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Stop Fighting the Social Media Algorithms; Do This Instead!

Posted on by Jerad Hill

We’re constantly bombarded with information tailored to our interests and behaviors. This personalized experience, primarily seen on social media platforms, results from sophisticated algorithms designed to capture and retain our attention. While seemingly harmless, these algorithms play a pivotal role in shaping our online experience, often at the cost of our productivity and well-being. Hear me out:

The Mechanism of Distraction

At the heart of the problem are the algorithms created by social media companies. These platforms offer ‘free’ services, but the actual cost is our attention, monetized through the ads we are served. The more time we spend on these platforms, the more ads we see and the more revenue these companies generate.

These algorithms are meticulously designed to learn from our behavior. They analyze vast amounts of data to predict what might keep us engaged next. Whether it’s a video, a post, or an advertisement, the content is tailored to hook our attention and keep us scrolling.

The Personalization Trap

A key feature of these algorithms is the personalization of content. Search results and news feeds are no longer a one-size-fits-all but are uniquely tailored to each user. This personalization is based on our previous interactions, searches, likes, and even the amount of time we spend on certain posts.

While this can lead to a more enjoyable user experience, it also creates an echo chamber, reinforcing our existing beliefs and interests and keeping us engaged in the platform longer.

The Human Cost of Algorithmic Efficiency

It’s essential to recognize that these algorithms are not neutral. They are designed with a specific goal in mind: to maximize the time we spend on the platform. If these algorithms were personified, they would be the individuals we avoid in real life – those who distract us and derail our productivity.

Yet, we continue to engage with them daily. Each time we unlock our phones and open an app, we willingly enter a battlefield where we are outmatched. These algorithms know our weaknesses and our preferences and are constantly learning how to keep us engaged.

A Biblical correlation would be likening the algorithm to the serpent in the Garden of Eden. The serpent was there to distract Eve and get her to sin. She could have avoided the serpent but chose to engage with it. The serpent’s famous line rings true today: “You will not surely die.” (Genesis 3:4 ESV), but we do die a little bit when we give into the algorithm, allowing it to carry us away for hours on end.

Fighting Back Against the Digital Serpent

How do we resist the lure of these digital serpents? Here are some strategies:

  1. Set a Physical Timer: Limit your social media use by setting a physical timer. Place it out of arm’s reach so you’re forced to physically move when it goes off. This break can help snap you out of the scrolling trance.
  2. App Deletion: Consider deleting social media apps from your phone. They can still be accessed via a computer for necessary check-ins, but removing them from your phone eliminates the temptation for mindless browsing.
  3. Accountability: If self-regulation fails, enlist the help of friends or family. Share your screen time statistics with them and allow them to hold you accountable.

Towards a Healthier Digital Life

Algorithms, especially with the advancement of AI, are becoming more sophisticated. The real challenge, however, lies in mastering our minds. Instead of succumbing to the easy escape of scrolling, we can choose healthier alternatives like engaging in conversation or journaling.

With time and conscious effort, we can break free from the hold of these algorithms. By developing new habits, we can reintegrate social media into our lives in a balanced and healthy manner, ensuring that we use technology as a tool, not as a master.

Making the Most of the Last 10% of the Year: A Journey of Realistic Goal Setting and Achievement

Posted on by Jerad Hill

As we approach the final 10% of the year, it’s a perfect time to reflect on our journey through the past months. We start with a burst of enthusiasm each year, setting lofty goals and resolutions. Yet, often, these ambitions get sidelined by the hustle of our daily lives. It’s easy to underestimate the effort needed to achieve these goals, leading to a cycle of discouragement and, eventually, abandonment of our aspirations.

The opinions of others also influence our journey. Sometimes, well-intentioned but unhelpful comments can make us feel isolated in our pursuit of personal goals. This can be a significant deterrent, but it doesn’t have to define our journey.

