Are you committed to making your dreams come true in the next 90 days?
No, I mean REALLY committed – as in "Failure is Not an Option" type of committed.
If you are, then you should be nodding enthusiastically at this point, ecstatic that your dreams are already a reality, and that the short amount of time between now and you meeting those dreams is nothing more than a logistical issue. You should know in your heart of hearts that you attaining your dreams in a very short amount of time is only a matter of working through some minor details.
If that last paragraph doesn't describe you, then I submit to you that you are not fully committed to making your dreams come true NOW, 
because if you were, you would be as excited and as confident as the person who was described in that paragraph.
The problem is that – as a general rule – we say that we are committed, and we may in fact actually be taking steps in the right direction, but in all actuality our own internal belief systems are keeping most of us from actually believing that success is possible sooner – not later!
I have talked a lot about the Law of Attraction on this blog, and I stand by everything that I have said about using that power in order to create a wonderful life for yourself. However, I submit to you now that even if you don't believe in the power of the Law of Attraction, the raw power of your desire and your belief should be enough to change the fabric of your reality in order to make your dreams come screaming towards you at breakneck speed.
However, here is the reality of the situation:
Most people don't have what it takes to make that kind of a commitment. Most people don't have the belief and the sheer, unadulterated confidence in themselves to make grandiose statements about the success that is already theirs, even if the evidence is not yet there to back it up.
Most people simply don't believe!
That is what this post is about, and that is why I chose the title '10,000 Fists to Freedom'.
As I was out running this morning (at 6:30am, thank you very much!) I was listening to one of my favorite "running bands" – Disturbed. Now, their music could be called anything but politically correct, which I'm sure is why I like them so much. One of the other reasons why I like them is because their music exudes energy and power. For me, it's impossible to not get amped up when listening to them.
When listening to the title track for their album Ten Thousand Fists, it struck me that an amazingly small percentage of people truly have what it takes to make an honest and effective commitment to attaining a goal in a short period of time. As in, oh, I don't know – about 10,000 people out of something like every 1,000,000 people.
That's a pretty small percentage – only 1% in fact.
However, rather than have a negative reaction to that fact, I turned it around into a positive, and the following challenge is the result:
I challenge you – dear reader – whether you are reading this post on June 6, 2007, its original posting date, or if you are reading it on June 6, 2207, to ask yourself if you truly have what it takes to make a commitment to attaining a challenging goal over the next 90 days.
I'm not talking about some mamby pamby crap like losing 10 pounds, getting another 100 readers for your blog, or cleaning out your garage.
No, I am talking about hardcore, scary, going to take everything you have to make it happen kind of goals. Things more like this:
- Losing 35-45 pounds in 90 days
- Becoming financially independent in 90 days
- Moving to a new home in 90 days
- Starting a measurably profitable business in 90 days
- Turning your life around 180-degrees in 90 days
Those are the kind of goals I am talking about here. Those are the kind of goals that only about 1% of you who are reading this will have what it takes to commit to, and to actually achieve.
Are you offended that I only think 1% of you have what it takes?
Good! Then prove me wrong! Put your scary/fantastic/amazing goal in the comments section below and put your money where you mouth is.
The comment will be date-stamped, so in 90 days you will have the opportunity to come back here and post again about your victory, or you'll have the opportunity to avoid this blog like the plague in 90 days because you don't want to be seen skulking around here with your tail between your legs…
C'mon! Let's see what you've got! In fact, let's see what your readers have got as well! Put a link to this post on your blog and challenge your own readership to take on the 90-day challenge. If you write about personal growth/personal development, then your readers should be ready, willing, and able to take on such a challenge.
In fact, I'll put my money where MY mouth is as well, because my 90-day goal is to be financially independent by the end of that 90 days. So, since I already know I will be a success, I'll sweeten the pot:
Anyone who puts a comment on this post with a measurable goal that can be compared to where they are now vs. where they will be in 90 days – and accomplishes it – will get a cool $100 cash straight from me to you.
Don't believe it? Why don't you "put up or shut up" and drop a comment below letting the world know what your goal is?
I DARE YOU.
Got Goals? Check out my review of Brad Isaac's Achieve-IT goal setting software.
WHAT'S NEXT?
Discuss this post at Personal Development Partners
Get reminded of this wisdom with Offline Merchandise
Check out my <a href="https://TodayIsThatDay.com/products
.html”>Personal Development Products
Join the Today is that Day Newsletter
Aaron,
I love this post. What caught my eye was – your mention of Disturbed. I love that band – I even met them once shortly before they made it big. They were in a little shithole bar in St. Paul Minnesota handing out free demo CDs (I still have the demo on my shelf) to me and few other people (I’d guess there were 30 people in the bar) interested in new Hard Rock and Heavy Metal. After the show I told my wife – “Those guys are gonna be big, they may be the biggest hard rock act in 5-10 years.” I wanna say that was in 1999. I believe their first CD sold 5 million copies in 2000. I might have these dates screwed up, but the story is absolutely true. I believed in Disturbed, they believed in themselves, the power of belief combined with aggressive action produces results. It never fails! Try it! It will suprise you.
