30 Day Trial | Introduction

In the spirit of 60 second decisions I have decided to revive one of my time honored traditions, the 30 Day Trial. Read through the description below and join in. I have some great prizes for some of the folks who play along plus you can knock some goals off your 2017 list.

Do you want to do something different in your life. Are you thinking about making a change? Maybe you want to try a new exercise program or just start exercising. Ever thought about being a vegetarian, or a vegan? How about spending more time in prayer?

Welcome to the 30 Day Trial Challenge

Most people can do anything for 30 days. A challenge like this is built on the fact that we can handle short bursts. It is the long term plans where we get into trouble. Hopefully your goals will become a positive habit in your life. The beauty is if you find that this thing isn’t for you. After 30 days you can let it go with knowledge that you tried it and it didn’t fit. It is the “what if”s that drive us to rash decisions.

To take part in the 30 Day Trial Challenge you need to do 2 things:

1. Set a goal.
2. Commit to it for 30 days.

How Do I take Part?

1. If you want to be a part of the 30 Day Trial Challenge you can email me and post a comment below.
2. Set a specific and measurable goal.
3. Create actions to prove that you met this goal every day
4. Complete the above actions daily.
5. Post a comment to the 30 Day Challenge Post everyday to let everyone know how you are doing.

What is a Specific and Measurable Goal

Goals should always be specific and measurable. Especially for this challenge. You need to be able to measure your success daily. Without these daily checks how can you be sure that you even did them. Here is an example of a vague goal:

“Be a Better Dad”

This goal, while admirable, is not measurable or specific. Answer these questions about your goal, Who? What? Where? Why? When? How?

Who: Me

What: Be a Better Dad

Where: With my Children

Why: So that they know I love them. So they don’t become axe murderers.

When: Over the next 30 days.

How: By spending time with them doing what they enjoy.

After this exercise you can construct a better goal like:

“Over the next 30 days I will be a better Dad by spending time with my children doing the things they enjoy so they know that I love them.”

What Does It Take To Commit

In order to truly commit to your goal you’ll need to setup the measures that show success. Let’s say that this is your goal:

”Over the next 30 days I will save money by taking lunch to work everyday and putting what I would normally spend into my savings account so I get out of debt sooner.“

What are the measures that you would need in order to fulfill this goal.

1. Estimate what you spend on lunch everyday. (Look at bank statements, receipts...)
2. Pack your lunch.
3. Deposit money normally spent on lunch into savings account. (Or other savings vehicle)
4. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 every day.

You might come up with different ways to slice this onion but the result should be the same. You will have specific actions to take each and every day.

What is in it for Me

On day 7, 14, 21, 30, I will be selecting one participant to receive a gift. In order to be eligible you must have followed the rules of the challenge up to that point. I should have comments or emails from you for each day.