Take the 30-day challenge

[Image credit: Stuart Miles]

I feel inspired. How can I not when it’s just days into a brand new year of possibilities? The studio where I practice Bikram yoga began a new challenge on Jan. 2. Our team leader has been passing along quotes and videos to encourage and inspire. One three-minute video* talks about trying something new for 30 days. The speaker suggests making small, sustainable changes in order to succeed. Last year, I had planned to write a book in 30 days but went about it all wrong and it didn’t happen. But if I apply small, sustainable changes in 2014, I only need to write 1,667 words daily for 30 days. What have you always meant to do or wanted to do but haven’t? Give up sweets or caffeine? Practice yoga? Ride your bike to work? Whatever it is, remember that the next 30 days will pass whether we like it or not. So I’m going to write a book.

What are you going to do for 30 days?

*http://www.ted.com/talks/matt_cutts_try_something_new_for_30_days.html?source=facebook#.UsV1bx-TMD9.facebook

More of the same

[Image credit: Stuart Miles]

My 30-day challenge has come and gone … the one where I committed to a month of Bikram Yoga without intermission, and also omitted alcohol, sweets, caffeine and anything non-Vegan from my diet.  As fabulous as I felt on my “final” day, I made the decision not to make a decision on how I’d spend day 31.  At one point, I thought I may be standing at the Keurig first thing.  Or be counting the minutes until I could mix my favorite aperitif.  But rather than craving old habits, I’m leaning toward the new.  So even though I don’t have to attend daily practice, I want to spend 90 minutes in my happy place.  A friend of mine said he simply gets sick of any given “preoccupation” — whether it’s a food or an activity.   But for me, what I focus on expands [see 9/18/2012 post].  Which means it’s time to get back to my writing.

Do you crave more of whatever you focus on, or prefer change instead?

One day at a time

[Image credit: renjith krishnan]

Tomorrow is my final day of the 30-day Bikram Yoga challenge.  It’s also the end of my resolve to avoid sweets, alcohol, caffeine and anything non-vegan.  People have told me I’ll feel amazing afterward, and it’s true.  They’ve also asked if I’m going for 60 — and what I plan to do once the challenge is complete.  I’d like to keep going.  I’ve toned and trimmed some trouble spots.  I’ve improved my strength, balance and determination.  My IBS symptoms are better than ever.  My skin is cooperating.  And I learned I can do anything for 30 days.   However, I may swap out a day or two of Yoga for the gym a couple of times a week.  Maybe add a cup of coffee back into my diet.  For me, it’s become more about living one day at a time, while accepting where my body and mind is on any given day, rather than making more commitments.  So I’ll decide on Monday.

What have you done for only 30 days?

Overcoming resistance

[Image credit: meepoohfoto]

What you have to do and the way you have to do it
are incredibly simple.  Whether you are willing to do it
is another matter. ~ Peter F. Drucker

In my recent post, Taking the first step, I mentioned I’m writing a book.  Recently, a friend of mine turned me on to a study guide by Victoria Lynn Schmidt called, “Book in a Month.”  It includes a plan on how to — you guessed it — write a book.  In 30 days.  Schmidt includes steps for overcoming resistance, which make sense for anyone with a goal.

• Create an outline.  From start to finish, how are you going to get where you want to go?
• Break your goal down into small, realistic tasks.
• Hold yourself accountable; gather support.  Join a writer’s group, fitness club, weight loss program.
• Visualize the entire goal from start to finish.  Stay focused.
• Create a deadline.
• Celebrate your successes.
• Make it a habit.

What are you willing to do to get where you want to go?