Here is what I attribute to the success of the project.
1. an easy to use chart with no bells or whistles
2. the challenge of a new year (though I started before the beginning of the year.
3. it was the right time.

I noticed that a couple of the items I had placed on the list have become new habits – a bit shaky, but still habits.
I noticed how proud I was of my new habits.

Two related to housekeeping. I began them somewhat begrudgingly. I don’t like housekeeping. But, after about 5 times, I started doing them to see if I could live up to the challenge. After another week, I began to do them automatically, and I began to feel pride in my work – in other words, I wanted to do them well. Those will probably grow since when one improves one’s housekeeping, there is a tendency to see more that needs to be done. The trick is “baby steps” (see the Flylady pages)

The negative habit is still a struggle and will remain so for a while, but this is working – and after all these many years, I did not expect it to be easy. That habit is surrounded by many other positive habits that I put on the list to help me to change behavior – prayer, meditation, self-hypnosis (don’t know if I believe that one, but tried it anyway), and preparation for backsliding.

I no longer need the chart to help with the list I prepared initially. The changes are now for me and I care about them.

When I feel that things are even more ingrained, I will reprint the chart and add some new things.

This method was the right time and the right place. I tried many of the on-line methods – such as Joe’s Goals – but those did not reinforce my practice as well. I needed the paper and pen method.

Thank you for letting me try this.

I think now, you should flesh out your daily instructions you sent and maybe turn it into a more solid month long course. But, what do I know. What you did was the right idea at the right time for me.

Thanks.

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