Embracing Realistic Outcomes

As we navigate the last stretch of the year, it’s crucial to reassess and rewrite our goals with a realistic lens. For instance, I aimed to run 1,500 miles as a new runner but faced many setbacks, some health-related and some emotionally related. As of writing this, I am shy of 800 miles. If I ran an average of three miles per day, I could easily reach 900 miles. A partially achieved goal is infinitely better than one wholly abandoned.

Breaking Down Goals into Manageable Tasks

Reflect on your original goals and deconstruct them into smaller, more manageable tasks. Prioritize these tasks by ease of completion and their significance in achieving the overall objective. Which of these can you accomplish before the year ends? This approach allows for a more focused and achievable path to your goals.

Accountability and Motivation

Engage someone you trust to keep you accountable. Regular check-ins with this person, who has the authority to call you out on excuses, can be a powerful motivator to stay on track.

>> Get my free Notion Templates

Visual Tracking and Progress

Tracking progress is vital. Utilize apps or systems like a streak tracker or a personal log. I use Notion to log my progress, and I even redesigned my iPhone’s home screen to display my weekly running and cycling miles. Visual feedback is a great motivator and helps in recognizing your efforts.

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Creating Systems, Not Just Goals

The failure to reach goals is often not about the goal itself but the need for a system to achieve it. Prioritize time for your goals, schedule dedicated slots on your calendar, and minimize distractions. This structural approach is critical to turning aspirations into achievements.

Managing Demotivators

Be cautious about who you discuss your goals with. Some people, even unintentionally, can demotivate you. In my experience, focusing conversations with such individuals on their lives rather than my goals limits the opportunity for discouragement. Celebrate your achievements with them once your goals are reached.

As we make the most of this year’s final 10%, let’s also use this time to plan for the following year. Think about setting sustainable and reachable goals, building systems that support these ambitions, and surrounding ourselves with positivity and motivation.

Remember, it’s not just about reaching the finish line; it’s about the journey, the learning, and the growth that happens along the way. Let’s stride into this final phase of the year with determination and emerge stronger, wiser, and ready for the challenges ahead.

Let’s make these last months count and set the stage for a successful, goal-oriented new year!

I Avoided Corporate Life For This

Posted on by Jerad Hill

I’ve seen trends come and go in nearly 25 years of working for myself. But recently, there’s been a seismic shift that’s impossible to ignore. The dreams of heading large teams and building billion-dollar unicorn businesses are being replaced by a desire for something more wholesome and attainable.

The Simplicity Epiphany

More of us realize you don’t need a billion dollars to be happy. In fact, research supports the idea that happiness doesn’t increase significantly with income beyond a certain threshold (around $70,000 to $75,000 annually, according to a study by Princeton University).

Many are choosing to break free from the endless grind for more and are starting to embrace the simple joys of owning a small business. It’s not about the bling (where’s my elder Millennials at?) or the clout but about finding that sweet spot where work-life balance actually exists.

Bye Bye, Boss. Hello, Freedom!

After decades of the traditional 9-5, the allure of being your own boss is irresistible. However, it’s easy to slip into the trap of replacing one boss with another. The trick is to maintain control, to carve out a space where you’re not just working to live but living to work – joyfully and on your terms.

The Magic of Passive Income

Here’s a golden nugget: the make-once-sell-twice philosophy. Instead of trading precious hours for dollars, savvy solopreneurs are creating digital products like online courses or templates, crafting a source of income that’s as sustainable as it is scalable.

I have accomplished this by producing content on my YouTube channels and creating online courses.

Breaking the Glass Ceiling of Belief

We need to smash our ingrained belief systems and shake things up every so often. Past mindsets that we’ve unknowingly clung to can limit our potential.

Reimagining Business with a Pinch of Selfishness

Who said business can’t be personal? Forget the tedious tasks you think you “should” be doing. Today’s solopreneurs are redesigning the business landscape, focusing on what they love, and ditching or delegating the rest.

It’s a revelation that’s changing the game, a shift from the hustle-harder mentality to a narrative that values personal fulfillment and well-being just as much as profit.

