Commitment Contract 2026
The rationale for the contract is described in this article.
Diet: Only protein food and vegetables allowed after 18:00. Protein: cottage cheese, poultry, seafood, tofu, egg whites. Vegetables: cucumbers, celery, broccoli, asparagus, lettuce, spinach, arugula, zucchini, capsicum, green beans.
Morning routine: 20-minute walk every morning instead of mobility exercise until I'm fully recovered.
I can't afford to complicate the terms of the contract in any way until I get back to my previous rhythm of life.
Non-negotiable binary goals valid during the entire marathon
In 2025, I made significant progress with them all. I am aware that none of these things add any value to my existence, except for instant gratification.
Zero computer and mobile games
This includes Twitch or YouTube streams.
The only exceptions are Half-Life 3 and The Elder Scrolls VI. That is when I will come back and reconsider this item (I don't have a computer to play them anyway).
Zero alcohol and weed
It's not a problem at all. In 2025, I had only two crazy weeks. The rest of the time, I have been entirely sober.
Zero adult content
One-year abstinence is a solid statement. Do you know anyone who has abstained for so long?
Zero obviously harmful food
Whenever I can control it: pure added sugar, sweets, desserts, chips, deep-fried meals, refined oil, and fast food.
I added the "control" clause because, in Asia, they add sugar and oil even if you ask them not to.
Sprint 1. January
Zero social media
Including: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Tinder.
Excluding: X, because I use it professionally as a feed for tech insights.
On my laptop, I use an app to block these sites. On mobile, I just delete the apps.
Since I sometimes post on Instagram, I'll occasionally install it on my phone and delete it right after making a post.
Zero doomscrolling
I blocked YouTube Shorts on my laptop. Since I've never had TikTok, and Instagram is also blocked, the only problem is the Shorts in the YouTube mobile app. So, it rests on my word of honor.
Sleep hygiene
Never use my laptop or phone in bed. No checking the time when I wake up in the middle of the night. Checking the time is allowed only when it is critical for a planned activity, like catching a flight.
Sports & rehab (on pause)
Physical maintenance every day. This includes weightlifting, calisthenics, rehab, mobility, or cardio.
Morning routine
Complete a morning routine every day:
- A glass of water.
- A 10-minute mobility exercise (on pause).
- Sun exposure, ideally concurrent with exercise.
- Healthy breakfast & supplements (creatine, vitamins, omega-3).
Report
| No games | No alco & weed | No 18+ content | No harmful food | No social media | No doomscrolling | Sleep hygiene | Morning routine | Sports & rehab | Evening diet | Morning walk | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 Jan | + | + | + | + | + | + | Reading a book for 30 minutes. | That was difficult after the night party. | 30 min rehab + 20 min strength | — | — |
| 02 Jan | + | + | + | + | + | + | Reading a book for 30 minutes. | Yes, but still feeling tired after the New Year party. | 40 min rehab | — | — |
| 03 Jan | + | + | + | + | + | + | Reading a book for 10 minutes | Easy! | 20 min rehab + 20 min strength | — | — |
| 04 Jan | + | + | + | + | + | + | + | + | 40 min rehab | — | — |
| 05 Jan | + | + | + | + | + | + | + | Everything but exercises. | No sports next week due to the injury | — | — |
| 06 Jan | + | + | + | + | + | + | Had to wake up early, so put alarm near the bed. | Everything but exercises. | — | — | — |
| 07 Jan | + | + | + | + | + | + | + | 20 min walk. | — | Last meal 18:00 | + |
| 08 Jan | + | + | + | + | + | + | + | Everything but exercises. | — | Last meal 18:00 | No, painful to walk. |
