On Schedule

'Real Old Testament Stuff'

I didn't really make any New Year's Resolutions this year, but seeing how badly the last two months of 2025 had gone for me I decided that I would work on systems, not goals, as it were. Here is a list how this works that I found:

1. Set Direction (Goal): Know what you want to achieve.
2. Design the Process (System): Identify the specific, small, daily habits that move you toward that goal.
3. Focus on the Present: Execute the system consistently, not just the outcome.
4. Never Miss Twice: If you miss a day, get back on track the next.
5. Optimize: Regularly review and refine your system for better results. 

I have been able (so far) to adhere to process and am already finding marked improvement. I began a new notebook that records my glucose, my weight, my blood pressure, my bank balance, and my doctor appointments from day to day. This allows me to follow my 'numbers' every day. I have begun putting away inexpensive, long-lasting food supplies for hard times at the end of the month. These things allow me to quell vague anxieties and worries, which take up too much mental real estate. Instead of piling up chores to do all at once, I do whatever comes to my hand, and by the end of the day I have scads of time free from mental nagging.

I'm writing a little bit every day, not pushing myself too hard, so I have some progress and no burnout. It gives me time to think about things and gives space for inspiration to strike, to let the work tell me itself what needs to happen. I can always get myself to do a little bit. I allow the weekends for writing free zones; if I've missed any day of the week, I make it up then. I'm also finally following a bit of advice I heard all the way back in high school Creative Writing: when you stop for the day, always know what you're going to write next.

I only hope that, having now talked about these things, I don't immediately shoot myself in the foot, as I have a history of doing whenever I 'brag' about some new accomplishment or resolution. But the system is in place. I'm feeling good and fairly confident about this go round. Fingers crossed.