Last year my “No Win November” attempt crashed hard. Remembered sitting there December 1st scrolling social media feeling like a total loser, seeing friends brag about their streak while my phone showed twenty-seven days of screen time OVER nine hours. Pathetic.
The Wake-Up Call Moment
Pulled out my dusty 2021 journal last month. Found that “DON’T TOUCH PHONE BEFORE NOON” rule I’d scribbled then immediately ignored. Realized I’d treated No Win November like some vague New Year’s resolution – zero concrete planning, just wishful thinking. That ends now.
Building My Battle Plan
Grabbed three sticky notes before November 1st:
- Red sticky: Phone gets physically locked in kitchen drawer until 3PM daily – no exceptions
- Blue sticky: Any urge to game? Must walk 15 mins to the park bench BEFORE opening Steam
- Yellow sticky: If I slip up? Immediate 20 push-ups penalty – even did some in the office bathroom stall Tuesday
The Raw Day-by-Day Grind
Week 1 was brutal. Woke up Day 1 actually staring at that damn drawer like it held my oxygen supply. Paced around chewing gum until 3:15PM like a detox patient. Nearly snapped when Dave sent that group meme – responded at 3:01PM sharp feeling like a champ.
Week 2 brought curveballs. Heavy rain Tuesday almost made me cheat the walk-to-park rule. Stood under the bus shelter playing stupid candy crush clone until drenched – felt like an idiot but kept the streak.
Week 3 revealed weird perks. Found myself actually reading physical books while waiting. Finished that Hemingway paperback collecting dust since college. Also noticed push-ups getting easier – unexpected bonus.
The Finish Line Feels Different
December 1st just hit different this morning. Checked Screen Time: four hours average. That’s HALF of last November. Still crave late-night scrolling sometimes, but now I catch myself faster. Didn’t magically “win” at life – still procrastinated on laundry mountain – but proved I can control the tech instead of it controlling me. Might actually try this again next month.
