I’ve heard it said that the best thing about retirement is Sunday night. On this Sunday night, not retired quite yet, I was hoping the weekend would have been more restorative. Instead, I’m still tired, still have a list of chores undone, and wonder if I have the stamina to make it through the next weeks and months.
That’s bleak.
So here’s my plan:
Get back to basics. Eat healthier. Go to bed on time (that means slicing earlier:). Take a daily walk. Write more on the calendar so I don’t have to rely on memory. Be kind to myself and others.
I’ve been reading several books about making behavior changes, knowing that I need to add more positive habits to my daily routine. I had an Aha! when I read that people who rely on motivation to change are rarely successful. Motivation is unreliable! Instead, just as we do for our students, I need to break these goals into the smallest steps where I can be successful and then, CELEBRATE the success. I know I don’t celebrate my successes enough and am much more likely to get down on myself.
My baby steps will start with adding one more vegetable at dinner, turning off media of all types by 9:00 (maybe 8:00?), and putting on my shoes. Then celebrate!
pelicansandprose 
Oh cool, I just listened to a podcast that features the author of a new book–Tiny Habits. Is this one on your list? One essential to making a habit stick is to celebrate! You’ve got this, Sally!
I read Atomic Habits and am listening to Tiny Habits. Atomic Habits was a more interesting read, but actually the breaking down of behavior change in Tiny Habits is really helpful.
I am sitting with very similar Sunday feelings. Love the idea of small goals, and specifically goals grounded in less. Will check out Tiny Habits. Thanks!
I was just talking about regular walking, with my daughter. I explained how I used to walk daily, and on days when I didn’t , my husband would often send me because I was noticeably more crabby, LOL
Well said. I have no habits that stand out and actually improve me, but then I thought to myself recently, what if this is good, I am good and no big improvements are needed. I am still debating this in my head while I realize I did not go for a walk on this beautiful day, but I am having a lovely cup of tea to ponder.
Yay for baby steps! I love this. I have the hardest time making changes (especially that earlier bedtime!). Even though I found Atomic Habits a powerful read, I haven’t put the ideas into practice much. I do hope you keep slicing once those Sunday nights become the magical nights they’re meant to be, so we can live vicariously through you! 🙂
I love this, “Get back to basics. Eat healthier. Go to bed on time (that means slicing earlier:). Take a daily walk. Write more on the calendar so I don’t have to rely on memory. Be kind to myself and others.” All of it wonderful for all of us! I agree, it’s not about holding motivation high, it’s about creating habits. You’ve got some good plans for building good habits!