The 365 Commitment

Day 63 – A Good Vantage Point

I am grateful for the 365 Commitment. My life has not become perfect. But, upon reflection I can see improvements in many areas. It seems to be working.

I am physically more fit than I was 70 days ago. I am more organized in many ways too. I have been able to apply myself more rigorously at work. I think my relationships with my spouse and children are better. My spiritual focus is deeper. All of these dimensions are important to me. The 365 Commitment requires a daily focus on what is most important. Therefore, I have naturally paid more attention to these things every morning when I make my list, and every night when I wrap up my day before sleep. On these dimensions, and a few more, my experience is measurably better.

When you are head down, struggling through each day and week, the changes are not striking or even very obvious. I have had tough days mentally, and bad days emotionally. Some days I was tempted to give up, and felt almost hopeless. However, I did not give up, but instead chose to keep my commitment to my personal daily practice and the development of good habits. From the vantage point of 70 days in, my progress is clear.

None of it has come easily or quickly, but has come as expected, as a result of daily incremental focus and commitment. The magic is in simply having a clear trajectory and not letting up. I am looking forward to tomorrow’s 84 pushups in the morning, as I add one more than last time. I look forward to building on my modest successes daily, until I have managed to complete the entire year. I wonder, how much better the various dimensions of my life will be by then?

Well, tomorrow is a Monday morning, and daylight savings has robbed me of an hour – I’m not real happy about either one of these. My attitude at the moment is not great. But, my familiar morning routine will provide a kind of comfort, and help prepare me for the challenges of the day. Tonight’s review of overall progress, sort of like looking back at the trail from a good vantage point when backpacking , gives me hope for greater accomplishment to come as I look forward at the peak I am heading for in the distance. Now, it’s time to put the pack back on, adjust the load, tighten up the straps and boot laces, take swig off the canteen, and forge ahead with a small measure of pride and accomplishment. I will keep my eye on the prize and maintain hope for reaching my own summit in 295 days from now.

Ben Wagner (70)

Member The 365 Commitment

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