Anyway,
About your challenge… I have most everything I want right now. I have great relationship, a beautiful family, a high paying career, a big house, my money working for me, a blog where I can express myself on my terms. If I could challenge myself to do one thing over the next 90 days, it is to remember to be grateful for everything I already have in my life, to actually be grateful every single day for the next 90 days. I’ll do it! Starting right now. No need to give me a $100.00… The reward of being grateful everyday will be enough.
Ok I am in. I am committed to losing 25 pounds within 90 days. Thanks Aaron!
Ok Aaron, this is a doozy, but If I try hard enough, I’m sure I can do it!
My goal to be reached by September 6 is to make $10,000 a month.
I’m halfway there and a couple of opportunities in the fire, so I should be able to pull it off.
Steve,
You are man of unyielding character – which, of course, is what we’ve come to expect of you! Thanks for your support!
As to your story about Disturbed, I am officially GREEN with envy! That is so totally awesome that you were there in the beginning, and even better that the story proves that faith and dedication get the job done – every time!
Jennifer,
GREAT! That is certainly an attainable goal! Be sure to send me a “before” picture so I can compare it to the new you in 90 days! 🙂
Gayla,
That’s what I’m talking about! 10 g’s a month is more than $100,000 per year. Not bad for a work at home blogger, right?
I know you can do it, Gayla, and I’ll look forward to hearing of your success along the way.
And, of course, to giving you a bonus $100 when you get there! 🙂
Okay Aaron
I will have 2000 Rss subscribers to the blog and have made an accumulated $5000 in 3 months from online earnings.
Steven,
Excellent! Lofty goals, and based on what I’ve seen so far from your site, I have no doubt that you’ll reach them both! 🙂
There we go, another excellent post Aaron!
“Most people simply don’t believe!” – That is so true, it all starts with our thoughs, then leads to idea, and then to actions, so being in the right mindset aand actually believing we can achieve our goals, is very likely to get us where we want! :_
My goals for the next 90-days
Blogging – Online goals
230 RSS Subscribers vs 750 RSS Subscribers
Alexa rank 110K-ish vs Alexa Rank 40K-ish
Technorati 8K vs Technorati: top 5K
$600/month vs $3000 a month from my blogging activities
Personal “offline” goals
Working in the recording studio vs the album is out and in the stores
Work like crazy vs Take well-deserved vacations, possibly to the Bahamas
Studio work vs Start doing shows with my band
So, since it’s timestamped, I put a reminder in my calendar on my comp, with the url of this post! 🙂
By the way Aaron, I have a feeling I’ll have to send you a copy of our album when it’s done! hehe I’m sure you’ll like it 🙂
It’s cool you mentionned Disturbed in your post, just bought their latest album and it rocks!
Jonathan,
I knew you would step up to the plate, and with that award-winning attitude of yours, I have no doubt that you will reach every single one of your goals!
Glad to have you on board making a commitment to prove that serious progress can be made, and I’ll look forward to toasting your success with you!
p.s. – Yes – I’d love to hear your album. Between you and Christine Kane, you 2 are going to start a revolution of uber-successful bloggers who are also uber-successful recording artists! 🙂
Go on then I’m in – the Disturbed reference did it for me too. As I said in an email to you I was lucky enough to see them live a few years back and the energy was immense – the CD’s just don’t do them Justice – if anyone gets the chance go see them!
Challenge – Life has sent me some curve balls in the past and that’s all behind me now but it’s left me with considerable debts (around $60,000) that are holding me back in my Mission to help and guide others.
My affirmation is that I will be debt free in 90 days time to enable me to concentrate all my efforts on bringing Joy to my family and Love and Light to the world.
Thanks for this Aaron – it came at just the right time.
Damian
Damian,
My hat is off to you! Now that is a scary and amazing goal to pull off in 90 days, but it can be done! Looking forward to sharing the journey with you, Damian.
As far as Disturbed, I’m starting to feel like I’ve gotten a limited view of them by just listening to their CD’s. Okay, that’s it. The next Disturbed concert that comes to town, I’m going!
Okay it took me a whole day to make up my mind to actually do this goal- However it is a 1yr goal not a 90 day goal- I will trade $250.00 and turn it into 1mill within a year.
This is a particularly scary goal for me because my trading is tied to my emotions and I’ve tried this goal before and gave up along the way even though I’ve gotten to the 80k mark, The goal would also require for me to stay extremely positive and happy for a year- UMMM OKAYYYY..as my thoughts come to physical form in record speeds.
