One Experiment Every Ten Days
The Dekad Journal is a running log of personal experiments, lived in ten‑day stretches. Every dekad, I choose a small, specific change—like turning my smart phone to greyscale, cleaning my teeth twice a day, or doing 30 pushups a day. I share the change, the messy data, and any shifts. This is absolutely not about hacking life; it is about paying attention, on purpose, in (semi-)public.
What Inspired This?
About sixty days ago (April 2026), I weighed in at 15 pounds more than the year before, and my bloodwork looked pretty uninspiring. I told my primary care provider I would lose 12 pounds before I saw her next.
I started walking five miles a day. Since then I’ve lost about seven pounds. I’m spending more time with my husband and with friends on these walks. Not much else has changed. Vanity of course plays a role; who doesn’t like getting snatched?
Why Dekads?
Life is short; my healthspan may be around 730 dekads. Shrinking the commitment windows keeps me playful and lets me commit to more things.
How I Use AI
AI has a hand in several parts of this journal. For example, I use it to help draft and edit entries. Frankly, I’m a busy physician, and I’m trying to prioritize quality of life over perfection.
The Dekad Journal 