Friday, June 8, 2007

S.M.A.R.T. Habits

It is funny to me how much one good habit can affect my behavior and apparent abilities. It reminds me of the overly used metaphor of ripples in the water, or jiggles in the jello. Last Saturday I jumped on the bandwagon and joined Lara Gallagher's S.M.A.R.T. Habit Saturday (Basically we make new years Resolutions every Saturday, instead of just once a year. Are we gluttons for punishment, or what?). My first goal was to jump out of bed when DSSH gets up for work, to hurry and make the bed, and then to move my body while he is in the shower. It has been interesting to say the least. I did it faithfully every morning and here are some of the side effects I experienced as a result:

Now it seems like DSSH showers take longer (when I stayed in bed until they were done I thought they were never long enough).
My body is sore from moving my hibernating muscles.
I have taken more showers this week than I am used to getting AND they have been before I even take Cookie to school.
Because I am up and ready on time I have walked Cookie to school every morning instead of taking the car (more exercise).
My room has been clean (not just the bed, the FLOOR)
I have been more on top of my laundry because I bring my dirty laundry down with me when I wake up the kids (Before this habit my dirty laundry was still mixed with other things on my bed).
I have been eating breakfast.
And all this comes from one little good habit. I wonder what treasures this week's goal will bring me?




My new goal is to write a personal, handwritten letter once a week to someone I care about. First one goes to my Grandpa, and it is long overdue.

14 comments:

Mrs. O said...

What a wonderful way to start off. Keep that jello jiggling!

LadySnow said...

I used to have that on my to do list every week...to handwrite a letter. You have motivated me to start that again! :)

Rebecca said...

What a great domino affect. If you keep it up that's like 5+ goals in one - yay you! I'm almost inspired to do the same. Almost. Handwritten letters are great, maybe you'll even get one in return!

Peculiar Blogs said...

What a lovely idea! A handwritten letter. I try to write my thank you notes, but that is about it. Everything else is on the computer. I know some people who would enjoy one, though. Great habit! And great job last week!

Rebecca said...

Thanks for the visit! I did send my dad a link to the post so he could read. :) And my quick kitchen cleaning isn't much. I've got so many clutter spots that need to be taken care of.

Anonymous said...

It sounds like you're doing wonderful things! I definitely have some work to do. Morning is my worst time of day.

Myth said...

With a 14 month old, I don't get to sit on the computer all day (much as I would like to)... good luck with your new habit!

Barb Szyszkiewicz said...

It's amazing how a good habit can snowball!
I like your idea of the personal letters. :) I have a few to catch up on, myself!

An Ordinary Mom said...

I tell you, SHS has positively changed my life. I think Lara was inspired when she created it!

Congrats to such a wonderful week you had! You are amazing!

I like this new goal for this week. Sometime I might have to use this one myself :)!!

Montserrat said...

That is great how your week has turned out! This week's habit is a good one too. Another side benefit is you usually get a handwritten note back.

Thea @ It's Me Vs. Me said...

What a great snowball effect! And that's a great new habit, too, you have for this week. Good luck!

Lara said...

Wow, your week was amazing! I have been amazed all year how just reading about other people's habit have influenced me. I have been making my bed, drinking more water and and doing better with lots of things without even really trying, just because everyone else was!

I'm so happy you have joined us!

Slava Bogu said...

Glad you are doing so well! Keep us posted on the letter writing habit. There is something so wonderfully personal about receiving a handwritten note!

Slava Bogu!

Christine - Tutorial Addict :) said...

WAY TO GO! I just started the SMARTness this week and it is so encouraging to see what it has done for you! I like the angle you put on making the bed by adding the exercise element, great idea! Good luck this week, let us know if the results keep getting better...