One of my favourite Robin Williams movies is the Dead Poet’s Society (if you haven’t seen it I suggest you go hire it). In the movie, Williams plays a teacher who inspires his students to make their lives count. This next quote in particular is one that has stuck with me. It is from a scene where Williams and the students are looking at photographs of alumni:
They’re not that different from you, are they? Same haircuts. Full of hormones, just like you. Invincible, just like you feel. The world is their oyster. They believe they’re destined for great things, just like many of you, their eyes are full of hope, just like you. Did they wait until it was too late to make from their lives even one iota of what they were capable? Because, you see gentlemen, these boys are now fertilizing daffodils. But if you listen real close, you can hear them whisper their legacy to you. Go on, lean in. Listen, you hear it? – - Carpe – - hear it? – - Carpe, carpe diem, seize the day boys, make your lives extraordinary.
I feel that 2012 is my year, and I want to make every moment count. I’m focused on making my goals a reality, but also living a happy and well balanced life. One of my goals was to start a blog, and it has opened up a whole new world to me.
While browsing the blogosphere yesterday I came across Conor Cullen’s post on TED.com Ever heard of TED.com??? Well neither had I. It’s basically a website dedicated to sharing ideas through short videos. I decided to check out Matt Cutts: Try something new for 30 days, just to see what it was all about.
The man behind the challenge: Matt Cutts
I left feeling inspired and ready to take on the challenge. What I liked about his approach was:
- It was all about making small changes
- It’s only 30 days, what have you got to lose!
- It can help create a new habit
- You might discover something new about yourself!
Being a goal oriented person, I decided to dedicate the next 30 days to something not only new, but that would also take me closer to achieving my goals. Two birds, one stone. So here is my 30 day challenge:
- Eat a better breakfast for 30 days – no soy, higher in protein and healthy fats.
- Follow Jamie Eason’s LiveFit Trainer – I’ve always loved exercise but never really committed to a training program. I’m excited to see if I can add some muscle to my frame and improve my strength. This is an 84 day program…so obviously this one will be on next month’s challenge as well!!!
- Grow my circle of friends – Find someone new to connect with everyday. This can be in person or online. Take an interest in getting to know them and build up some new relationships.
- Do something crazy or wickedly fun!!! – this won’t be everyday, but I’m hoping that I can do it at least 2 times this month. Try out a dance class maybe???
In the video Matt says ‘The next 30 days are going to pass whether you like it or not, so why not make them memorable.’ And that’s exactly why I’m doing this. I want my time to be memorable, meaningful, and bring me closer to my bigger goals.
So whose up for the challenge?
Awesome post! I had heard of TED talks, but really was not sure what they were.
I am with you on thinking 2012 is going to be a big year for me.
Our goals for 2012 are similar. I look forward to taking up the challenge.
Great to hear we have similar goals! always nice to know there’s support around when you need it
Great post and great things to try for 30 days! I may have to adapt versions of them for myself
I wWill check back in to see how you’re doing.
Thanks for stopping by conor! let me know what you try for 30 days
Its true. I was a trainer in my professional world for various employers. The saying was it takes 30 days to make a new behavior a habit. Good Luck! I think the ‘Fit Trainer’ is a great idea too. We all could use more muscle. I think nothing can illustrate how healthy you are as a firm and fit looking physique.
The LiveFit trainer has my metabolism going in overdrive atm….It’s day 4 today and then i get a 3 day rest period. I love it because I don’t have to think about what exercise I’ll do…just jump on the site and print it out! How’s your fitness journey so far?
My fitness journey has been great, if you are talking about over the years. I have cherished my gym time (the worst days at work are my best days in the gym) and I have worked hard on my running, where, in my 40′s continued to get faster every year (19:00 5K time, 95 min. 1/2 marathon) But this year it is tough. Thats’ why I was looking for someone to push ( i started to type ‘punch’) me and support too. I have always trained hard for 9 months and take the summer off and then start it all over again.
A great metabolism is one of the great perks you get from being healthy and fit. Plus you get to eat more! I am looking forward to seeing your results from the LiveFit! I think you will be amazed at how well you can reshape your body with muscle. To me its fun!