I was recently introduced to the idea of a 30 day challenge. We can do anything for 30 days if we put our minds to it, right? Whether it be giving something up or adding something to our daily lives, we can all do it. I’m sure we’ve all seen the documentary Supersize Me in which Morgan Spurlock takes on the challenge of eating McDonald’s food three times a day for 30 days. In no way am I suggesting doing anything this extreme (or disgustingly unhealthy), but it should serve as an example that even things you may think are impossible can be accomplished.
So why take on this challenge? It’s said that it takes between 21 and 30 days to either break or make a habit. No one is perfect, so all of us have both things we should give up and things we should start doing. Pick one. And start from there. There is no better time to get started on this feat. It’s the middle of July, and school will be starting again mid-august. So before things get too stressful and crazy, I have decided to take on this challenge and do something for myself.
Honestly, I had a hard time deciding which route to take- giving something up or starting to do something. I try to work
out every day and to eat (relatively) healthy. So that’s out. The only thing I really love and see as a bad habit is drinking diet soda. I absolutely love Diet Dr. Pepper, and it gives me the pick-me-up I need in the middle of a long workday. Though I don’t drink one every single day, I still see it has a habit I need to break. I didn’t think this alone was challenging enough, so I knew I needed something else. Reading. I love to read, but lately I have just been too tired (lazy, really) when I 
get home from work. I stare at the pile of purchased and borrowed books that have been on my list to read since the beginning of the summer, but I choose to watch TV or do something else instead of opening one. Out of about 7, I have read two. Granted the one I just finished was really long and hard to get into. But no more excuses. I have 5 more to read, and I have 30 days to do it. That’s just over one book per week. I think I can do it, and I really encourage you all to find something to challenge yourself with in the next 30 days.
If this little rant wasn’t as inspiring as I had hoped, check out Ted Talks and hear from an individual who took on a 30 day challenge that changed his life. http://www.ted.com/talks/matt_cutts_try_something_new_for_30_days.html
Good luck!
