FDRx7

Days 18-27 - 2026.09.19-09.28 StreaksUsed Brick: 5 (PB: 8) Notes: My best estimate for this and Freedom as I have been good about not scrolling aimlessly but also forgetting to actually turn brick on and off (which means it is often on - so, mission accomplished?) Checked Freedom settings: 5 (PB: 8) Notes: Same as above. No podcasts for at least 90 days: 27 Notes: No mindless scrolling: 3 (PB: 5) Notes: No YouTube: 27 Notes: Did morning devotionals and reading routine: 5 (PB: 4) Notes: Went to sleep in bed: 0 (PB: 2) Notes: Used CPAP: 0 (PB: 2) Notes: Reviewed Anki Cards: 0 (PB: 2) Notes: ReflectionI really need to be better about trying to write daily, but I guess just a lot has been going on. I can't believe I'm almost at 30 days already. I do think my head is clearer to some extent, and I know I'm much less fixated on the things happening in the world that I largely can't control (i.e., politics, etc.). Using audio Scripture has done wonders to refocus my mind. I do miss the conversational nature of the podcasts at times, but I'm still not sold on if I should go back, or if I should just impose time limits like the other things (I could use screen time so that I can only use the app for 2 hours or between a certain time, like when I exercise). And even there, I feel like I don't gravitate toward anything helpful or educational - only entertainment to keep my mind distracted. I'll have to continue pondering what I'll do once I reach 90 days. I'm trying to do better with genuinely engaging with my hobbies, but I'm still struggling with many of them feeling like obligations instead of things to do for fun. Not sure why that is. For example, I feel like I have to take care of my plants, that I must keep up with them, their watering, pruning, etc. I don't feel like I get to simply interact with them. Everything in my life is often so procedural, which can be very good when trying to maintain schedules and such, but also makes it difficult to just do things for the sake of doing them. Not sure where I'm going with this at the moment, but I know I would like to stop feeling the stress of everything being a self-imposed obligation. Some say it's the ADHD, that we "procrastinate" doing our hobbies; I do relate. Perhaps it's the vague miasma called "All The Things I Need to Do" that hangs about me. My desire for checklists and procedures is a way of introducing an element of control to so much uncertainty. The prospect of not knowing is what often makes me anxious, and so reducing the amount of guesswork I need to do through the automation of a checklist alleviates this to some extent. But then I end up making the checklists for hobbies, and things I should be doing for fun. Not all of that is bad (having checklists for my plants is helpful), but I need to find ways to keep that from making it into a chore. I just feel very tired right now, and need to find a way to start really enjoying the things around me. I've considered moving my journal to the Discord, as it seems to have gotten very quiet on this side. Not quite like the old days, but I like the history of what I have here and the format, so I probably won't. Replacement Categories / ActivitiesWorking on / maintaining automobiles Reading Working out / weightlifting Entomology Ornithology / bird-watching Fishing Cooking Candle-making Soap-making Gardening & Indoor Plants Listening to music with record player Working on a "weeknight compartment" project step Socializing with friends, family, or my brother Date nights and activities with my wife Woodworking Tinkering and repairing retro tech Dedicated movie viewing Playing with my dog and caring for Toad

Nice work on hitting your gym streak! Seems like you're in a nicely established routine there. Did you stack it with something else or is it a particular time of day? For me it's the latter. It gets to around 4:30 and I start to feel the need to move. Keep it up!