It is also really scary for me because everytime I’ve tried the goal I usually pass my 3 month goal within the first 2 weeks which means that I have the ability to achieve this in under a year.
There is also the thought of the fact that even though I’ve done it, I still have a hint of the fact that it is impossible to take $250 to a 1mill in a year and I can hear everyone except people who have seen me make 1000% profit in a week or two go- Yeah right! so I have that in my brain as well.
Then there is the added pressure of people asking me how to do it, telling me to do it for them and so while a worthwhile goal does have alot of judgement in my brain and alot of negative additions along with it.
Okay so now after a long comment more to talk myself out of it rather than anything else-
I Ophelia R. Nicholson hereby make a commitment to myself to trade $250 to 1 Million by June 07,2008- I will not give up along the way, I will not make it to part of the way and be satisfied- I will not stop until I make it to 1million- Failure is not an option.
Aaron,
If that concert is after the 90 days I’ll be in a position to come over from the UK and join you in the mosh pit.
See you there Buddy,
Damian
Aaron:
I’m scared to even write my goal on paper because I have those fears that I can’t make it happen. So I guess your post is directed at me! Thanks for sharing it. I truly want to change my life in 90 days, so I’m glad you posted this.
In 90 days, I will be in a new state across the country and living somewhere new. I don’t have a job yet. So in 90 days, I will have a day job that I enjoy, and I will also be making a decent income by blogging and writing. (Writing is my dream, so that’s my ultimate goal. I’m just getting started with it, though.)
Is this specific enough?
Thanks for your wonderful blog!
I’ve spent today thinking about how I am doing SOME work but mostly feeling like I need some accountability (recently unemployed and not sued to the freedom)…then…BAM…I click-click and I am here at this post!
I will lose 30 pounds by Sept 7th
AND
Post on my blog 5 days per week
gotta go weigh myself – yikes!
Aaron… I’ve been mulling this challenge over all day. I mean 90 days… geesh! 🙂
Since I almost always accomplish what I publicly commit to here goes:
1.) My pilot’s license. (I’m not supposed to be done until November)
2.) $10,000 in debt reduction (CDN funds of course!)
Thanks for the challenge Aaron. Today is THAT day!
You have perfect timing, Aaron. For the past two weeks, I’ve been focusing and coming into alignment with one of my big goals, and so of course, right at the point when I’m starting to feel inspired and aligned, comes the nudge, in the form of your challenge, that I needed to take that first, inspired step.
Over the next 90 days, I choose to start and FINISH my first novel. I’m writing this one the Stephen King way – I’ve got a situation, and some of my main characters, and beyond that, I’m going to find out what happens as I write. 🙂
Belle
Ophelia,
You bring up some great points about the way that our brain/subconscious goes to work on us in order to keep us from attaining our goals. We truly are our own worst enemies!
However, if a person can accept the fact that they are their own worst enemy, then the Law of Contrast says that we also have to accept that we are our own best friends.
In other words, anything that we can talk ourselves OUT OF we can also talk ourselves INTO. As you said, when you have tried this in the past you have surpassed a 3-month goal in only 2 weeks – that’s the power of the “best friend” part having confidence in success.
However, the “worst enemy” part starts to come out as we travel down the path to goal attainment because the roadblocks starts popping up and the self-doubt starts creeping in.
The secret to success over the long term is to never lose site of the enthusiasm and the confidence that we all have at the beginning of the journey. By maintaining absolute surety that we will accomplish our goals, then we will. It is only when we start doubting ourselves that we fail!
Very glad to have on you on board for the challenge, Ophelia, and I hope you’ll remember the “little people” at this same time next year when you’ve got a million bucks to throw around! 🙂
I’m in, Aaron!
My goal is a daily record of my application of the principles in the book, Success Through a Positive Mental Attitude, Ben Franklin style. (more info here)
It’s a little different from some of the other goals I’ve seen posted here, but it’s something I’ve told myself I should do for a long time… and your challenge finally got me off of my butt! It’s going to take 119 days to complete, but I’ll take the hundred bucks at day 91 with no complaints. 🙂
Thank you for doing this.
Holli Jo,
Those are SUCH wonderful goals! Having had many times in my own life when I felt like just moving out and starting over was the thing to do, I love to see people setting such scary and all-encompassing goals!
Scary is not necessarily a bad thing in this case, though. Many people believe that if your goals don’t scare you, then they aren’t big enough. After all, trying to attain something easy isn’t a challenge that you’ll look back on with pride once you have attained it!
