Welcome to #ProdChat, the weekly #productivity conversation!  http://goo.gl/Uk35l  | Today’s Topic: Reaffirming Resolutions!

2014 is in full swing! Want to stick to your new year’s resolutions? Let’s make it happen! :-D #prodchat

We’ll tackle the biggest resolutions: (Q4) fitness/nutrition, (Q5) personal finances, & (Q6) quitting an unhealthy habit! #prodchat

Hey, @rsidneysmith! I’m going to be twittering from the #RockawayFerry for #ProdChat tonight. This should be interesting! ;D

tonight’s #prodchat is about Reaffirming Resolutions . . . expect heavier than usual chatter from me for the next hour — join us!

@michgunn hey, Michelle! I’m on mobile for part of tonight myself. Crazy! #prodchat

So, let’s start with introductions! In a tweet, introduce yourself. #prodchat

Hi all! Michelle here twittering from the #RockawayFerry. I’m a productivity geek, GTD fan, OmniFocus user, & co-host of GTD® VSG. #ProdChat

@nmhouston hey, Natalie! How’re you doing today? #prodchat

Me too! MT @nmhouston: expect heavier than usual chatter from me for the next hour for #ProdChat — join us!

I’m Natalie, an academic and a personal productivity coach. I help people move forward on their most important projects & goals #prodchat

Hey guys!! :) #ProdChat

Hello Hello… I’m Isabel a 19yr old design student interested in GTD, Omnifocus & Evernote #prodchat

@IsaPinaud @michgunn good to see you both! #prodchat

Q1: DID YOU MAKE A NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION/GOAL? HOW’S IT GOING SO FAR? #prodchat

@nmhouston hey, Natalie! I’m well. Just trying to stay warm here on the East Coast! #prodchat

@nmhouston @michgunn good to see you too! #prodchat

A1 I gave myself 2 goals for every three month period, so it wouldn’t be so daunting & I could focus on each goal. So far so good #prodchat

@nmhouston wow! Be safe! That’s rare. #prodchat

A1 No NY’s resolutions for me. But I did consider what I want to focus on this year. #ProdChat

I use the new year as a time for re-evaluation & planning but I don’t make “resolutions” #prodchat

@IsaPinaud That’s a fantastic idea! Love it! #prodchat

“@michgunn: A1 No NY’s resolutions for me. But I did consider what I want to focus on this year. #ProdChat” After my own heart! ;)

ditto! RT @nmhouston: I use the new year as a time for re-evaluation & planning but I don’t make “resolutions” #prodchat

@nmhouston Planning is exactly the word… its not a resolution… its a plan #prodchat

Like! MT @IsaPinaud: A1 I gave myself 2 goals for every 3 month period, so it wouldn’t be so daunting. #prodchat

@rsidneysmith I shall give you permission to try it out if you want HAHA :P #prodchat

Instead of “resolutions” I do pick 3 key verbs to focus on through the year. My 2014 words are Learn, Love, Grow. #prodchat

Instead of “resolutions” I do pick 3 key verbs to focus on through the year. My 2014 words are Learn, Love, Grow. #prodchat

Q2: HOW DO YOU STICK TO YOUR NY RESOLUTIONS AS THE YEAR PROGRESSES, LIFE GETS IN THE WAY, ETC.? #prodchat

@nmhouston I have my one sole word for the new year!! #prodchat

@nmhouston Verbs! Now that makes sense! D’oh! My three words are Focus, Energy, and Community. Yeah, I’ll call them verbs too! :) #ProdChat

@IsaPinaud so glad to have permission! Thanks! ;) #prodchat

I’m making Community a verb now… although I wouldn’t use it that way in a sentence. ;) #ProdChat

The important thing is to figure out Why you want a certain goal — and Who you will become by making changes. #prodchat

A2 I reevaluate and plan at the end of every 3 months. Anybody heard of the 12w Year? Well it’s sort of my own version of it #prodchat

