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30 Day Challenge

This post was most recently updated on March 26th, 2014

 

30 DAY CHALLENGE“If you want to do something bad enough you can do ANYTHING in 30 days” – Matt Cutts

 

I am a strong believer in 30 day challenges.  It can be anything from riding a bike instead of driving a car; to changing your mindset by reprogramming your subconscious.

 

My first 30 challenge was to involve videos in my blogging.  By accepting the challenge, I agreed to do one video a day for 30 consecutive days.  Oh my gosh, I did not want to get in front of that camera for anything.  But I decided I needed to be upload some videos to YouTube in order to better relate to my readers.  

 

How can I, a middle aged woman who is neither a flashy movie star nor skinny fashion model, get in front of the camera and look presentable?  Oh, what a hang up that was for me (and I know I’m not alone, lol).  The first time I did a video I spent more time doing my make-up and deciding which color blouse to wear that my message was totally blurred out in my mind.  In fact, I was totally freaked out.

 

The second day of “the challenge“, I decided that bright lights were not my friend, so I had the room dimly lit.  Yuck!  Watching at that one you got the distinct feeling I was hiding.  

 

Each day that I did a video, I found that half way through, I started to find some “tricks”.  Just little things, like wearing a hat and transition glasses outdoors.  Oh yea, that works!  I learned that little tricks did indeed make a big difference.

 

By the third week, I was so over putting on globs of make-up and focusing on how I looked.  I was actually able to think about what I was saying.  Hey, get real now, I was doing this for business right?  Not too helpful if I sounded like I didn’t know what I was saying.

 

So my mind started turning more on the content I was delivering, than how I looked doing it. And guess what I noticed?  My videos were becoming informative and interesting.

 

But that was only one of the 30 day challenges I have done in my life.  

 

I’ve done so many since then, especially to challenge my mindset and program myself to achieve things I wanted to.  From affirmations written on my bathroom mirror (Yes, where else do you go the first thing in the morning?) to demolishing obstacles purely through intention and properly scripted attention. Reciting affirmations repeatedly for 30 days, visualizing things working out the way I directed them to, visualizing what I intended to have happen and then sit back and watch it play out.  

 

These are just some of the 30 day challenges that have been so effective for me.  In fact, they’ve kind of become a habit for me: a standard method of operation in my business.

 

Whether I encounter a stumbling block in my personal development, or am traveling through some rough or unknown terrain in my business, I immediately put myself through a “challenge” that is carefully designed to achieve success.  

 

Now, I’ve just been talking about me here, so I decided to share with you another person who travels this path.  In 3 minutes, he will rock your world.   Check out what Matt Cutts’ TED presentation, “Try Something New For 30 Days.”

 

 

I love Matt Cutts, and I so appreciate him sharing his 30 day experience.  

 

So tell me, did you ever try a 30 day challenge?  Did it work?  Or, if you never did, are you willing to do so?  I would love to hear your experiences and thoughts on the “30 Day Challenge”.

Blessings,
Donna

Donna Merrill
Donna is a well known blogger and creator of "Blogging Magic" - an intensive guide to blogging. "Blogging Magic" is for beginners who are trying to figure out how to bring their blogs to life with tons of visits, comments and social media interaction. It's even for advanced bloggers looking to reach new levels of authority and engagement with their audience.

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59 Responses to 30 Day Challenge

  1. Barbara Charles
    Twitter:
    April 28, 2013 at 11:03 pm #

    I love challenges Donna, but have never been able to get into a 30 day blog challenge which would be a big push for me. They say it takes 30 days to change a habit so to me that directly relates to how successful 30 day challenges are. You can develop a good habit, break an old one or create tremendous volume for yourself in whatever your challenge goal is. Thanks for reminding me. Maybe I’ll give it a shot again. Thanks for the reminder.
    Barbara
    Barbara Charles recently posted..What is Triberr and Questions? What Do You Do First?My Profile

    • Donna.Merrill April 28, 2013 at 11:11 pm #

      Hi Barbara,

      If 30 days seem too long, I would suggest a shorter one! One step at a time is my motto.
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Go-GivingMy Profile

  2. Sue Price
    Twitter:
    April 28, 2013 at 2:43 am #

    Hi Donna

    A great post and message. I have never done the video challenge but I am really thinking I should. I need to get back to doing them.

    I have done a few 30 day challenges around fitness and things like personal development reading. I also blogged for 30 days straight when I started – well I actually went over the 30 days and got to about 45.

    I love Matt Cutts message and the idea of writing a novel is a great one.

