Samantha had tubes inserted into her ears this morning after multiple infections and antibiotics. She was out of surgery in 11 minutes and we were at home in record speed. So I spent a lot of time scratching her back, watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, and playing with PlayDoh. During the fifth episode of the same Mickey episode, my mind started to wander. The calm and quiet house allowed me to spend time thinking of what is working and what needs work.
I have added a lot to my life over the past couple of months and I couldn’t be more thrilled. But one issue kept coming to the forefront of my mind… lack of consistent, self discipline. I’ve started swimming with the Master’s team and piano lessons. I’ve been trying to lose weight. Compared to 6 months ago, I’m doing great. But I’m not meeting my goals due to lack of consistent, self-discipline. Let’s face it, an excuse can always be rationalized.
So I need a simple way to keep me on track of my goals and values. I NEED to make these 5 things a habit for the next 30 days. I don’t always want to be this strict, as I like to live with grace and moderation. However, for the next 30 days I need self discipline more. I need some good old fashioned healthy habits that inhibit me from using any excuse.
I’m speaking these things out loud, as it will help keep me accountable.
5 daily habits in 30 days:
1. Read the bible. Not every other day, but everyday. I really enjoy this, but I just need to be more consistent, instead of feeling like I’m playing catch up.
2. Exercise for 1 hour . Just move. Walk, run, swim. Variety will be key for me. If at 9 pm I haven’t exercised, then I’m going to get on my elliptical machine and just do it. I have never exercised and later regretted it. Never.
3. Play the piano for 30 minutes. Not every 2-3 days for 2 hours, but everyday. It’s no secret. If I want to really learn how to play and school those little kids at the recital, then I need to practice.
4. Cook homemade meals every night. I’m tired of eating out. I’m tired of eating crappy foods that end up making me tired. I was so good until our vacation. Not a surprise, but as soon as I allowed processed sugar back into my life, I started getting headaches and needing occasional naps due to fatigue. I have too much to do in my life than to waste it napping because of sugar induced comas.
I was inspired by this article from Nicole. I’m taking inspiration from that and making a 30 day menu. I will gladly share my recipes and will keep track of everything as I go.
5. Write one letter everyday. No email, facebook, or twitter messages. Old fashioned letters with those things sticky things that attach to the top right corners. I think they are called stamps.
I write my kids letters every week and I’ve seen how much joy those have brought. But now I need to write to others – family, friends, and people who have inspired me.
I need to remember this quote:
“The pain of self-discipline will never be as great as the pain of regret.”
Yes.
Blessings sweet friends – Jenny
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Comments
Marilyn Johnson
So glad that your little girl is doing OK. My goodness, she is a beauty!
I try hard here to do home cooked meals also. Very hard to still do come about the end of the work week. I have found menu planning helps so much. I just don’t always take the time to plan. Just like today-no idea what dinner will be tonight!
Jenny
My 12 hour shifts are what kills me with consistency – working out at 4 AM or 9 PM is really difficult, but I’m going to try to do it for 1 month. Making dinner is possible with meal planning. If I plan, then between Jeff and I it gets done 80% of the time. If no plan, we always end up eating something quick and often not healthy. Thanks Marilyn!
stephanie
I love this. I’ve been writing one or two things at the top of my planner each day that are my goals for the day. Yesterday it was no sugar and no Facebook while my kids were up and I did it.
You can do it!
Jenny
The social media while my kids are awake – what a great reminder. I was actually thinking about setting certain time periods of the day when I check.
Alissa H.
I would add “get up before the rest of the family.” That is what I’m doing during this 31 days. Today was day two.
I’m following along with Crystal’s challenge.
http://www.crystalwilkerson.com/blog
Jenny
Yes, completely agree Alissa. If my house is picked up and orderly (not necessarily clean) and I get either exercise and/or my bible reading done before the kids get up, my day is remarkably smoother. Thanks for the suggestion! – Jenny
Heather
Glad to hear that the surgery went well!
I am SO with you on the need for self-discipline. I have been working, finishing up my last three big school projects, volunteering, and catching a bad cold…all resulting in a serious LACK of exercise this week. And I am feeling the effects. Being a fellow list-maker, I am following your advice and making my own list to stick to over the next 30 days. Let’s hold each other accountable, okay?!
Jenny
Your plate is so full too, Heather! I’m game – let’s do this!
Karen
I am so happy for Sam. She deserves a break. If you are interested, I would love to meet and walk the canal maybe? Let me know.
Jenny
It’s a date Karen. Let’s walk those canals before it starts to heat up.
Karen
My schedule is somewhat flexible.
Melissa
Wow! Love these goals! LOVE the one about FB- but for me I totally deleted my account, not because I wasn’t paying attention to my son but because it was becoming an addictive habit to check and when your on FB right when you get up, on the elevator whenever your having a slight time of nothing why not take that “nothing” time to be active in the other things you listed? I’ve back to reading old fashioned paper bound books!
Jenny
It’s so important to stay connected with the real world. I’m trying to learn that balance, too. My daughter has a kindle but I still love to hold my books and magazines, too!
I’m going to set up certain times of the day that I am just with my kids and my computer and phone are off. I want to make sure that my nonverbal cues show them that they are my priority.
Jenn Hen
Jenny, all your inspiration is well…. inspiring! Every morning I get up and while feeding my newborn I jump on my kindle to read up on my favorite blogs, yours being in my top 5
When reading this morning about habits, your #1 hit me hard. I realized that its so easy to create bad habits without even realizing it, but the good habits can be so challenging. So I am also challenging myself for 30 days to read my devotional and 1 chapter from the bible before I read anything else… well except for the measurements for formula 
and a side note: Thank you for your daily encouragement… sometimes we just dont say enough!!!
Jenny
Thanks Jenn for the kind words – they just made my heart swell. And I hope you had a good morning and started it off with your bible reading. Can’t get much better than that! – Jenny
sarabeth burke
you are amazing! this is so wonderful and i appreciate you sharing this-we are cheering you on and will support you so that you accomplish your goals-i think this is great! i’m going to have to add this to my list of to-do’s you have given me to appreciate my time and inspire me to seek a little further into myself.
thank you friend for this and all of your constant encouragements via posting
<3
Jenny
No, thank you Sarabeth. You have indeed been one of my greatest cheerleaders and I’m so grateful. I’m going to need the encouragement as I’ve set my goals kind of high, but I need the consistency in my life to have a healthier and fuller life.Thanks friend – Jenny
Nicol (imanewbierunner)
This is such a great idea! I should do all of these (except the piano)
Good luck to you!
Jenny
Thanks Nicol. I think you should take up piano playing or perhaps the harp?
yvonne
I’m glad Samantha is doing great!
What a great idea those daily habits.
Can you read my mind or something? LOL. I was just talking to my husband today that my lack of improvement and energy is probably due to not getting the exercise and vision therapy sessions in my daily routine. So I’m going to be with you: trying to get at least 30 min of exercise (even if it’s only playing the connect!) and do 30 minutes of vision therapy everyday not 2 times a week.
It’s always so hard to start something but once you’re doing it the rewards get so much bigger and it gets easier to do! So thank you for pushing me to a healthier and happier me!
Jenny
You are so right. Consistency is so hard, but once we get there, the payoff is so great. That’s what I am aiming for. I hope we both get there. I’m rooting for both of us. -Jenny