Your goals are plenty specific enough, Holli Jo, and I appreciate your positive feedback on the blog. I’ve got some seriously empowering content on the posting schedule for the next few weeks, so stay tuned for more fuel that will keep you on track! 🙂
Sue,
Awesome! Your goals are both measurable and you are giving yourself a daily need for accountability by making the commitment to write in your blog 5 days per week.
I can tell you from first hand experience that the daily writing and reading about empowerment, goal setting, and overall achievement really helps “grease the wheels” for success.
Great stuff, and whatever number that you came up with on the scale, remember that from now on, that number will always be smaller than whatever it was! 🙂
p.s. – Here are two of my own URL’s where I have loads of fitness/weight loss information available free of charge. Feel free to partake!
https://www.fitnessdestinations.com
https://TodayIsThatDay.com/masterfitnessprogram.html
Dave,
Your commitment to making some great changes is as motivating as your never-ending positive attitude!
I love your goals, and I’m calling “dibs” on taking a flight with you!
Once you’ve…ummm…practiced for awhile! 🙂
Belle,
Having an understanding of the power of the “nudges” myself, I can’t tell you how happy I am that I was able to be the source of that nudge for you!
And what a great goal! A full novel in 90 days is certainly attainable, but having written a few lengthy pieces myself, I can attest to both the actual time that the process takes, as well as the “mental capital” that is expended over the course of the writing period.
I’m looking forward to you reporting your success, and I’ll be wanting a link to buy that book as well! 🙂
Lyman,
What a great way to not only accomplish something powerful and measurable for yourself, but to prove a valuable point at the same time.
The application of successful principles is what creates success, not just reading about them! That is truly good stuff, Lyman, and I’m heading over to 17 Success Principles right now to add it to my RSS reader.
I’m really looking forward to tracking your journey!
Aaron,
Ok, I’m throwing my hat in this ring. I am going to make my commitment to lose 30 pounds by September 8th. I need to lose a lot more than that to be considered healthy, but this is a jump-off point.
No more pizza, no more greasy burgers and fries (except on occasion), just good healthy fruits, vegetables, whole grains, etc.
I will also post daily food journals, tips, tricks, etc in my blog listed above.
Charity,
30 pounds is definitely an attainable goal, and I’ll look forward to helping keep you on track during the journey!
I just added your blog to my RSS reader, and I also filed it in the “health and fitness” section so I’ll always be in that frame of mind when I read it.
If you haven’t already done so, scroll up to see my response to Sue’s comment. There are some useful links there for people looking to get in shape.
Welcome to the Challenge, Charity, and congratulations. Remember, your success is already there. All you have to do now is work through the details. 🙂
Aaron…
That is a GREAT statement. I’m stealing that thought!
Oops… I meant to say politely asking if I might borrow that GREAT statement.
Dave,
Please, have at it, and I’m glad you liked it! 🙂
Ok, Aaron. I’ll join the fun. Back in November I paid for hosting, bought my domain name, and intended to move onward and upward with a blog and a website — ‘intended’ is the operative word. The blog is doing well, but I didn’t need to pay for a host to publish it.
Therefore, within the next 90 days, Thoughts & Philosophies, the website, will be online to accompany the blog. (Does it count if I get help?)
There’s probably no reason why the site can’t be built and out there in three months. So, to give this a proper degree of difficulty, no other activities will suffer. Well, that’s not entirely true. Housework might need to be sacrificed a bit 🙂
I’m IN.
I’m in the middle of the biggest manifestaion mission I’ve done before… buying a home with my husband.
Today we’re applying for a mortgage and I got SCARED.
So I needed this kick in the arse to remind myself that it has already happened.
So my goal: In 90 days time, my husband and I will be living in our new house that we own, and we will EASILY be able to pay the mortgage.
Phew.
And on another note – a lot of people have weight loss goals, for a completely different take on weight loss, check out this article on my website
Mission: Physical Manifestation Overhaul – Intro
It’s the first in a series that looks at overhauling the body from the inside out, based on the idea that our beliefs create our bodies – just like our beliefs create our external reality.
Great article, Aaron. Haven’t been by in awhile, and the timing was perfect.
Much joy,
Kara-Leah
Interesting:) I’ve recently taken up running again and your challenge page seems appropriate. For my challenge I resolve to be able to run a full 10K race in 90 days time!
Carolyn,
That’s awesome! What is the Thoughts & Philosophies website going to be about as compared to the blog? Do you have a plan of action for what you want the website to include?
I actually started this site as just a website, and the blog came later. In retrospect, I would have done things a bit differently, so I’m curious to see what you have in mind.
Welcome to the Challenge and I’m looking forward to hearing the details! 🙂
Kara-Leah,
That’s the kind of goal that I love to see! It’s gutsy, measurable, and its scary. Great stuff, and welcome aboard!
Please be sure to put a link to pictures of the house so we can all witness the success that you have already manifested by committing to making it happen!