    Thanks for this great post.

    Sue
    Sue Price recently posted..What Are The 3 Signs Of Success And 3 Signs Of Failure?My Profile

    • Donna.Merrill April 28, 2013 at 10:00 pm #

      Hi Sue!

      Oh I wish you would do a video series! You have so much knowledge about personal development that people would LOVE IT!!!

      I think that would be a great idea, plus you can insert a video in each blog post to get higher Google rankings…

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Go-GivingMy Profile

  3. Dee Ann Rice
    Twitter:
    April 26, 2013 at 1:38 pm #

    Donna,

    I love the idea of a 30 day challenge. You have me thinking that I need to do a 30 day challenge. I am really wrestling with the idea right now but am talking myself into do one.

    I have been saying that I am going to ride a bike to work so now I am thinking that maybe I should just commit to doing it for 30 days.

    I also need to do a 30 challenge with my blog though and am thinking of just what I can do there. I am sure there are millions of things I could do. Just have to come up with the right one.

    I loved the Matt Cutts video. That was good.

    Great post.

    Dee Ann
    Dee Ann Rice recently posted..Attraction Marketing and Social MediaMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill April 28, 2013 at 9:58 pm #

      Hi Dee Ann.

      Glad this post inspired you. I would take one challenge at a time so you can focus all your attention to it.

      The last 30 day challenge I did was to focus and use my time wisely. I did a hypnosis challenge every day and it has worked like a charm.

      Now I can get up and going with less stress, and all focus.

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Go-GivingMy Profile

  4. Sonia April 24, 2013 at 11:58 pm #

    Never done a 30 day challenge before, at least not in that sense, but I think I have in other ways. Dedicating yourself to something for 30 days is admirable and inspirational because sometimes it might be difficult to stick to something if you go it alone. When I joined a weight program a year ago, I had a support group to help me along the way and I was able to do it successfully. Once I was left fending for myself, I still found myself holding my own. I applaud you Donna for challenging yourself girl!
    Sonia recently posted..Blogger Spotlight, Adam Toporek, CustomersThatStick.comMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill April 28, 2013 at 9:55 pm #

      Hi Sonia,

      Oh I’m always doing a challenge of some sort! I just love to challenge myself to change for the better.

      When you do something for 30 days, your subconscious “accepts” it. Then it can become a habit.

      I like to do challenges, affirmations or visualizations for 30 days.

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Go-GivingMy Profile

  5. Willena Flewelling
    Twitter:
    April 21, 2013 at 6:03 pm #

    My favourite 30 day challenge turned into almost four years so far! The 30 Day Mental Cleanse began with turning off the TV and radio, not reading or listening to the news, and not listening to anyone speaking negative about anyone. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that I was the most negative person I knew!!

    The idea of that particular challenge was to minimize the chatter in my mind enough so I could get to know who I really am, and what God designed me to be. But I still participate fully in the weekly mental cleanse calls, and am continually blessed and strengthened by being part of such a great mastermind group.

    Now I need to take part in a 30 day challenge of a different kind… one that will help me to maintain a healthy brain and healthy body, and get me outside enjoying nature again. I’m looking forward to it.

    Willena

    • Donna.Merrill April 28, 2013 at 9:48 pm #

      Hi Willena!

      Thank you for sharing such a great comment. I know what you mean about shutting out negative energy. I haven’t watched the news in years. If something peaks my interest, I’ll look it up and read about it. That’s all I can deal with.

      I like to keep all good things around me and stay positive. I need the same challenge as you to get outside and enjoy nature also.

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Go-GivingMy Profile

  6. Lynn Jones April 19, 2013 at 10:27 pm #

    Donna, I love this idea….this challenge. I will do it. What I will choose, I will have to think about it. Once, I purposed to post 3 articles a day for 10 days and that was challenging, but very rewarding. I hate pressure, but when I look back on it, I smile with pleasure. At the time, I wasn’t always smiling. lol But I am glad it did it.
    Thanks for the inspiration!
    Lynn

    • Donna.Merrill April 28, 2013 at 9:41 pm #

      Hi Lynn,

      I did a 30 day blogging challenge and it was a “challenge” for me. I made it to 28 days then got sick….he he

      But 3 articles a day for 10 days is a lot! I know how it is to go through it, but as you say, looking back you were glad you did it!

      This one isn’t so difficult. It is simply checking in once a day to learn one “trick” you can learn to put to use.

