Nudged: Give myself a home facial

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Backstory: This Nudge hits on two themes: self-care and household decluttering. I wish I could go out for a professional facial, but I’m still not comfortable being in enclosed spaces. (Darn COVID.) But that’s no excuse to pass up a chance for some pampering. Besides, I know there’s a treasure trove of potions and creams and stuff hiding in the bottom drawer of my bathroom cabinet. Time to dig something out and put it to use!

Note: Like with all Nudges, you can follow along with mine or do your own thing. Maybe you can splurge for a mani-pedi at your favorite spa—go for it! Maybe you got a fancy gift set of bath bubbles for the holidays—break it out! Treat yourself to something that makes you feel good.

What happened: The directions weren’t specific as to the time—just “Let dry and rinse with warm water”—so I figured I had about 10 minutes. Immediately after I applied the mask and washed the residue off my hands, I started looking for a way to multi-task. I could sort laundry, put the breakfast dishes in the dishwasher, make the bed, check emails, glance at headlines….Whoa.

STOP!

A better choice, I realized, was to sit my butt down and relax for those 10 minutes. Close my eyes, breathe. It was hard, but I did it.

Ah-Hahs: I love how Nudges surprise me, how what I expect to experience goes out the window. I thought this one would be a simple act of self-care. Instead, it was hard for me to do, which was a little disappointing. I did my best, but will admit I was fidgeting and distracted. Which makes me think maybe I need to give myself facials more frequently, for the health of my skin and my soul.

I wish you a happy, healthy, and fun new year! xoKathleen

Nudging: Give myself a home facial

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Backstory: This Nudge hits on two themes: self-care and household decluttering. I wish I could go out for a professional facial, but I’m still not comfortable being in enclosed spaces. (Darn COVID.) But that’s no excuse to pass up a chance for some pampering. Besides, I know there’s a treasure trove of potions and creams and stuff hiding in the bottom drawer of my bathroom cabinet. Time to dig something out and put it to use!

Note: Like with all Nudges, you can follow along with mine or do your own thing. Maybe you can splurge for a mani-pedi at your favorite spa—go for it! Maybe you got a fancy gift set of bath bubbles for the holidays—break it out! Treat yourself to something that makes you feel good.

52+: Bonus Holiday Nudge–Practice Radical Decency

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I’ve already forgotten the book or article that introduced “Radical Decency” to me, but the message stuck. As we head into this holiday weekend, I am going to make an extra effort to reach out to someone. Maybe it’s someone I know who is grieving a recent loss or who will be especially lonely. Maybe it’s someone with whom I have a challenging relationship, a relationship that needs mending. After I wrap up the traditional calls to family members and close friends, I’m going to nudge myself to make one more, even if all I get to do is leave a message that says “I’m thinking of you.” I hope you’ll do the same.

I wish you a Merry Everything and Happy Always! xoKathleen

Nudged: Eliminate (or delegate) a big responsibility

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Backstory: I groaned when I read this Nudge, and I almost put it back for my first Pass. This nudge presents at the start of one of the busiest work weeks for me—oh, plus Christmas. Everything on my massive to-do list is a “MUST-DO”, and at a quick glance, everything in there can only be done by me.

Or…?

My intention to practice more Radical Self-Care is behind this Nudge. When I added it to the List, I set the intention that I would be on the lookout for tasks that suck my time and energy, things I overdo or overthink that ultimately aren’t healthy. I’m not going to drop the ball on taking care of my family, meeting all the tight client deadlines, making sure bills get paid on time, and carve out time for exercise and sleep. At this moment, I honestly don’t know what could be eliminated or delegated, but I am accepting this Nudge and trusting something will come to mind.

What Happened: I mulled this one over throughout Sunday and into Monday. I considered putting off the laundry for a day or two, but then I wouldn’t have clean gym clothes, which means I couldn’t go to the gym, which means I can’t do the exercising that is so important to my well-being. (What was that I said about “overthinking” in the Backstory?)

Mid-morning I got an idea. Instead of heading out for a massive grocery shopping, I would try online ordering and delivery. I haven’t had great luck in the past (the time lettuce was “out of stock” and I had to rush out last minute to another store to get what I needed for that night’s dinner party comes to mind—who runs out of lettuce?!), but maybe everything would fall into place this time. I grabbed my list off the fridge, pulled up the website, and got to work. The ordering part went pretty quickly, and I got a reasonable window for delivery. But then, shortly before delivery I got an email that they were out of two items (and I had requested substitutions!). Fortunately, these were not items I needed right away, but this does mean I’ll have to physically go to the market later this week.

Delegating this task did save me some time, so I’ll call this a win.

Ah-Hahs: Did this save me stress? I’m not really sure how I feel about this nudge, so I allowed myself a little extra time to mull it over. Yes, my choice to hand over this responsibility saved me getting fully dressed and taking time to go to the market and load+unload the car. But some days, the only time I get away from my desk and out of the house is when I run errands like this. (Thanks, COVID.) And I typically enjoy shopping for groceries, seeing what’s in season, getting inspired.

