It seems like there’s a new challenge popping up every other day.

Some are 30-Day Challenges.  Others are 90-Day Challenges.  And I’ve even seen a couple 100-Day Challenges.

Creating a challenge is easy – but STICKING to one can be difficult!

Challenges are a lot like New Year’s Resolutions – in that you make em’ with the intentions of starting fresh with a new habit or discipline – and assign a time to it that’s usually too long.  What do I mean by too long?  Let’s keep with the New Year’s Resolution example – and use exercise as the focus.  People will say – “I’m going to hit the gym EVERY DAY this year!”  And 10-Days (If they’re lucky!) into it – something happens where they miss a day.  And because 365-Days was the intention – they’ll say, “Well – I’ve blown it!  I might as well just go back to what I was doing.”

It doesn’t have to be that way!

The first thing you need to do is stop setting goals and resolutions!  WHAT?!?  I know you’re saying, “What are you talking about Wes?”  If you’ve ever listened to and/or read anything from Bill Bartmann – you know he says not to use the word “Goal” and to replace it with “Promise”.

Why?  Because you’re more likely to keep a promise than you are a goal.

Here’s Mr. Bartmann’s list of how to achieve what you want:

1. Make sure it is your goal, not someone else’s.
2. Don’t call it a goal, but use the word “promise.”
3. Clearly identify your promise, and write down exactly what you intend to accomplish.
4. Use tools and people around you for motivation.
5. Create a Promise Plan.
6. Review your Promise Plan regularly.
7. Tell yourself you will succeed.
8. Tell others of your promise.
9. Envision the results and see yourself in success.
10. Get started.

What if instead of making 30-Day Challenges and/or 90-Day Challenges – you made New You Day Promises?

Why day by day?  Because if you slip up and make a slight error in judgment – you can promise yourself to do better and start fresh right there on the spot!

And if you take a look at #4 in the list above – “Use tools and people around you for motivation.” – you’ll notice the concept of bringing in outside help.  Promises are great!  But promises backed up by friends constantly encouraging you are even better!

That’s why I’m part of various Mastermind Groups and Tribes.  It’s great to have “Running Partners” to support you and/or hold you to your promises!

With that in mind – I want to BE THE CHANGE!  And promise myself to be an excellent Running Partner and help as many people achieve a New You Day – EVERY Day – as possible!

There seem to be A LOT of challenges popping up out there!  30 Day Challenges, 90 Day Challenges, 100 Day Challenges, and everything in-between!

Completing these challenges can mean everything from receiving prizes to just good ol’ Bragging Rights.

But do you know the REAL Prize from Actively Participating in one?

CONSISTENCY!

If you subscribe to the teachings of The Slight Edge Philosophy – you know it’s:

Doing things that are easy-little disciplines, which, done consistently over time, add up to the biggest accomplishments.

So what these challenges do is prime you for creating habits that raise the bar of what it is you’re looking to accomplish.

Stop wanting INSTANT Gratification and realize that slow and steady wins the race!

The GOOD Habits you form now – compounded by time – will cause you to rise to the top over and over again!