The Balanced Life of the New Age Entrepreneur

Gone are the days of hustle culture, or at least I hope. Today’s solopreneurs know the value of rest and recreation. Building a business doesn’t have to mean sacrificing family time or personal well-being.

It’s a sustainable, balanced approach to entrepreneurship – a harmony of deep, focused work and complete, rejuvenating rest.

In Conclusion

Reflecting on my 25-year self-employment journey, I have had seasons of hustle and rest. It’s not about building an empire but about creating a balance where work and life can coexist rather than clash.

I’m not knocking those who hustle daily to build the next unicorn businesses. We need those people. However, the rest of us will run our own race on a course we built.

How I Overcame the Fear Of Being Judged

Posted on by Jerad Hill

As someone who publishes a lot of content on YouTube, where the comments section can often be filled with judgmental responses, I know firsthand the paralyzing fear of being judged. The constant worry about how others perceive me and the fear of negative criticism significantly impacted my life and prevented me from reaching my full potential. However, through my journey of self-discovery, I overcame this fear and cultivated a strong sense of self-confidence. I want to share my experiences and the steps I took to break free from the shackles of judgment and embrace a more authentic and fulfilling life.

I used to believe that people constantly judged everything I did, which caused me to shrink and hold back from pursuing my goals. However, my research discovered a concept called the ‘spotlight effect’ in social psychology. It refers to our tendency to overestimate how much attention others pay to us or how much they think about us.

Studies have shown that people consistently overestimate how much others notice their appearance and performance. One research published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology revealed that individuals felt more confident and comfortable when they realized others were paying less attention to them than they thought. Another study published in the journal Self and Identity demonstrated that individuals who were more self-conscious and worried about being judged experienced this effect more intensely.

Realizing the impact of the spotlight effect on my own life was a turning point for me. It made me understand that most people focus on their lives, not constantly analyzing my every move. It became clear that my fear of judgment was holding me back from reaching my potential and living authentically.

To overcome this obstacle, I decided to take action and actively work on building my self-confidence. Here are the steps I took:

  1. Challenging Negative Self-Talk:
    I recognized that the negative self-talk, such as saying “I can’t do this” or “I’m not good enough,” was holding me back. Whenever those thoughts surfaced, I challenged them by replacing them with positive affirmations and reminding myself of past accomplishments.
  2. Taking Risks:
    I decided to step out of my comfort zone and take risks. I started pursuing things that scared me, even if they seemed uncertain or complex. It was uncomfortable, but with each small step, my confidence grew.
  3. Embracing Failure as a Learning Opportunity:
    Instead of fearing failure, I viewed it as a valuable learning opportunity. I understood that setbacks are a natural part of growth and used them as stepping stones towards success.
  4. Believing in My Worth:
    I began to understand that my voice and opinions are as valuable as anyone else’s. I reminded myself that my perspective and experience have significance.
  5. Practicing Self-Care:
    I realized the importance of being kind to myself. I celebrated my strengths, reflected on my best qualities, made time for activities that brought me joy and showed myself the same level of care and compassion I extend to others.

Overcoming the fear of being judged and recognizing the spotlight effect has been transformative for me. I can live on my own terms by challenging negative self-talk, taking risks, embracing failure, and nurturing self-confidence. With some focus, you, too, can break free from the fear of judgment and embrace your authentic self. Believe in your worth, take up space, and confidently put yourself out there.

The Freedom in Disconnecting: My Journey Away From Social Media

Posted on by Jerad Hill

In the age of digital ubiquity, the pressure to maintain an omnipresent virtual persona is overwhelming. As content creators, the social media platforms we adorn seem to be directly proportional to our reach and influence. A narrative I, too, was enveloped in until the clarity of disconnect revealed a contrasting truth.

The Allure and Illusion of Omnipresence:

Several years into the social media revolutions by platforms like TikTok and the evolving dynamics of Twitter, a subtle estrangement emerged. A feeling exacerbated by the ephemeral buzz surrounding platforms like Clubhouse and Threads. These once all-consuming platforms seemed to lose their luster almost as swiftly as they gained it.

