6X6

I am working on some changes to this site, so expect some in the coming weeks. I'm relatively naive (and by relatively, I mean extremely) to website development and search engine optimization, so it's a learn as I go kinda thing, but I am hoping that this can continuously improve over time as the focus gets clearer.

The improvements are part of a program called "6X6", which was introduced by Bill Hybels at his Global Leadership Summit. Although it sounds like a tasty In 'N Out burger, the idea is to list six things you want to achieve within the next six weeks and then resolve to complete the list. It sounds simple, and it can be very effective. I've recently put this into effect in my life as it relates to work, personal/family, and health (spiritual, physical, and mental). I won't list everything on my list, but as it relates to this site, my goals are to optimize the website a bit more, and add the two other charities I've promised to include on this fundraising project.

I have found one other charity, Feeding America. I will profile them at a later date. I am still looking for one more, and if anyone has any ideas I am open to them. I looked at the calendar recently and realized we are nine months away from the Ironman Los Cabos. That's still a ways off, but time is flying, so I better get moving on this project...

Another item listed on my six by six is to start growing our own fruits and vegetables to replace the store bought stuff, and cut down on our expense. We decided to go with some regular soil planted veggies and fruits (tomatoes, bell peppers, strawberries), as well as the aeroponic Tower Garden system, as a more space/time efficient way to grow. I'll continue to post on the progress of this, as it will be an experiment to see how effective this is, and I will review the Tower Garden as we go. I am anxious to discover if the hydro/aeroponic vegetables are as nutritious, and truly cost/space effective. The important thing is we will have more control over our own food. We know where it comes from, how it was grown, and how long since it's been harvested.

Gestating Seedlings for the Tower Garden

Bell Peppers, Strawberries, Tomatoes, and the unoccupied Tower Garden in the background

It has felt really good to list these small achievable goals and meet them one by one. For one thing, it feels very productive even though the goals may be very simple. There have been many times where I have lacked motivation, and therefore productivity falls, and I become depressed. It's a downward spiral. However, setting small goals and achieving them feels like an accomplishment and promotes ambition (upward spiral?).