This just in: Back in my Navy days, we had a saying, “You can expect what you can inspect.” In other words, to be able to effectively judge something, you must be able to objectively measure it.
If someone tells you, “I worked really hard yesterday,” you really have no way to judge that unless you have the ability to measure what a day of hard work really is.
I know this is kind of obtuse, but it gets me to where I want to be: My Daily To-Do List.
Let’s back up a bit.
Two-hundred days ago, I woke up in a hotel and thought, “Life seems to have less meaning for me than it should. I’m wasting too much of my time reading news and such on the internet; all the while, not really accomplishing much.”
So I made a list. This list consists of 20 items, each of which would add value to my life-experience if I did it. I next set a goal. I would work to achieve at least 50% of the items on that list every day.
What’s on the list? Writing a blog is one item. Push-ups is another. Reading a book is on there as is meditating. Hitting golf balls is there along with pull-ups, calling a family member and having 2 tablespoons of vinegar. It’s very diverse but each item means something to me.
I keep a record of how I do. This way, because I can inspect, I can expect. I can set goals and see how I’m doing.
For example: I give myself points for various activities. 1 point is equal to approximately 1 calorie. I have made 95,000 points since the list started 200 days ago. There are 95,000 calories in 27 pounds of fat. In other words, I would be a bit fatter than I am now, unless I cut back on eating…and I hate to cut back on eating.
Yesterday, I went to Costco. My wife is out of town so I had to fend for myself. The result was that I had a 2-foot slab of ribs with a side of roasted chicken for lunch.
Anyway…back to my list…
In 200 days, I have done 5,700 pushups and 5,100 pull-ups. I have not missed a single day of doing my core training and yoga (30 minutes every morning) that is supposed to keep my back healthy and me out of the ER. I have completed over 100 hours of online lessons in physics, math and philosophy.
My weight is down about 7 or 8 pounds. Not bad considering that I’m doing a lot of exercise and eating all that I want. Not quite true…skipping desert is on my daily list.
I’m not saying you should make a list. I think we’re all different. Different things work for different people. However, I will say this…ever since I make this list 200 days ago, I’ve never felt like I’m not adding value to my life experience every single day. And…I feel physically healthier as well (an unintended side effect).
So there is my blog today. I’ll take credit for that on my list. Then…I’ll go and save the world.
Up, up and away…
Jim