Much obliged for the extra info to help people overhaul their bodies. There are plenty of people who are looking to do exactly that! 🙂
Nick,
Where are you at right now with your running? Is a 10k run really going to stretch your physical abilities?
If so, then that is a great goal, and I’ll look forward to hearing about the details as you go along. I used to be a personal trainer, so I’ve got some experience in that regard.
That being the case, I would encourage you to really listen to your body as you train, and if your body is up for it, consider raising your goal once you are trained up a bit.
I used to hate running when I was in the military, but once I started doing it on my own because I wanted to, I went from running 4 miles to 9 miles literally overnight.
It was an eye opening experience for me about the power of my mind vs. the power of my body! 🙂
I am up for this challenge. I defiantly have the motivation, this just sweetens the pot! My challenge will be to lose 30 pounds in 90 days.
Let me know what I will need to do about my starting and ending weights.
Ann Marie
Ann Marie,
Welcome aboard, and I’m glad we finally figured out a way to get your comment posted! Sheesh – technology can be a bear sometimes!
As I have indicated for several others who want to lose weight during their Challenge, there are a bunch of resources available that can help you out, and Kara-Leah Masina has just added another valuable information source. Here are the 3 URL’s that have been listed so far.
FitnessDestinations.com
Today is that Day Master Fitness Program
Physical Manifestation Overhaul
As far as getting me your beginning stats, feel free to shoot them over to me at aaron@TodayIsThatDay.com. If you have a “before” picture that you would like to share, that would be great as well.
Although my personal 90-day goal is financial independence, I am also working on losing some weight, so I’m looking forward to posting my own before and after pics. It’s like having an electronic trophy to share with people! 🙂
Hi Aaron
I’ve got butterflies but I’m up for it. It’s time to make it really happen. I am prepared to commit to make big things happen in my life, I pledge the following in the next 90 days:
To lose 35lbs (half of what I need to lose)
To run a 10k race (just started running again)
To have financial freedom (I have a p/t day job to help me pay the bills whilst working on other ventures)
Trust me, these are big for me and pretty scary right now but as I already have them, I will just let them in. September 9th 2007 will be a glorious day!
Love, light and abundance x x x
Lola,
You’ve got butterflies because your massive success is causing you excitement!
You’ve set up some powerful and scary goals for the next 90 days, and I am already looking forward to hearing about the details when all is said and done.
As you said, the success is already yours, and now all you have to do is accept it! 🙂
Great stuff, Lola, and glad to have you on board!
If I lose 30 pounds in 90 days, you will pay me $100.00? I will TAKE THAT CHALLENGE. And I promise to only use safe methods, no weird diet pills or anything. I’ll email you a photo taken just recently.
Also, your commenters who make $3000 a month? Could I get their secrets? Because I am committed to being a professional blogger, but I don’t even make a tenth of that kind of money a month.
YEAH!!! I can leave a comment!!
Aaron I know what you mean about technology…Anyways, I’ll send that pic and those stats later this evening. Just want to wish everyone luck with their personal challenges and Nick Philips…You can do it!!
Elizabeth,
Yay! Welcome aboard! Big props to you for mentioning the safety factor, by the way.
Everyone? Follow the lead of our dedicated newcomer – no risking your health or your happiness just to accomplish a goal!
As far as making money via blogging, Elizabeth, there are many free resources that will teach you every single thing that you need to know. I’ve got about 10 “blogs about blogging” that I read regularly, but if I had to point you to one source that has it all, it would be https://www.problogger.com.
That site is run by Darren Rowse who is a very smart cookie, and one of the most successful bloggers that I am aware of. In fact, one of his recent posts covers the topic briefly. Check out:
What to do with 10 Hours on Your Blog?
p.s. – I got your email, too, and I’ll shoot you over a response shortly!
Ann Marie,
YES! After all that time you were finally able to leave a comment, and you come right out of the gate encouraging other Challengers. That kind of attitude will take you where you want to go! 🙂
I’ll look forward to getting your info later via email, Ann Marie.
Aaron, rather than take up a lot of your comment space, I answered you in my latest post, Will You Join Me At The Finish Line?
Geez, I hope I did that html right.
Nope. Didn’t quite get it right. It must be time to go back to the tutorial 🙂
Hey Aaron,
Thanks for making the link to my article active, and mentioning it again later too. Much appreciated.
Great way to motivate people to get stuff DONE.
And nice info on Disturbed too, my husband loves those guys, and now so do I. HIgh energy music (metal or no) has a lot going for it.
Much joy,
KL
Carolyn – you DID get it right! Great job! I would have fixed it for you if you hadn’t. 🙂
I’ll swing by your site and check out your thoughts. Thanks for posting!
