A few years ago, I found myself feeling stuck in a rut. Inspired by the renowned American philosopher Morgan Spurlock, I decided to embark on a journey of trying something new for 30 days. The concept is straightforward: identify something you’ve always wanted to incorporate into your life and commit to it for the next 30 days.
Thirty days is an ideal timeframe to either establish a new habit or eliminate an old one, such as cutting down on watching the news. Through these 30-day challenges, I discovered several valuable lessons.
One of the first things I noticed was that instead of months slipping by unnoticed, time became much more memorable. For instance, during a challenge where I took a picture every day for a month, I could vividly recall where I was and what I was doing each day.
As I engaged in more challenging 30-day endeavors, my self-confidence soared. I transformed from a computer-bound individual to someone who bikes to work for fun. This newfound confidence even led me to hike Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak—an adventure I would never have considered before starting these challenges.
If you truly desire something, you can achieve it in 30 days. Have you ever dreamed of writing a novel? Every November, thousands of people attempt to write a 50,000-word novel from scratch in just 30 days. The secret is simple: write 1,667 words each day. I took on this challenge, and while my book may not be the next great American novel, I can proudly say I wrote a novel in a month.
One crucial lesson I learned is that small, sustainable changes are more likely to stick. While big, audacious challenges are exciting, they often don’t have lasting effects. For example, after giving up sugar for 30 days, I found myself indulging on day 31. Sustainable changes, however, have a better chance of becoming permanent.
So, what are you waiting for? The next 30 days will pass regardless of what you do. Why not take this opportunity to try something you’ve always wanted to do? Embrace the challenge and see where it takes you.
Thank you for reading, and I hope you find inspiration in the power of 30-day challenges.
Think about something you’ve always wanted to try or a habit you want to change. Create a plan for your own 30-day challenge. Write down your goal, the steps you’ll take each day, and how you’ll track your progress. Share your plan with the class and get feedback.
Start a daily journal to document your experiences during your 30-day challenge. Each day, write about what you did, how you felt, and any obstacles you faced. Reflect on how the challenge is impacting your life and what you are learning from it.
Take a picture every day for 30 days that represents your challenge. Create a photo diary or a digital slideshow to showcase your journey. At the end of the 30 days, present your photo diary to the class and explain the significance of each photo.
In small groups, brainstorm different 30-day challenge ideas. Discuss the potential benefits and difficulties of each challenge. Choose one challenge as a group and create a collaborative plan to support each other in completing it. Share your group’s plan with the class.
Research the science behind habit formation and the benefits of 30-day challenges. Create a presentation to share your findings with the class. Include examples of successful 30-day challenges and tips for making sustainable changes.
Change – To make or become different – Embracing change can lead to personal growth and new opportunities.
Habit – A regular practice or routine that is hard to give up – Developing a habit of reading every day can improve your knowledge and imagination.
Confidence – Belief in oneself and one’s abilities – Building confidence can help you tackle difficult tasks and succeed in school.
Goals – Things you aim to achieve – Setting clear goals can guide you towards achieving your dreams and aspirations.
Challenge – A task or situation that tests someone’s abilities – Taking on a new challenge can help you learn and grow stronger.
Time – A period during which something happens – Managing your time wisely can help you balance schoolwork and hobbies.
Sustainable – Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level – Creating a sustainable study routine can lead to long-term academic success.
Adventure – An exciting or unusual experience – Trying new activities can turn everyday life into an adventure full of learning.
Novel – New and different from what has been known before – Exploring novel ideas can spark creativity and innovation.
Lessons – Things learned or taught – The lessons you learn from mistakes can be valuable for personal development.
