SOL 23/31: Floors and Ceilings!

Here's the quick AI explanation:

"The "floors and ceilings" approach to habit formation is

a framework used to build consistency by setting a minimum baseline ("floor") to ensure action, and a maximum limit ("ceiling") to prevent burnout. This technique addresses the main failure point in forming new habits—relying on high motivation to perform large, unsustainable actions—by focusing on small, repeatable behaviors that create momentum regardless of daily circumstances."

Here's the goal I'm currently working on:

I want to deal with the paper in my life. I have more than one box of paper that I've collected from surfaces and stashed into boxes.

The floor or baseline goal is dealing with one piece of paper from my latest box of paper. The ceiling (or maximum limit to prevent burnout) for me is spending ten minutes dealing with paper. Can you tell that I can get overwhelmed quickly?

The key to success seems to be where I place the box! I recently put the box where I see it every night when I pull the decorative pillows off the bed. So even if I've failed to deal with paper during the day, there's the box reminding me: "Just one piece of paper." Last night, I dealt with one piece of paper and seven sticky notes.

About those sticky notes - I'm trying to limit their ability to proliferate by using a wire bound journal for notes to self. When I finish dealing with a page of them, I merely rip it out of the journal.

What tips do you have for dealing with the paper in your life?

Thank you, Two Writing Teachers, for creating this challenge and providing the space and support for us year after year. And thanks to this magnificent community for sharing stories with me and encouraging my writing life.