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Go-GivingMy Profile

  7. Mayura
    Twitter:
    April 18, 2013 at 4:39 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    Matt Cutts has been an inspiration for everyone and I’ve read and watch the video as I used to visit Matt Cutts’ blog for search related information. TED is a great place for inspiration through watching talks of renowned people such as Bill Gates, Seth Godin etc.

    AND of course, you are truly an inspiration who take words into action 🙂 I can clearly define that as I see you as a doer always dear. I’ve enjoyed your videos and I’d like if you do more too Donna 🙂

    Well, I’ve never accepted 30 day challenges Donna, but been doing 365 day challenges 😀 lol… I’ve did weekly challenges and some were 20 days. Just against myself to acquire new skills and achieve short-term objectives 🙂

    The thing is we can challenge ourselves, but hardest part is completing and achieving goals. Isn’t it? I’ve set goals for this year and almost finished half of my goals too.

    Starting from learning to drive a car, my most awaited goal was “Working from home” is already accomplished 🙂 But more new goals adding to the list and doing more than what I planned Donna. I really feel good about it and indeed I’m on challenge.

    Now time for us to do even more 😉 2013 is “Year of Accomplishments”. Agree? 😉 Let’s GO!

    Cheers…
    Mayura recently posted..Manage Your Website in Google Webmaster Tools: Part 3My Profile

    • Donna.Merrill April 28, 2013 at 9:38 pm #

      Thank you Mayura!

      I think 2023 is the Year of Accomplishments! I have my short and long term goals. I’m on point so far this year, but so many other opportunities have come to me also.

      Therefore, I am keeping up as much as I can. It is so great that your “working from home” goal is accomplished. Now you can add on to that!

      -Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Go-GivingMy Profile

  8. Brian April 16, 2013 at 2:58 pm #

    Awesome video! I love ted talks. I tried to do a 60 day video challenge and got distracted with life and lost focus around the 45th day but I guess I did finish a 30 day challenge! I really need to get back into it so I\’m taking you up on the challege and for the next 30 days I, Brian Couch, will make at least 1 video per day! 🙂 Thanks Donna

    • Donna.Merrill April 17, 2013 at 11:50 pm #

      Good for you Brian.

      A 60 day challenge is difficult. 30 days does make a difference. Video challenges are great because you can also insert them into your blog post.

      A short video of 3 minutes works great!

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..HuffPost Stress-Less ChallengeMy Profile

  9. Neamat Tawadrous
    Twitter:
    April 16, 2013 at 2:38 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    That’s a very inspiring post.

    I have never been into such challenges but I think it is time to challenge myself especially when it comes to weight loss. I just start a program for a few days and I never stick with it especially when it comes to the the exercise part. Now, this post really inspired me to start again and fresh for the next 30 days.

    Thanks Donna for the inspiration. You and Matt really fired me up.

    Be Blessed,

    Neamat
    Neamat Tawadrous recently posted..7 Tips On How To Embrace Change In Your LifeMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill April 16, 2013 at 7:41 pm #

      Hi Neamat,

      Well, I am sure glad this helped! Weight loss is a commitment and easy to slack off. But if you challenge yourself for 30 days, It WILL become a habit.

      I did it with salt. As a salt freak, I never knew I could eat anything without it. After 30 days, I lost the taste.

      Good luck with it Neamat!

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..HuffPost Stress-Less ChallengeMy Profile

  10. Ryan Biddulph
    Twitter:
    April 15, 2013 at 10:59 pm #

    I have never done a 30 day challenge Donna but I am HUGE on overall challenges. I like pushing the envelope with my posts, comments, heck, everything.

    Amazing, what you can do after challenging yourself, right? I love how your video experience went because I too had a similar view of videos. I was so concerned with how he looked, sounded, etc, that I soon let go of the self-conscious stuff because it held me back.

    Yep, I intend to be presentable of course but now I hit the capture button and start speaking, much more comfortable in front of the camera these days.

    Thanks Donna!

    Ryan
    Ryan Biddulph recently posted..How Can a Lazy Blogger Churn out a Lead Generating Post?My Profile

    • Donna.Merrill April 16, 2013 at 7:29 pm #

      Hi Ryan,

      Oh if an old gal like me can get in front of the camera to a pretty young audience, anyone can do it.

      As long as we speak from our heart and give folks a good message, we are doing fine.

      It is difficult for an older woman these days to get in front of a camera worrying about how she looks. But I’m over it. Love me or leave me is my motto!

