April Challenge

[jwz]

I've searched the forum for a reason that the monthly challenges have stopped, but couldn't find any. So I'm making a April Challenge thread.

If the challenge threads stopped for a reason, mods please delete this thread.

My goals for April 2008:

1. Staying smokefree.
2. Start running again. Start during this month and run at least 2 times per week.
3. Get below 92kgs again.
4. Implementing GTD a bit more than I already have. Check my list at least every other day.

That should give me something to work on during this month.
I just quit smoking and a couple "sidequests" should divert my mind from the cigarettes a bit.

[Jonathan Mead]

JWZ, congrats on being a non-smoker! I think this thread is a great idea. I don't see any reason why there shouldn't be threads like this every month.

Here are a few of my goals for this month:

1. Work on writing for my blog at least 5 days a week, for 3 hours a day.
2. Keep my intentions and goals (the end in mind) for at least 20 minutes daily.
3. Get at least 200 subscribers to my blog by May 1st.
4. Hit the front page of Digg with one of my articles.

Good luck to us! =)

[jonarmis]

Originally Posted by jwz

I've searched the forum for a reason that the monthly challenges have stopped, but couldn't find any. So I'm making a April Challenge thread.

If the challenge threads stopped for a reason, mods please delete this thread.

My goals for April 2008:

1. Staying smokefree.
2. Start running again. Start during this month and run at least 2 times per week.
3. Get below 92kgs again.
4. Implementing GTD a bit more than I already have. Check my list at least every other day.

That should give me something to work on during this month.
I just quit smoking and a couple "sidequests" should divert my mind from the cigarettes a bit.

Kudos jwz! I commend you for having these goals. We must all set goals in our lives unless we want to settle for our life now and be happy with what's mediocre and mundane. Treat each day as if the last, do everything within your power to make a difference. Start within yourself and who knows, you can devise even bigger plans later to help your fellow and even the whole world; a little effort that can spell a difference is always as BIG and can truly go a LONG way.

[jwz]

1. Staying smokefree. haven't smoked yet
2. Start running again. Start during this month and run at least 2 times per week. haven't started
3. Get below 92kgs again. eating less than before
4. Implementing GTD a bit more than I already have. Check my list at least every other day. will start today

[Ree]

Originally Posted by jwz

I've searched the forum for a reason that the monthly challenges have stopped, but couldn't find any. So I'm making a April Challenge thread.

If the challenge threads stopped for a reason, mods please delete this thread.

My goals for April 2008:

1. Staying smokefree.
2. Start running again. Start during this month and run at least 2 times per week.
3. Get below 92kgs again.
4. Implementing GTD a bit more than I already have. Check my list at least every other day.

That should give me something to work on during this month.
I just quit smoking and a couple "sidequests" should divert my mind from the cigarettes a bit.

You're so right about your mind being diverted from smoking. I began a fitness program (which I still do to this day) at the same time that I quit smoking. I would actually go right out my door and run when I was sorely tempted to smoke. Several friends have told me I was the only person they knew who LOST weight after giving up smoking

My challenge this month is to finish reading Suze Orman's book Woman and Money and put several ideas from that book into action.

[GoingPrimal]

Mad props for quitting smoking. Keep it up, I can't think of many things more dumb than smoking.

My goal is to start giving value to people more often. This isn't necessarily a goal for only April but I hope it becomes a habit by the time I'm done with this month.

Keep it up everyone.

[sheffy4]

Originally Posted by Ree

My challenge this month is to finish reading Suze Orman's book Woman and Money and put several ideas from that book into action.

Sorry this is off topic, but what is your opinion of that book? I was tempted to read it, but Suze's personality is kind of off-putting sometimes, so I didn't read it.

[Ree]

She is off-putting at times, isn't she? I've done some research though and have found that she knows what she's talking about and she's definitely savvy about what's going on with the economy today.

As for Women and Money, it's been very helpful. As she points out, women have a different relationship with money than do men and that makes a difference in the kind of advice we can derive the most benefit from.

I've been reading the book with a group of women friends and it sparked an interesting discussion about how women tend to under-value ourselves and our services. It was a real eye-opener to a lot of us, me included, and it really gave me the determination to set my rates where they should be and offer no discounts to friends, etc. I also have been encouraging the women with whom I do business to not under-value themselves and thereby undercharge me. My hairdresser, for example, was embarrassed as she totaled up my bill because it was so much. I told her to read Suze's book

I also gave Suze's book Young, Fabulous and Broke to my two twenty-something children. I read it first myself and I found it has a lot of practical information in it. It covers everything from a checking account to saving for the down payment on a first home to investing in the stock market.