Ha! That’s great! ;) RT @IsaPinaud: @nmhouston I have my one sole word for the new year!! #prodchat

@michgunn you could use the verb commune. ;-p #prodchat

@michgunn I’m very verb-oriented — with verbs I can ask each day, how will I learn, etc #prodchat

@IsaPinaud I started reading the 12 Week Year. Interesting. But I decided too complicated for me to implement at the moment #ProdChat

Nope. Going with Community. Like “conversating”. *gross* RT @rsidneysmith: @michgunn you could use the verb commune. ;-p #prodchat

A2 Basically, I do what my wife tells me. She’s more structured than me. (Sorry I’m late) #ProdChat

@IsaPinaud It’s great to set regular benchmarks for evaluating and planning. #prodchat

@michgunn @IsaPinaud We’re reading that soon on Productivity Book Group! :-) #prodchat

@nmhouston Yes, It’s brilliant. Of course verbs! I should know that by heart by now. Action Action Action!!! #ProdChat

@nmhouston Yes, It’s brilliant. Of course verbs! I should know that by heart by now. Action Action Action!!! #ProdChat

@michgunn I felt the same way..so I just took in the reevaluting every three months part which has work out great #prodchat

@michgunn HAHAHAHA. That made me laugh off chair literally. #prodchat

Hey John! Good plan! ;) RT @jrnolan12: A2 Basically, I do what my wife tells me. She’s more structured than me. (Sorry I’m late) #ProdChat

Teeheeheee!!! RT @rsidneysmith: @michgunn HAHAHAHA. That made me laugh off chair literally. #prodchat

@michgunn It becomes a lot less complicated to review 5 projects and 2 goals every three months than 20+ at the end of the year #prodchat

@jrnolan12 Great to have you here, John! How’re you this evening? #prodchat

“@nmhouston: @IsaPinaud It’s great to set regular benchmarks for evaluating and planning. #prodchat” So true!

@rsidneysmith @michgunn What is Productivity Book Group and why do I not know about it? :O #prodchat

Nice! RT @IsaPinaud: I felt the same way..so I just took in the reevaluting every three months part which has work out great #prodchat

@nmhouston Exactly the way I decided to take it.. :) #prodchat

@michgunn @JasonWomack suggests in his book that there are “noun” people and “verb” people — good to try both ways of thinking #prodchat

Oh my!!  http://productivitybookgroup.org 
RT @IsaPinaud: What is Productivity Book Group and why do I not know about it? :O #prodchat

Oh, it’s getting rocky on this here #RockawayFerry! #ProdChat

@nmhouston Interesting. I’ve contemplated this difference for quite some time, and I cannot decide if that’s true. #prodchat

I make a plan every yr consisting of: My 1 word, a paragraph about what it means to me, my 5 passions,8 goals, quote for the yr #prodchat

@michgunn Sea legs! Watch the horizon! ;-) #prodchat

@nmhouston Yes, that makes sense. But verbs really do help motivate action. That still stumps me. Ha! #ProdChat

Q3: ARE YOU USING AN APP / TOOL LIKE @liftapp, @everest, @happier OR @SuperBetter TO HELP? HOW’S IT WORKING? #prodchat

@IsaPinaud Simple yet very well-thought-out! Good job, Isabel! :) #prodchat

@nmhouston Like naming tasks with a verb to start. You’d think it’d be second nature by now. Sheesh! #ProdChat

@nmhouston @JasonWomack I’m reading his book now! I love the exercise about working with both to see if you come up with something #prodchat

@rsidneysmith you’re not sure if there’s a difference? like any sorting dimension, some people are prob in the middle of spectrum #prodchat

@michgunn Thanks :) #prodchat

Yeah, except I’m watching my screen. ha! RT @rsidneysmith: @michgunn Sea legs! Watch the horizon! ;-) #prodchat

@rsidneysmith Thank you very much :) You can borrow this idea also :P #prodchat

MT @IsaPinaud: I make a plan every yr: My 1 word, a paragraph about what it means to me, my 5 passions,8 goals, quote for the yr #prodchat

