Just three days ago, I emerged victorious from the battleground that was my 100-day challenge – publishing a blog post every single day for 100 heart-pounding, exhilarating days.
Blimey! I can’t believe I actually pulled it off, but here I stand.
Now, let’s have a chinwag about perspective, shall we?
In the grand scheme of our lives, spanning 80+ years, 100 days seems like a drop in the ocean, doesn’t it?
It’s almost comical to make a fuss over such a minuscule fraction of our time on this planet.
But, I’ll tell you a little secret – it felt like a bloomin’ eternity! Ha.
Throughout the challenge, 80% of the time, I was having a whale of a time.
However, the remaining 20% saw me locked in a fierce battle with temptation, desperately trying to resist the siren call of skipping a day.
“No one will notice,” whispered the devil on my shoulder. “No one will care. Why are you torturing yourself like this?”
Those sneaky thoughts tried to lure me away from my self-imposed duty and into the shadows.
But, the challenge was a face-off between me and… well, me.
(Aren’t they always?)
And, I’m blooming proud to say that I fought back, tooth and nail, against my own wicked side.
Even on days when my content felt as thin as a wafer, I soldiered on.
So, as I look back on this rollercoaster ride, here are 10 lessons I learned from braving the storm that was the 100-day challenge.
10 Lessons from My 100-Day Challenge Adventure
The only impossible journey is the one you never begin.
Tony Robbins
1. Time Doesn’t Give a Toss
During this challenge, I became acutely aware of how time marches on, with or without me.
It whizzes by at breakneck speed, utterly indifferent to whether I’ve published a blog post or not.
Time couldn’t care less, so it’s up to me to seize it and make it count, rather than letting it slip through my fingers.
And you know what?
Without this self-imposed challenge, I wouldn’t have been so conscious of time every bloomin’ day!
2. Clarity in Thinking? Pfft…
If you’ve read my blog post about this challenge, you’ll know that I was seeking clarity in my thinking.
My thoughts used to be a right old mess.
I’d ramble on for 4,000+ words when 1,000 would be more than enough.
But after 100 days, I’m sad to report that I haven’t improved much in this area.
Turns out, I need a bit more practice than just 100 days. Drat!
3. The Rollercoaster of Writing Feedback
Not long before starting this challenge, someone had the nerve to rate my writing a measly 4 out of 10, with the comment “very poor.”
Now, I knew I wasn’t Shakespeare, but that still stung – not my ego, mind you (I was well aware of my shortcomings), but my blogging aspirations.
Then, as if by magic, someone else chimed in with an “8 or 9 out of 10,” praising my writing as “very well written.”
My faith was restored, and I was chuffed to bits by the encouraging comments.
I even thanked the critic, whose harsh words had briefly knocked the wind out of my sails.
But one thing was clear: come hell or high water, I wouldn’t throw in the towel.
4. Embracing My Endearing Naivety
One thing that struck me about the bloggers and writers I admire is that they’ve been at it for yonks.
Some of them have degrees in creative writing and have worked as writers in publishing or marketing.
They’ve spent years sharpening their skills and becoming masters of their craft.
And there I was, expecting a miraculous improvement after just 100 days of writing. How adorably naïve of me!
Sure, we’ve all heard about those rare wunderkinds who excel in the blink of an eye.
But I won’t let their stories deter me. Onward and upward!
5. Tackling Challenges: The More Difficult, The More Rewarding
Now, I’m not saying writing is the most arduous task known to humankind, because it certainly isn’t.
However, I did find it bloomin’ hard to churn out top-notch content every single day.
And you know what? That’s precisely why it’s such a valuable skill to develop.
The most rewarding and worthwhile things in life are often the toughest to master, right?
If you only ever shoot for easy targets, you’re just massaging your own ego – like effortlessly winning a game against a much weaker opponent and smugly celebrating the victory.
So, give me a challenge over a cakewalk any day, and I’ll become more valuable and useful for it.
