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?