@nmhouston Not that a difference exists; I’m a fellow grammarian! But, that nouns work better for people statistically. #prodchat

;)
RT @IsaPinaud: @rsidneysmith Thank you very much :) You can borrow this idea also :P #prodchat

@nmhouston Verbs command action. Nouns, by nature, cannot, you know? But, then people interpret things their own way, so…. #prodchat

@IsaPinaud I feel like I’m going to get a bill for royalties any day now! ;-P #prodchat

A3 There’s another one called Routines. I haven’t been able to really fully integrate any of them. Too many inputs. ;) #ProdChat

A3 I’m not using any apps..things I want to be reminded of I have as repeating actions in OF #prodchat

@rsidneysmith I just pay attention to it as a marker of innate tendencies — like any other pattern — work with it & stretch too #prodchat

@nmhouston I tend to think of goals/nouns, tasks/verbs. Even then, I think of different verbs when writing projects than tasks. #prodchat

ditto! In my system. RT @IsaPinaud: A3 I’m not using any apps..things I want to be reminded of I have as repeating actions in OF #prodchat

ditto! In my system. RT @IsaPinaud: A3 I’m not using any apps..things I want to be reminded of I have as repeating actions in OF #prodchat

@rsidneysmith That was supposed to be a surprise! haha :P #prodchat

A3: I’m using Simple Routine on iOS currently. It’s working really well…it’s just what it says: simple. #prodchat

@IsaPinaud But I have friends that love those apps and find them super helpful for reminders. #ProdChat

A3: Just fitbit for fitness, and myfitnesspal to count calories. But nothing like everest. #ProdChat

@michgunn I don’t like having extra apps… I feel like there is way too much to review and start resisting it #prodchat

Me too! @IsaPinaud: @michgunn I don’t like having extra apps… I feel like there is way too much to review and start resisting it #prodchat

@michgunn I am sure that is true and I am god they have found what works for them :) #prodchat

A#: I like to turn my fav routines into rituals! #ProdChat

@jrnolan12 Which @fitbit do you have? I’m about to buy the newest Fitbit (Force?) for myself and nerve-wracked making a choice! #prodchat

Hi, Daniel! @DanielHayes #ProdChat

What do you mean? Naturally? Or specifically? RT @DanielHayes: A#: I like to turn my fav routines into rituals! #ProdChat

Has anyone seen the TED talk by the @SuperBetter creator? #prodchat

A3: Love my Fitbit, too! #ProdChat

I’ll hahavece to check out Simple routine, @rsidneysmith #ProdChat

@DanielHayes That’s a great practice! Are they connected to rewards? #prodchat

I’ll have to check that out. RT @rsidneysmith: Has anyone seen the TED talk by the @SuperBetter creator? #prodchat

I use @todoist for projects/actions. When setting up a new habit I rely on @idonethis or tracking achievement on wall calendar #prodchat

@michgunn Hi Michelle, hi everyone! #ProdChat

@jrnolan12 Just like all the other apps, @HabitList and others, but Simple Routine doesn’t do any tracking…just reminders. #prodchat

@DanielHayes Great to have you back on the #productivity chat, Daniel! :) #prodchat

Yes! this is a great way to integrate something new RT @DanielHayes: A#: I like to turn my fav routines into rituals! #ProdChat

We’re going to segue into the “big three” resolutions (for Americans at least)! #prodchat

Fitbit One, slightly older version, but good. I think the technology is improving quickly, @rsidneysmith #ProdChat

@nmhouston I’ve been actually tracking my exercise using a write/wipe calendar on my fridge. Pic at end of month. It’s great! #ProdChat

@rsidneysmith Nope… what’s it called? #prodchat

@rsidneysmith Just intrinsic. I work like this (hierarchy): Habits, Routines, Rituals, Rhythms…and then seasons (life seasons). #ProdChat

