What Are Your 2022 Challenges?

As you know I love to set myself a challenge, it can be to read a number of books in a certain time, walk five miles a day, do yoga daily, the list goes on.

The more I have been thinking about it, what makes sense to me is this: at the start of the year we are all fired up to try something new, get fit, do this and that. But it doesn’t last for many as they lose the motivation. So why not take January to really think about what it is you want to do. If like me a series of mini challenges is more to your liking then you could set a challenge per month. That way it changes regularly and you don’t get bored.

I’m making my monthly challenges all about things I already love to do. Unless there is something new I want to try, then it makes sense to focus on the things I enjoy. Each month will be different, for example I know one month I really want to focus on learning Spanish, which I have been doing for years on an app, but I spend most of my time revisiting the lessons I have already done to reaffirm my learning. I want to make progress and I know to do that I have to spend time on it and will challenge myself to complete a unit or X amount of new lessons in the month.

Another challenge I am going to do is a walking one. I will for a month, do so many miles or hours or steps in a day. But on top of this, I also want to challenge myself to walk more this year than I did last year. So once I’ve figured out my approximate number of miles I did in 2021 I will work out a suitable amount for 2022. This will be a challenge for the year. However, I know me and know as it isn’t set in my mind as yet, if I don’t go ahead with it then I’m alright with it.

Here is a suggestion on how to get started:

1. Make a list of all the things you love to do and perhaps don’t get as much time to do them as you would like.
2. Add anything new to this list you would like to try.
3. Decide on the length of time for each activity and challenge, it could be a mix and match of weekly and monthly.
4. If you have too many activities on your list, then carry them over to next year, or keep them as back up in case you change your mind on one.
5. You might decide to plot out your year so you have a definite plan of what challenges you are doing weekly or monthly. However, you can take it as it comes and do the challenge that feels right for you at the time.
6. Do the challenge.
7. Reflect on it, no need to write an essay but what did you enjoy about the length of time, was it just right or too long or short? Would you do it again? Are you going to carry it over to next month or do it alternative months, or even is that going to be your challenge every February from now on.
8. You can amend as you go or stick to a plan. There is no right or wrong way after all it is about you and for you so do what works best for you!

I’m not an expert on this and my journey this year is to do more of the things I love in a fun way through monthly challenges. I know I get bored if I set myself a goal that doesn’t spark my interest and over the last few years I have been moving away from yearly goals. I want to do things that inspire me, excite me and push me. I wanted to try something different this year and have decided from February to November I will set myself a challenge. But I am not rigid in this. If I decide after 4 months, it isn’t working or I want to repeat one I have already achieved, I will. There are no rules.

Have a think about what you love to do. Instead of focusing all your time on it for the year, would a monthly or weekly challenge work better for you?

Whatever you want to achieve and whenever you want to achieve it by, find what works best for you and do it. Have a great year of challenges, whatever you decide to do and feel free to share how you are getting on.

Have a lovely week. Take care and look after you!

Love Emma xx