Thread by @SlowwCo

*THREAD ON HABITS*

I've tried new year's resolutions.

I've tried habit tracking.

I've tried *no* resolutions and *no* tracking.

After trying a bit of everything over the years, here's my current approach heading into 2020.

Personally, I like tracking more than not tracking.

For me, out of sight is out of mind...so I'd rather have certain things *in* sight and *in* mind.

I've been more consistent when I'm tracking.

"Habits do not restrict freedom. They create it." @JamesClear (notes attached)

When it comes to habit tracking, I've tried:

- Paper (physical)
- Manual spreadsheet (digital)
- Habit apps (digital)

Paper is limited / can be misplaced, and manual spreadsheets seem to have higher friction than apps.

For apps, I like @TheStreaksApp and @coachdotme.

After using both @TheStreaksApp and @coachdotme over the years, I'm sticking with Streaks.

Coach(dot)me has many nice features, but I just don't utilize enough of them.

Streaks is simple, helps me visualize momentum, and saves me from myself by limiting me to only 12 habits.

I have @TheStreaksApp set up with these in mind:

- Journey > Destination
- Systems / Processes > Goals
- Present > Past / Future

I'm not tracking everything in my day; just focus areas for new habits.

See the screenshots for how I'm starting the year.

I'll explain each habit.

1. WALK

I've covered this habit previously (along with highlights from "Atomic Habits" by @JamesClear):

https://twitter.com/SlowwCo/status/1197624844520579072

2. WORKOUT

Working out has been a rollercoaster for me since ending competitive sports in college. In shape, out of shape, repeat.

I'm now aiming for daily 30-min workouts (strength training, running, biking depending on the day).

Note: This is in addition to the walking habit

3. POSTURE

Over a decade of sedentary, knowledge work has already taken its toll.

Time to reverse the damage as much as possible.

I want to do daily posture exercises along with stretches (legs & hip/shoulder/back mobility).

4. 100% LOVE

This relates to unconditional love and compassion.

100% may be a long shot, but it's worth aiming high. I thought about a lower % or even like an "A" rating, but I like the idea of striving for unconditional love.

5. 100% LIGHT

This could be interpreted in a few ways, but I'm mostly referring to lightheartedness.

I can catch myself taking life way too seriously (which can be a root cause for all sorts of complications).

I've found that life is better (work too) when I'm lighthearted.

6. 100% ATTENTION

This one can also be interpreted in multiple ways like the art of listening, limiting a preoccupied mind, less digital use, etc.

For me, I want to work on the first two: be a better listener and limit preoccupation.

https://twitter.com/SlowwCo/status/1205584102763532289

7. EMBRACE NOT KNOWING

Less intellectual, more embracing the mystery.

"You don’t become awakened by adding more content to your mind...those that have awakened say that they actually know less. What comes with awakening is the ability to embrace 'not knowing.'" @EckhartTolle

8. NON-ATTACHMENT

"When you are detached, you gain a higher vantage point from which to view the events in your life instead of being trapped inside them...'This, too will pass' brings detachment and with detachment another dimension...inner space." @EckhartTolle

9. NON-RESISTANCE

"Nonresistance is the key to the greatest power in the universe. Through it, consciousness (spirit) is freed form its imprisonment in form." @EckhartTolle

10. NON-JUDGMENT

"Instead of judging what is, he accepts it and so enters into conscious alignment with the higher order...often it is impossible for the mind to understand what place or purpose a seemingly random event has in the tapestry of the whole." @EckhartTolle

11. NO ANXIETY

My personality type tends to be time-focused (specifically future-focused).

I'm constantly catching myself thinking (or dwelling) on time and the future which can create anxiety.

This habit will be used as a sort of daily anxiety tracker.

12. LIFE > WORK

Could also be Presence > Productivity.

Yes to work/life balance (consciously prioritizing and choosing life over work), but it can go further than that into full aliveness and oneness with life.

That's it for now!

I leave the app open on my phone so it's a constant reminder.

Many of these habits are subjective and require honest daily reflection.

They may evolve over time, but I feel good about starting here.

How about you? Any new habits you're working on?