New Year's Resolutions: A Check-In

This is the moment. This is the juncture. The 2nd Week of February...the point at which most people start the process of abandoning their New Year's Resolutions. As I mentioned in my last post, I am passionate about NYRs. Over the past few years, resolutions have helped me moderate my health, my focus, my intellect, and my emotions during the rigors of a normal life. I'm eager to share some of my lessons learned from 2017; specifically on the topics of reading and weight-loss. I've decided to hold off on those posts until March; I want to time them as boosters for those slipping on their goals for the year.

For now, I want to check-in with my own resolutions for 2018, and hear from you on your progress. Here is where I am:

Resolution 1: Run 1000 miles in 2018

In the month of January, I ran 101 miles. This was more than I've ever run in a single month since leaving the military. I did my best to run over 20+ miles per week, typically in six and four mile increments. I also completed three runs of ten miles or more. I ran outside and on a treadmill; with friends and by my lonesome; and sometimes with music, podcasts, or just silence. Running is by nature a monotonous sport, but I've found a space of tranquility and peace on my longer runs. I'm at a point now where if I don't run for a day or two, I feel antsy. I am slowly accumulating technology and apparel to make my runs more comfortable and enjoyable. I bought a VivoActive Garmin wrist watch with HR monitor, and I'm experimenting with the Apple Watch Series 3.

Potential Kryptonite: Alcohol

Running has amplified my capacity for drinking. Over the past month, I can count several nights where I drank well beyond a healthy 2-3 drinks, and closer to 6-10 drinks. And this is not normal. I usually have a responsive internal boundary when I hit a healthy limit. But my metabolism and my thirst for sugars have jolted that boundary out of place. My evenings with friends start out with a happy hour of 1-2 beers; then, a bottle or two of wine over dinner; perhaps a night cap before bed. Truth be told, I'm actually quite fortunate to have many friends and celebrations in my life recently, so there always happens to be something or someone to toast. Thus far, the drinking has not impacted my running or my health, but I'm concerned my insatiable thirst and appetite might be compromising my long term goal. I must limit the number of nights a week I drink, and the quantity. No doubt, this will be an unnecessary burden to carry forward on this 1000 mile journey.

Resolution 2: No Devices in the Bedroom

I'm proud to say, that this goal is well under way. My cellphone charges in my office away from my bed. I bought a small travel alarm clock without a backlight, so I don't have the ability to check the time during breaks in REM sleep. I still need to get more disciplined about removing my wearable devices (Apple or Garmin Watch) before bed. But that is a conscious work in progress. For the most part, my sleep is deeper and more fulfilling than when I would previously sleep with my phone at my bedside. The connection is away, displacing the temptation to check for updates, and my mind can truly rest.

Potentail Kryptonite: Netflix & Sleep Tracking

Like many young couples, a late night re-run is something my wife and I use to unwind at the end of the day. It's mindless, it's comforting, and a shared experience that has become a routine for us. By the letter of the law, bringing a laptop into the bedroom is no doubt a violation of my resolution. But in spirit, I've grown comfortable with allowing this exception with a couple of restrictions. Notifications must be turned off. No other information should be accessed on the laptop (no news, no googling, no Facebook, no Wikipedia). And there must be a time limit of consumption: 20 minutes, and the laptop is shut. Thankfully, both of us are so tired at the end of the day, we're lucky if we last ten minutes.

Part of my curiosity here is how important sleep tracking is towards achieving my health goals. Both my wearables have powerful heart rate and motion monitors that can help me understand my sleep routines. But the temptation to check the time, or turn off airplane mode lingers and is quite tempting. Any best practices on minimizing wearable distraction at night? Please share!

Resolution 3: Learn one song on the ukulele or guitar each month

Believe it or not, this is the resolution I'm most fearful of failing this year. I've struggled to find the discipline to sit down, pick up and tune my instrument, look up the chords and lyrics of a song, memorize them, and practice them to the point of performance-quality. On January 31st, only at the fear of missing my resolution goal, I sat down and learned the song "Have You Ever Seen The Rain" by Creedence Clearwater Revival. It's dirt simple and a crowd pleaser. But certainly not the challenge I was hoping to conquer during this time.

The Actual Kryptonite: A lack of creative drive

As a software sales person, I spend my entire day thinking about business problems, revenues, discounts, technology evolutions, and market dynamics. I find the greatest obstacle is flipping the switch from left brain to right brain activities. It's a cognitive, emotional, and potentially even hormonal barrier to cross. I started this resolution in the interests of finding an artistic outlet for relaxation purposes. But now, my motivation is cognitive versatility: quick transitions between quantitative and creative disciplines. Hopefully that motivation is enough.

And I say this in all seriousness....I do take requests :)

BOTTOM LINE: Let's Succeed Together!

I'm not shy about needing the support of my family, friends, and colleagues to obtain these goals. At the root of each of these resolutions is an effort to be a better professional, a better husband, and a better friend. I hope my community will keep my accountable.

Where are you in your New Year's Resolutions? If you need help or inspiration...raise your hand. I got your back! A mistake does not become failure unless you choose to give up. Hang in there, and ask for help!