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For over 30 years, we have gone to Cape Cod for our annual vacation.  Preparing and packing for this 10-day annual getaway is simple since we operate from checklists.  I use two, Travel – Cape Cod and Packing – Cape Cod.  On the travel list are items such as arrange lodging and make down payment, develop budget, cancel newspapers during absence from home, find reading material, take notes from previous years, alert neighbor re: our absence, etc.  Of course, the packing checklist is simply of list of what and how many to pack.  With it, I can pack in 20 minutes and rarely if ever forget anything.  My wife has her own packing list.  Preparing via checklists enables us to enjoy our time without the hassle of forgetting to bring or do something.  

I’ve used checklists for years – including checklists for friends’ birthdays, packing, client obligations, travel, preparing for Christmas, things to buy, year-end to do’s, etc. – and they have saved me so much time and angst.  You should try checklists if you don’t use them already.

I’ve recently heard reports from gyms and fitness centers all over the country that have seen huge increases in new members this January as another new year begins.  Yet already we’re hearing reports of big drop-offs before the month is even over!  Can you believe it?  Why is this happening?

I believe this phenomenon occurs every January as millions of Americans resolve to get in better shape this year.  But those resolutions rarely translate into a sustained exercise effort.  My suggestion is for folks to begin small, say, exercise three times (not five, six or seven) a week for at least 20 minutes.  Or even twice a week.  Will two 20-minute sessions do the job?  Of course not.  But you should be aiming to develop a habit.  Once that happens – say, for two or even three months – then slowly expand it to make your exercising routine more robust.