6. The 100-Day Challenge: A Powerful Path to Habit Formation
Now, I know what you’re thinking – 100 days doesn’t exactly sound speedy.
But consider this:
If you embark on a challenge without a deadline, you’ll likely throw in the towel.
So you decide to run every day? You’ll probably pack it in after a day or 10.
Now, switch that up to running daily for the next 30 or 100 days.
Your odds of sticking with it suddenly improve dramatically.
Regardless of your good intentions or the ideal results you’re picturing, it’s far too easy to abandon a goal without a deadline.
Sure, 100 days might feel like an age, but it’s incredibly effective for habit formation. As the end approaches, you’re less likely to give up.
That’s why I frequently tackle 30-day challenges, kicking them off at the start of each month.
Loads of them have become habits now.
Oh, and I’ve got a Google calendar printed out, placed where I can see it daily.
During my 100-Day Challenge, I’d draw five blue stars each day after publishing a blog post.
Seeing all those twinkling stars spurred me on.
7. Recognising the Gift of Privilege
Some days were an absolute slog.
A few times, I published a blog post at the eleventh hour, almost missing the mark.
To counter this, I’d remind myself that it’s an absolute privilege to do what I’m passionate about.
I’m genuinely grateful to be alive in this day and age – the most peaceful and technologically advanced era in history, brimming with information and opportunities.
There’s simply no time for grumbling, that’s for certain.
8. Embracing the “Why Not?” Attitude
If you’ve been toying with the idea of starting something but find yourself hesitating, ask yourself, “Why not?” and just go for it.
I could have thrown in the towel when I received a measly 4 out of 10 for my writing, or when comparing myself to successful bloggers and writers.
But the thing is, our life’s journey isn’t about outshining someone else.
It’s about discovering our passions and becoming the best versions of ourselves.
It’s also the fairest game you’ll ever play.
Consider this:
When your goal is to outdo your past self, your only true competitor is you.
And the best part?
You know yourself inside and out.
It doesn’t get any fairer than that, does it?
So remember, it’s you versus you; tell yourself, “Why not?” and just dive in.
9. The Start of an Exciting Journey
There were moments when I longed for my 100-Day Challenge to be over. I’m only human, after all! Ha!
But as the end drew near, I resolved to keep writing daily, albeit publishing less frequently.
I came to understand that continuous improvement is the way forward.
As it turned out, my 100-Day Challenge was merely the start of something much bigger.
10. The Moment of Pure Joy: A Life-Changing Realisation
The most euphoric moment during my 100 days of publishing a blog post every day occurred when I spotted someone purchasing a book I recommended for the very first time!
I recall exclaiming “wow” and grinning from ear to ear.
This book genuinely transformed my life, and I was over the moon for my reader.
Since then, many more people have bought the same book.
I earnestly hope the same positive experiences that happened to me befall everyone who bought it.
I’d been weighed down by an inferiority complex for as long as I can remember, which had devastating effects on every aspect of my life… until this book came along!
Around the same time, I also began using One Powerful Mantra and incorporated more positive affirmations into my daily routine.
If you’re grappling with similar burdens, I wholeheartedly endorse it.
Another book I wish I’d discovered much earlier (and if you’re keen to master your finances) is this one.
Both are incredibly affordable.
Yet, they could be the best investments you’ll ever make.
You can read all my book reviews here.
I’m lagging behind on writing my book reviews; I’ve read a ton but haven’t managed to catch up yet. Be sure to check back, as I’ll be adding more book reviews.
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Final Thoughts: Celebrating Progress and Growth in My 100-Day Challenge Journey
I’m thrilled to have completed my 100-day challenge, publishing a blog post daily, and keeping a promise I made to myself.
My writing may not have improved dramatically, but even the tiniest progress is still progress.
In overcoming my past self, I’ve learned that the real victory is in embracing the journey and continuously striving for improvement.
With each challenge I face, I grow stronger, more resilient, and better prepared for the adventures that lie ahead.
And that is the true beauty of this incredible 100-day challenge experience.
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