Days 12-17 - 2026.09.11-09.18 StreaksUsed Brick: 2 (PB: 8) Notes: Lost the streak but doing better again. Checked Freedom settings: 2 (PB: 8) Notes: Same as above. No podcasts for at least 90 days: 17 Notes: No mindless scrolling: 1 (PB: 5) Notes: No YouTube: 17 Notes: Did morning devotionals and reading routine: 0 (PB: 4) Notes: Went to sleep in bed: 0 (PB: 1) Notes: Changing this to being in my own bed for sleep. More than the time right now, I think this is the most important piece. I can start working on the specific time once I'm no longer sleeping anywhere but my bed. Used CPAP: 0 (PB: 2) Notes: Reviewed Anki Cards: 1 (PB: 2) Notes: ReflectionI got behind on my entries, so rather than try to catch up I'm just continuing where I left off. Not being on YouTube and Podcasts has been surprisingly fine but I still need to be careful of filling that with scrolling online. The last week has reinforced how important it is for me to have blockers on. I have one on Cold Turkey now that blocks everything at 9pm except for a few productive sites and I can't undo that block without my wife putting in a password. I think that has helped significantly. I have the same thing on my phone for screen time. It can be frustrating at times when I want to do something, but that is far outweighed by being relieved of the feelings that come with bad habits. While I am up and down right now, I'm confident that the line will begin to smooth out in an upward trajectory. Anywhere up is better than where I was / am. Replacement Categories / ActivitiesWorking on / maintaining automobiles Reading Working out / weightlifting Entomology Ornithology / bird-watching Fishing Cooking Candle-making Soap-making Gardening & Indoor Plants Listening to music with record player Working on a "weeknight compartment" project step Socializing with friends, family, or my brother Date nights and activities with my wife Woodworking Tinkering and repairing retro tech Dedicated movie viewing Playing with my dog and caring for Toad

Days 10 and 11 - 2026.09.09-09.10 StreaksUsed Brick: 8 (PB: 2) Notes: Technically, I didn't check / use it or Freedom but this was because I left it running and didn't go turn it off, so I consider this to count. Checked Freedom settings: 8 (PB: 2) Notes: See above. No podcasts for at least 90 days: 11 Notes: No mindless scrolling: 0 (PB: 5) Notes: Was doing well but succumbed last night on my PC because I had temporarily disabled Cold Turkey for some reason a week or so back. I've fixed that now so I can't be online after 9pm (except on this website, Todoist, and Anki). No YouTube: 11 Notes: Did morning devotionals and reading routine: 4 Notes: Start preparing for sleep at 10:30pm: 0 (PB: 1) Notes: Was up a little too late online as per above. Used CPAP: 1 (PB: 2) Notes: Was able to make it to bed and used it for the duration of my sleep. Still had 14.5 incidents though, so I don't now when they are going to come back down. Reviewed Anki Cards: 0 (PB: 2) Notes: Started doing these in between pomodoros at work. Just a few cards here and there. ReflectionDon't have a ton of time this morning for a full reflection. If I have time later, I may come back to update. Replacement Categories / ActivitiesWorking on / maintaining automobiles Reading Working out / weightlifting Entomology Ornithology / bird-watching Fishing Cooking Candle-making Soap-making Gardening & Indoor Plants Listening to music with record player Working on a "weeknight compartment" project step Socializing with friends, family, or my brother Date nights and activities with my wife Woodworking Tinkering and repairing retro tech Dedicated movie viewing Playing with my dog and caring for Toad