@rsidneysmith Just intrinsic. I work like this (hierarchy): Habits, Routines, Rituals, Rhythms…and then seasons (life seasons). #ProdChat

@rsidneysmith Just intrinsic. I work like this (hierarchy): Habits, Routines, Rituals, Rhythms…and then seasons (life seasons). #ProdChat

@michgunn That’s phenomenal! I luv the analogy tracking! w00t! #prodchat

@rsidneysmith Great to be back! #ProdChat

Q4: FITNESS/NUTRITION GOALS: WHAT DO YOU FEEL WOULD HELP MAKE THEM SUCCEED? #prodchat

@rsidneysmith Somehow it’s so much more effective for me… for exercise or meal tracking. Might need another. ;) #ProdChat

@michgunn Wonderful! I have a fitness calendar I can cross off :) #prodchat

@IsaPinaud I’m grabbing the link. One sec… #prodchat

A4 fitness: I try to remind myself that the only bad workout is the one that never happened. I’m too hard on myself #prodchat

@IsaPinaud This is the @SuperBetter app creator’s #TED talk: The game that can give you 10 extra years…  http://on.ted.com/qeq9  #prodchat

@michgunn Ha! Awesome! I say, do what works. #ProdChat

@michgunn Ha! Awesome! I say, do what works. #ProdChat

A4 I think the secret is not to change your entire diet but to make gradual changes..same with exercise #prodchat

A4 I think the secret is not to change your entire diet but to make gradual changes..same with exercise #prodchat

A4: Making your fitness/nutrition more specific and how you’re actually going to change your lifestyle in small bits. #prodchat

@rsidneysmith Thanks! :) #prodchat

with fitness goals, setting specific benchmarks is helpful: i.e., how many yoga classes per week? etc #prodchat

with fitness goals, setting specific benchmarks is helpful: i.e., how many yoga classes per week? etc #prodchat

@IsaPinaud Some is better than none. Even if that’s 10 minutes. #prodchat

@IsaPinaud Some is better than none. Even if that’s 10 minutes. #prodchat

@nmhouston Absolutely! It’s its own feedback mechanism to keep you motivated…and helps you reset when you miss one! #prodchat

A4: Stop with the negative self-speak! And the modal auxiliary verbs (should, would, could). Are or are not. Period. #prodchat

A4 I started yoga just before the top of the year. Seeing the previous week’s workouts on a calendar motivate me to do more. :) #ProdChat

A4b: E.g., I am going to the gym. (Instead of “I should/would/could go to the gym.”) #prodchat

@nmhouston Exactly :) #prodchat

Oops… we’re docking now. Below 0 out, so no twittering while walking home. Sorry to leave early! Have an awesome week everyone! #ProdChat

@michgunn Keep warm! #prodchat

@rsidneysmith Turn your shoulds into musts! #prodchat

Actually below 32 out… six of one, half a dozen of the other… Let’s just call it cold. ;) Til next week! :) #ProdChat

A4c: And, if you say “I am not going to the gym.” Then, state how you will make up for that missed workout. #prodchat

@IsaPinaud As long as those “musts” don’t repel you…sometimes they can create unnecessary anxiety…it’s about attraction. :) #prodchat

@DanielHayes I think more carrot and less stick, is in order. :) If you spend too much time being hard on yourself, it’s harder. #prodchat

A4 last thought before I’m throw off… Exercising in the AM sets my day up right. Better eating, more productivity… love/hate it! #ProdChat

A4 last thought before I’m throw off… Exercising in the AM sets my day up right. Better eating, more productivity… love/hate it! #ProdChat

A4 Add up to your previous habits.. to ale workouts easier.. if you wake up, read, drink water… link exercise after the water #prodchat

Q5: PERSONAL FINANCES: HOW WOULD YOU APPROACH STICKING TO SAVING MORE, SPENDING LESS, GETTING A NEW JOB, PERHAPS? #prodchat

Yes, language shapes thought MT @rsidneysmith: E.g., I am going to the gym. (Instead of “I should/would/could go to the gym.”) #prodchat

