Is there something you’ve been thinking of changing that will improve the quality of your life? Maybe it’s to lose a few pounds. It could be to pay off a credit card. Or, you’re finally ready to get going on that book you’ve talked about writing for years.

Whatever it is, are you ready to take action? One of the best ways to begin a change is to commit to a short period of time for the change. In most 12 step programs, the commitment is for one day. Wow! One day. How can anything change in one day? Amazingly, it can.

With over 34 years of sobriety under my belt, I didn’t commit to abstaining from alcohol for a year or even a month. Not even a week. Nope! I committed to one day.

Imagine what you could accomplish if you were to commit to one thing for 24 hours. When the 24 hours is up, you commit again. Then again. Then again.

Making changes is often simpler than we realize. Not always easy, but simple.

• Decide
• Commit
• Take action
• Stick with it
• Measure your results
• Repeat

In the time I’ve made a decision not to drink, one day at a time, my life has changed so much it’s hardly recognizable to what it used to be.

I’ve been in a 29 year relationship. I’ve owned and operated my business for nearly 25 years. I’ve written and published several books and information products. I’ve improved my health to the point I’ve participated in marathons and recently completed my first ever sprint triathlon at the age of 64.

Compare this to life in my twenties. I was a bona-fide couch potato. I would no more participate in a marathon as I would attempt to fly to the moon. I held minimum wage jobs, if holding a job at all. Relationships? Forget it! I couldn’t seem to make those work no matter how many times I tried.

The reason I share this with you is to let you know, no matter where you’re at, you can make change. It’s entirely up to you and how much you want the change.

Current Goals

My current goals are to finish my memoir by year’s end, participate in next years sprint triathlon and cut my time by 30%, exercise five days a week (minimum), and make some changes in my business model. All of these will be accomplished one day at a time.

However, I do know there is power in setting a goal that extends beyond a day. I’ve found a lot of power in 30 days.

Lasting Change

We make changes for one of two reasons; inspiration or desperation. It’s easier to stick with a change if you start early in the process of when the change needs to happen. In other words, when you’re inspired to make the change rather than desperate. Yet, that’s not to minimize goals set in desperation.

Imagine if you were to stick with one goal for 30 days. What would you commit to? Would it be a health goal, financial, job or business, writing, speaking, relationship? What would it be for you?

30 Day Turnaround

If you’re sincere about making a change, I invite you to join me for the 30-Day Turnaround Challenge beginning on August 1, 2018.

Ready to commit to 30 days that will impact the rest of your life? Then you’re ready for the 30-Day Turnaround Challenge.

To begin, set a goal for the 30-day period. What would you like to accomplish over the next 30 days? Where do you want to see the most improvement?

Make your goal a stretch but also doable. If you make it so outlandish you are likely setting yourself up for failure. In other words, if you’ve not worked out for years, committing to 3 hours a day at the gym is not as manageable as 20 – 30 minutes per day of walking in your neighborhood. Or maybe you do want to hit the gym. Why not commit to 20 minutes a day for the first week then up it to 30 the second, 40 the third and 50 the fourth. This is much more achievable.

Perhaps your goal is to minimize your $10,000 credit card debt. Maybe you’ve barely made the minimum payment for months, even years. Rather than saying you will pay the whole thing off in 30 days, how about making a commitment NOT to use your card for the 30 days and double the payment amount you normally make in that first 30 days.

Maybe you want to increase your business revenues and you know calling prospects will result in business, but you haven’t picked up the phone in months. Start with three calls a day, first thing. Make a commitment that for the full 30-days, Monday through Friday, you’ll make the calls… first thing. By making the calls first thing, you’ll feel a great sense of accomplishment. This sets the tone for the rest of the day.

Perhaps your 30-day commitment is to cut out all processed sugar. Each day during the challenge, you can do something that supports this way of eating. Day one might be to clear out all sugary foods in your refrigerator and freezer as well as stock up with healthy snacks that satisfy your urge to nibble. Day two, clear out your cabinets from temptation foods. Day three, you’re on your way to a solid 30 days being sugar free.

Journal Your Way to Success

Something that is very helpful is to journal throughout the 30 days. This accomplishes a few things. One, you can write your goal down. Two, you can write about the process including your feelings, urges, commitment, outcomes and the progress you’re making.

I find journaling to be incredibly helpful whenever I’m undergoing a change of behavior. You don’t need a fancy journal to do this. A notepad from the dollar store works just as well as a printed journal.

The point is to write. Whether it be to write longhand or type on your computer, the idea is to get your thoughts on paper. Although I do a lot of writing on my computer, I find writing longhand is a very effective for me to tap into a different side of my brain. I tend to get into a rhythm that helps me to process my thoughts in a way that typing doesn’t.

Again, either is fine. The point is, journaling is a powerful process.

Want to join in? All you need do is put your name and email address at the top of this page where it reads Get My Tips On Living With Passion.

Updates for the 30-Day Turnaround Challenge will be added to this blog. When you subscribe, you receive the updates as I add them.

If you’re a brave soul, why not write your goal for the 30 days in the comment box below? Would love to find out what you’re committed to.