Non-Negotiables

For a while, I've felt like I'm at the mercy of my schedule and my todo list.  Things pile up faster than I can knock them down and this continues until I reach critical mass.  Then I have a sort of self intervention.  I take off from work or cancel some stuff on my schedule and just attack stuff I let pile up (which usually includes my messy house, so it is literally a pile).  I don't think I've ever felt like I've been at a good homeostatic condition with my life. 

Which brings me to my main point.  Certain things, like my directX UI for Settlers of Catan, can pile up and its not a big deal.  Other things, like cleaning my house, ARE a big deal.  So in addition to my todo list, planned activities and schedule, I'm implementing some non-negotiables.  That is to say that no matter what happens in my day, I AM doing these activities!

On a daily level these include:

• eating right and taking my meds
• work (obviously) (8 hours)
• gym (2.5 hours)
• 15 minute rule for cleaning
• sleep (8 HOURS!!!!)

Then there's the weekly cleaning tasks, like the hot tub, kitty litter, garage, etc.

Then, of course things I'd like to get to:

• 45 minutes for side job work
• 45 minutes for fun tech projects

Then I have to allow an hour for tv watching and another 30 minutes for miscellaneous stuff.  I need to make sure that my goals are realistic, cuz as soon as I start breaking rules like these just once, then the rule becomes a lot harder to stick with.  Also, I read somewhere that you have to do something for 3 weeks to make it a habit.  Its just like brushing your teeth.  You've done it for so long, you do it without even thinking.  That's where I'd like to get with these tasks.