@nmhouston As our resident fitness guru, what’re you feelings on the “diets?” Like, paleo and south beach? #prodchat

A4: I mix cardio, lifting, pilates, bar method, etc. All in small doses, just 30-60 min 4-5 times per week #prodchat

A4: I mix cardio, lifting, pilates, bar method, etc. All in small doses, just 30-60 min 4-5 times per week #prodchat

@rsidneysmith True! #prodchat

@rsidneysmith True. Maybe more carrot and less pizza, too! #ProdChat

@michgunn Me too! #prodchat

A5 Minimalism. Simple as that. #prodchat

A5: Automate savings (10% of every dollar in into a savings account). And, check all your balances daily. #prodchat

@rsidneysmith also, anything called “diet” tends to build subconscious resistance. Better to make clean eating a part of life #prodchat

@rsidneysmith Totally agreed, should do something everyday, but want to avoid repetition and boredom. #prodchat

Q5: Shift to simplicity.Know stuff can’t make me happy. Focus on experiences vs stuff. Borrow/rent/improvise vs buy #ProdChat

@nmhouston Yes, I stopped using “diet” a long time ago…and just started using “eating” and “nutrition” to refer to food habits. #prodchat

A5 The less you have, the less you need, the less you clean, the less you spend #prodchat +the more you donate = tax deductibles

A5 The less you have, the less you need, the less you clean, the less you spend #prodchat +the more you donate = tax deductibles

Has anyone tried those 100 or 50 Things Challenges? Was it Leo Babauta who proposed it? …speaking of minimalism. #prodchat

@ErikJFisher it always falls during dinner prep/time for me. Sigh. #prodchat

Use any apps for finance? I use Mint, Personal Capital, & others. Probably overkill. But I split companies under different apps. #prodchat

We do Project 333 (33 clothing items for 3 months, then swap). Love it! Plus we edited over 3000 things last year. #ProdChat

We do Project 333 (33 clothing items for 3 months, then swap). Love it! Plus we edited over 3000 things last year. #ProdChat

We do Project 333 (33 clothing items for 3 months, then swap). Love it! Plus we edited over 3000 things last year. #ProdChat

We do Project 333 (33 clothing items for 3 months, then swap). Love it! Plus we edited over 3000 things last year. #ProdChat

The 100 Thing Challenge is by Dave Bruno…. I tried my own version of it.. I think I have my won version of everything haha #prodchat

The 100 Thing Challenge is by Dave Bruno…. I tried my own version of it.. I think I have my won version of everything haha #prodchat

@mikevardy I’d be open to moving the time once in a while to accommodate folks in other time zones. We should discuss some point! #prodchat

@DanielHayes I still haven’t dared to Project 333…. I want to though! #prodchat

@IsaPinaud Thanks for correcting me, Isabel! That’s totally awesome! :)) #prodchat

Q6: BREAKING THAT BAD HABIT: HOW DO YOU KEEP COMMITTED TO YOUR GOOD NEW YEAR’S HABIT? #prodchat

@mikevardy And kids just put down (if I’m lucky) for me. #prodchat

I also try to do a “minimalism round” every week where I declutter one drawer, shelf etc and seem to have less and less every time #prodchat

I also try to do a “minimalism round” every week where I declutter one drawer, shelf etc and seem to have less and less every time #prodchat

A5 Crippling fear of destitution pretty much does it. Hehe. We tend to naturally stay within our budget. #ProdChat

@IsaPinaud My wife cried when we started. Now LOVES it! #ProdChat

A6 reminder everywhere… I even have motivational things in my wallet #prodchat

Here, here. “@rsidneysmith: @DanielHayes Great point! We are all food for worms…our experiences outweigh our stuff! #prodchat“

@DanielHayes I think I’d be the one doing the crying! ;-P #prodchat

allright #prodchat I have to leave a bit early tonight — great chatting with you all! thanks @rsidneysmith for the great topic & questions!

