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!