I think what I mostly got out of this is my need to re-stretch my nudging muscles and live into the discomfort that comes when I “give things up” to take better care of myself. This is becoming especially important at work. Do I really have to do it all by myself? What can I delegate? Who can I bring on board my “team”? Is it time to hire a VA?

There are things I can delegate. I just have to get a little creative with it.

Anyone else have an interesting experience with this nudge? Please share in Comments.

Nudging: Eliminate (or delegate) a big responsibility

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Backstory: I groaned when I read this Nudge, and I almost put it back for my first Pass. This nudge presents at the start of one of the busiest work weeks for me—oh, plus Christmas. Everything on my massive to-do list is a “MUST-DO”, and at a quick glance, everything in there can only be done by me.

Or…?

My intention to practice more Radical Self-Care is behind this Nudge. When I added it to the List, I set the intention that I would be on the lookout for tasks that suck my time and energy, things I overdo or overthink that ultimately aren’t healthy. I’m not going to drop the ball on taking care of my family, meeting all the tight client deadlines, making sure bills get paid on time, and carve out time for exercise and sleep. At this moment, I honestly don’t know what could be eliminated or delegated, but I am accepting this Nudge and trusting something will come to mind.

Nudged: Accessorize, Baby!

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Backstory: This Nudge was inspired by my need to clean out my closet, and by how much fun I had late in 52Nudges 2.0 when I played dress-up for a week. (Revisit that post here.) I also seriously need to break out of my rut of wearing workout clothes all day long. (Thanks again, COVID.)

I know I feel better when I look better, so this is encouragement to pull out the good jewelry, pretty scarves, and fancy shoes.

What Happened: As soon as I drew this Nudge, I knew exactly where I’d start–with this fabulous “Canadian Mountie’s” hat!

It was a gift from a dear friend, something I never would have thought to buy for myself. I had been thinking I needed a special occasion to wear it, an event where I could be appropriately fashionable (because I saw a photo of Sarah Jessica Parker, as Carrie Bradshaw, wearing something similar on the set of And Just Like That), and then I decided “Today” could be my special occasion.

Naturally, I had to put together a whole ensemble to go with it, so out came a sleek turtleneck, a silky scarf, and understated gold earrings (and my mask, of course). I felt, well, fabulous!

Building on the success of day one, I dug deeper into my closet as the week progressed. I pulled out a favorite pencil skirt, something that hasn’t seen much daylight since I last set foot in an actual office, and discovered it still fit–Huzzah! Another day, before heading out to run errands, I paired skinny jeans (not yoga pants) with a fitted jacket and boots–with actual heels.

The Ah-Hahs: It didn’t take a lot of extra effort to spiff myself up, yet I sure noticed changes. I was more aware of my posture, and I carried myself more upright and walked with what felt like more confidence. I didn’t have that little voice in the back of my mind praying “Please don’t let me run into anyone I know at the market, please….” I didn’t want to be invisible, to just get through the day; I was comfortable being seen.

This was a fun kick-off Nudge, and I’m wondering what else in my closet needs to come out to play.

And our first Nudge of 3.0 is…

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And our very first Nudge of 52Nudges 3.0 is…

…Accessorize, Baby! 

Let’s dive right in.

Backstory: This Nudge was inspired by my need to clean out my closet, and by how much fun I had late in 52Nudges 2.0 when I played dress-up for a week. (Revisit that post here.) I also seriously need to break out of my rut of wearing workout clothes all day long. (Thanks again, COVID.)

I know I feel better when I look better, so this is encouragement to pull out the good jewelry, pretty scarves, and fancy shoes.

Ready, set…

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√ Create List of Nudges

√ Cut Nudges into strips and wad them into balls

√ Put all Nudges into a special bowl

As I get ready to embark on 52Nudges 3.0 this coming Sunday, December 12, I find myself feeling giddy with excitement. There are so many fun tasks on my List! Some will delight me, some will challenge me in unexpected ways, all have the potential to Change My Life.

I mean…wow.

I’m also excited to have you as my companion on this journey of self-awareness, self-discovery, and self-care. You may have your own list, you may be doing the Nudges I draw, or you may simply be reading my posts and taking inspiration when it comes. All paths are worthy!

Please take a moment to SUBSCRIBE to the posts*. (See the box in the sidebar.) There is no cost, and I won’t share your information ever. It’s just a way to make sure you get all the updates directly in your inbox.

I’ll see you back here on Sunday!

 

*For long-time Nudgers, please note we discovered a glitch in our tech and previous subscribe requests were not all captured. Even if you’re pretty sure you’re good to go, I’d appreciate your re-entering your info in the SUBSCRIBE box.

 

The List 3.0

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Drumroll, please…

And here it is, The List 3.0!

Here are the Nudges I’ll be drawing from for 52 weeks, starting December 12. Later today I’ll print these out, cut each Nudge into a strip, wad those strips into little balls, and place them in my special bowl.

