One at a Time, Zen Master

Oh Leo Baubata, the force behind Zen Habits, I hate to prove you so right, but that is exactly what has happened.  I have spent the past six months reading through your archives and being inspired by your calming voice and your positive outlook on the world.  However, I must admit– the entire time, I was skeptical of one of your key tenants.

You claimed that folks need to focus on one major life change at a time.  You warned us that trying to change multiple areas of your life simultaneously will only cause you to burn out and lead to frustration, and eventually failure.  I didn’t believe you.  I was convinced that I was different.  Starting in December of last year, I decided that I was going to improve my life in LOTS of ways, all at the same time:

• I would improve our financial situation, by spending less and finding ways to earn more.
• I would declutter my home, taking a minimalist approach. We had far too many things in my house that we didn’t even use.
• I was going to lose weight, dropping down from the most that I have ever weighed (226 lbs) to a much healthier weight
• I was going to start a regular exercise habit by running daily.  I would sign up for multiple 5Ks and even a half marathon!
• I would improve my diet by eating far less snack foods, and instead replace them with more beans, lean meats, and vegetables.
• I would start writing again, nourishing a habit that I love, but have neglected for years.
• I would slow down and focus on one thing at a time. When living life in a completely distracted state, are you really living at all?

As I started working towards these goals, I was doing absolutely great for about 3-4 weeks.  I was running each morning, eating a holy ton of beans, and losing weight quickly.  I was writing every day, first in a journal and then in this blog.  In fact, I was really doing great on all of the goals above, and I was quite proud of the fact that I seemed to be able to improve myself in ALL of these ways at the same time.

So what happened? Well… life happened.  It got really cold outside, which made it hard to run.  My weight loss stalled, and I found myself running short on both energy and free time.  It was discouraging to me that these life changes that seemed so promising, were all stalling at the same time.  I found myself very frustrated there for a couple of weeks.

So, I was forced to prioritize.  Completely focusing on one thing at a time is not really compatible with my personality, but focusing on EVERYTHING at the same time, leaves me a little bit short.  I have continued writing, and we have been doing great on the financial situation.  We are decluttering as we go, but not making it a focal point of our life any more.  I plan to start running again, once the weather warms up, but it is doubtful that I will find time to do it daily.  If I can run 2-3 times per week, I will be happy.  If I am in good enough shape to run a 5k or two, then I will do it, but I am taking the pressure off of myself.

The same is true for dieting, and yeah- even for writing.  I will still try to eat the best I can, and will write here on a regular basis, but the life change that is getting my main focus continues to be improving our financial situation.  I aim to do something every day to improve my earning potential, find ways to save money, and/or to earn some supplemental income.  The seeds that I have been planting and the changes that I have been making are forming habits that will last a lifetime.  Instead of slipping further and further into debt, we are getting closer and closer to debt freedom.

The rest of me, I will work on when I have time.  :-)

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