Reviewing results from a month of experiments

I stood on the bathroom scale and looked down. Damn. I did not lose any weight the entire month of February. My doctor is not going to be happy. Neither am I. Guess I need to try a different approach. It seems like the older I get the harder it is to lose any weight.

My January personal PMR was bad

A few weeks ago I explained why I conduct a personal PMR each month. Basically, I review how I performing against my annual goals. It is an effective way to track my progress and hold myself accountable. My January PMR was not good. I made limited progress on my goals. Rather than give up, I decided to try something different. I conducted a few experiments in February to jump start my progress.

All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

I conducted multiple experiments in February

A month ago I described the experiments I would run during the month of February. They centered on three main themes – being frugal, improving fitness, and having fun. I would love to report that all experiments were a raging success, but that would be a lie. Some went well, others went okay, and a few did not go well at all. Below is a quick summary of the results.

You’ve got to experiment to figure out what works.

Andrew Weil

Being more frugal was not too difficult

The first experiment for February was simple – spend less money. I was pretty successful with this one. I did not spend money on stupid stuff. Having said that – I did take two trips. Kim and I went to Savannah Georgia to celebrate our birthdays. It was a great time. Also, Riley and I traveled to Raleigh, North Carolina for a soccer showcase event. Once again, money well spent. The Head Coach from a college he hopes to attend was there.

Gomen’nasai, I did not tidy up in February

I have to confess that I did not tidy up my condo last month. Sorry, Marie Kondo. Perhaps this month. The reality is that I don’t own much and my place is already pretty tidy so it did not seem urgent to complete that part of the experiment. She does offer some tips about folding clothes that I hope to implement this year.

Keep only those things that speak to your heart. Then take the plunge and discard all the rest. By doing this, you can reset your life and embark on a new lifestyle.

Marie Kondo

Fitness experiments produced mixed results

My fitness goals included completing a burpee challenge, losing 10 pounds, and completing multiple doctor visits. My results were a mixed bag. I had no major problem finishing the burpee challenge. I completed the beginner level since it has been a while, so each day was pretty easy. I did not lose any weight. No progress there. I did visit my dentist, but still need to complete my annual physical. I delayed it since my doctor will not be happy with my current weight. May have to suck it up, and just get it over with.

February was a lot of fun

I did have a lot of fun last month. I regrew my beard. It is entertaining to hear feedback about my beard. Several, to include my girlfriend, like it. Others, to include my mother, do not like it at all. I was unable to see Switchfoot in concert last month. The night they were in town conflicted with a celebration event for a friend. Hanging out with friends always takes priority over concerts. I am betting that Switchfoot will be back in town soon. Besides, the evening with friends was a great time.

I learned several lessons last month

While completing these experiments last month I did learn a few things. None of them are profound, but may be worth sharing.

1. Too many experiments generates mediocre results – I tried to many experiments last month. Not sure what I was thinking. It is hard to get results on all of them given the number I attempted. Less is better.
2. Having a real plan helps a lot – the burpee challenge was easy because it included a plan. Every morning I would receive an email telling how many burpess to perform that day. No mystery – just get it done.
3. Some decisions are easier than others – being frugal became easy because I made one major decision – spend less money. The answer was no when it came to buying stuff. I was tempted many times, but able to control my desire for more because it was already decided.

More focus in March – less experiments this month

I will continue experimenting in March but plan to simplify my approach. I will conduct fewer experiments. I am going to focus more on my fitness goal. I plan on losing weight this month. I will eat better, drink less, and exercise more. That simple formula will generate the results I am looking for this month. If not, I will try something else.

PS – one last piece of advice. Don’t eat snacks late at night. I ate a gigantic piece of pizza after the celebration event with friends. Not a good decision. I slept most the way home in the uber. Next time — just say no!!