Day 9 - 2026.09.08 StreaksUsed Brick: 6 (PB: 2) Notes: Checked Freedom settings: 6 (PB: 2) Notes: No podcasts for at least 90 days: 9 Notes: No mindless scrolling: 4 (PB: 1) Notes: No YouTube: 9 Notes: Did morning devotionals and reading routine: 2 Notes: Start preparing for sleep at 10:30pm: 0 (PB: 1) Notes: Fell asleep on the couch while reading again. I think it's my position and the level of light. I don't mean to but once I'm out, I'm out. Used CPAP: 0 (PB: 2) Notes: Didn't use because I fell asleep on the couch again. Reviewed Anki Cards: 1 (PB: 1) Notes: ReflectionRemoving podcasts and YouTube videos is going okay so far. I think the blockers help when I have them working. I've started replacing the podcasts with audio Scripture or music if I feel I really need something. I think that's been much healthier for my brain. I've even noticed there have been a number of occasions where I crave pure silence. For example, I did 80% of my workout with no music, just the sound of the large garage fan. I'm not sure what it was, because normally I have music on but I wanted to workout with no other stimuli. This has happened a few times now. Maybe it is my brain asking for a break from the noise. Right toward the end I wanted a little music to push me through, but other than that it was a quiet workout. I am struggling with my energy levels in the evening. Many times I have the opportunity to do some small step of a project, but I just become so tired after exercising and eating dinner. Tonight (09.09) I was able to work on a project and get it done. I just wish I had the motivation and energy to do it more often. I think of all the small windows of time I can use to get things finished bit by bit rather than waiting for the weekend - which sometimes doesn't lend itself well to projects if we have other commitments. I'm not saying I should neglect rest. I have burned out before by being "on the go" for too long. I just want to reach a good balance. Replacement Categories / ActivitiesWorking on / maintaining automobiles Reading Working out / weightlifting Entomology Ornithology / bird-watching Fishing Cooking Candle-making Soap-making Gardening & Indoor Plants Listening to music with record player Working on a "weeknight compartment" project step Socializing with friends, family, or my brother Date nights and activities with my wife Woodworking Tinkering and repairing retro tech Dedicated movie viewing Playing with my dog and caring for Toad

So tough... I'm very bad at this myself. I don't like telling people I have to go without a good excuse but sometimes you have to.

Day 8 - 2026.09.07 StreaksUsed Brick: 5 (PB: 2) Notes: Checked Freedom settings: 5 (PB: 2) Notes: No podcasts for at least 90 days: 8 Notes: No mindless scrolling: 3 (PB: 1) Notes: No YouTube: 8 Notes: Did morning devotionals and reading routine: 1 Notes: Start preparing for sleep at 10:30pm: 0 (PB: 1) Notes: Used CPAP: 1 (PB: 2) Notes: Didn't sleep for very long last night, but was able to use it. Around 11 incidents, so still at the average I've been seeing. Reviewed Anki Cards: 0 (PB: 1) Notes: ReflectionHad a busy day yesterday removing the battery from the car, helping my wife get a badly needed new phone (we barely upgrade but hers was going on something like 15 years old, and it was showing signs of reaching end of life), and going to our Monday small group. Overall good day, though I'm still struggling to go to bed at a decent hour. I think this will come in time, but I need to learn to get up instead of prolonging my relaxation - even if it is with something good. I am also trying to do something I learned from Cal Newport, which is to "normalize plugging in your phone when at home." I had started this to some extent, but I'm doing my best to be conscientious about this and place it in the kitchen / foyer during the workday and just while at home in general. I turn the ringer up so that I can hear phone calls if they come in, kind of like a traditional landline or cordless phone from back in the day. Replacement Categories / ActivitiesWorking on / maintaining automobiles Reading Working out / weightlifting Entomology Ornithology / bird-watching Fishing Cooking Candle-making Soap-making Gardening & Indoor Plants Listening to music with record player Working on a "weeknight compartment" project step Socializing with friends, family, or my brother Date nights and activities with my wife Woodworking Tinkering and repairing retro tech Dedicated movie viewing Playing with my dog and caring for Toad