There are way more than 52, and that’s intentional. I want to have options. I want to always be surprised.

You may simply follow along with what I draw, use my list, pick and choose for Nudges to include on your list, or make your own. If you need help, the 52Nudges Workbook provides exercises, tips, and inspiration.

By the way, there was one last-minute addition. A couple of days ago I met up with a friend for a walk and we chanced upon a band, a wonderful jazz combo.

Most days I would have been too busy to notice, but on this day I stopped to enjoy the music. It was a balm for my soul. My blood pressure dropped, the huge to-do list of “must dos!” constantly running in my brain paused, I smiled! This was a great experience of “Living the 52Nudges Life” and I want to encourage myself to be aware of these opportunities and take full advantage.

Let’s do this.

The List 3.0

Accept an old invitation

Accessorize, Baby!

Act Parisian

Book 4 hikes/walks with 4 different friends

Book a midweek lunch date with Thor

Research & book a walking tour

Buy 2 bunches of flowers

Buy a bar of my fav chocolate & enjoy it

Buy a nice new dishtowel

Challenge negative thoughts & flip them

Check out the local specialty cheese shop

Clean out my address book

Clean out the pantry

Clean the white board

Close the office at 4:00 at least 1 day

Create chalk message/drawing on sidewalk

Ditch an obligation

Do one category of Tidying Up

Do something to spiff up the living room

Donate

Dust off my French textbooks

Eliminate (or delegate) a big responsibility

Experiment with cake decorating tools

Explore a used bookstore, spend just $10

FaceTime with a faraway friend

FaceTime with a kid in my life

Finish the day and be done with it

Fix something

Frame something

Fully immerse myself in 1 big project

Get lost in an old favorite book

Give my hair a deep-conditioning treatment

Give myself a home facial

Go on a date night at a speakeasy

Go out to a movie matinee

Go through 1 bookshelf

Wander a farmers’ market

Go to a park

Go to the Botanic Garden

Have cup of coffee/glass of wine on front porch

Have breakfast/lunch in backyard at least 1x

Have Thor take new photos of me

Ignore the news for 1 full week

Investigate free programs, ink 1

Invite a potential friend out for a “date”

Do something spontaneous

Learn a new phrase in French x7

Let it go

Make a list of local historic sites or museums

Make a checklist to declutter the office

Make a plan to remodel the kitchen

Make a plan to turn office into a creative space

Bake cookies

Make ginger lemonade or hot spiced cider

No complaining

Paint sample squares on office wall

Pick an affirmation & work it to fruition

Create a theme dinner

Do something touristy

Plate dinners this week

Post a stickie to myself

Practice cuisine du marché (“market cooking”)

Practice intentional TLC x7

Pull out French flash cards, 10/day

Put $5 x 4 into random pockets

Put myself out there

Put together a gift basket for myself

Read through an old journal

Reconnect with a mentor

Reevaluate a long-term friendship

Sacred pauses 2x/day

Say “No” without giving an explanation

Break out the games

Set a new boundary

Share a laugh x7

Spend 15 mins/day going through recipe books

Spiff up something

Splurge on something in a beauty supply store

Stand tall

Stop. Listen to the music.

Gather a group

Surprise a niece/nephew/godson

Surprise Thor with a pie or tart

Tackle the mending pile

Take 1 photo/day of things that make me happy

Take a Mental Health Day

Take a good book to a coffeehouse

Take a long soak in a hot tub

Throw a spontaneous party

Try 3 new recipes

Try out a new restaurant

Try two new mushroom dishes

Unpack a worry & craft alternate affirmations

Use the good stuff

Visit a wig shop

Visit perfume counter for new “signature scent”

Wander a thrift/consignment store, limit $20

Warm my PJs in the dryer

Wear dresses/skirts x4

Work 2 hours in a remote space

Write & mail 5 “Thinking of you” notes

 

Countdown to 3.0–How 52Nudges works

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Happy December!

As we get ready to launch round 3.0 of 52Nudges, I thought this would be a good time to review the basic steps:

  1. Create your List.
  2. Type up your List of Nudges and print it out.
  3. Cut each Nudge into a strip.
  4. Wad up each strip and put them all into a bowl.
  5. Every Sunday, pull one Nudge.
  6. Decide if you’re going to take a pass. (I allow myself 4.)
  7. Commit to doing that Nudge in the coming week.
  8. During the week, note “What Happened.”
  9. When you’ve completed the Nudge, check in with yourself and note the “Ah-Hahs.”

 

Take a look at the archives for examples, and don’t stress. You can jump in any time, do the Nudges I pull, or simply read about my adventures (which I hope will inspire and motivate you).

If you need help with creating your own List of Nudges, grab the 52Nudges Workbook. It’s available only on this site.

 

 

52Nudges Workbook: Exercises, Tips & Inspiration for Launching Yourself Forward in Life

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