      -Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..HuffPost Stress-Less ChallengeMy Profile

  11. Corinne Rodrigues April 15, 2013 at 10:52 am #

    This is fantastic, Donna. I’m doing the 30 Day A-Z challenge and have been able to do a couple of those before. Now, I’m going to try it out with my exercise.
    Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Foolish DaydreamsMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill April 16, 2013 at 7:23 pm #

      Hi Corinne,

      I see that A-Z challenge on twitter. It seems like everyone is writing such interesting posts. It is a great way to practice writing and especially coming up with new content.

      Good for you trying this with exercise….I’m not that good at that yet lol

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..HuffPost Stress-Less ChallengeMy Profile

  12. Clare April 14, 2013 at 5:53 pm #

    hi Donna,
    I love 30 day challenges too. Short enough to keep going and long enough to really accomplish something and get one’s life on a new track. I am planning on starting my second 100 day challenge starting at beginning of May. I took part in one last year and it really changed the way I view my online business so I am hoping that this one will get me moving forward with my video marketing and running two websites along with my offline business. However, there is actually a challenge getting prepared for the challenge so I am currently undertaking a 30 day challenge in order to be prepared for my 100 day challenge. I am building a new website and getting my family life arranged so I can give this my best shot. Planning is often the best and most important part of anything.

    regards
    Clare
    Clare recently posted..Network Marketing Success: How to Professionally Invite Someone?My Profile

    • Donna.Merrill April 16, 2013 at 7:21 pm #

      That is so wonderful Clare!

      I can see where it is going to take you 30 days to prepare for this. 100 day challenges are pretty brutal, but so effective.

      The more we are accountable, the better we become. Especially when it comes to our business. I had to smile to myself because you remind me of myself. Before I roll up my sleeves for a challenge or a production schedule, I have to get everything in place and organized.

      Please stay in touch and let me know how it’s going.

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..HuffPost Stress-Less ChallengeMy Profile

  13. Lesly Federici
    Twitter:
    April 14, 2013 at 12:20 pm #

    No, never did. I challenge myself enough to get things done and to keep momentum going. Reigning yourself in when you’ve made flying by the seat of your pants a habit is stressful enough. But when you do it, so much more happens because you made room for the new habit, got used to it, and voila… on to the next thing… That;s my way… a human work of art in continuous progress… love ya Donna 🙂
    Lesly Federici recently posted..How Well Do You Know Your Immune SystemMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill April 14, 2013 at 2:23 pm #

      Hey Lesly,

      I love that saying “A human work of art in continuous progress.” I would like to tweet that one!

      I have seen you grow and overcome many obstacles myself. It’s the same thing as a 30 day challenge no matter how we do it.

      Thanks for dropping by,

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..30 Day ChallengeMy Profile

  14. Sarupa Shah
    Twitter:
    April 14, 2013 at 10:47 am #

    Hi Donna, I am sold on 30days…once I did a 30 days to raw programme – worked wonders and in a group experience the support and motivation as well as inspiration was really empowering! Great reminder on the power of 30! TY x
    Sarupa Shah recently posted..11 Quotes that will change your business and life!My Profile

    • Donna.Merrill April 14, 2013 at 11:40 am #

      Hi Sarupa,

      Thanks for your input. Yes, anything we do for 30 days straight is always beneficial.

      Thanks,
      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..30 Day ChallengeMy Profile

  15. Shelley Alexander April 14, 2013 at 12:25 am #

    Hi Donna,

    I love the idea of doing a 30 day challenge for business!I have done challenges for my health but now you have challenged me to come up with a 30 day plan for my business. I really liked how you were able to overcome your fears about being on camera so that you could deliver valuable content on another medium. I think I will have to buy a camera and challenge myself to do videos too. Thanks so much for the inspiration!

    Warmly,

    Shelley
    Shelley Alexander recently posted..Post Exercise Recovery Strawberry Avocado Chia SmoothieMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill April 14, 2013 at 11:34 am #

      Hi Shelley,

      I love your niche of recipes. Wouldn’t it be great to do a video on that? Hmmm…my wheels are spinning. Of course, you can cut it down, or just show the end result with the health factors.

      Oh Shelley, there is so much you can do. Plus, once you insert a video on your blog, it ranks higher in Google.

      Oh boy this post is turning out to make every one a movie star lol!

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..30 Day ChallengeMy Profile

  16. nick catricala April 13, 2013 at 11:42 pm #

    Donna.. NOW I KNOW where all your movie star poses come from haha 🙂 You are a movie star!!!

    You are so right.. once you dive in in to a 30 day challenge.. it seem like the challenge will pull you in if you like or not.