Days 5-7 - 2026.09.04-2026.09.06 Note: As of 09.07, changing the entry date so that it reflects the day of progress, even if written on a different day. StreaksUsed Brick: 4 (PB: 2) Notes: Checked Freedom settings: 4 (PB: 2) Notes: No podcasts for at least 90 days: 7 Notes: No mindless scrolling: 2 (PB: 1) Notes: No YouTube: 7 Notes: Did morning devotionals and reading routine: New Notes: Wanted to start tracking this one as well since it is highly connected to the task below it for sleep. I still struggle with getting up early enough for the routine, but I'm thinking the more I get my sleep under control, the easier it will be to do this. Start preparing for sleep at 10:30pm: 0 (PB: 1) Notes: I changed this one to "start preparing for sleep at 10:30pm" because I think that's easier to gauge when to start doing something rather than the "deadline" of 11:30pm. Used CPAP: 0 (PB: 2) Notes: Last two nights I've fallen asleep on the couch, even though I was doing something healthy (reading). That's also why I've changed the task above (see note). Reviewed Anki Cards: 0 (PB: 1) Notes: Still working on incorporating this one but trying to keep the pressure off while I focus on the other habits. ReflectionI missed a few days of reflection, so I'll just update the numbers as they stand today without trying to do too much recap. I had some nice time with my family yesterday in celebration of Labor Day. Was glad to have the socialization. Replacement Categories / ActivitiesWorking on / maintaining automobiles Reading Working out / weightlifting Entomology Ornithology / bird-watching Fishing Cooking Candle-making Soap-making Gardening & Indoor Plants Listening to music with record player Working on a "weeknight compartment" project step Socializing with friends, family, or my brother Date nights and activities with my wife Woodworking Tinkering and repairing retro tech Dedicated movie viewing Playing with my dog and caring for Toad

Yan, I never asked you… what do you consider to be a “useless” video? I’m just curious as I’m still working on this myself so wondering if you’ve been able to find balance and what that looks like for you.

Day 4 - 2026.09.03 StreaksUsed Brick: 1 (PB: 2) Notes: Checked Freedom settings: 1 (PB: 2) Notes: No podcasts for at least 90 days: 4 (PB: 4) Notes: No mindless scrolling: 1 (PB: 1) Notes: No YouTube: 4 (PB: 4) Notes: Went to bed before 11:30pm: 0 (PB: 1) Notes: Stayed up reading too late, but did eventually get into my own bed. Used CPAP: 2 (PB: 2) Notes: Had an air leak that I need to address, but incidents went down to 9, so that's an improvement. Reviewed Anki Cards: 1 (PB: 1) Notes: Just did a few cards at random today. ReflectionGood day yesterday overall. Not much to report on other than that I was able to engage myself in healthy things. I did stay up too late reading, but the fact that I went to bed and used my CPAP is a win for me. One step at a time. New thing I'm going to do is try to highlight in green things I did that day from my replacement categories/activities. No pressure, streaks, or anything like that. Just a simple view of what I did. Replacement Categories / ActivitiesWorking on / maintaining automobiles Reading Working out / weightlifting Entomology Ornithology / bird-watching Fishing Cooking Candle-making Soap-making Gardening & Indoor Plants Listening to music with record player Working on a "weeknight compartment" project step Socializing with friends, family, or my brother Date nights and activities with my wife Woodworking Tinkering and repairing retro tech Dedicated movie viewing Playing with my dog and caring for Toad

My wife read Ben Franklin’s autobiography. Very good, she said. We use the Franklin Planner system, so it was only natural she would read it eventually (I’ve yet to get to it).

