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Are you ready for your 30 day Challenge

Flickr image by iMylene

Flickr image by iMylene

In my last post “What activities are you still working up the courage to try” I mentioned the importance of taking action and exploring your secret ambition which is why I want to talk to you about the 30 day challenge.

So late last week I was catching uo with an old friend who I met at a scanner’s event and we decided we would get together more often to support each other on our creative ideas. What’s a Scanner? Please read the definition of a Scanner.

In the last 8 months I have given myself a series of 30day challenges which I’ve reviewed every 1-3months. It’s given me the freedom to play with my ideas not just in my head but to see if it could work.  Once you start one you do need to finish it.

The 30 day challenge What is it?

  • A  goal or activity you decide to do in 30days
  • You will need a list
  • Best to start with one
  • But you can have more than one goal
  • They have to be realistic done at your pace – eat the elephant one chunk at a time
  • Perhaps start at the begining of the week if you can’t start at the begining of the month.

Benefits

  • Helps to build a habit
  • It takes between 14-30 days to build a habit.
  • Will help build consistency
  • With the help of and accountability group or partner
  • Helps you to finish what you start
  • Helps you play with your Ideas

What does playing with your idea look like?

  • So, you will need a list
  • It does have a target and you do need to aim for it- no pressure, you’re the boss remember.
  • Brainstorming and Action is a labour of love
  • Enjoying every moment
  • Being consistent
  • scheduling when you do it
  • Not Feeding your fear but “feel the fear and do it anyway”
  • Creativity is your key- you have no limitation or boundaries
Image by LWPrencipe via Flickr

False Evidence Appearing Real -Image by LWPrencipe via Flickr

 

Your support Network

  • Find yourself a supportive network.
  • A group of like-minded people – not necessarily friends
  • Encourage each other and ask the other person how their project is moving forward.
  • Meet regularly face to face
  • Communicate often phone, email, Facebook
  • Stay accountable

My current 30 day challenge

  1. Complete and upgrade new blog
  2. Organise another “Tell it like it is”event
  3. Blog more regularly at least 3 times a week

What does your 30 day challenge look like?

So have you got an idea that you can’t seem to get off the ground? Are you too afraid? Scared it wont work? Scared people will laugh at you? Stop kidding yourself Mathy I need to get back to work and look for a real job! No seriously. Why can’t you do both? If you have all the time in the world this is your opportunity.

Is your fear the right motivation?

“Do the thing you fear the most and fear will disappear, do the thing you fear the most and fear will disappear” One more time Mathy.

I’ve heard this quote a thousand time but still can’t remember where it came from. Yes, fear is that truly uncomfortable feeling you feel in the pit of your stomach right before venturing the unknown. For the most part, in my case, THAT means Everything!

I did 6 very uncomfortable things on Friday. 6 things I would rather not do again. I contacted 4 colleges and universities to talk about potentially delivering career transition stories. Then I also followed up on two local newspapers I had previously tried to join for a press release. I got no joy on the second. I almost have to reevaluate whether I was making sense.  “Well how is that uncomfortable?” you ask.

The only other person that knew and understood my agony more than anyone was my stomach. Yeah, my stomach’s name is Eddie. And for the first 10 min Eddie growled in all possible languages. Yet, if Eddie could talk, it would speak fluent Japanese  with all the incorporated kanji symbols. At worst he didn’t embarrass me and make funny noises in the middle of my cold calling. I know he will be growling again next week and the next time I have to pick up the phone or send an e-mail to the unknown.

My personal motivation is that in 2-3 months I will have more regular gigs for career transition stories.  I guess my body is rejecting this unnatural experience.  Almost as if receiving a vaccine. I know it’s good for me but “I’m bloody Afraid”!!!

I'm afraid I'm about to remake a scene from Home alone

 

As they say it takes 14 days to build a habit. For it to become normal and acceptable to your mind, you must actively do it for 14 days.

Sorry but that’s a lot of rubbish. I think you get use to it but that doesn’t automatically eradicate the fear I think it will take a little longer for the fear to disappear. Like six month maybe. That doesn’t mean you wont know the fear was there in the first place.

So let’s make sure the next time you feel fearful of something take consistent action and maintain it until you feel it is a normal part of you. Until you know longer have the regurgitating feeling inside your stomach. So how about we change that sentence a little bit “Do the thing you fear a little bit, everyday until it feels comfortable and then it will dissolve.” Maybe not disappear.

What motivates you right now when faced with fear? Is it -

  • Money or the lack of it

  • Inferiority complex

  • Status or the lack of it

  • Daily necessities food and clothes

  • A place to live or a better one

  • Relationship or the loss of it

  • Happiness

  • Fear of Failure

Or anything else please share…………..

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