By Mary Jaksch
Do you want to change your life? I mean, not sometime in the future, but right now? There’s a simple blueprint on how to do it. Psychology has long said that new habits form (and old ones fade) after doing something for 30 days. But there’s more to it …
A short while ago I stumbled across an inspiring video. It’s by Matt Cutts who’s a geeky engineer at Google. Actually, ‘geeky’ doesn’t fit anymore. Because Matt has started conducting a series of 30 day challenges – and it’s totally changed his life. For one thing, his confidence level has skyrocketed.
In this three-minute, Matt gives some great advice. It seems like the small challenges were the ones that changed his life the most. Watch the video below (if you’re reading this in an email, click here to watch it.
Do you feel inspired by this video? I am. But I’m still thinking about what I want to change.
What about you? What do you want to change in the next 30 days?
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I want to change my habit of sleeping long hours …
It’s so disgusting, it kills at least 4-5 hours of my everyday, how rubbish for me :-@
Me too! I keep telling myself that I won’t sleep in but then I stay up until 1 a.m. and that makes it so difficult. So starting tomorrow, even if I stay up late I will get up early!
It’s quite difficult to reset the body clock. The only way is to start getting up earlier – just 5 minutes each day.
Hi Mary,
Love the video! I was a beta tester for Leo’s Habit Course. Loved my new habit so much I signed up for the course when it was opened to all. I can now myself a meditator and photographer. I’m currently writing an e-course on 30 days of bold. I think I’ll post my own 30 days when I post it for sale. LOVE the video and the candy is a hoot! Happy Friday!
Tess The Bold Life´s last [type] ..We Need Your Help
Thanks, Tess – I look forward to your eBook. When it’s ready, please write a guest post for GLZ about your book
Awesome video clip! It’s so true, too. Simple changes can lead to huge results, in part because simple changes are easier to make and easier to sustain. They then compound to create momentum that snowballs into a life redirected. I love the idea of sustained effort for just 30 days. Sometimes the simplest things are ignored because, well, they are just so simple. And I so agree too with Matt about how success in those simpler areas increases our confidence to attack bigger goals — like hiking Kilimanjaro! Wow!
Thanks for the inspirational clip and your words too!
Yes, it’s really the small changes that have the big outcomes in the future.
This is great, Mary. Thanks so much for sharing the video. Thirty days seems like a manageable chunk of time for sustained effort on a new habit.
I don’t know about how others view their life, but for me, it seems there is always something I want to change about my life habits. Time can seem to pass so quickly and if I don’t make an effort years can fly by of “same old, same old”. I spent the better part of my life in that state.
Now, I feel like I can’t change fast enough, if that makes any sense. I know I’m making progress on one level, but my physical state hasn’t caught up yet and this can be very frustrating at times. Oh well, there is something to learn in that also.
Congratulations on the ebook! I’ll check out the first chapter.
Marianne´s last [type] ..The Miracle of Lester Levenson
Yes, it’s really the small changes that have the big outcomes in the future. What I got from your comment was the realization that changing how you live your life (even if it’s in small things), is so much more potent than creating goals to follow. Thanks!
Mary,
I found that particular TED video a day before you posted this! I’m happy to say today is my 3rd day of walking 2 miles first thing in the morning:) I challenge everyone do something small for their health. The simple act of walking has set the tone for my day. Instead of running out of time for myself at the end of the day (I homeschool 4 children) I put myself first in the morning!
Warmly,
Caroline
You put yourself first in the morning? That’s a great idea, Caroline
Great video clip. An excellent prompt to start my list.
See also this clip, which complements what Matt Cutts is saying:
http://www.ted.com/talks/derek_sivers_keep_your_goals_to_yourself.html
Derek Sivers says research shows it’s best to keep your goals secret if you want to achieve them. Sharing them generates social approval before they are done.
Yes, Matt Cutts is a really inspiring guy!
Sometimes Mary one simple decision can change your whole life in a tidal ripple effect. It doesn’t have to be major just important to yourself. Next month I’m leaving my home town of 40 years to start a new life down by the sea – that means it will all be different and exciting and rejuvenating. But, it all began by deciding to put my home up for sale. Then the dominoes fall. Where they fall I know not, but providence begins where decisions are made. Onwards…..
John Sherry´s last [type] ..The No.1 Phrase To Proudly Tell The World
Hi John, that’s a very interesting story. Yes, when I think back to things I’ve done, the big changes flowed on from small shifts. Thanks for sharing your story
I love this idea. Especially the “take a picture every day for 3o days.” I really want to do that one.
Thanks,
Carolyn
Carolyn Saulpaw´s last [type] ..White Legs
Yes, I was inspired too by his example of taking one picture each day!
Thanks for asking Mary.
What do I want to change? I was once challenged by a successful business woman who said that if you want to change anything in your life you need to do one or two of the following: change what you’re doing or change your attitude. I have generally picked both. The most important thing is that when you choose the above to not change your mind I guess!
Peter G. James Sinclair´s last [type] ..How To Live & Die In Your Mind
Ha, ha – that’s funny about changing your attitude – but don’t change your mind. I think real, fruitful change comes from changing both attitude and what we do. Thanks for reminding us of these two pillars of growth, Peter.
“So what are you waiting for?” Such a great call to action in the end of the video, Mary, just love it! I’m thinking of doing the oil pulling therapy everyday. (swishing sunflower oil in the mouth for 15 minutes – for health purpose) I did it some time ago but never make it a habit, ha :p because I do it because I ‘have to’, not I ‘want to’. May be finding a better reason will help me make it through the 30 days.
Noel´s last [type] ..Motivational Quotes For Women
Guess it’s a bit like steering a massive ship and making small directional changes that ultimately cause a turnaround. A small change today reaps a great reward down the road.
Vikk Simmons´s last [type] ..Tell me a story
Alright, I’ll take the challenge.
I’ll make my own dinner for the next month, instead of pre-made microwave dinners.
I expect it to have a positive influence on both my health and my wallet. ;D
Alice Dunn´s last [type] ..What to do When you Are in Debt
After watching this video I come to my conclusion that I will do this 30 day challenge. as what Matt have said I might be sleep deprived but still I can achieve something that I always wanted to do..Thanks for sharing the link.
Lorelei´s last [type] ..online angry birds
Such an inspiring video! Now my task is to decide which thing that I’ve always wanted to do – to try for the next 30 days. I do like the idea of taking a picture each day. That sounds do-able – and fun! Baby steps…
Sarah O´s last [type] ..The Magic Oil That Heals Bruises, Sprains And Bang-Ups
I would love to be able to commit to an exercise routine. It’s rough when something can cause a little pain and your not seeing immediate results. I think the key is moderation, and actually taking ACTION that lead to people achieving their goals.
Ryan Eisenhower´s last [type] ..Smart Passive Income
How about doing something small that helps change not just our own life, but the world? I blog about how if we all make small changes (with a big heart) we can help change the world. My blog’s called ’100 days to change the world.’ http://www.100daystochangetheworld.com
In fact, I started my blog earlier this year as a response to feeling overwhelmed by the negative news we’re assaulted with on a daily basis. And what I hope is that people read my blog and discover how if they make tiny changes they can make a huge impact on our environment and help make our planet a better place for us all. Susan
Susan K´s last [type] ..How to enjoy lunch and be happy