Day 3 - 2026.09.02 StreaksUsed Brick: 0 (PB: 2) Notes: Left it running but then was able to shut it off in the evening because I didn't lock it in the safe in the morning. Checked Freedom settings: 0 (PB: 2) Notes: Did not check and the schedule was actually set to only one day. Fixed that today... No podcasts for at least 90 days: 3 (PB: 3) Notes: No mindless scrolling: 0 (PB: 0) Notes: No YouTube: 3 (PB: 3) Notes: Went to bed before 11:30pm: 0 (PB: 1) Notes: Did go to bed in my own bed but much later than 11:30. Used CPAP: 1 (PB: 1) Notes: Used the CPAP. Still 14 incidents on average but achieved a good seal throughout the night. Reviewed Anki Cards: 0 (PB: 0) Notes: Did not manage to work this one in yet, but I'm not going to stress too much about the streak for right now until I get a good routine going. I'll leave the color purple to reflect it's an optional one at the moment. ReflectionNot a great day yesterday for my habits. Due to a variety of factors with my blockers not being on, I succumbed to scrolling at night. Was up way too late and was very disappointed in myself. Today is much better and will reflect that in tomorrow's entry. Today I checked all the blockers and re-instated Freedom's perpetual blocks and locked the Brick in the safe. No chance of scrolling on my phone tonight. My PC's Cold Turkey blocker blocks enough things that there isn't much of interest on there. Sometimes I wonder about my willpower and the attitude of my heart, why I am willing to do the things I shouldn't if there is no blocker. It makes me wonder if the blocker is only covering for the real issue of my heart's inclinations. But at the same time, isn't it wise to prevent yourself from entering situations where you know you'll be tempted? Do we think less of an alcoholic who chooses not to go to a bar because he knows he'll be tempted? I suppose we don't, so I'm not sure why I am having trouble reconciling that with using blockers. In any case, today has been a much better day and I intend to end it on the same note. Replacement Categories / ActivitiesWorking on / maintaining automobiles Reading Working out / weightlifting Entomology Ornithology / bird-watching Fishing Cooking Candle-making Soap-making Gardening & Indoor Plants Listening to music with record player Working on a "weeknight compartment" project step Socializing with friends, family, or my brother Date nights and activities with my wife Woodworking Tinkering and repairing retro tech Dedicated movie viewing Playing with my dog and caring for Toad

Welcome back! I’ve had a few false starts myself, so you’re in good company. Glad to see you are starting to experience positive changes from your new behaviors.

I was reminded of your profile in another part of the forum and wondered how you're doing now. Hope all is well.

Day 2 - 2026.09.01 StreaksUsed Brick: 2 (PB: 2) Notes: Checked Freedom settings: 2 (PB: 2) Notes: Brick settings prevented me from checking, which was actually helpful. No podcasts for at least 90 days: 2 (PB: 2) Notes: No mindless scrolling: 2 (PB: 2) Notes: No YouTube: 2 (PB: 2) Notes: Decided to read again. Went to bed before 11:30pm: 0 (PB: 1) Notes: Accidentally fell asleep on the couch all night... Used CPAP: 0 (PB: 1) Notes: Since I fell asleep on the couch, I didn't use the machine. I need to fix the issue of sleeping in the wrong places. Reviewed Anki Cards: 0 (PB: 0) Notes: Did not manage to work this one in yet, but I'm not going to stress too much about the streak for right now until I get a good routine going. I'll leave the color purple to reflect it's an optional one at the moment. ReflectionFalling asleep on the couch is my Achilles's Heel to getting to bed on time. I have this excellent ability to fall asleep pretty much anywhere that is not my bed. I need to begin moving up there when I start to feel tired. I did workout, which I've been very consistent with and makes me feel energized/healthy. I workout 5 days week and take the weekend off. I tend to go out to the gym around 4:30pm. It's become such a habit that around 3:30-4:00, I'll get restless because I want to go exercise. I'd like to create that kind of energy for the other good habits I want to develop in my life. Took some time to feed Toad. I'm working on reconnecting with my hobbies to view things as less of an obligation or more just time spent doing what I enjoy. So while feeding an amphibian is a bit more complex than pouring dog food in a bowl for my pup, it allows me to observe and connect with Toad. They are very humorous and surprisingly intelligent creatures. She has a food bowl so that her food can't run away. I often find her sitting in there now because she knows that where she finds nourishment on a regular basis. Replacement Categories / ActivitiesWorking on / maintaining automobiles Reading Working out / weightlifting Entomology Ornithology / bird-watching Fishing Cooking Candle-making Soap-making Gardening & Indoor Plants Listening to music with record player Working on a "weeknight compartment" project step Socializing with friends, family, or my brother Date nights and activities with my wife Woodworking Tinkering and repairing retro tech Dedicated movie viewing Playing with my dog and caring for Toad