“Be content with what you have, but do not become complacent about who you are.”
Around the world, people celebrate today as the start of a new year. And with it, they celebrate new opportunity, new possibility, new life.
In fact, many will mark the season with a New Years’ resolution: a decision to implement change and develop new, life-giving habits. I fully support them. We should always seek to improve the quality of our lives. And if our effectiveness can be enhanced, we ought to pursue it.
In the past, I have even offered some life resolutions to consider.
As many of us seek to develop new habits in our lives, I want to encourage you with a simple formula I have used in the past. Perhaps you will find it helpful as well.
Whenever I seek to implement a positive life change, I always employ the 29 Day Experiment Method.
The method originally grew out of Steve Pavlina’s 30 Days to Success. I just accidentally applied a different number of days the first time I used it.
The goal of the method is to commit your life to a desired change for just the next 29 days.
The method is based on a very simple premise: most people will neglect to follow through on their resolutions simply because they seem unattainable.
Even though we can only change one day at a time, our minds begin to talk us out of change because it seems too big for the rest of our lives. Our minds fool us by thinking, “We’ll never follow through anyway, so why start?”
To combat this mental roadblock, the 29-Day Experiment commits to only implement the desired change for a 29-day trial period. As a result, I’m not “changing my life forever.” I’m just “trying something new for the next 29 days.” You can even mark the days on a calendar if you find motivation in seeing your progress.
At the end of the 29 days, you will have a significant sample size to determine if the change is right for you. And if you desire to keep it, the habit will have naturally taken root in your life.
As I mentioned, I’ve used this method numerous times in my life to spark positive change:
- I used it to declutter my house… complete one project for 29 consecutive days.
- I used it to get in shape… visit the gym for 29 consecutive days.
- I used it to become an early-riser… wake up at 5am for the next 29 days.
- I used it to become a better reader… read something each day for the next 29 days.
- I used it to change my eating habits… commit to a Slow-Carb diet for 29 days.
The method has proven to work in my life over and over again. And if you determined to mark the arrival of the new year with a positive resolution for change, I think you will find success in the method too.
Just commit your life to a simple 29-day experiment, you’ll be glad you did.
Kodey WhiteWolf says
Hi there Joshua Happy New Year to you & your family
Funny this should come up today. Today is my Day 1 to Jan 31 to lose this last 5 pounds. I was getting there then Thanksgiving (food,) then Xmas & New Year’s so I let it go for the holidays. Now I’m focused. It’s good to get a reminder that I can do this for only 29 days 😁😉👍. Sooooo here I go
Linda Anne Langlois says
Painting has always given me great pleasure , but I don’t always find the time to immerse myself in the thing that gives me such pleasure and peace. I have started a painting but will now commit to the 29 days of painting every day, no matter how long I spend . I turn my classical mediation on and create. Thank you For the push that allows me to schedule time to do something that makes me happy . ☮️
Mehdaie says
DRINK 8 oz OF WATER EACH DAY
Yahsti says
All those goals are great… declutter my house… get in shape… visit the gym… become an early-riser… wake up at 5am …become a better reader… read something each day for the next 29 days….change my eating habits… commit to a Slow-Carb diet for 29 days like anything else it usually takes longer for me to understand and have this mindset. I’ll start by being kinder to the world around me also.
Matt W. says
Does anyone else struggle with 1) setting lofty (and busy) goals– learn guitar, get fit, take martial arts classes, learn Japanese(all goals of mine) versus 2) the notion of just taking easy, not be as goal oriented, concentrating on the most important things — God, family, work. Simplifying each day, enjoy the little things, have time to breath and rest. Just curious, I’m a 43 year old man and have struggled with this forever. When I’m not active doing stuff I look for that next hobby or activity to bring excitement to my life. When I’m too busy I want to stop doing everything and concentrate on things that matter most.
An example, a few years ago before I turned 40 I decided I was going to finally learn guitar. One of my bucket list items. I’m very happy I decided to do that and it has brought a lot of joy to my life and is an accomplishment. But at the same time, now I have 2 guitar teachers, so I meet up twice a week total, I’ve spent money on guitar lessons, book and DVD courses, equipment, more guitars. And thinking about stopping the lessons and selling some of my guitar stuff. Now I want to learn a 2nd language, but that costs money for a tutor(I know I can learn without one, but I’ve tried enough times to know I will fail without someone guiding and pushing me.)
Wish I could just be more content without craving the next new hobby or activity that will bring excitement. I’m a pretty happy guy, great family(wife and two kids) great job, not sure what’s missing in my life that I feel that I have to constantly self-improve. Sorry for the over long message, but does anyone else struggle with this?
Diane says
I wish I had your energy and drive. Do what feels really good to you, that you get joy from. If the joy starts to disappear, stop. People have goals, resolutions, all aiming towards the same target… to be happy. So let your happiness be your meter. ?
Nat says
IMHO stop doing everything now!
Ray says
Matt, you are multitaksing, overdoing…and don’t know what you are doing…live and learn… Blessings.
Tan M says
Have you heard of the enneagram test? It sounds as though you are a classic #7. (I am as well) Digging in and learning about this enneagram type (both healthy and unhealthy traits) has helped me have a better understanding of defense mechanisms and what makes me tick.
Migdalia says
Hi Matt, I’m have the same situation. I make these big goals for myself and when I find myself constantly “doing”, I just want to stop. Something I have learned is to be intentional about everything. Before I buy or start something, think “do I really want to do or buy this and why?”. Let it marinate for a while. Take alone time and imagine what that action while bring into my life for how long.
I usually create about 10 goals a year. This year, I scaled back to 7 goals (and that was pushing it) and I noticed how different my goals are now. They are simpler, very specific, and have a deadline. So if I would like more family bonding, I would write something like, “spend at least 15 minutes a day talking 1:1 with each family member and plan a family day once a month”.
If you want to learn a new language, why do you, what will you get out of it, what will that enhance in your life (benefits), what will change or remain the same if you don’t learn a new language? Trying to get yourself to answer as many questions about that subject before you make a decision will help you decide if that’s truly something you want. Also, being intentional about other areas of your life (family and God) can fill up more of your time leaving you to realize, you don’t need to fill up your time with other things.
I don’t have the answer, but I hope this helps narrow down your choices.