Kara-Leah,
No problem! It’s a great resource, and I appreciate you making it available for people. I’m glad to help point others in that direction! 🙂
Disturbed is totally awesome. I just got done working out, and out of about 12 really motivating songs that I use when I want to run really fast, Disturbed has more songs in that list by far than any other group!
Hi Aaron
This is the first time I’ve posted something, reading your challenge I felt really fired up and also quite scared but excited because I know I can do it.
So here goes………
I WILL lose 401bs and save at least 5,000 in 90 days.
in 90 days
– lose 25 lbs
– lead a simpler quieter life
Labo,
Welcome to the conversation and feel free to post anytime!
Those are some great goals that you’ve set up for yourself – attainable, yet scary!
Here’s a free tip based on something that you said in your post:
Being fired up will fuel your success!!
It’s all about the attitude, Labo. Stay focused on what you want and excited about having it, and magic happens!
Bhava,
Thanks for joining in the Challenge! 🙂
Losing 25 pounds is certainly attainable and measurable.
What about leading a simpler quieter life? How will you measure that?
It’s a wonderful goal, to be sure, but you need to be able to measure exactly what that means to you, or else you won’t be able to say whether or not you have accomplished it.
Is there a certain amount of personal or family time that you want to have every day? Are there people or circumstances that you want to remove from your life? Are their meditation or spiritual practices that you want to undertake?
Those are just examples, of course, and you are the only one that knows what a “simple and quiet” life means for you. Why don’t you fill in some details so that your progress can be measured as you go along?
Hey Aaron,
Thanx for the encouragement. I’m currently just starting my running again. I do have experience running, used to do it quite a bit a few years back, even took part in 10K races and half-marathons. But I stopped running primarily due to pure laziness! I love running, that’s why I’m starting it again. I’m actually using a beginners running programme to get the body and muscles used to the rigors of running again before I do some serious running. It’s nice to know that you’re a personal trainer and any advise you can give me at this point is greatly appreciated 🙂 Here’s hoping to hear from you soon.
Nick,
That’s awesome! I have trained for a few half-marathons myself, although I never actually took part in one. I did run the 13.2 miles on 2 occasions, though!
I’ve got physical advice and mental advice:
1) Physical – The shoes make all the difference! People who just run once in awhile might be able to get away with wearing a cross-training shoe, but if you are going to be dedicating a lot of time to running, its worth it to spring for shoes that will really support your body during your training program.
2) Mental – Make good use of your training time by listening to powerful/educational audio files. The longest I ever ran non-stop was 2 hours and 17 minutes and that is a large chunk o’ time to soak up some business and/or personally empowering audio via iTunes or direct MP3 audio downloads from your favorite websites.
Oh, and one more thing – don’t forget to vary your training program! Just because you are training to run long distance doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t do other cardiovascular training activities as well in order to give your bodily tissues a break. I would specifically recommend swimming, bicycling, and/or an elliptical trainer due to their lack of impact stress as compared to running.
Aaron,
In 90 days I will increase my gross income by $6000 per month. It’s hardcore, scary, and going to take everything I have to make it happen.
I’ll be back on September 21st…
Mike
P.S. I’ll be back to your blog much sooner than that. Your stuff is great!
Mike,
I appreciate the positive feedback on the site, and welcome to the Challenge!
That’s a scary and awesome goal that you’ve set for yourself, and those are the best kind!
Looking forward to keeping up with you as you work towards it, and to providing additional motivational and empowering content for you and everyone else along the way! 🙂
Wow, what a great, galvanizing post and comment discussion! And I needed the kick in the behind. 🙂
I’ve been drifting goal-lessly, miserable in my job and flailing halfheartedly at a few dreams for a year now and letting it impact my health and sanity. So – here are my goals:
I commit to starting the exercise plan that I’ve been thinking about and procrastinating, tomorrow. WIthin 90 days I will be walking 3 miles x 3x a week alternating with practicing yoga 3x a week.
Also, I pledge to sticking with persistently building my brand new techblog into a revenue stream over the next 90 days. Early on, posting major numbers isn’t a realistic goal – but demonstrating consistent commitment with daily content-rich posts, diligent networking and aggressive marketing is a sound objective.
I’ll have to go download Disturbed now. 🙂
Jeri,
Coming from someone who has some experience with both blogging as well as physical fitness, allow me to commend you on a realistic, yet still empowering set of goals!
Your blogging goals are based on what is arguably the most important aspect of a good blog – frequently posting good content. Obviously there are other factors as well, but not only is the posting of content a very measurable circumstance, but it is both a short and a long-term growth strategy as well.
As far as walking combined with yoga, you are actually hitting 3 critical areas there; cardio, resistance training, and mental focus. My only word of caution is to monitor your level of exertion during both of those activities. Once you get “comfortable,” it is time to either take up the intensity or add in some additional work.
