ass hard-driving tunes on the stereo. Grab a feather duster or a rag or a Swiffer dealie and swipe the most noticeably dusty flat areas. No more than 5 minutes in living room, 5 in bedroom, 5 in another room. Grab your vacuum or broom or a Swiffer and attack the middles of the rooms. Don't move any furniture or magazines or rugs or the Vacuum Vamp will suck you up and spit you out. No more than 10 minutes living room, 10 bedroom, 10 another room. Spend 5 minutes washing your kitchen counters and table. Finally, spend another 10 minutes giving a casual swipe to your sink, a little swish in your toilet and a little spray on your bathroom mirror. That's it for your first 3H Monday.
Zoning in: Kitchen. (If your kitchen is too messy to start with details, clean it for 15 minutes.) Today, clean your microwave. Here's an easy way: put 1/4 cup of white vinegar plus 1/4 cup of water in an uncovered bowl and turn the microwave heat to high. When water boils and the inside of the microwave gets steamy, turn it off and wait ten minutes. Then remove the vinegar solution and use it to wipe the inside surfaces along with the outside. (When you're done with the vinegar water, use it to clean your sink
HabithackerHealth: Do at least 15 minutes of heart-healthy exercise. Eat smaller portions at dinner tonight.
January's Habit: Polish your place.
Whew. That felt difficult. What do you think?

Inspired Sundays. Do something creative.

2010-01-03T01:01:00.003-06:00

Polish your place twice and do your do.
Read the tasks for Day 3 in column at left. This is all you need to do, but if you want, add the following.
Every Sunday we indulge our creativity. Have a special craft project you want to work on? Are you a writer? Painter? Sewer? I'll bet you've got a whole drawer or a whole room full of creative toys that you never seem to have time to play with. That ends this year. Every Sunday we'll do at least one creative activity.
Zoning-in: No zone work on weekends unless you're a real weekend warrior. If you are, spend 15 minutes--NO MORE--doing a little work. Our zone for next week is the kitchen, so tidy up in there and get ready for some specific missions.
HabithackerHealth: Do at least 15 minutes of heart-healthy exercise.
January's Habit: Polish your place.
How do ya feel today? Did you plan a sewing project? Make a pair of earrings? Do tell.

Saturdays are for fun and frolic.

2010-01-02T01:01:00.002-06:00

Polish your place and do your do.
Above are your tasks for Day 2, (explained in column at left). This is all you need to do, but if you want, add the following.
Every Saturday we free our mind from work and worry and do whatever we feel like doing...even if it's nothing.
Zoning-in: No zone work on weekends unless you're a real weekend warrior. If you are, spend 15 minutes--NO MORE--doing a little work.
HabithackerHealth: Weigh yourself and measure your parts. Write the numbers down and put them into a container. Close the container and put it on the floor of your closet.
January's Habit: Polish your place.

New Year's Day: Time to play and....

2010-01-01T01:01:00.005-06:00

Polish your place.
Complete the task for Day 1. Follow the directions in the column on the left. Today's a holiday, so don't feel you need to do anything more.
Zoning-in: Entry/diningroom/porch (If your entry/diningroom/porch is too messy to start with details, tidy for 15 minutes.)
Spend 15 minutes total, NO MORE, doing a quick sweep of these areas.
January's Habit: Polish your place.
Post a comment below. Tell us what place you're going to polish today and every day. Will you shine your sink or clear your desk or???