Habit Formation Challenge [Ambition Edition]

There is a Japanese expression called 'mikka bouzu' (a three-day monk). It originates from people who entered the priesthood but, lacking the resolve to endure the rigorous training, would return to secular life after just three days.
It has since come to refer to someone who is fickle and cannot stick to anything for long.

Isn't that a term practically tailor-made for me?

A person who is the embodiment of fickleness—that is Arlon.
Yet, it's even worse because when I do get hooked on something, I pursue it to the extreme. Even though I was a NEET at the time, I'm still shocked that I cleared Pokémon Violet in one week (with about 50 hours of playtime).

I suspect that being a 'three-day monk' isn't just my problem, but a struggle many people face.
You know what you need to do, but you don't feel like doing it, so it remains untouched. You can't seem to make it a habit, and before you know it, you're not doing it at all. We've all been there, right?
If that hit home for you, let's shake hands for now.

However, I want to do something about this. No, I must do something about it.
To enrich my life, reform is necessary.

Well, I know that, but for some reason, it just doesn't go well. I'm sure the sense of duty that I 'must' do it is raising the bar higher and higher.

In that case, why not start with the lowest possible hurdle that I could truly manage every day?

It seems motivation increases by taking action. In other words, no matter how long you wait, your motivation will never rise on its own. Ran-chan waiting patiently for Shinichi's return is a wonderful woman, but in this case, it seems like it would be counterproductive.

With that said, I have listed nine things I want to turn into habits and set conditions that I feel I can actually continue.
After that, I will review my progress on a weekly or monthly basis. If the results of the review show things aren't going well, I will reconsider my approach.

Note: Since I am writing this as a personal record, I hope you will view it with the mindset of, 'Hmm, so Arlon started doing that. Well, let's see how long it lasts.'

Things I want to make into habits

1. Reading (to broaden my knowledge)

Read at least one page, no matter what.

It is slowly becoming a habit, but I must not let my guard down. Once I start reading, I tend to make good progress, so I will prioritize the act of opening the book above all else.
If possible, I want to read three different books a day: morning, noon, and night.

2. Strength training (to maintain health)

Do one of the following before every meal.

• 10 sit-ups

• 10 back extensions

• 10 squats

• 10 push-ups

• 1-minute plank

To resolve my lack of exercise, and eventually get a lean, muscular build. No, before that, I want to pull in this protruding belly.
It would be even better to keep a record so the exercises I do don't become biased.

3. Essay writing (to become an essayist)

Post once a day on note.

It has been going on for over half a year, so it is becoming a habit.

4. Bookkeeping study (to learn about money)

Read one page of the textbook.

Bookkeeping, which I gave up on last year. It overlaps with 1. Reading, but I will just keep reading one page (though I won't count it as reading).
I've forgotten quite a bit, so I'll have to read from the beginning.

5. Investment study (to learn about money)

Read one page of a Kindle book.

Same as 1. Reading and 4. Bookkeeping study. Just one page.
Also, it might be good to try reading notes from investors and such.

6. Studying for the IT Passport (because I want to know about IT)

Watch at least one video per day.

Part 2 of the certification study series. Conveniently, there was a YouTube video available, so I will use that as a reference.
I am also considering purchasing study materials eventually.

7. Weighing myself (to maintain health)

Do it every morning right after using the restroom.

Well, it's nothing special, just recording my weight every day. Actually, I was able to do this almost every day from January to August last year, so the hurdle is quite low.

8. Cleaning (to maintain living environment and for refreshment)

Do it once a week on my day off from work.

I'll start by trying it on a weekly basis. Using a lint roller, a floor wiper, gathering trash, tidying up—anything is fine, just do one of them.
It might be good to record it like I do with 2. Muscle training.

9. Hydration (to maintain health)

Drink a glass of water (or hot water) upon waking up and before going to bed.

I have dry skin, so this is to combat rough hands and a dry nose. Also, I drink coffee every day, so the frequency of urination is intense.
I want to combine this with 7. Weighing myself to create a routine of waking up -> restroom -> weighing -> brushing teeth -> hydration.

Well, that's about it.
Actually, there are also things I want to stop doing (things I want to de-habituate), but I think I will write about those in a separate article.

I would like to work hard together with people who have similar ambitions, so let's shake hands for now.