LOL – so my inspiration for today’s blog came from earlier today, but I was just reminded of why I’m thankful for this after attempting to write my blog in the living room while Gavin watches an episode of Parks and Rec.

When we learn something new and put it to use it is very helpful. When we practice that new skill it becomes more useful. When we blend in other skills we can turn it into a habit.

With so much focus on what I am putting my thoughts and energy towards I really looked at today very differently than I would have a couple of weeks ago. Instead of attempting to pack too much in I kept some flexibility. When things started to twist a bit off course I paused, took a deep breath, and created a buffer. I realized I’d set a self-imposed deadline that wasn’t necessary. Putting the busy-ness of the day with the newly re-learned concept of having a buffer I made a move that significantly lifted stress off my shoulders while simultaneously creating more space for me to perform better at what needed to be done. A couple of weeks ago I would’ve plowed right through and not completed as much as well.

One of the things that made a big difference today was adding a thought process from Atomic Habits to Essentialism to help me embed the behavior I wanted to live. The exact thought exercise was to pause and think, “how would someone who was an incredible essentialist respond to this moment? How would they react?” In removing myself from the situation the solution was clear. Move back the deadline and create some buffer space. Once I had that answer I moved ahead and felt much better.

There was another habit I started using a similar mindset. Gavin’s practices for soccer are at 5:30 and end at 7:00pm. Two nights each week I take him and Dominic to Gavin’s practice, drop him off, go to the YMCA with Dominic, weight lift, and then pick up Gavin. When I think about what’s important to me this habit covers so many bases. I get to spend time with my boys, I get 1 on 1 time with Dominic, I get to exercise and become more fit, and I have the opportunity to make Becky’s life a little easier. Talk about wins all around! Instead of packing random stuff in or dropping off, going home, driving back, and picking him up I am able to use that time to live into how I feel the true version of me should live. It feels great!

As I started the blog with, there was another reminder of progress I am thankful for today. I need to eliminate the distractions when I want to get something done. I thought I had the will power to resist the urge to watch the TV show with Gavin while I typed, but I was wrong. After watching for several minutes I realized I needed to eliminate the opportunity to not focus so I headed downstairs and am blogging where it is quiet and peaceful. Am I going to stay focused and head straight to bed? That is yet to be decided 😉

Today I’m thankful for the opportunity to practice the ideas I’ve been working on and to hone my thought processes instead of letting my old bad habits control my day.

Thanks!!!