A year and a half ago I read the Compound Effect, by Darren Hardy. The book talks about Darren’s 30 day challenges. He gives up something or takes something on for 30 days to “prove to himself” that he is in charge.
I love the idea
We can control our own destiny and that sometimes we need to show that negative little voice in our heads that we are in charge. Since my first (of many) readings I have taken on many 30 day challenges. They have all had varying positive impacts in my life. The very first one that I attempted was a 30 day “no soda” fast. For some of you this may be a no-brainer and quite easy but for me and my over 60oz a day it was a “challenge”. As a disclaimer, I am not a nutritionist or a health food junkie and I choose my challenges as things that will make me stretch a little (or a lot) and not necessarily on what is best for my health.
Admittedly, I often count down the days until the challenge is over. On day 31 I always celebrate. I think it would be great if my challenges resulted in longer term changes in behavior but truthfully, that is not my real intention. I get satisfaction knowing that I took on the challenge and completed it.
My 30 day challenges tend to be stronger and elicit more of a commitment for completion than many of my other goals and objectives. What does this have to do with today? As I write this I am beginning my newest 30 day challenge, a challenge that is likely the “most” difficult challenge I have attempted to date (and that’s with 18 completed challenges under my belt). The challenge is to write 500 words a day for 30 days. (word count this month, 334, so far).
I chose this challenge because I recently launched my platform here at familybeforefortune.com and I want good quality content. I want to share inspiring and life changing ideas. If not for you then for me. I call myself a writer. I want to write and inspire through great literary insights. One of my mentors, and a very talented writer, Michael Malone challenged me to write 1000 words a day. To not go to bed at night until I have cranked out my 1000 words. That is a huge leap from casual writing to committed 1000 worder. I have committed to him at various times, started and stumbled and not excelled.
Introduce baby steps
I think that I can make the 500 word objective this month and then maybe bump to 1000 in the next. I admit that this challenge makes me nervous. Most days cranking out 500-1000 words will not be a problem but this particular month I have family coming into town for a visit and then I am taking the family to Southern California for eight days (including the 2 days in the car). This will really force me to prepare my time, get up early, go to bed later and forgo an activity or two. But what better challenge then to take on a busy month with a challenging challenge? Ultimately I want to make this a habit, not just a 30 day challenge. Wish me luck (word count before edits 598, day 1 in the books)
Question: If you could challenge yourself to give something up or take something on for 30 consecutive days what would it be? How would it change your life? Leave your comments below or by clicking here