Keeping Kids in Motion
Building a community where fitness and play are the foundation for all families.
30 Day Challenges: Step outside your comfort zone!
Below, is a 3-minute TED Talk by Matt Cutts called, Try Something New for 30 Days. Upon watching this video for the first time, my mind erupted with ideas on personal challenges I could set for myself. Should I cut out certain foods? Challenge myself physically? Meditate for 30 days? Read everyday? Walk the dogs twice a day rather than just letting them run around the back yard? Once I completed my initial brainstorm, I needed to slow down and remember Matt Cutts’ advice. He simply stated, “small change = sustainable.” I realized that setting a reasonable goal would more likely turn into a habit which could last far beyond 30 days.
My 30-day challenge: I am presently on day 16 of running at least a 5K everyday. Although there are days when I just don’t want to run due to weather, fatigue, or schedule, my competitive nature (along with my wife) keep me motivated. During each run, I think about the pathetic excuses I tried to make to not run, celebrate the fact that I can mark another day off the 30-day goal chart, and appreciate the emotional rush (and slight joint pain) I experience after finishing. I also wonder what I’ll do on day 31…yoga, plyometrics, daily naps?
How about professionally? How can I apply the 30-day challenge to my job as a physical education teacher? How can I use this challenge to motivate my students? How can I take advantage of trying something new for 30 days to help bolster my planning and strengthen my curriculum? How will I answer all of these questions in under 30 days?
For now, I’ll continue plugging along on my first challenge. With only 14 days left, I’m hoping to discover my next 30-day challenge at the finish line.
I hope this post has inspired YOU to try something new for 30 days either personally or professionally. Tell me all about it. I could use some ideas.
“Try Something New for 30 Days.” Matt Cutts:. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Jan. 2016.
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Thanks for sharing this intriguing 30 day challenge idea! I’m definitely going to start in February, yoga class here I come… As for motivating students, I may introduce the 7 day challenge…
Excellent post!
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