We have this concept that humans are rational. We are rational. We make decision and do them.
We don’t.
I am relatively mature, middle-aged. Based on life expectancy in the US (78.4 years for a male), I should have 14 years left. This is probably skewed due to averages, suicides etc.. Given my education and life style, I could expect more. One would also hope for new developments over the next years to improve the odds, especially if I can pay for them.
What do I want? I want to maximize my useful and enjoyable life. In a way, this mean, doing even better than I do now. I am healthy, but can feel the slowing down. This might be less to age than really physical shape. The best thing I can do for myself is to improve that. Lose weight, maybe. But mainly feel optimum, sleep better. The actions required are clear, I have the laundry list and setup (exercise corner in a nice spot on the deck), start exercise, change the diet after filling the fridge with the right stuff, meditate, write.
I also want to spend more of my time doing what matters to me.
All very clear.
But every day I fall into the same patterns, which is not THAT.
So how do you change it?
Here is what I am trying now, trying to find a way to enjoy the process:
- Disrupting existing patterns. Do not go to the computer the first thing to do bills, but meditate instead.
- Make the goals small. Ensure, you embark on the activity rather than feeling disappoint about not achieving an aggressive goal.
- For me: measure, keep track of stats. I enjoy that. Apple Health app, Withings, Wahoo.
- Set a few concise goals. They have been in my head, but Streaks now make me accountable to myself.
The goal is to have a life that is healthy and enjoyable.
Every day is a precious gift.