As one who has navigated these virtual terrains, the echo of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) was a familiar resonance. The incessant need to be plugged in, to catch every wave, was an undercurrent that directed my need to be included in the conversation.

The Revelation:

However, a revelation in September changed the course. My absence from social media, rather than a void, became a source of profound liberation. TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook – their exit from my daily routine unleashed an avalanche of time, energy, and depth in connections.

In this newfound space, reading flourished, journaling turned introspective, and content ideation transformed from hurried to thoughtful. A realization dawned – my professional stride was unhampered, if not enriched, by this disconnect.

The Myth of Universal Utility:

The myth that ubiquity on social media platforms equates to genuine connection and professional growth was debunked in my journey. Each tweet crafted, every post curated, became a testament to time and energy that could have been channeled into creating substantial, lasting value.

Twitter and its counterparts, while entertaining, did not align with my strengths and interests or foster business growth. The narrative of necessity, peddled by social media advocates, crumbled under the weight of personal experience.

The Path Forward:

The essence of meaningful engagement and productive creativity, I propose, is rooted in intentional and focused interaction. It’s about dissociating from platforms that are energy drainers and unaligned with individual strengths.

Identify one or two platforms that resonate with your skills, foster genuine interest, and hold the engagement promise. Remove social media success as an initial goal. Being so selective makes the path to meaningful connections and creative freedom more straightforward.

The Liberation:

Letting go of constant notifications and needing to be everywhere online led to a sense of freedom. Without the fear of missing out, there was more room for focus, productivity, and real connections.

In the narrative of social media engagement, less proved to be more. The trade-off between the illusory world of virtual omnipresence and the profound depths of focused, intentional engagement was not just necessary but unequivocally liberating.

Conclusion:

Choosing to be selective and focused in content creation is uncommon but valuable. It involves the bravery to step back from constant online presence, make wise choices, and connect more deeply. This approach helps content creators find their unique voice and make a lasting impact beyond temporary trends on social media.

Unshackling From Unhealthy Habits: A Comprehensive Guide to Rebuilding Your Life

Posted on by Jerad Hill

We are all familiar with the struggle to overcome unhealthy habits deeply ingrained in our lives, an endeavor that often seems insurmountable. These habits, formed as coping mechanisms for various triggers, have different levels of impact on our lives, our health, and our well-being. Today, we embark on a journey to explore effective strategies to unbind ourselves from these patterns and step into a life marked by health, clarity, and self-control.

Understanding the Trigger-Habit Cycle:

Each unhealthy habit is triggered by an array of emotions or situations, often rooted in an underlying pain or discomfort we are trying to avoid. The key to overcoming such habits is not only in resisting the urge but in addressing the root cause – the trigger. Understanding why specific situations or emotions lead us to these habits is the cornerstone of breaking free.

Strategies to Overcome Unhealthy Habits:

1. Focused Breathing:

Initiate a five-minute timer, focus on your breathing, and immerse yourself in the sensation. This act serves as a disruption, creating a buffer between the trigger and the ensuing habitual response.

2. Journaling:

Document your emotions and triggers. Journaling, especially when categorized by emotions, offers insights into patterns and recurring triggers, enabling you to address the root cause effectively.

3. Consume Uplifting Content:

Engage in content that uplifts and inspires. From podcasts to music, allowing positive and enlightening content to permeate your mind can effectively distract you from negative triggers.

4. Reach Out:

A message to a friend or an accountability partner can provide immediate relief and diversion. Conversations shift our focus and can offer temporary respite from the grip of overwhelming emotions.

5. Physical Movement:

Stand, stretch, or take a walk. Physical movements, especially those that take you out of your current environment, can break the mental cycle of negative thinking and offer a fresh perspective.

6. Safe Retreat:

Identify safe spaces where you can retreat during overwhelming moments. These should be spaces that offer comfort without leading you back into the clutches of your unhealthy habits.

