Change 20 - Write Notes

I have decided to write notes - thank you notes and letters of encouragement - to the people in my life.

Yesterday, I received a thank you note in the mail.  I was impressed that the sender took the time to write me, considering that what I had done for them was ‘nothing much’ in my eyes.  Receiving the thank you note made me realize that I’m doing a poor job of encouraging others.  So, from now on, I’ll work harder to send notes to people.

For the most part, I’ll send old fashioned cards or letters, but in come cases, I’ll just send an email.  I have several people that I need to thank who helped me on a recent project.  Instead of just telling them thanks, perhaps a note in the mail will show them just how thankful I really am for their help.

What about you?  Do you send thank you notes - or letters of encouragement?  Why or why not?

How Have I Been Doing? Am I Making Any Real Changes?

As I mentioned a post or two ago, I’ve been having a few issues (behind the scenes) with the 99 Changes website.  Those issues have been dealt with, and I thought it would be a great time to check in, and see just how much progress I’ve made - and where I’ve been struggling.

Change 1 - Giving Up Sodas - I started out strong, backslid just a bit, and then just completely gave them up.  I can’t remember the last soda I had, and I can’t say that I miss them!  Grade: A+

Change 2 - Walking 45 Minutes - I’ve modified this change, just a bit, to fit within my new workout plan.  Basically, I’m walking and using the eliptical machine, at least 5 days a week.  Grade: N/A

Change 3 - Keep Kitchen Counter Clutter Free - This one has been a struggle.  My wife keeps the house spotless, and there are only so many places where I can actually put things like bills, newspapers, and magazines.  Let’s just say, I’m doing a pretty good job of keep thing counter clutter free - pretty good, not great.  Grade: C

Change 4 - Listen To And Learn Names - I still stink at remembering names, but I have taken to asking people for business cards or contact information.  This helps me match a name to a face.  Grade: B

Change 5 - Giving Up Candy - I’m just not interested in eating junk food.  Frankly, this one has been easy, especially for the past month or so, as I’ve really focused on healthy foods.  Grade: A

Change 6 - Organize Email - This one took a while, but now I have a handle on it.  I forwarded all personal accounts to one gmail account, and all business email to another.  Now, I check two addresses a day and I’m done.  Grade: A

Change 7 - Organize Closets - This might be my favorite change.  My closets look fantastic.  There’s nothing on the floor, casual clothes are in one closet, dress clothes in another.  Perfect.  Grade: A+

Change 8 - Perform Stretch Routine - I’ve been stretching, before and after my workouts, but I’m still not stretching enough.  I need to work on this one.  Grade: C+

Change 9 - Use Getting Things Done System - I like the system, I use it, and you should too.  Grade: A

Change 10 - Be Early - Frankly, now that I’m working out and feeling better, I’m also doing a much better job of managing my time.  Funny how so much changes when you eat well and get some exercise.  Who knew?  Grade: A

Change 11 - Delegate - Thankfully, several people who work with me stepped up and took some of the stuff that I was dealing with out of my hands.  Things are running smoothly, and this makes me a happy dude.  Grade: B

Change 12 - Organize Photos - I have backed up all of our digital photos.  Grade: A

Change 13 - Memorize Ephesians - This is harder than I thought it would be.  I’ve managed to memorize the first chapter, but I can’t help but feel that I should be better at this!  Grade: C

Change 14 - Remove Clutter From Trunk - I did, then it just filled up again.  I practically live out of my car, and there isn’t a real convenient place to put my golf clubs in the house.  Tomorrow morning, I’ll clean it out again.  I promise.  Grade: D

Change 15 - Go To Gym Four Times A Week - Yes, yes, yes, I am doing this!  And, it’s probably a reason that so many of the other things on this list have gotten easier.  I feel better - I do more!  Grade: A

Change 16 - Update Social Networking Profiles - I did this, but then I kinda fell off of the face of the social networking scene.  I need to revisit my efforts.  Grade: B-

Change 17 - Backup Home Videos - I have backed up all of our home videos.  Grade: A

Change 18 - Find Time To Read - I’ve been reading more than I was, but I’m still not reading as often as I’d like.  Monday, if I can find an hour or so, I’m going to head to the library and find a good book.  Grade: C-

Change 19 - Take Vitamins - Why did I wait so long to do this?  It takes like ten seconds to take a vitamin.  Is it doing me any good?  I have no idea, but it feels right to be taking them.  Grade: A+

Overall, I think I’m doing a pretty good job improving my life (and hopefully myself).  It feels good to make changes, even small ones.  I want to thank those of you who have subscribed to 99 Changes.  You guys keep me motivated!  Rock on!

Change 19 - Take Vitamins

I have decided to take vitamins.

In the past, I’ve been very hit-or-miss with my vitamin intake.  I’d buy a bottle of vitamins, take them for a day or two, then forget, then remember, then forget, then remember.  No more!  Now, I’m taking a multi-vitamin for men, three times a day, and I’m also taking some probiotics.  I feel much better, now that I’m off soda, off candy, working out more, and taking my vitamins.  It’s amazing how quickly the body responds to positive input - and the removal of negative input.

Sorry for the delay in posts.  I had some trouble on my end with the site.  All should be fixed now, so expect regular updates.  Thanks for hanging in there.