Last month I slowly began to incorporate new goals that I wanted to achieve. So here is the update. 

I tried multiple ways to incorporate new habits/goals/tasks. The first week I scheduled all the new habits I wanted to achieve throughout my week. I was unsuccessful for the most part. Which was a bit disappointing and lowered my motivation after my second week. During the second week, I also tried to incorporate the Pomodoro method to increase more time management, so that I can get to the tasks I wanted to achieve after work hours. Mid-February I decided to approach this with a go-with-the-flow mentality, sort of. I listed the goals I wanted to complete throughout the week; tasks that were meant for after work hours. Such as updating the blog once a week, working out 3 times a week, and reading a book for 30 minutes. This seemed to be a success. 

I was able to list the types of workouts I wanted to complete; cardio, arms, core, and legs. I also incorporated on the list meal prep, going out to study, reading for 30 minutes, and drinking water (something I truly struggle with and need help with). 

I noticed that with this method I was able to accomplish all the tasks for the week and include my Sunday reset. I didn’t feel a sense of disappointment and was able to tally some of the tasks. Because there was less pressure for me to officially (in my mind and on paper) to get certain things done by the date I assigned it, it was the relieving part of it all. If I couldn’t do a core workout that day, I substituted it with a walk. I also realized that I can utilize the gaps in between clients for reading. Which ended up being a bit more than 30 minutes and it was a daily coping skill that I gained. It was the best way I could relieve work stress and/or recharge for the next client. 

**Sample of my checklist/tally.

Walk 30 min	III
Arms/Legs	II
Core	I
Notes	III
Study @ Library	I
Work on Blog Post	III
Rehydrate Completely	III
Reset for work	I

I know there are many apps for this kind of list; however, they are also distractions for me. Once I open the app, I tend to get sidetracked with an Instagram notification. Where I then spend 30 + minutes scrolling mindlessly or watching reels of short-form dramas. If you are able to manage staying on task with your electronic devices, then those apps are amazing and suited for you. If not, the old-school way of pen and paper is the way to go.

I hope that eventually I will be able to fine-tune it and make it into a habit for some of the goals to naturally occur on a specific day or become part of my daily routine. So for this month, I will incorporate 1 more goal to ensure I complete all the goals weekly. 

I am curious to hear your thoughts on this… do you think it would be easier to get the goals/tasks you dread completed if they were part of a weekly checklist? Or is it better to assign days to the goals/tasks?