The End Of Year Challenge
The Challenge Backstory
After launching THE END OF SUMMER CLEANSE nutritional program, I took some much-needed me-time. I really relaxed (which we love) but majorly slacked on my morning and evening routines. To some, this isn't a big deal, but for me, the entire reason why I've formulated these routines is because they are the building blocks of my LIFE. They help build and foster the person that I am and am becoming. And while walking 8k steps isn't the most crucial part of my routine, it's not the most ingrained, and I usually fall short later in the day if I'm not paying close attention.
So, with only a few months remaining in the year, I knew I needed to get back to what makes me feel good, like really good. And that's being disciplined in how I take care of myself. And let me be clear, I'm not preaching rigidity, but if you know something works for you and you're not doing it, WHY? With that, I knew I wanted to commit myself to something that would have a positive ripple effect on my life. And for me, that's walking in NATURE (even in the cold and rain). When I'm feeling off, it's usually because I've become lax about my outside movement. I'm really good at my morning walks but after that, I usually fall off of it. Aside from walking being so good for you, it's where I'm able to brainstorm, get ideas, release emotions, be with my puppy, connect with friends, and learn while listening to podcasts. So I figured, why not turn this into a challenge?
I know so many of us are gearing up for the holiday season and a new year. Which typically means new goals. But one thing I've learned about acquiring new habits is that it takes a lot of practice and consistency in SHOWING UP. If you have the same lofty goals year in and year out and haven't made progress on them throughout the year, chances are another year won't be any different. Come January 1st, you're not going to be an entirely new person who operates completely differently. It's just not realistic. BUT instead of waiting, why not start trying on a habit that you want to have in 2024 now? Instead of waiting until the first of the year, imagine what it would feel like to have a 72-day jump start on one of your goals, habits, or resolutions.
The End Of Year Challenge
Are you already thinking about how you're going to start doing something in the new year? Let that idea go, and ask yourself how you can start to do that today. Imagine getting to JANUARY FIRST, and you've already been practicing that habit for 61 days. For 61 days, you have already been acting like the person that you were going to WAIT until the new year to ACT LIKE. Truth be told, you don't need a new year or a Monday for a fresh start. You just need to make a decision. Meet the end-of-year challenge.
I’m In, What’s The Skinny?
01. Imagine the type of person you want to be next year. How do you want to speak? How do you want to treat people? How do you want to dress? What does your family look like? How do you show up in hard situations? And so on. Soak in the person you want to be and write anything that comes to mind down in a journal or a piece of paper.
Pick a habit or something you'd like to accomplish by the end of the year. This can be as simple or as challenging as you want to make it. But remember, if you make it too hard, chances are you won't be consistent. A few examples are as follows:
— walking x amount of steps a day
— drinking x amount of ounces of water a day
— reading a chapter a day
— eating a salad a day
02. Execute that habit or goal until the end of the year. If that's too much for your brain to handle, execute the habit for a MONTH. And after that month, you can decide if it actually served you or not. You can always add on or continue practicing the same habit for the next month.
And that's it. It's really that simple. By doing this, you are already ahead of most by starting to practice and refine your habits. As silly as it may sound, this is how I've transformed my life time and time again. By making a simple choice and showing up for it day in and day out. This isn't about perfection either because there will be a point where you'll fall off. But by then, you will have the practice and memory of what it's like to be that person, AND your bounce-back rate will be much quicker than others. If you're partaking in this challenge, be sure to tag me @alexandriayamazaki on IG so I can repost and celebrate YOU.
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