Cultivating Self-Awareness:

The journey to overcoming unhealthy habits is deeply rooted in self-awareness. It’s a journey of understanding the pains, discomforts, and triggers that lead to these habits. This awareness, often uncovered through counseling or professional help, illuminates the path to healing, offering clarity and direction in the murky waters of ingrained patterns.

Final Thoughts:

Embarking on this journey requires fortitude, self-compassion, and often, the support of others. It is a personal journey yet not one meant to be walked alone. The strategies outlined are meant to be tailored to individual needs and should be adapted under the guidance of a professional.

Our unhealthy habits are not life sentences. With the right tools, support, and insight, we can break free, building lives marked by health, fulfillment, and unshackled potential. Your journey towards this freedom begins today, and every step forward is a victory worth celebrating.

Remember, you’re not alone in this journey, and help is always available. Equip yourself with these tools and step forward into a life where unhealthy habits no longer hold sway, where every day presents an opportunity for growth, healing, and the unfettered expression of your fullest potential.

Mindset over Goal Setting

Posted on by Jerad Hill

I started running this year. Since my late teens, I have written myself off as a non-runner who isn’t built for it. After years of walking on the treadmill, I decided I needed to try building up some stamina to go from walking to jogging. After a few days, I realized what I was missing; something to chase.

Most runners will tell you running with or behind someone else is more manageable. That other person can provide a pace for you to maintain. Likewise, you can pace for them as well. Running alone on a treadmill does not offer that.

Toward the end of 2022, I used Zwift with my treadmill. I had used Zwift with my road bike, so I was familiar with the app and knew it had running features. I was surprised to find out that my Assault Runner was directly supported by Zwift, so at that moment, I decided to give it a try. Virtually running with others provided that desire to keep pace; I now had others to try and keep up with.

The first week was hard, but it quickly became easier as my cardiac output became more used to the increased effort. Within a few weeks, I was running a mile, something I hadn’t been able to do in ages.

That led to new muscle soreness I hadn’t experienced in a long time. I had to return to walking for a few days as my body recovered from going too hard the day before. The soreness was short-lived, so I continued to push myself further, running a bit more every day, unlocking new personal bests multiple times per week.

I am known to overcommit before allowing rational thinking to set in. I immediately set a goal of running 1,500 miles in 2023 and signed up for a couple of half marathons. By the time April hit, I was already nearing 400 miles.

My wife and I did a Spartan 5k in May. I ended up damaging myself after lifting her over the high wall. I bruised four ribs, and three of them were out of place. That led to a month-long recovery that kept me from running the Whitefish Half Marathon.

Since turning 30, I have maintained a list of Personal Challenges. Unfortunately, my 30s were mentally challenging, so I didn’t achieve as much as I would have liked from that list. On this list are multiple running goals, many of which I had been telling myself I might never achieve.

Today I was able to check off a major running milestone. On June 11th, I ran the Harron Half Marathon. The Harron Half is a challenging trail run with over 2,500 feet of elevation change. Coming off a month of no running, this was a challenge I was unprepared for. My goal had been to spend the month leading up to the event running trails near my house. The Lone Pine State Park trail system is less than a mile from my front door.

The Harron Park Trails are very rocky and uneven, which is unsuitable for someone whose training consists of treadmill and neighborhood runs. I believe I finished dead last, but I did finish. A friend quickly reminded me that I finished ahead of everyone who didn’t show up.

Recounting all that was endured through the half marathon, my cardiac output was not lacking; it was my feet and ankles. That was very promising because I can work to strengthen my body and come back next year with a new goal of finishing much faster.

This has reminded me that setting goals is only part of the process. When I created a massive list of goals when I turned 30, I didn’t have the mindset to complete them. The goals I did complete were relatively easy and would have happened naturally as I continued to do what I was already doing.

Goals need to have context. Otherwise, it’s just an item on a list. In the coming weeks, I will revise my list of personal challenges to include a reason. It’s essential to connect the why to the goal. Why is this important, and why does it need to be done? Why did I want to run a Half Marathon? Because I have been telling myself for decades that I am not a runner, and I want that to change.

