Elegance in Simplicity
In an effort to continue to establish good habits (Norwegian: “vane” as opposed to bad habits “uvane”), my friend challenged me as he reframed his own goals for 2025 with a simple phrase, “More often than not.” At first, I balked, wondering if this was simply moving the goalposts and not really committing to the rigors of the metrics he had established the prior year. However, after talking more, I came to realize that there’s an added efficiency and inherent value in being able to simply and concisely saying: “These are the habits that will give me the desired outcome. I’m human and will give myself grace to fail, but aim to have the general trend tend towards success.” I often try to pack too much into an idea, too much into a sentence, too much into my own expectations of myself and consequently too much into my expectations of others. I need to balance my ideals with pragmatism and realize that this is exactly what I did in 2024 implicitly (realizing gains through habitual commitment and change), though I felt worse about it because my bar was set higher than my body and mind were able to give. I’ve recommitted then to a few simple metrics that I know will move the needle this year.
I know through years of tracking that my leading indicator in success is the time I’m able to to fall asleep. I’m always able to push through, get up, and power through a day, but when I’m rested, I accomplish more before everyone else is up and that extra 10-15% gives me the fuel to feel accomplished throughout the day. Therefore by 8am, I know what my day will generally result in.
“More often than not”
Means at least an attempt. No required minimum other than the simple act of action in the direction. One step, one word, one action meets this metric.
Means what it says. 4 out of 7 days, 183 out of 365 days. Tracked # Weekly Count (#/7): # Annual Count (#/365).
Means a system that you can’t hide from. Accountability distilled. In the question, “Were you successful this week?,” you don’t have to consult a spreadsheet. If you’re doing what you’re supposed to, you’ll be able to confidently answer and call out your own vulnerabilities. The remedy is triggered by around one simple system: bedtime routine.
My Categories and Metrics (in chronological order):
Norwegian Study 4:9
Scripture Study 4:9
Daily Workout 3:7
Writing 1:1
Counting Calories 1:1
Bed by 9:15pm 0:0 (though trending closer since being off over winter break)
Fight Failure Friday
Failure Friday has become a staple of traditional New Year’s resolutions that fall apart by the second Friday of the year (this year is Jan 10th - tomorrow).
Pick a friend, consider your leading indicators in your life and what’s important to you in the year ahead, and hold yourself and those close to you accountable. The brain can easily remember 3-5 things, so be honest with yourself and start small and build up. I already have my Norwegian and Scripture habits locked in, and daily workouts have been more often than not for the last 5 months. Therefore, I’m ready to look closer at going to bed earlier, adding more writing and doubling down on counting calories. Wish me luck, and keep me accountable.
Shout out to my buddy who’s keeping me on track, and leading by example!