In the last 10 months, I have been on a journey of restoration and personal development. It has been one fulfilling experience, yet it has had its challenges, which I have overcome and some I continue to deal with every day. While I am not yet at my destination, I am struggling with some persistent issues that I could attribute to the culture of bad habits. You know the occasional glass of wine that ends up being a couple of glasses or a bottle, the one night out that results in an almost weekend ritual, the procrastination to take classes that has you lagging behind your goals, and the demotivation to apply for work because of all the rejections you are experiencing. I have been there and while some of these examples might apply to me, some also apply to you. This is why I invite you to follow me on this Thrive Thirty Challenge.
The idea behind Thrive Thirty is to help me restore the good habits that have seen me lose 20kgs, make better and healthier choices, spend rationally, be in a good mental space, and generally feel good about myself. And just like any other journey, mine has had a slight hurdle that requires a few check-ups as we continue. Thrive Thirty is designed to help me or you, become better in 30 days, it is more of a kick-start to return to your healthy habits. In these thirty days, we go back to basics. We focus on the fundamentals, those values, habits, and structures that have made us better and restored us from bad habits, occasional bad habits.
This will be a judgement free zone, I do not want to know what you are struggling with, but I need you to write it down, do not worry if it is more than one, mine filled half the page. Secondly, take a calendar and mark 30 days, I start tomorrow, Tuesday, 30th July 2024. Thirdly, I want you to look at these issues every day and journal. Here is a guide on what to journal:
I feel…
I am…
I am becoming…
I am doing this because…
I am getting back to…
I am grateful for…
I am no longer…
I am doing this for…
Make it personal, write down these and any other feelings you have, good or bad. On the days you struggle, look back at the progress you have made and remember, that you are not alone. I am hoping that my entries will encourage you to keep going and to keep your head up especially on those days you just feel meh! Also, pick a day when you think you struggle the most, mine is Friday. I get into the mood of “I need to reward myself” and I end up messing up the work I have done all week. On such days, plan. Get an activity that will keep your mind occupied, avoid people or situations that will derail you, and when it feels overwhelming a nap. Sometimes you are better off asleep than indulging in something that will take you steps back.
As we start this journey together, I want to remind you that even after the Thrive Thirty, you will have to make choices, and the goal here is to ensure you make healthy and balanced choices. There are some habits you must and have to kick out because of your health and overall wellbeing, find a way to stay focused even after the thirty days. I will be here whenever you need support. We are in this together.
See you tomorrow,
TMV.