Glad to have you on board with the Challenge, Jeri, and I added your tech blog to my RSS reader so I can keep up with the goings-on there. Also, on that note, I wanted to commend you on a cool name and design for your blog. I found that both caught my attention. 🙂
Hi Aaron,
I just wanted to drop another comment in here, and give a big congratulations to everyone who has joined your challenge – simply by making the decision to start, you all have already succeeded in so many ways! Just keep at it!
That’s it, just felt inspired to throw that out there. 🙂
Lyman,
I love when people act from their inspiration, and I like it even better when that act helps other people out and inspires them to succeed.
Thanks, Lyman!
p.s. – As a side note, I’ve been tracking your 17 Success Principles blog, and comments like this one prove that you are staying well inside the positive bubble. It’s great to witness! 🙂
Well it seems I am out already!
I am new to blogging and was trying the future post feature and somehow missed a day. My 5 days per week were to be M-F, had I caught it in time I would have played ‘catch-up’ on the weekend, but alas with fathers day it went unnoticed. AND, I joined Weight Watchers where I was informed that 30# in 90 days is too much for a nursing mommy (limit is 1#/week after the first 3 weeks). I will still move forward with my goals (adjusted weight). POST 5/wk & lose 15 POUNDS
That $100 really had me going though.
Sue,
Here’s a great lesson in goal setting for you, and it comes in the form of a question:
What have you learned from this experience?
For one, you got some needed information about the future posting feature, which is great knowledge to have as a blogger looking for success.
And two, you learned how to stay on track with your weight loss goals, while at the same time keeping yourself and the baby healthy.
I don’t know about you, but I see both of those things as successful learning experiences that you otherwise might not have had if you hadn’t gotten so excited about the $100!
Besides, the money is just an incentive to make the whole thing have a reward at the end. The real rewards at the end of 90 days of consistently improving your life are:
1) A life that is 90 days worth of effort better than it was before
2) The confidence that you get from proving to yourself that you can consistently do something positive for yourself for 90 days straight.
I’d say those goals are worth spending time on for the rest of the 90 days, wouldn’t you?
OH yes…I’ll hang in there! I would not want to dry up my milk for sure! That is my priority right now but I have also made a shift back into what I need for myself. Slower weight loss is so much less exciting BUT it typically lasts longer AND I won’t stress out about not being able to feed my baby! I need to figure out exactly what DID go wrong with the future posting thing – it remains a mystery at this point:(
Perfection is not a requirement for success! (that’s a quote from me – a recovering perfectionist!)
Hi Sue,
I’ll bet you could even think up more things that you learned and did along the way if you hadn’t participated in this. I think it was Jim Rohn who said something like “We don’t set goals for what we get, but for what we become.” And it’s amazing what we can become, even when we don’t hit the exact target we started out with.
Here’s another (paraphrased) quote from Les Brown (I think): “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, at least you’ll be among the stars.”
Thanks for your honesty and inspiration. Welcome to the night sky. 🙂
OK Aaron, I guess this is the best place for me to start!
I have two goals, one more definite than the other. The first one ends in only 65 days, but I have been working towards it since January. I will WIN the figure competition I am entering on 8/25/07. I have been saying all along that I will be happy if I just “place” since I came in last the last time I competeted in bodybuilding. So my challenge will be to step it up a notch and go for the gold!
The second is even scarier because it is so unknown to me! In 90 days I will have learned all about the world of “blogging for money” and will be earning an income with my blog. -no clue how to do this as of this minute, but as a mom of two, full-time college student and figure competitor I need a way to make some money!
woo hoo here we go!
Robin,
Wow! I know what goes into that type of fitness training, I’m a parent, and I blog for a living, so I know *exactly* what you have in store for you over the next several months!
Those are some scary goals, and those are the best kind. Goals that don’t give you butterflies probably won’t be enough to keep you on the maximum edge of creation and productivity!
Welcome to the Challenge, Robin, and please let me know if I can help you along the way.
As far as blogging, I’ve got 2 resources for you:
1) Darren Rowse – He is the “the man” when it comes to blogging, and his site has everything you could possibly want to know: https://www.problogger.net
2) Along with 2 of my mastermind partners, we are about to launch a new blog that is about manifesting dreams. It’s going to be way cool and we’re calling it ‘The 3 Alchemists’.
For my part, I will be talking about manifesting dreams from a general point of view, but I will also be doing a play by play on the things that I am doing and have already done to achieve success as a blogger.
The site isn’t up yet, but once it is (next week barring any technical difficulties), the address will be https://www.the3alchemists.com
Feel free to stop by!
I have decided to review my 90 day challenge not beacuse I don’t think its possible to achieve my previous goals but because there are 2 things right now I want to focus on in order to enhance my life presently and once I have tackled these I will then move on to my next so they are….