If you take anything away from this, know that reaching the goal is just the beginning. Take time to write the story of the “why” behind the goal.

What’s next for my running goals? I have a full marathon that I am going to run this year while on vacation with my wife in Hawaii. I have caught the bug and will likely run more events as my desire to challenge myself grows.

The Value in Challenging Yourself

Posted on by Jerad Hill

Over the past few months, I have been challenging myself in different ways. I believe that we grow the most when we feel challenged. When we have a lack of challenge in our lives, we find ourselves deep in a comfort zone. It takes a constant level of difficulty to keep us sharp and feeling motivated.

There are many different methods for challenging ourselves. I try to challenge myself in ways that stretch me both personally and professionally. Some of life’s challenges will come naturally, such as when you get married or have a child. Other challenges we must force ourselves to take on such as losing weight or working to get a promotion.

I like this concept of challenging myself because it keeps me moving towards something. It is easy to get comfortable in situations you would rather be growing in. It’s easy to let things go when it comes to parenting your kids. It’s easy to eat that extra thing instead of throwing it away. The easy road is the most comfortable until it’s not anymore.

In this post, I am going to identify four different areas in which we can challenge ourselves. There are a lot more, but for me, these were where I started.

Common Types of Personal Challenges

  • Physical
  • Mental
  • Relational
  • Occupational

These four personal challenge categories are all very difficult topics for me. I have struggled big time in each of these categories. Perhaps I will go deeper into that in a later blog post or podcast episode.

Physical Challenges

I used to be very physically fit. It was easy in my late teens and early twenties. I worked out a lot, was pretty active, and ate whatever I wanted. Pretty simple… Until it wasn’t that simple anymore. Responsibilities took most of my time and soon I was not going to the gym. My diet changed as well. I was not unhealthy, but I was overweight. I was giving my body more than it needed and it was storing that for me. I had to challenge myself to eat better and be more active.

Mental Challenges

Life would happen and I would just deal with it. That used to work for me. Handle it or forget about it. Those were the silos I put everything in until they were overflowing and everything came spilling out. I realized that if you don’t take care of your past you are carrying it with you. It was too heavy and I needed to get a handle on it.

Relational

I have never been good at maintaining relationships. I don’t have many friends and even fewer close friends. I was always too busy and didn’t want to spend time with people who had nothing better to talk about than sports facts. That made it hard for me to fit in with groups and I eventually developed some social anxiety. I have been challenging myself to make and maintain more friendships in hopes that some of them become deeper friendships.

Occupational

The problem with working for yourself is that there are often only two motivators: Money and Clients. You need money so you get clients. Clients want the work done or you don’t get money. If the clients are happy and my bills are paid on time, it is easy to feel safe. Feeling safe for too long leads to a lack of growth both in my business but also in myself professionally. I have had to find new ways to challenge myself to grow while at the same time not killing off what is still working.

Why Do We Need Challenges?

We need challenges to help us grow and get outside of our comfort zone. Without them, we stay comfortable until we get taken out by someone who’s challenge was to get ahead. It happens at work and in our personal lives. If I am not getting outside of my comfort zone then I’m not growing. I am finding ways to avoid frustration and avoid the change that I want in my life. That means I am saying no to opportunities that could be really interesting but might take some extra work and I am saying yes to relaxing and taking the easy route.

If we are ever going to progress, we need to expand beyond our current understanding. You might be a professional in your industry but there is always someone with more experience. My kids often feel like they know everything about a subject until I ask them to go up against someone with more experience than them. Whether it be a video game or their jiu-jitsu class, they need to seek out challenges to help them grow.

It is very important to put yourself up against others, even if they don’t know you are doing it. Sometimes my kids have a great jiu-jitsu session, other times, they get owned by some other kid. That is how life works. Sometimes we win and sometimes we get owned. You can have all of the techniques and lose in endurance. It happens. My kids have been in jiu-jitsu for over a year now and some days feel like they just started last week.

