Summer 2013 August 29

74/77 degrees this morning.  Relatively coolish, almost too cool to sit out on my patio (but not quite).

The book "The Willpower Instinct" reviewed this morning the technique of "surfing the urge" as a way of willpower, either the "will" or the "won't".  Interesting concept, I have actually used it myself and it is effective.  I finished listening to the book and started listening again, although I will probably get the book to read and listen to something else.

I like my quiet time in the morning when I sit down to write this Blog.  I feel a sense of being unhurried.  It doesn't really matter how much or what I write, but it is the opportunity to do so, the fact I make the time to be able to write something if I want.

I think that is also why my walk is so important (I can think what I want and think through problems etc.) and my cycling.  My stationary bike riding gives me the chance to catch up on my reading (especially the daily newspapers) and my nap provides the opportunity to meditate and escape for 27 minutes (or whatever!).  

What is great about writing this is that I can write about anything I please, and as much or as little as I want!

3-day weekend coming up.  I am looking forward to just hanging out. 

Summer 2013 August 27

73/74 degrees.  Definite coolness in air and I really notice the shorter days of sunlight now.

Still listening to the "Willpower Instinct".  This morning's segment included the power of suggestion in how decisions are made. I definitely need to get a copy of this book!  Maybe I will even offer to instruct a class in it for discussion purposes, or at least I will look to see if anyone if offering a discussion group on this.  One part this morning also reviewed the power of committing to an action, in this case an e-mail to someone you didn't know in the group, asking if that person had kept their commitment.  

I live by the minute in the "hyper time" of the early morning.  I know, almost to the minute what time I will be doing something based on when I get up and if I dither or not before I walk (answering e-mails etc.).  

The Lakeland political campaign has been interesting to observe (fortunately I can't participate).  It has certainly been a stage of a variety of behaviors. 

The power of WD-40 is amazing.  I have always thought it is something of a wonder product and it came through again.  Ever since we moved into our house we have been assaulted with the noise of squeaking doors.  I even planned to take off the doors and soak the hinges (well, the little bolt thing) in oil.  I tried some WD-40 on the doors over the weekend and, wonder of wonders, it worked and we now have silent doors.  (If I could just use it on some people or stereo systems!)

My newspaper carrier is wonderful.  He comes by almost every morning at about the same time and rarely misses a newspaper or fails to get it in a good place on my driveway.  Best of all, he is early enough I can get the papers after my walk.  

Summer 2013 August 26

77/79 degrees, ovearall clear, still seems coolish.

Busy week ahead, busy day today.  Overall, a very nice weekend, I had time to catch up on both work and personal items and do some light reading.

Caught up in the "hyper time" of the morning again, running behind schedule. I like Monday, especially when my week is fairly clear, since it is like a big chalkboard just waiting to be filled.  Of course, as I even start to think of the week, I see more and more items that will fill up the time.

The book "The Willpower Instinct" that I am listening to has some answers for that in that our "future self" always has more time, energy, ambition and willpower etc. that our "present self" does!  (I think I have that right.

An interesting concept, and I can see the truth of it.  I think that is why people tend to over schedule and frequently end up not meeting all of our commitments etc.

I'm not sure how you resolve the problem, perhaps being aware of it.

Oh yes, I forgot to include that our present selves do not think about impact to of our future selves of  the e-mails, text messages, phone calls, new requests etc. 

I understand originally the book was a 10 week course.  Maybe someone offers it locally, it would be very interesting to take.  Maybe I can really abuse my future self and even commit to teaching such a course!

It is always interesting (and frustrating) to watch your ambitious plans for the week evaporate under the burden of the present.