@DanielHayes Wow! I’m going to give it a try this year and see how it works out! #prodchat

@nmhouston Have a great night, Natalie! See you soon on #prodchat

We practice the “One In, One Out” rule, too. Keeps the clutter down, and helps curb spending. #ProdChat

We practice the “One In, One Out” rule, too. Keeps the clutter down, and helps curb spending. #ProdChat

We practice the “One In, One Out” rule, too. Keeps the clutter down, and helps curb spending. #ProdChat

@DanielHayes What’s #ProdChat?

@nmhouston Great to see you Natalie! Have a great week! #prodchat

A6: Habits are best formed at their most granular level for you…basic steps, repeated over and over again. #prodchat

A6: Habits are best formed at their most granular level for you…basic steps, repeated over and over again. #prodchat

@DanielHayes I do this too #prodchat

A6a: So, like quitting smoking, you just find another activity to replace the bad habit…over and over again. #prodchat

@ethanwaldman It’s a Wednesday Twitter meetup about productivity. Follow #ProdChat and join in!

@ethanwaldman It’s a weekly chat on productivity with different subjects each week. A Q&A/chat where everyone can input ideas #prodchat

@rsidneysmith When I quit smoking years ago, I brushed my teeth every time I had a craving. Replaced bad habit/cleaned my teeth! #ProdChat

@rsidneysmith When I quit smoking years ago, I brushed my teeth every time I had a craving. Replaced bad habit/cleaned my teeth! #ProdChat

@rsidneysmith When I quit smoking years ago, I brushed my teeth every time I had a craving. Replaced bad habit/cleaned my teeth! #ProdChat

A6: currently eating cheezy poofs #WrongPersonToAsk #ProdChat

@jrnolan12 LMAO. Duly noted. Next! ;-) #prodchat

You know which book I loved? The Joy Of Less by Francine Jay …It’s simple and really engrains its principles in you #prodchat

@DanielHayes Fantastic example of taking your bad habit and replacing it with a healthy activity! Kudos! #prodchat

@rsidneysmith Nah. I just have to either prep from 5-5:30 my time and join in or join in and prep later. I’ll figure it out. #prodchat

@mikevardy We could do it at, say, 12pm-4pm one random day and see how that works! Not sure…just thinking aloud. #prodchat

A6b Hoping that a good fitness regimen offsets occasional bad habits. Probably a less-than-ideal philosophy. #ProdChat

@mikevardy @rsidneysmith @jrnolan12 Or just eat Cheese Puffs, Mike! #ProdChat

@jrnolan12 It actually sounds quite balanced. Better than all of one or the other, both of which would be unhealthy. :-) #prodchat

@DanielHayes Those organic ones at @WholeFoods are pretty delicious! ;-) @jrnolan12 @mikevardy #prodchat

@DanielHayes Those organic ones at @WholeFoods are pretty delicious! ;-) @jrnolan12 @mikevardy #prodchat

Yep! Those are the ones!”@rsidneysmith: @DanielHayes Those organic ones at @WholeFoods are pretty delicious! ;-) @mikevardy #prodchat“

A6: Again, all those habit tracking and reminder apps can be a real help…especially with the crowd-sourced support! #prodchat

Thanks #productivity enthusiasts for today’s #ProdChat! Join us again next week! Check out the transcript tomorrow!

Thanks #productivity enthusiasts for today’s #ProdChat! Join us again next week! Check out the transcript tomorrow!

Thanks @rsidneysmith! Bye, all!!! #ProdChat

@DanielHayes Thanks for stopping by and joining the #productivity chat, Daniel! Come again soon! Cheers! #prodchat

Thanks @rsidneysmith I loved the topic! Goodnight everyone! #prodchat

@rsidneysmith I loved the gaming TedTalk! Thanks for sharing #prodchat

Next week on #ProdChat: Mobile Productivity! Wed. 8pm Eastern / 5pm Pacific. Calendar it. Join us!