Matt Cutts’ 30-day challenge is a brilliant, simple idea. Just think of something that you want to add to your life (or remove), and try it for 30 days!
There’s something just right about 30 days: long enough to have an impact, short enough to be attainable.
The benefits of trying a 30-day challenge
In this short and inspiring talk, Matt shares three benefits that he experienced:
Your time will become much more memorable: the next month is going to pass, whether you take up a new challenge or not. If you do take up a challenge, your month will be more memorable, because it’s more meaningful.
Your self confidence grows: the more you do new things, the more confident you become!
You’ll become more adventurous: with confidence come adventure, (bigger challenges each month!).
Take a look, get inspired (it’s only three and a half minutes long!).
30-day challenge examples (I have completed)
Here are the 30-day challenges that I have completed so far:
- Stretching (just to stretch the backs of my legs a little)
- Gratitude exercises
- Playing with my son
Did they fundamentally change my world? Not really. Did they help make my life a little more interesting and fun? Absolutely!
Matt Cutts’ 30-day challenge ideas
Now you’ve watched the video, and seen my examples, what’s your first 30-day challenge? Here are some suggestions to get your thinking started:
- Say “I love you” to someone (it doesn’t have to be the same person!), every day for 30 days
- Take a short, brisk walk, every day for 30 days
- Explore a new website every day, for 30 days
- Tell a new joke, every day for 30 days
- Drink a big glass of water as soon as you wake up, every day for 30 days
- Stop using your credit card, for 30 days
- At the end of the day, put your spare change into a bottle, every day for 30 days
- Write 1 page of a journal, every day for 30 days
- Eat an apple (or select your preferred fruit) every day for 30 days
- Write 1 page of a novel, every day for 30 days
Or take a look at this ultimate list of challenges!
Go ahead, try a 30-day challenge of your own. It’s a great way to explore your interests and commit to development experiences.
And why not share the idea with your team. If you each take on your own 30-day challenges you can encourage each other to succeed, share your experiences with each other, and explore the benefits too.
For more inspiration, take a look at ‘When was the last time you did something for the first time?‘
Start small and grow with the challenges!
More lighthearted and insightful videos
If you enjoy lighthearted and insightful videos, take a look at these:
- Learning to unlearn: the backwards brain bicycle
- ‘Great ideas’ from two Aussie lads
- The ‘monkey, cucumber, grape’ test
- Selective attention test examples
- The conference call in real life
All entertaining, all insightful!
