I did it! Today I completed the IronMind60 Challenge that I began on June 24, 2019. I started the challenge because it was time for me to change The Story of Almost and to begin to craft a new story of joy, love and authenticity.
I’m still unpacking the insights, gathering all the nuggets of truth and all the pieces of change that have occurred in my head, heart and body over these past 60 days. It’s a lot and it feels GREAT! This challenge is over, but this is only the beginning. I will start another challenge – one that I create of my own. It was never about hanging in for 60 days, I wanted and am committed to REAL, SUSTAINABLE CHANGE and that requires that I stay at it, stay with it and continue to walk through my fears, myth bust my limiting beliefs and challenge myself to BE more; to stand up, show up to live wholeheartedly!
I’m still in the process of defining “the pillars” of my next 60 days but I know they will include many of the same tools and processes that made this one so successful. Here are some of the elements that I believe made this experience so impactful:
Set clear GOAL(s) and WHY they are important to your life. This goes way beyond SMART Goals. It’s more about who you want to be and what you want to create and experience in your life- drilling down into all of that to find the emotional connection; the place that your certain creates meaning and purpose in your life.
This last time my goal was quite broad and a great starting place. This next time, it will be very targeted and focused. Here’s the thing I know about change. When we grow and change in one area, it creates a positive ripple that flows into other area.
Establish and commit to DAILY PRACTICES. In the IronMind60 Challenge we had “six pillars” – six things we committed to doing EVERY SINGLE DAY WITHOUT EXCEPTION! Can you make change with less than six pillars? I think so, but I found that having a rigorous daily commitment, set the stage for me to push myself. I will have at least six and they will include the cold showers, exercise, journaling, visualization and a defined healthy eating program.
Create Accountability. This really has two components. The first is getting an accountability buddy. Your accountability buddy is ideally someone who is walking the journey with you or their own journey alongside of you. For sure you want an accountability partner who wants for you what you want for yourself and will speak truth to you when you need it!
My sister Margo was my accountability buddy for the IronMind60 and as we’re both starting a new challenge, so we’ll continue. Check in with each other daily to support and encourage each other.
The second piece of accountability is about being out there with your intentions and enrolling others in your process! That means sharing your goals, your why and your progress- all of it. Share your challenges, bumps, failures and successes. Failing is a badge of courage when you acknowledge yourself for taking action, whether or not it was perfect or worked. Change happens with repeated action- not perfect action. Progress, not perfection.
In the IronMind60 challenge I posted weekly updates on Facebook. That’s a very public venue and I so appreciate all the support I got from so many along the way. You certainly don’t have to go that public. I know I won’t this next go around. But do let those most important to you know what you’re up to. Outing yourself, sharing your goals has two very powerful benefits. The first, declaring your commitment and second letting people in on your plan. Their knowing and watching keeps your accountable. To be honest, it’s a little scary, but if you let fear stop you, GAME OVER!
Coaching is a great venue to define your goals, get to your WHY and begin the process of change. Transformation. It’s not easy work for sure, but there is nothing more powerful or empowering than standing up for yourself and resourcing your success! Ready? Contact us to schedule a complimentary session.
In gratitude to Rob Dial. This IronMind60 Challenge has not only been a life changing experience, it’s made me a better person and a better coach.