Simple resolutions

Annie Dillard said, "How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives."

If you're like me, you'll know why this is an uncomfortable observation. I'm one of those people who starts on any project or resolution with a bang—compiles journals, ledgers, flowcharts, complicated matrices (OK, maybe not going that far)—and then sort of fizzles out with a schwa. I'm completely disenchanted by rituals and complications, so most things sort of happen in one energetic burst or very laissez-faire.

With that in mind, and the idea that water always flows around a rock that's taller, I compiled a list of everyday things to do, along with a few weekly tasks, and put it on my refrigerator. I will admit that promising myself time to do the same things each day would not be so simple if I had more responsibilities. But I also feel that, as a single person, I ought to do productive things with my time, and with nobody else there to hold me to any sort of accountability or to keep me from embarrassment of, say, a sink full of dishes, I think the list is a good idea.

Here's what it says.

Every day...
• Work out/ do a yoga routine/ take a long walk
• Drink some water, eat 3 vegetables


• Clean [apartment] for 15 minutes
• Don't leave any dishes or laundry out
• Recycle


• Take care of all incoming mail, send outgoing
• Know what's in the bank


• Spend 15+ minutes writing
• Spend time researching PhD programs or networking* 
• Post something to sell on the internet** 


• Positive toward self and others


Every week...
• 2 hours at Humane Society
• Take a hike***
• Make something


[*I have in mind that this is the general "Self or world improvement" bracket: applying for online instructing positions, working on causes, etc.
**Etsy shop, used books, etc.
***As weather/health permits]

This is my list for now. An elegant plan, I think. Of course, it'll change with the times and my projects. Flexibility is important, but intent is key. Don't get me wrong; it's not like these are things I never do. It's just that if I follow this very simple list every day, rather than whenever the mood strikes, I will be living a life much closer to the one I envision for myself.