Name YOUR Challenge

It’s that time of the year when many of us reflect on the changes we want to make for the new year.  Everything from eating healthier, exercising more, learning a new skill, improving your small business and so on.  We know the drill.  

Are you tired of making the same old resolutions only to stop them before the end of January?  Are you feeling stuck in a rut and ready for a change? A personal challenge might be just what you need to shake things up and get out of your comfort zone. 

Have you ever participated in a challenge? Not the latest Tik Tok challenge, but one that challenges you to make a positive change in your life.  Making a life change can be overwhelming or daunting to say the least.   A personal challenge, such as a 30 day challenge, can help break it down and make it more manageable.

A personal challenge is a commitment to do something for specific period of time (ie. 30 days, 3 months, etc). It can be anything from exercising every day to reading a book a week to practicing mindfulness. The idea is to establish a new habit or make progress towards a specific goal in a short amount of time and keep it going (or build upon it)!

But why should you bother with a personal challenge?

Well, there are a ton of benefits to embarking on a new challenge, including:

• Increased motivation: When you have a specific goal in mind, it’s easier to stay motivated and on track. Plus, the sense of accomplishment you’ll feel when you achieve your goal will give you a boost of energy and confidence.
• Improved skills and knowledge: Whether you’re learning a new skill or working towards a specific goal, a personal challenge will help you to develop new knowledge and abilities. If you’re trying a new skill or activity, a personal challenge can give you the push you need to get started. And even if you don’t end up liking it, you’ll have given it a fair shot and can move on to something else.
• Break a big goal into manageable pieces: Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of making a major change, you can focus on taking small steps every day. This can be much more motivating than trying to tackle a big goal all at once.
• Build momentum: If you are doing a 30 day challenge and you see progress every day, it can give you the motivation to keep going. This is especially true if you share your challenge with others, as it can create a sense of accountability and support.
• Greater focus and productivity: When you have a specific goal to work towards, you’ll be more focused and productive. You’ll be able to stay attentive to your task and make progress more efficiently.
• Increased self-esteem: Achieving a personal challenge can give you a huge boost of self-esteem. You’ll feel proud of yourself for stepping out of your comfort zone and taking on something new.
• A sense of accomplishment: There’s no feeling quite like the sense of accomplishment you’ll feel when you have successfully completed your challenge.

Did you know that sharing your personal goals and challenges with someone has benefits? 

Find an accountability partner or group to share the journey with. You’ll be glad you did! Benefits of sharing a challenge are plenty, some include:

• Accountability: When you have expressed your commitment to a friend or partner, you are more likely to stay committed. Especially when you have to meet them or report your progress.  There’s nothing like a friend being honest (and supportive)!
• Motivation: When sharing a challenge, you’re not alone!  That in itself can help keep you motivated.  You can lean on one another for support and guidance!  You have your own cheering squad!
• It’s FUN! Sharing your challenge (both success and failure) helps your mindset.  Doing something different or new is hard and will have some hiccups.  Have fun sharing your success and be sure to laugh together when things don’t quite go the way you expected. 
• You work harder:  When you have someone in the challenge with you, you will work harder and with more intensity.  You want both of you to succeed.

Need some ideas to get started?

Take some inspiration from some of the following ideas.  Don’t overdo it and commit to too many challenges.  Start with one then once you’ve make it a habit, start another.

• The “I’m going to run a marathon” challenge: Well, maybe I’ll start with a 5K. Are you ready to take your fitness to the next level? Train for a marathon and impress all of your friends with your newfound endurance. 
• The “I’m going to improve my relationship with…..” challenge: Are you satisfied with you relationship with a certain family member or friend?  Have you done your part to truly work on improving it? Spend quality time with those important people in your life. Work on strengthening your relationships.  
• The “I’m going to learn a new skill” challenge: Is there something you’ve always wanted to learn but never had the time for? Now’s your chance! Choose a new skill, such as cooking, painting, or programming, and get to work.
• The “I’m going to get organized” challenge: Are you constantly losing your keys or forgetting important appointments? It’s time to get organized! Set specific goals for decluttering and organizing your space and watch your productivity soar.
• The “I’m going to save money” challenge: Are you tired of living paycheck to paycheck? Set a specific financial goal, such as saving a certain amount of money or paying off a specific debt and start making progress towards financial freedom.
• The “I’m going to take up a new hobby and tap into my creativity” challenge: Are you feeling a little bored and unfulfilled? It’s time to try something new! Choose a hobby you’ve always been interested in, such as drawing, knitting, gardening, or woodworking, and get to it.
• The “I’m going to get healthier” challenge: Are you ready to make some positive changes to your health and well-being? Set specific goals for eating healthier, drinking more water, exercising more, or reducing stress, and watch your energy levels soar.
• The “I’m going to be more mindful” challenge: Are you ready to carve out time to practice mindfulness?  Set goals to practice mindfulness techniques such as meditation, journaling, and gratitude exercises. Take time out for you!
• The “I’m going to travel more” challenge: Are you tired of the same old routine? It’s time to shake things up and see the world! Set a goal for how many new places you want to visit in the next year and start planning your adventures.
• The “I’m going to be more social” challenge: Are you feeling a little isolated and lonely? It’s time to get out there and make some new connections! Set a goal for attending social events or meeting new people, and watch your social circle grow.
• The “I’m going to volunteer more” challenge:  Are you wanting to give back to your community but don’t know how?  Set a goal to start with a local community clean up or community event and get involved in your community.  
• The “I’m going to be more environmentally-friendly” challenge: Are you ready to do your part for the planet? Set specific goals for reducing your carbon footprint, such as using reusable bags or reducing energy or water consumption and start making a difference.
• The “I’m going to learn a new language” challenge: Are you ready to expand your horizons and learn a new language? Set a goal for how much you want to learn and start working towards fluency.
• The “I’m going to start my own small business (or side hustle)” challenge: Are you ready to take your hobby to the next level and make some money?  Do you have a business idea you’ve always wanted to start?  Set specific goals to learn the ins and outs of a small business (it’s easier than you think when you break it down) and go after it

Are you ready and inspired to embark on a personal challenge that will leave you feeling like a boss?

Look no further – here are some tips to help you get started:

• Choose a goal that is both specific and achievable. Don’t set yourself up for failure by choosing something that is too lofty or unrealistic.
• Make a plan that includes specific milestones and deadlines. This will help to keep you on track and ensure that you are making progress towards your goal.
• Find an accountability partner who will support you and keep you motivated. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or co-worker, having someone to check in with can make all the difference.
• Celebrate your progress along the way. Don’t wait until the end of your challenge to reward yourself – give yourself a pat on the back for every small victory.
• Stay flexible and open to adjustments. Life happens, and you may need to make changes to your plan as you go. Don’t get discouraged – just roll with the punches and keep moving forward.
• Be kind to yourself. Remember that you are only human, and it’s okay to make mistakes or encounter setbacks. Don’t beat yourself up – instead, use them as opportunities to learn and grow.
• Reflect on your progress when your challenge is complete. Take some time to think about what you have accomplished and what you have learned. This will help you to identify any areas for improvement and set the stage for future challenges.
• With these tips in hand, you’ll be well on your way to conquering your personal challenge and feeling like a boss. Go get ’em!

Now join our Name YOUR Challenge FB Group and share your success (or failures) and receive support from like-minded people!