The Benefits of Trying Something New
August is one of those months that is perfect for trying something new.
Regardless of your age, August continues to symbolize the beginning. A new school year, new routines and a whole new season to prepare to enjoy. Truth be told, we can begin something new at any time but our love and structure of the calendar always makes the beginning of a new week, month of time as the perfect time to mark the beginning. In many ways I feel like I am always transforming myself. The blessing of life is we are continuously changing. It is up to each of us to determine if we are changing for the better. A few months ago, a friend was discussing the challenge of trying something one has never done before for 30 days. This is typically something one would like to add to their life but has never taken the time to do it. Examples could be riding or walking to work, taking a photo or writing in a journal everyday, practicing meditation or writing a book. Thirty days provides enough time for one to begin a routine of a positive habit or the elimination of a negative one. During the course of dinner, my friends and I decided to begin our own 30 day challenge. As our July was busy, we chose August as our starting point. Thus, as of today I am officially beginning to write the book I spoke of in the beginning of the year. Are there things you keep thinking about doing but have not? I want to encourage you to consider taking your own 30 day challenge. Take the first step of getting out of your rut and try something new. You may not like it or you may fall in love. Nonetheless, stick with it for 30 days and check your response afterwards. This Ted Talk from Matt Cutts details his own 30 day challenge and I hope it will inspire you! https://www.ted.com/talks/matt_cutts_try_something_new_for_30_days?language=enHave you taken your own 30 day challenge? Did it change you? Let me know!
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I love this idea! I’ve done several 30-day challenges and they’ve all had interesting results. Great post!
Thanks Lecy! These 30 day challenges truly help us change things up.
This is a really exciting idea! I wonder if I kept track of just my regular life how often I would be doing new things daily. Something to ponder
I think it is interesting to try something new each day – even if it is going a different way to work or trying a new food. Would love to know if you start seeing a pattern.
I think I am going to try to bring my lunch every single day to work. I usually eat out on Fridays. This will be a tough one.
That would be hard for me too Kim! I always use one day of the week (Friday) as my treat day that I made it through. I would love to know how it goes!!
I think a 30 day challenge is a great idea. I see so many things that are “do this for six months or 100 days” and sometimes I think it’s easier to take it in a smaller chunk.
Research now says it takes about 66 days for a new routine to completely become a habit. Thus, the 30 days gives a good foundation and helps one see if they really want to continue doing what they are doing.
I really need to do a challenge soon. I love trying new things. Maybe September will be a good month. The kids will be back in school and I’ll have time to concentrate again. 🙂
I think that challenges truly do help us. I know it’s hard when the kids are around and this gives you enough time to think about what you want to do!
I love this idea. I don’t know what I’d want to do for 30 days…it’s something I’ll have to keep in mind for the future.
-Lauren
http://www.shootingstarsmag.net
30 day challenges are such a great idea – kick start us into an actual habit I believe because really, why stop at 30? I watched my friend do that Whole 30 diet or whatever that’s called and after she completed that grueling meal plan she binged like mad. All that dieting was lost. I wanted to say “But you could still just keep eating healthy-ish?” I don’t know…maybe that’s a different example. In September my husband and I are starting to eat better lunches when the kid goes back to school. It’s harder now that he’s home and we are always on the go. So perhaps that will be our starting point!
I’m so excited for you and your book! I saw you mentioned this on an IG story and decided to participate as well… I’m going to not drink beer all of August. Sigh. I need it for my health and waistline!