My 1% Goal

It’s been a long time since I sat down and took some time to write. Life with four kids, a job, and some lofty goals can keep me pretty busy! I know I’m not alone in the feeling of trying to get ahead, create some type of system to stay organized, and then just feeling too overwhelmed to do anything at all.

I feel I’ve been stuck in a loop of lists, motivation, lack of energy, piles of half-done tasks, and repeat. I get this wave of motivation to get things done, I make a list of everything that needs to be completed, I cross off a few things, I move onto the next task, I look back at my kitchen and it’s a mess. The toys I put away are scattered across the floor and the baby is putting something he found in his mouth. I sigh in defeat, stop what I am doing and give up on progress. I take another look at my list. Every task seems like an impossible mountain as I know the kids will just quickly undo anything I try to get done. I give up. Then it’s time for guests, I speed clean and foolishly think I can keep it up now that’s it’s clean. It’ll be wrecked by dinner. So, what is my solution? How do I solve this endless loop? Can I solve it? Am I doomed for the next 18 years?

Here comes my “1% Goal”. I’m currently reading Atomic Habits by James Clear. I’m sure I’m not the only one reading this post that has glanced over this book. I’ve seen it recommended by tons of people, I’ve seen it on shelves of friends and in social media posts. I bought it on sale and it sat on my shelf for months. MONTHS! Then one day I decided to give it a go. That day was yesterday. Ha! How do I have a plan in place when I’m only a few chapters in? I don’t really. I just have an idea (based off the book) that I’m going to try. Why wait till I finish reading the book? If I fail it’s one idea that didn’t work. If I succeed, I’m several days further into my new habits than I would have been had I waited. No more waiting!

Back to my 1% Goal – I’m going to better my life by 1% every day. I’ve always believed small changes build into big results. If you know me personally, you know I’ve lost 30 lbs this year. I didn’t lose that with a week at the gym and cutting out a few bad foods. I worked hard for that loss. I’m still working hard – but more on that later. So each day I’m going to make a small change. Pick up one more thing. Donate something I’m not using. Call a friend or family member. Make an appointment I’ve been putting off. Clean out one drawer, one shelf, one portion of a counter. I’m going to start building some habits! Want to join me? You don’t need a goal or a list or even a full blown plan. Just a desire to be 1% better today. Maybe you’ll accomplish a lot. Maybe you’ll accomplish one thing. Just watch. Be patient. Watch it build. You’re not going to lose all the weight in a week. You’re not going to build the savings in a day. You’re not going to be an overnight success (though it may feel like it to some).

Remember, one degree makes all the difference to a piece of ice. 1% can be the change that takes your life to a whole new level. Watch out world. I’m coming for you. 1% at a time.

– EM