    I never took any 30 day challenges publicly, till April first when I accepted an invitation from Beth Ewitt… and wow, it was not easy to decide… but once I did, I start to focus on it and now we are at number 14,tomorrow will be the half mark and I feel like I just start… have so much I like to write about… it will be fun.

    Thanks so much for your inspiring words and encouragements by sharing what you do as you do it and being honest and true.. Love to get to your blog as often as I possibly can.. but sometime I cannot divide my self in to many places so I miss some haha 🙂

    I will not be surprised if I start making videos soon.. but before that, we need to meet in person so you can share me your courage and so I more equipped haha :-)_

    All the best Donna… and THANKS so much for all you do for others.
    nickc
    nick catricala recently posted..nickc life story… part three in a series.My Profile

    • Donna.Merrill April 14, 2013 at 11:17 am #

      Oh Nick…

      You would be wonderful on video! As for Beth’s 30 day challenge…I love it! I even blogged about it in January when I did the challenge myself.

      Did I finish it? No 🙁 But there was a reason: that was because I was on a production schedule and had to take what was more important first.

      But I can tell you this – My alexa rankings went up so high after 20 days it was crazy! They are still high.

      Glad you are in it. And I know you will be successful at it.

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..30 Day ChallengeMy Profile

  17. David H. Paul April 13, 2013 at 9:39 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    Wow! I love 30 Day Challenges too. The most memorable for me was 30 Day Mental Cleanse. It was so impactful that it became a 2 year mental cleanse and the launch pad for NeoTrainingNetwork.com. I’m still getting about 1,000 blog visitors per month because of that one 30 day challenge.

    I think it’s time for another 30 day challenge…. How about a 30 day gratitude challenge? I’m going to write 15 things I am grateful for each day for the next 3o days. And I can’t wait to see the prosperity and abundance that is now flowing in.

    To Your Peace and Prosperity,

    David H. Paul
    David H. Paul recently posted..The Tools of Letting Go Mastermind CourseMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill April 14, 2013 at 11:07 am #

      Hi David!

      I remember that 30 day mental cleanse challenge you did and it turned into the NeoTrainingNetwork!

      You never know where those challenges lead. You had opened many doors with that one. I can distinctly remember visiting your blog and listening to your videos. They were so calming and I’ve applied them.

      Ah another 30 day challenge for you? He He…don’t forget me when you are rich lol.

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..30 Day ChallengeMy Profile

  18. Mary Stephenson
    Twitter:
    April 13, 2013 at 1:46 pm #

    Hi Donna

    Very interesting post. The only problem I have with challenges is that life happens. Although I may stick with something for a very long time, I feel guilty when a day comes I am not able to do it. So the guilt keeps piling on and I become overwhelmed with not sticking to it.

    But to remedy this obsessive behavior, I have given myself a break on this and said I will stick to something until it no longer serves a purpose. There is no time frame, I will just do as much as I can each day without burnout. I am taking a bunch of online courses via videos. With it I am taking notes. My first lofty idea was that I could do 2 or 3 a day.LOL I was lucky to get one done in a day. So this is going to take me a lot longer than I first anticipated. But I still have the focus on the end and what I will get out of it. What I shall do with what I am learning, there is no definite answer, it is just something I need to do. Whether everything else online changes for me or not I plan on sticking to the list to the end. (449 videos) I just completed #61.

    Mary
    Mary Stephenson recently posted..Who Goes There?My Profile

    • Donna.Merrill April 14, 2013 at 12:16 am #

      Hi Mary,

      One thing I must tell you is please rid that feeling of guilt! If you expect to do so much a day and find that you cannot, lessen your load, stick to it until it is done. Hey, those are tons of videos you are doing and you have completed #61. That’s a lot.

      I would say when you watch a video, put that tid bit of information into action. You can blog about it, Or put up a Facebook blurb. Anything, so you can share it. It will not only help you remember, but also give you the necessary information to share with others.

      -Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..30 Day ChallengeMy Profile

  19. Jennifer Cunningham April 13, 2013 at 10:34 am #

    This was good information. Video is certainly not something that makes me comfortable. But you gave some real ways of attacking the reluctance. Thanks.
    Jennifer Cunningham recently posted..Does Twitter or Facebook Create More Traffic to the Website?My Profile

    • Donna.Merrill April 13, 2013 at 11:54 pm #

      Thank you Jennifer!

      Yes, any time we challenge ourselves we do attack reluctance. Or in my books, procrastination!

