“I’m going to workout for at least an hour each day.”

“I’m going to cook all my meals.”

“I’m going to keep up with all my assignments.”

These were just some of the many things I convinced myself I was going to do at the start of quarantine. Back in March, I saw this unprecedented time as an opportunity to reinvent myself into an efficient, fit, and disciplined adult. However, as time went on, my efforts in many of these areas have simmered down. All I’m left with now is a messed up sleep schedule, a constant craving for Pizza Rolls, and a browser history populated with random videos recommended by Youtube’s algorithm.

1. Sleep

What I thought I was going to do: I was going to sleep for exactly 9 hours every night from 12am to 9am. I would spring out of bed promptly at 9am, eat breakfast, and start on what I needed to do for the day.

What I actually do: For the first two weeks of quarantine, I actually stuck to my self-imposed schedule, but as the days went on, I rationalized staying up later and later. Now when it’s late, I glance at the clock, notice that it’s already 11:30pm, and convince myself that the night is young. For the next 3 to 4 hours, I play videogames, read, snack, and do the schoolwork I procrastinated on. At around 3am, I head upstairs and watch Brooklyn Nine-Nine on my phone until I fall asleep. The next day, I’m lucky if I’m up by noon.

2. Diet

What I thought I was going to do:  I was going to eat healthy, count my macronutrients, and cook my own meals. I was definitely going to cut down on the unhealthy snacks and drink more water.

What I actually do: Surprisingly, this is one of the areas where I’ve actually been pretty good but still from perfect. For the whole week of what was supposed to be Spring Break, I cooked meals everyday for my family, using fresh ingredients such as chicken, fish, steak, and a variety of vegetables. Even in terms of hydration, I’ve made a habit of keeping a pitcher at my desk that I aim to finish everyday. My one weakness has been the snacking. I still can’t turn down those late night Pizza Rolls or munching on some tortilla chips as I study.

3. Studying

What I thought I was going to do: I was going to wake up everyday and immediately get to work on what I needed to do that day. Even if something wouldn’t be due for a week, I would try to do it immediately.

What I actually do: Like my sleep schedule, my academic schedule also fell apart quite quickly. Instead of doing school first thing, I’ve begun to do literally anything besides remote learning. I’ve read books for fun, watched new shows, gamed, went running, and just sat outside. As a result, I’ve occasionally missed some assignments (sorry, Trow! I’ll get everything in).

4. Exercising

What I thought I was going to do: I was going to run outside during the day and do some weights and core in the basement at night. I would follow a strict regimen that involved both cardio and weight training 5 days a week.

What I actually do: After three days of cardio plus weights, I realized that I was in over my head doing two sessions a day. I gradually moved to alternating between weights and cardio, a system that lasted for another week or so. Eventually, I arrived at my current system: I force myself to workout everyday with a broad definition of workout. Sometimes when it’s nice out, I go for a run, bike, or go play soccer in the park. When I wake-up too late, I might just do some weights and core in the basement. If I’m especially lazy, I’ll just do some squats and mobility exercises between video games. As you can see, my definition of workout has broadened quite a bit.

5. Self-Improvement

What I thought I was going to do: I was going to read one book every week. I was going to learn how to develop mobile apps. I was going to spend more time learning how to invest. I was going to spend more time with my family.

What I actually do: Personally, this has been my strongest area during quarantine. I’ve started reading a book called Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World by David Epstein. My family has also continued our tradition of playing board games on weekends and going on family outings to nearby parks and trails. I’ve also spent a lot more time on developing my previous hobbies such as investing in the stock market and learning new programming languages. Overall, I wouldn’t say I’m like those motivational speakers who have used their extra time to completely revolutionize their personal and professional lives, but I definitely feel like I’ve put the time to some use.

 

In all, quarantine has taught me that sticking to my goals can be especially tough in such a distracting world. Furthermore, I’ve learned the necessity to at least try. On some days, I might not be able to give 100% and that’s fine, but I still need to do something. 75% is a whole lot better than 30% which is better than 0%. Nothing is going to come in sweeping changes, so it’s about building myself up slowly, something that’s only possible when I have a long term vision.