Challenges give us opportunities to learn more about ourselves. You don’t learn much about yourself from the couch. If you sit in your office all day and never bring that new idea to the table, you never learn whether or not your idea would fly. Sometimes we learn that showing up is what it takes and as long as we keep showing up, we keep winning. That is the case for me with my challenge to get back in shape. I just keep showing up. I’m not looking for perfection each time I go to the gym, I just get up and go.

Fear is also overcome when we challenge ourselves. You beat fear regardless of when you take on a new challenge. Fear is what stops you from even starting. Fear is what keeps you in bed at 4AM instead of getting up to go to the gym. Fear is what keeps me from blogging, recording a podcast, sending an email to thousands of people, or talking to my kids about something tough. The more you avoid fear, the easier it gets to stay somewhere safe.

My Challenges

I have been challenging myself to get to the gym first thing in the morning at least four days of the week. My goal is that I never skip more than two days in a row. For the most part, I have been able to stick to that. I have to get up early to get to the gym because that is the only time I can make it. Once the day starts, it’s too late. The demands of my family and work are priorities of mine so I can’t take off for an hour or two in the middle of them. I would prefer to sleep in, but I go to bed early so I can get up really early to work out. I feel great for the rest of the day when I keep that challenge to myself.

Another recent challenge has been to start sending a weekly newsletter to those who have given me their email address over the years through one of my websites. I had a list of over 22,000 emails and I was doing nothing with them. That’s 22,000 people who wanted to hear from me but didn’t. I have also wanted to get back into podcasting. I love podcasting and have been doing it off and on for about 20 years now. I would start and stop, because of fear. I know that I need to challenge myself to send something weekly by email and publish at least one podcast. This challenge is in line with the goals that I have for myself that fit into all four of the categories mentioned above.

My Challenge For You

What fear is blocking you from taking on a new challenge? It could be the opinion of someone else, or just a voice inside you telling you you’re not good enough. If you would be so brave as to share that with me in the comments section below, I would appreciate that. If not, please subscribe to my newsletter and reply to Issue #2 when it comes out. I will be making a similar ask at the end of this week’s email newsletter.

What can you do today to start challenging yourself? For my fitness challenge, sometimes it is just getting out of bed when the alarm goes off. If I get out of bed and head out the door, I will arrive at the gym and workouts will happen. The first step is getting out of bed. If that doesn’t happen, the rest of the plan is over before it even started. What is your first step?

Final Thoughts

Your challenge doesn’t have to be big. I know that on social media everybody looks like they are making these giant leaps ahead, but that is the problem with social media, it’s a highlight reel. We see the before and after pictures posted at the same time and we don’t get the story that includes all of the challenges they had to overcome to get there. Your challenge can be small. Small challenges add up to big change.

It also doesn’t have to be public. Often the first thing we do when we decide to do something is post about it. That does two things. It puts the pressure of other’s expectations on us and it gives people an opportunity to give us excuses as to why we can’t or shouldn’t challenge ourselves. I prefer to challenge myself in private as often as possible because sometimes I don’t know if what I want will benefit me or not in the way I hope it will. If I make it public, I then have to back down in public.

With other challenges, I have to give myself time to work them into my life. Lately, I have been giving myself 30-day challenges so I can measure the results and see if this is really what I want. If it is, I keep at it and hopefully, it will soon become an aspect of my life.

Sometimes we think that involving others whether it be friends, loved ones, or social media followers will help keep us accountable. I have found that people are actually more likely to give you excuses than to help you achieve your goals. When I would decide to stop working towards something I really wanted people would say, “well, you have four kids, you are busy enough,” or something like that. They are not trying to keep me from being the best version of me, they are just trying to help me feel better. But I don’t want to feel better, I want to feel challenged, so I keep it to myself at the beginning.

Whether you want to grow physically, mentally, relationally, occupationally, or all of the above, I hope that you decide to start challenging yourself today.

Thanks for reading! I ask that you would please subscribe to my Weekly Email Newsletter and if you like listening to audio, Subscribe to my Podcast.