      -Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..30 Day ChallengeMy Profile

  20. Sylviane Nuccio
    Twitter:
    April 12, 2013 at 10:29 pm #

    Excellent post Donna,

    Now you make me want to embark on a 30 day challenge. I remember your videos, and I’ve watched many of them. I also remember the hats 🙂

    Matt Cutts is so right. 30 day challenge will slow up the time and make it memorable. I remember my 30 day challenges very well, even if they go back a few years.

    Here are some of mine…

    I completely stopped watching TV for 30 days.
    I did a law of attraction ritual that took an hour each day for 30 days.
    I worked out for 30 days straight.

    This post was very encouraging to me to start another 30 day challenge! I think I know what. There’s that book that I’m writing and I’ve been so bad at sticking with it. I’ve go to force myself for 30 days, and from that I’m sure I’ll stick to it.
    Sylviane Nuccio recently posted..5 Traditional Foods Real French People Cook At HomeMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill April 13, 2013 at 11:15 pm #

      Horray!

      That book has to be completed Sylviane! I know you understand how this 30 day challenge works. You have accomplished so much and have grown in leaps and bounds in your life.

      So ask yourself one question. Why? Why, you the writer are not finishing your book. I’m sure your subconscious will give you the answer. You know how to do that.

      Once you accept that challenge, I want to purchase a signed copy of your book!

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..30 Day ChallengeMy Profile

  21. Gladys
    Twitter:
    April 12, 2013 at 8:36 pm #

    Hello Ms. Donna

    Challenges are a powerful excercise that required determination and courage.
    I have done some, like fasting or not eating carbs or sugars.

    It sounds exciting to do a video, but at the same time a little scary.

    I love your article and it’s so inspiring. I need to investigate how to do a video.

    Thank you Donna and have a wonderful weekend

    Gladys recently posted….The Courage to Step into Self-Personal Development
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    • Donna.Merrill April 13, 2013 at 11:01 pm #

      Oh Gladys!

      Once you put a three minute video in your blog post, you will score so much higher in Google.

      I would suggest you get in front of the camera and give it a try. If you do it for thirty days, I’m sure you will be comfortable.

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..30 Day ChallengeMy Profile

  22. Adrienne
    Twitter:
    April 12, 2013 at 6:31 pm #

    Are you ready for this Donna? I’ve only done one 30 challenge that I can recall. I did one online last year and I stuck with it too.

    Now I’m the kind of person that when I make up my mind to do something I just do it. Like back in 1989 I went to Weight Watchers with my then husband. When they told me how much sodium was in my diet cokes, I never picked another one up. Yeah, I know! I’ve been drinking nothing but water ever since. Boring water and hating every drink but I knew it was good for me.

    When I came online and joined a community, they told us to write down five things you should do every single day to move you toward where you want to be in your business and I’ve been doing them religiously ever since. Maybe I take this to the extreme.

    A couple years ago I wrote down some affirmations and I put them in a 3 ring binder along with some photos of a few things I will manifest into my life. I look at them every single morning without fail, I read my affirmations out loud, I thank God for everything he’s blessed me with and I read daily devotionals from two books every single day.

    You are right though, it doesn’t take long to make these things habits. You don’t even give them a second thought after awhile. It’s the best way to accomplish something you’ve been wanting to do. I say go for it no matter what you want to do because you have to do something every single day so why not just make that part of your day!

    Great share young lady and I love your videos by the way. Oh heck, I just love you!

    ~Adrienne
    Adrienne recently posted..Why You Should Spring Clean Your BlogMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill April 13, 2013 at 10:55 pm #

      Awww I love you to my friend!

      You are one of the most organized and disciplined people I know. I can see where if you make up your mind, you DO IT!

      Many people are hooked on sugar, but I was hooked on salt. When my pressure went sky high. I eliminated all salt. Now my taste has changed and I am OK with my blood pressure.

      Also, I eat oatmeal each day and absolutely hate it. But, it is good for me so I just do it. It is a daily habit for almost a year now. Yuck,but my mind is made up and I take it down each morning.

      There is never enough we can do to grow in mind body and spirit!

      Thank you Adrienne,
      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..30 Day ChallengeMy Profile

  23. Yorinda April 11, 2013 at 6:22 pm #

    Hi Donna,
    thank you for sharing your experience and the great video.

    One of my challenges was giving up contact with a man that I had been in an on and off toxic relationship with. To start with it was hard, more like a day by day challenge. Now it has been over 4 years and it was one of the best challenges I took on.

