For the first time in my life, I've participated in some form of physical activity every day for one month straight. I'm starting to see a difference in the way my clothes fit, but far more importantly, I'm starting to see a difference in the way I see myself.
I used to be a person who exercised occasionally. Then I was a Monday-Wednesday-Friday exerciser. Now I'm redefining myself as an active person for whom exercise is a natural way of life. This exercise still doesn't come automatically, but it is starting to feel more natural. I've marked off each day's exercise on a dry erase board, which has helped me maintain momentum. (I'm so concerned about breaking the streak that the other night when I realized I hadn't exercised, I got out of bed and did jumping jacks right in the bedroom!)
Of course, as I've exercised more, I've also been inspired to eat healthier. I've learned when I challenge myself in one area, my performance in other areas kicks up a notch. In fact, I challenged myself in a variety of ways this summer - I've taken a break from spending, I gave up alcohol for five weeks, I'm getting up earlier, I'm challenging myself to use more precise and less coarse language, and I've decreased my use of social media.
Last night, the hosts of the Fill Your Cup First podcast and I kicked off the Intentional Technology Use Challenge. If you want to make sure technology is your servant, not your master, please consider joining us. Invite a friend too. It's easier to tackle a challenge when we have support. And it's easier to make a change when we use the right terminology.
Challenge yourself.
Photo by Jukan Tateisi on Unsplash