What I’m Doing Differently in 2022

I wanted to change a few things I do, but resolutions just don’t get it for me, and probably not for you. After reading Atomic Habits by James Clear, I decided to make tiny changes that I would be more likely to do, rather than huge, elephant-sized changes that would last a week or two. Here are the things I’m doing differently this year.

• Drink a glass of water before I get out of bed. Idon’t like water. At all. I have to force myself to drink it. have a wonderful mug (Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug), which I fill with ice and water before I go to bed. First thing, before I get up, I drink it, or most of it. I have to take medication anyway, but now I drink a full glass of water instead of just a sip.
• Do little things right away. Throw away that trash, screw the top on the dog biscuit container, wipe up that spill right now. It only takes a minute, and it’s done.
• Check my finances at least once a week. I look at every credit card, loan, bank account and anything else that has to do with money. That’s how you can prevent or at least catch fraud. Most credit cards and banks will work with you on fraudulent activity if you notify them within 30 days.
• Write things down. I felt ridiculous at first, having a little pad and pen everywhere BUT this has saved me more often than I care to admit. Something from the grocery store, a call I need to make, little things that pop in my hear at odd moments. I write them down.
• Look at my mail every day and handle it on the spot. I still get my bills by snail mail and pay most of them electronically. I have lots of medical bills, and some have discounts if paid within a certain period. I take the mail to my desk, sit down, and handle it. I have a trash can nearby so junk mail goes right in.
• Tip in cash. The more I read, the more I see reports of employers taking tips, forcing tipped employees to do non-waitstaff jobs, pooling and skimming tips, etc. Most servers earn $2.13 an hour in SC and TX, plus tips. I tip in cash, and I try to give it directly to the server.