    Since then I have added other challenges, like exercising and just recently ‘oil pulling’, which I have now done for 32 days and my knee has not been sore.

    Love and Light
    Yorinda
    Yorinda recently posted..Oil Pulling may transform general HealthMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill April 13, 2013 at 10:50 pm #

      Hi Yorinda,

      There is nothing like getting away from a toxic relationship where you are the victim and turn victor! Once we go through something like that, the rest is so much easier. I know, I’ve done it myself and it isn’t easy!

      I read your article on Oil Pulling and on my 3rd day. Woo Hoo…..I know by day 5 or 6 my knee will feel better too!

      Thanks so much,
      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..30 Day ChallengeMy Profile

  24. sherman smith April 11, 2013 at 5:40 pm #

    30 Day challenges makes life a lot more interesting, fun, and challenging. We all get tired of doing the same monotonous unchallenging things in life and it’s a great way to spruce things up.

    I want to do what you did. I only made a couple of videos and I do get tongue tied when I’m in front of a camera too. So I had to write things down. So this will be a great challenge for me. If you can do it, why not me? Thanks for sharing!

    • Donna.Merrill April 13, 2013 at 10:20 pm #

      Absolutely Sherman!

      Just keep on doing videos and it becomes second nature!

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..30 Day ChallengeMy Profile

  25. Corina Ramos April 11, 2013 at 11:33 am #

    How inspiring Donna.

    Although it’s a religious holiday for me as a Catholic but that was also a 40-day challenge for me. During that time I gave up my two vices, sodas and sweets. Even though the first week was the hardest, after a while I didn’t miss those anymore. After my 40-day sugar challenge looked somewhat like Matt’s instead I had cupcakes, my weakness 🙂 and on Easter Sunday I made up for lost time too LOL. Funny thing is though, now that I’m free to eat and drink all the cupcakes and sodas I want, I don’t have the urge to, so these 30-day challenges do work.

    I like the idea of small-sustainable challenges. I’ve had long-term goals that were way out of reach and that only brought on stress and frustration.

    Thanks for sharing the video 🙂 Have a great day!
    Corina Ramos recently posted..Start A Home-based Beauty SalonMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill April 11, 2013 at 2:04 pm #

      Hi Corina,

      I too am Catholic and I know all about those 40 days! Giving up sweets for that long makes you loose the taste for them. But then it is up to us weather we go with that or jump into our bad habits again.

      During Lent I did a 30 day novena to St. Jude. In he end, many stresses in my mind were “lifted”

      Any Catholic or cradle Catholic that has undergone those 40 days of giving something up for Lent, can easily do a 30 day challenge for anything lol.

      I do like the idea of small challenges first. One cannot go from making 30K a year to one million with a 30 day challenge. It takes baby steps. But the more we do it, the better we become.

      Thank you for sharing,
      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..30 Day ChallengeMy Profile

  26. Alli Polin April 11, 2013 at 10:40 am #

    I have not done a 30 day challenge before but thanks to you, now may be my time! Just have to figure out which things will be at the top of my list. Luckily, I’ll get another 30 days after that, and after that…

    Thanks, Donna!

    • Donna.Merrill April 17, 2013 at 11:46 pm #

      He He Allie,

      That is great! All you have to do is figure out what you are procrastinating on and why. Then give yourself a challenge. Even if it is only 15 days. Baby Steps, Baby Steps lol
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..HuffPost Stress-Less ChallengeMy Profile

  27. Carol Lynn April 11, 2013 at 9:30 am #

    Donna you’re awesome 🙂

    First of all I have never done a video. I will look fat and ugly and old and tired and sound dumb! So that’s my paranoid version. I guess the good thing about video is that you can stop the camera and start again. Since you’re not in front of a live audience you can do a hair check 🙂

    But 30 in 30 days! That’s a challenge, all right. I love the idea of a 30 day challenge but somehow it always seems so looooong and then I start thinking of all the what-ifs. What if I can’t what if I don’t what if I miss a day or run out of time or forget or don’t like it… ACK! I’m an insane person, I know.

    I’ll have to give it a shot though, just to prove I CAN! No video though, lol… I have to think of something I want to do. Thanks for the inspiration!
    Carol Lynn recently posted..On The Bookshelf (Plus A Giveaway): Networking Is Dead By Melissa G. Wilson And Larry MohlMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill April 11, 2013 at 2:00 pm #

      Oh Carol!

      I would love to see you do a video challenge! I cannot believe you have never done a video! Just by writing that “You would look fat and ugly and old and tired and sound dumb” Raises a red flag to me.

