A Challenge within your Challenge!
Sometimes, when you set a goal for yourself to make a change, you encounter blocks or speed bumps – something that slows you down or completely stops you as you reach for your goal. Many people start the 100 Day Challenge and find it relatively easy at first. Your excitement and the newness of the commitment help to keep you on track and motivated to do your challenge everyday. Then something happens, as often does in life, to throw you off track. You get sick, a family member needs help, a new opportunity is presented to you and before you know it, it has been days or even weeks since you did your 100 Day challenge.
For me, it has been a back problem. Every once in a while, my back goes out of alignment and makes it difficult for me to walk, stand, sit or exercise for any length of time. Oh great!! I just started a challenge of walking for at least 20 minutes a day for 100 days and my back goes out! Now what? Do I stick to it, trying to disregard the pain? Do I give up completely citing my back as a plausible excuse? Or do I approach this as a challenge within the challenge, asking myself, what can I do to stick as close to my goals as I can?
I decided that I wanted to stick to my goals to the best of my ability and so everyday has been an evaluation. Instead of pushing myself to walk the 20 minutes, I do what I can. Some days it has meant that I don’t walk at all but most days, I can do something – five minutes, 10 minutes, 13 minutes! I do what I can, respecting my body and also honoring my commitment to the 100 Day Challenge.
I know that some of you have also been challenged by your challenge and that’s good! It gives you a chance to decide how dedicated you are and to push yourself to be creative about participating in your challenge. I spoke to one challenger about how she is doing her challenge of writing everyday. Some days, all she can find time for is to write one sentence so she writes one sentence. Think about it, after 100 days, she would have 100 sentences. That would make a nice little story, blog post, opening chapter, etc.
If you are being challenged by your challenge, don’t give up. Find a way to stay connected to it and you will still reap the benefits. I welcome your comments and questions about your challenge. Post them here and let’s get creative about helping each other reach the finish line!
Joyfully,
Deb
I can totally relate. First was a two week bronchial infection that slowed me down to a crawl with laboured breathing. On the heels of that, I and 7 other family members and friend developed one of the worse stomach flus I have ever seen in my life!! As a result, I managed 4 hours of writing for the whole month of February – at least I got that much in. I also keep a small calendar tracking the days and hours that I get some writing done or at least in some way do something writing-related. Like today, I spoke with my neighbour who I know loves to read, and asked her if she would like to read my first novel.It is just in a binder for reading purposes, but I keep a disc of each manuscript as well. She was so excited to be able to read my book that I took it over to her today. There was another tenant within earshot and he had a very shocked look on his face as he commented on having an author in the building. Now he wants to read it. I told them both that Book Two is almost complete, so now I HAVE to get it finished because I know they’ll want to read it as the story continues. There are two other relatives who have read book one (on line) and have been waiting for months for me to finish Book Two. So now I have 5 reasons to finish it: for myself, and the 4 of them!! Today is a new beginning. I’m well and I’m newly motivated. See you in a couple of weeks.
Kathryn
I soon discover that you have make a commitment to yourself everyday!
Cheers!