“Don’t count the days, make the days count”

It’s easy to get caught up in the end goal. Sometimes when you’re at the starting line, the finish seems like a tiny spec in the distance. It’s very easy to get off track or discouraged when a goal seems so out of reach. Here are some tips for staying on track with your challenge.

It’s a marathon, not a sprint

Of course when we want things to change, we want them to change now. Unfortunately the reality is that on average it takes anywhere from 4-8 weeks to notice significant changes and to make lasting ones. This is why the Challenge is centered around 90 days. Give yourself time and understand that anything worth doing is worth doing right. Stay consistent with daily action and the results will follow. Be patient.

Don’t sweat the small stuff

Everyone has an off day or a slip up. This is not a reason to quit or convince yourself that The Challenge isn’t working. The Challenge isn’t about perfection… it’s about progress. Don’t beat yourself up over setbacks, instead change your mindset and learn from them! A healthy lifestyle isn’t a destination; it’s a journey, and one that is sure to have a few hiccups along the way. Stay positive, reflect on how you can improve, and grow from it.

A healthy lifestyle isn’t actually about appearance, although that is definitely a goal for most. A vibrant and youthful body is just a reflection of what is going on inside. Realize that many amazing changes are happening first inside; healthy changes that you cannot see but can definitely feel if you are willing to recognize them. So pay attention and celebrate the wins you feel! Are you sleeping better? Do you have more energy? Less cravings? Better mood? Lower stress levels? Decrease in recovery time? These are all signals that positive changes are happening with your challenge and they should all be celebrated! If you’re sleeping better and have more bounce in your step, don’t get down on yourself because the scale hasn’t moved yet! Remember, your outside world is a reflection of your inner one. The results will come, just stay on course.

Focus on today

Forget about the past, you’re not there anymore…and the future hasn’t happened yet so take your focus off of there too. The only place you ever really are is right here, right now.  So focus on today! It’s a lot easier to climb a staircase if you just focus on one step at a time. This applies to your challenge as well. Instead of counting how many days have passed, or how many you have left, make today count. Do your absolute best today. If you wake up every morning and tell yourself that just for today you’ll do your very best imagine how far you could get. Like I said, this challenge is a journey and not a destination, so the best thing that you can do for yourself is to enjoy the ride.