Omit to Commit is all about the resources needed to opt into (and out of) behaviors, such as time, traditions (individual or group behaviors), trust, and treasures. By regularly making and breaking habits, life becomes more fulfilling and satisfying. I’m drafting a book called Omit to Commit, and in 2023, I’m posting research on the 20th of every month.
It’s been an entire year of posting research on my forthcoming book on the 20th of every month! Such sharing has been shaped by my own meanderings, digging into the data, and friends.
In the new year, I am deciding what Omit to Commit content will look like. While I enjoy the consistent strategy of posting on the 20th of the month, 2023’s content was occasionally random, so I’d like to take a step back and look honestly: What worked this year? Where can I find support in transforming this draft to publisher-ready?
I loved the thematic discoveries found in the first few posts. These took a ton of time, a resource that is more limited (and coveted) now that I am in grad school.
From health to industrialism, omitting practices often need groups. Social creatures by nature, I’d love to talk to and record friends and followers who have omitted practices. Reach out here. And I’d like to experience such omissions myself. What specific practices can I remove, and for what gain(s)?
With my Omit to Commit research in mind, I am creating a list of what to practice omitting in 2024.
The hope is to find folks who already regularly omit these habits/options, and I will try practicing such omissions. Then, I will report on my experiences, perhaps get some primary and secondary research, and even include my peers’ thoughts, too. In theory, I can practice and post a new omitting habit every month in 2024, thus following this year’s content calendar.
Here are some ideas of what to omit for 30 days, built off of cultural events when possible:
- Dry January: Not just a new year’s resolution for me!
- No dates: February is Valentine’s Day/Single Awareness Day
- Sweet-free: Lent ends March 31 on Easter
- Vegan: Remove less than obvious animal use, like shoes/sauces
- Screen-free: Outside of work, spend concentrated unplugged time
- Gas-free: Use the L train/bike/walk
- Spending: Nothing outside of groceries, gas, rent/utilities/insurance
- Email: Get to inbox zero via unsubscribing and deleting
- Picking Habits: Can I officially stop picking my hair?
- Gift-Giving: Consider an experience-based holiday/birthday
- What can you think of?
As I tried to make the list above, I noticed how much is at the start of the year. Is this because of resolutions? Aiming high, then habits (slowly) slip? Or are they ways to promote some sort of community, often in the dredge of winter? Perhaps some historical analysis is needed for Omit to Commit. When, where, what’s the story of resolutions? Does that intrigue you?
Over the last few weeks, I have begun meditating on what to research, write on, and publish for next year. I am leaning into feelings and thoughts, or what I am calling “still writing”. Taken from “still photography”, I’d like to document specific moments by sharing true, authentic reflections, raw and in-the-moment or reflective. Not necessarily “lessons.” Perhaps that will help direct the heart, tone, and/or narration of Omit to Commit, such as other things I’ve learned about habits:
- People-pleasing is one of the biggest habits to break, often coming from anxiety, gender roles, and (childhood) overachievement
- Saying “yes” and “no” aren’t clear trades, and sometimes life is more engaging when it is full, so a better set of questions is to ask what, who, and where are you (am I) affirming?
- Why are so many habits seemingly negative, like breaking them up? And why are so much on consumption? How about making new ones, and quite simply, making?
- What changes when people collectively omit?
Even though it’s been a year of research and reflection, I am delighted to share there’s work to be done. Indeed, I am committed to this process from pixel to page! Join me in 2024?