Habits

Systems and routines for maintaining consistent beneficial behaviors across physical, mental, and creative domains.

Philosophy

Habit formation operates on the principle that consistency trumps intensity. Rather than attempting to maintain all routines simultaneously, a foundation of one or two core practices provides stability during periods of disruption. The goal is sustainable systems that compound over time rather than perfectionist adherence.

Core Categories

Morning Routines

Morning practices serve as the foundation for daily structure and mental clarity. Key components include:

Shower and radio - Gentle awakening with current events via WNYC
Coffee preparation - Ritualistic espresso making as a creative practice
Reading and meditation - 10-20 minutes of mindfulness practice
Light exercise - Bulgarian bag and kettlebell work for activation
Journaling - Five-minute gratitude practice and day planning

The morning routine emphasizes analog activities and time away from screens to establish mental grounding before engaging with digital systems.

Physical Conditioning

Exercise habits focus on maintaining "match readiness" - the ability to respond physically and mentally to unexpected demands. The approach emphasizes:

Functional fitness - Bulgarian bag, kettlebells, weighted vest training
Cardiovascular base - Running distance and interval work
Mobility maintenance - Daily yoga and stretching practices
Performance tracking - Quantified metrics for motivation and progress

Equipment selection follows minimalist principles, prioritizing portability and versatility over specialization.

Productivity Systems

Task and time management systems based on Getting Things Done (GTD) methodology:

Calendar management - Calendly for scheduling, Fantastical for daily planning
Task breakdown - Large projects decomposed into actionable components
Digital tools - Things app for task management across devices
Weekly planning - Regular review and adjustment of priorities

Measurement and Tracking

Quantified self practices provide objective feedback for habit maintenance:

Exercise metrics - Run times, plank duration, repetition counts
Consistency tracking - Frequency of routine completion
Performance trends - Long-term improvement patterns
System effectiveness - Correlation between habits and well-being indicators

Implementation Notes

Successful habit formation requires acknowledgment of human limitations. Complete adherence to all routines is neither expected nor necessary. The system emphasizes:

Flexible structure - Adaptable to changing circumstances
Minimum viable habits - Core practices that maintain momentum
Recovery protocols - Methods for reestablishing routines after disruption
Progressive complexity - Gradual addition of new practices

Equipment and Tools

Physical

Bulgarian bag
Kettlebell
Weighted vest
Jump rope
Yoga mat

Digital

Calendly (scheduling)
Fantastical (calendar management)
Things (task management)
Apple Watch (quick access and complications)

Future Developments

Aspirational practices under consideration include jiu-jitsu training, boxing instruction, rock climbing, and basketball league participation. These represent long-term goals requiring foundational fitness establishment before implementation.

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