      I felt the exact same way. I am proud to say that I’m in my late fifties. I also am proud to say this obstacle was huge, like yours. Imagine, overcoming that. It would certainly boost your self esteem.

      What we think we look like is really not how the world sees us. I had a friend in the fashion industry tell me that “If you really want to know what you look like to others, look in a dusty mirror.” Now I’m always looking at myself in my magnifying mirror to put on some make up. No wonder why I say YUCK….but my trick is my dusty mirror after my make up is on and my hair fixed. Look’n pretty ok!

      If you decide on something else, doing that one thing for 30 days will get easier and easier each time. I promise you!

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..30 Day ChallengeMy Profile

  28. Harleena Singh
    Twitter:
    April 10, 2013 at 11:17 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    What a lovely inspirational post! And I simply loved Matts motivational video too 🙂

    You are so very right – if we really want to achieve something, we can do so in the spur of the moment, and if we keep at it for 30 days – we challenge ourselves those 30 days til it becomes a habit – and we can achieve it.

    Gosh! Making a video everyday for 30 days must be wonderful as you would have learnt so much, as I learnt by just going through your post today. I agree, half the time we would be bothered about how we look and if our voice is sounding good enough! I guess it’s with time and practicing daily that you get better, which is why such challenges teach you so much.

    I agree, whenever we have a stumbling block or feel we can’t do something – it’s best to take up such challenges….like they say – if you have fears – fighting them is the only way to overcome them 🙂

    Though I’ve read a lot about this, and also about the Novel writing that starts every November as Matt mentioned, and there’s also the A to Z challenge that’s currently going on, where bloggers are writing one post daily on their blogs for the next 26 days going with each alphabet daily – I’ve never really taken up any myself. Not these kind of writing challenges because of the niche of my blog and the posts I share there, but I do write daily, whether through my posts, writing projects, or even comments, which are as good as mini posts…lols..(as I’ve been told by a few!). 🙂

    Besides the writing part of it, if we follow or challenge ourselves, we can pick or drop a habit, provided we remain consistent with it and no give up mid-way. I was doing that with my regular walks, and then later when I tried a diet that was with very little oil that too for just one meal – and yes – it worked and I lost weight too! But just as Matts video showed what happened on his 31st day when he gave up sugar – it started going up again. Well, these are the other kind of challenges people take to get healthy or fit.

    I guess what really works are the affirmations, or getting down to doing something that would improve your work habits, like changing your lifestyle by sleeping enough and waking up at the right time, eating right, sitting in a good posture etc- as believe it or not, these affect the way we work.

    You inspired me to start something new from today – so thanks for doing that dear friend 🙂

    Thanks for sharing, and have a lovely week ahead 🙂
    Harleena Singh recently posted..Does Online Social Networking Friendship Really WorkMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill April 10, 2013 at 11:48 pm #

      Harleena,

      Thank you for your wonderful input! Last year I was diagnosed with high blood pressure. It was zooming high. Of course, I reacted to the doctor and purchased the pills she prescribed for me. I took one pill, then I sat there and thought about it for a while.

      Ahh I was reacting to fear. That’s a no no for me. So I dug deeper and realized that it was post holidays and I was eating foods that I normally never eat. All those yummy Italian cheeses, olives, Oh it goes on and on. My holiday foods became a midnight snack for my husband and I and we were hooked.

      Then I was feeling weird and went for blood tests. Long story short. I changed my diet after taking that one pill, went back to the doctor for a check up and she said the pills were working like a wonder drug for me. Of course I told her what I did. She gave me more scare tactics, but I ran out of the office never to return.

      My problem was Salt. I kept away from it for 30 days. I craved it, I went through hell the first week, but then after 30 days I had a piece of bread. Yuck…it tasted like salt.

      That’s the dietary story. But I’ve practiced 30 day challenges so many times along with affirmations and visualizations. Oh boy does it work!

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..30 Day ChallengeMy Profile

  29. Karen Jolly April 10, 2013 at 9:50 pm #

    Love this Donna! I have done many 30 day challenges around health and fitness but not so many around business. You’ve inspired me and I’m hopping on the Challenge train! Thank you-what a great way to step past fears and go for it!!
    Karen Jolly recently posted..Are You Aiming For Enough?My Profile

    • Donna.Merrill April 10, 2013 at 9:58 pm #

      Hi Karen,

      If you done it for health and fitness, you can do it for just about anything! It is great to know I’ve inspired you.

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..30 Day ChallengeMy Profile

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