Sorry about the off-topic post, but I wanted to answer.... and promise not to take this further

[evrgrn3]

1. Keep up the Hot Yoga
2. Work with one additional Couple or Family as a Vision Coach.
3. Make my wife and children smile daily.

[Marshall]

Sorry, this is a bit late. I started the following goals at the beginning of April though.

1) Write a 100-page script (Script Frenzy)
2) Get rid of something every day (I'm a recovering packrat)
3) Read poetry every day

So far, I'm failing miserably at all of them. Maybe posting this will help motivate me to stay on target.

[supertom]

1) become a top student aka study better
2) Industry

[jwz]

Hey.. I wanted to update my progress, but couldn't edit my previous posts.

Does anyone know why I can't do this now?

Last time I participated in a monthly challenge I did this often..

[srikant]

First fifteen days trial---


First goal- not to smoke for the next fifteen days Reward- 1 RS account at the end

Second goal- To get straight a's in the three lab exams Reward- Creative zen mp3 player

Third goal- to get 20/20 in the third sessionals.Absolute power packed Reward-same as above

Fourth goal-to drink milk and bananas everyday.Reward- 1 RS account at the end

Fifth goal-Abstain from unhealthy food Reward-1 RS account at the end

[saradeau]

Originally Posted by sheffy4

Sorry this is off topic, but what is your opinion of that book? I was tempted to read it, but Suze's personality is kind of off-putting sometimes, so I didn't read it.

I've read Suzy and Dave Ramsey. Both have good advice. But I like Dave Ramsey much better. He's funny and has a great financial program that is easy and fun to read, understand and get into.

[srikant]

Adding to the list of goals

6- Not viewing net except for stevepavlina.com.Youtube update once a week.
All programs banned Reward- 1 Rs account at the end

[LifeFirst]

So far, this month


I have gotten up early every single day at 7AM except once, I head immediately to the gym. I run a mile or two, and then hit the weights.




Now, if only the rest of my life could this good....but it's not.




I wanted to hand in my assignments on time, so far I've failed almost every time.


I wanted to be more focused, I am but it's just a little improvement, I'm still stressed out and can't concentrate for long periods of time.


I'm still having extremely violent thoughts all the time (thoughts of hurting people and stuff)....it's mostly because of my situation, I really want to tone this down.


I want to change my reality, I have to change my reality.

[hkalchemy]

Success is very simple. But it is not very easy for most people. In fact, success boils down to two simple steps.

1. Set goals – have an intention to do, have or be something
2. Keep acting in a way which is consistent with your goals

Just doing these two things will almost certainly make you a success. The trouble is that most people don’t do either of them. Most people drift along aimlessly, not really knowing where they are going and having no clear vision of the future. If you ask most people why the get out of bed in the morning, why they work, what is the purpose of their life, they won’t be able to tell you. The few people who actually set goals are way ahead of the crowd. And those who take the second step, and keep acting to support their goals make up the tiny minority of people who are successful in life.

[kpugh]

My current goal (although it runs into May now) is to finish the task of completing 3 marathons in 7 weeks. I did Shamrock (VA) on March 16th, Salt Lake City (UT) on April 19th, and will do Fargo (ND) on May 17th. It will be my 7th state completed on my quest for finishing a marathon in every state before I turn 50. I'm 36 now, and did my first marathon when I was 30 and decided to start running. Obviously, I got kinda hooked!

In the process, I'm learning some amazing things about the importance of listening to my body, customizing my training and recovery, and the value of keeping a detailed training journal. I'm also meeting some great people around the country...like Ron Knecht.

I met Ron during the Shamrock Marathon last month. We ran together for about 13 miles and I learned that he decided to take up running at age 60, having never run a step before in his life. He took it slow and gradual, and eventually entered (and finished) his first marathon that year. He is now 63, and this was is 76th marathon!! he did 28 marathons in 2007, all in different states. He is retired and this is his new hobby...driving around in his RV and taking in the scenery in the supportive and fun atmosphere of the marathon. How inspiring, eh?

[jwz]

Tomorrow is the 1st of May
Let's see how I did this month.

1. Staying smokefree.
I've started again, but I REALLY want to quit
Failed

2. Start running again. Start during this month and run at least 2 times per week.
I don't run much, BUT I've begun lifting weights and excersice otherwise
Accomplished

3. Get below 92kgs again.
I'm on my way there. I've lost 3kgs or so.
For this one I'd say Partially accomplished

4. Implementing GTD a bit more than I already have. Check my list at least every other day.
I use 2 computer applications and a notebook for my GTD system although the notebook seems to be enough.
Accomplished

I'd say that I accomplished 60-70% of my goals, which is MUCH better than if I hadn't participated in this challenge.

May, here I come.