a contract with myself

There are several tasks on my to do list that, for quite some time now, I’ve been rolling over each week onto my new to do list. Some of these only require a tiny bit of work; others are going to take some more effort.

Here’s what I’m going to do by this time next Sunday: (notably, these things are all related to my research, which probably reflects the fact that it’s the end of semester and teaching and marking have been a big priority for the last several weeks)

1. Complete my PhD research proposal. I just have about 100 words to write, and I’ve had that many to write for about two weeks. I’ve been lugging around all of these books on research methodologies and it’s time to pull them out, dust them off, and nail the last 100 words. I suspect the procrastination on this is due to the fact that, as soon as it’s done and approved, I actually need to start the PhD. Scary. Exciting. Overwhelming. Inspiring!
2. Develop a draft survey instrument for a collaborative paper I have in the pipeline.
3. Prepare a proposal for a book chapter. There simply hasn’t been time for this to make its way onto the radar yet, but it needs to be done this month, so it’s time to hit it!

But wait! There’s more contract to come!

For the whole first half of this year, I’ve been brandishing the “I’m too busy” excuse like a weapon. It’s allowed me to eat terribly, redevelop a ridiculous caffeine habit, let my house get messy, and just generally not do the things I should be doing in my personal life. So this coming week, I’m going to do all of the things I’ve listed below: (and again, I’m giving myself til next Sunday night to achieve all of the tasks on this list)

1. Stick to my menu plan for the week, with no exceptions, including taking my lunch to work every day and actually eating it, as opposed to letting it molder in the fridge in favour of take away. This means I’ll have to cook, but I’ve done the groceries and planned simple food for the nights I’ll be home late, so there really shouldn’t be any excuses. I *can* cook every day. It doesn’t really take that long. Right?
2. I will attempt (I know, lame, but it’s better than nothing) not to drink any Coke this week. I’m not sure that actually sounds as big a deal as it really is. I crave Maccas Coke pretty much constantly. I love Coke. There is nothing quite like it and Diet Coke or Coke Zero simply don’t cut it. So this will be tricky for me. I will also reduce my caffeine intake further by drinking coffee only when there is quality coffee to hand – no second-rate coffee this week!
3. I will keep all my personal appointments. I am very prone to last minute canceling when I’m feeling overwhelmed by what’s on my plate. I have three catch-ups with friends lined up this week, including one with each of my oldest girlfriends. Completely unheard of. Never in the history of Kate have I ever dared to even schedule that many outings in a week, let alone actually make it to them. It kicks off tomorrow with morning tea at Max Brenner’s with my very oldest friend and her delicious little boy, and another friend from school.
4. I will assemble the bed in the spare room, because I am sick of tripping over the frame on the floor to get to my desk.
5. I will also tidy up my desk so that it is usable, in order to restore my dining table to its proper duty.
6. I will get the train to work every day.
7. I will only hit snooze once every morning.
8. I will make breakfast before leaving the house every day, rather than buying it on the way to the train.

Right, I think that’s quite enough for one week! Wish me luck!