Lose 421bs
Be ready to take my driving test
Labo,
It’s been a little over a week since you first posted your goals. How are you doing with the weight loss so far? Are you on track towards making both exercise and eating right a daily habit?
As to your driving test, is this a standard driver’s license, or something more specific?
Hi Aaron
For the first time I have found making the right food choices & exercising natural and not a chore or something that I need to feel gulity about if I haven’t done it by a certain time. I belong to a running club and go twice a week and in the 4 weeks I have been going I have never been able to successfully complete a course without stopping for the first time on saturday and wednesday I did it and boy was I excited because I realisd in that moment that I am going to lose 42ibs in 90 days and keep it off.
My driving test is the standard driving test its something that I have been struggling on and off with since I was 17 taking breaks and feeling really negative about the whole thing. After my fantastic run on saturday I changed my mind set and instead of resenting the lesson, I believed that as I was driving along I was a driver and I could do it and I had the best lesson ever and managed to complete manoveres that a week ago I would have screaming and cursing over and feeling really dejected about.
Labo,
That’s GREAT! Wasn’t that a powerful moment in your life when you realized that you could actually do it?
That feeling of confidence and empowerment then carried over directly to your goal of being ready to take your driver’s test, and that is an important lesson.
Often we get caught up in the accomplishment of specific tasks, but whenever we attain any goal that is a challenge for us, we have the realization that we can do anything that we set our minds to.
That is called an “ah-ha moment” and it is a glorious thing. I’m happy that you have realized the power of those moments, and as a result, you are a more powerful person! 🙂
Wow! this is scary but I know I have read this at exactly the right time. I have set goals and been working hard to release myself from limiting beliefs so here goes – 90 days to prove to myself what I am capable of.
The goals I set for a 90 day challenge is to have purchased a home in another country (this is the least scary bit)and to have achieved a monthly income of £3,000 starting from scratch.
I have never before set myself a goal that I didn’t already know how it would be accomplished. But I need to take the first step to achieving bigger ones so here goes.
Helen,
Awesome goals, and welcome to the challenge!
What country are thinking of buying a house in? Do you have any idea what you would like to get involved with in order to make your monthly financial goal?
Now that you’ve set some definite and measurable goals, it’s time to look toward the next step in the process (and then the next, and the next, etc.).
Glad to have you on board, Helen, and I’d be happy to help you out in any way that I can!
Aaron
Thank you for the welcome. The country is Spain and as for the income, well, basically no. I have been market trading and will continue but I need to find some other ways of creating income. However, I believe there is always a way and now I will find it. My longer term ambitions of miracles coaching requires further training so I need to get the money together to complete it. Your challenge has given me more focus (I was surprised by that).
Helen,
Focus is certainly what it is all about! That is the idea behind a short-term challenge like this. In order to accomplish a big goal in a short period of time, you have no choice but to be focused.
By taking part in a challenge like this, people will realize the amazing power of that type of focus, and then they can use that power to continue to manifest success for themselves.
Thanks for the additional info on where you are going to get your house, and what you are doing financially. Your belief in the fact that there is always a way is right on, and it will be interesting after the 90 days to see the ways in which you made it all happen!
I’m Out!
I keep picturing that Seinfeld episode of being “Master of your Domain”!
Thank you, Aaron, getting me moving on something I’ve wanted to do for a long time, but never got going on. It’s been a fabulous ride, and it will continue.
Lyman,
I read your post about missing a night, and I know EXACTLY what you mean! I missed an instance of reading my goal setting statement, and I used the same quote that you gave on your site! 🙂
I have really enjoyed reading your daily updates to the process, Lyman, and it is so apparent that you are actually putting your mind to the project, and really focusing on it. That – of course – was the whole point of the exercise!
I set out to prove to people that if they could focus on something intensely for just 90 days, that they would be amazed at how much they accomplished during that time. You have proven my point, Lyman, yet you did it in far less than 90 days!
I could not be happier that you are going to keep on going, and I am really looking forward to continuing to track your progress. I see great things in your future, Lyman, and I’m truly looking forward to witnessing them! 🙂
Thank you, Aaron… this really has been an amazing ride. It must be doing something for me if I want to keep going: there sure have been nights when I said “Aww, Jeez, again?” when thinking about getting on the computer for the daily post. But every time I did it, every time I looked at that sheet, I got refocused on what I wanted and what I needed to do to get there.
And I’m going to keep up with this project of yours myself… it’s such a great thing.
Lyman,
I’m so glad to hear that you are going to keep going!
Believe me, in practicing what I preach, I read my goal statement every night before bed and again as soon as I get up in the morning, and I have had that same feeling of not wanting to do it many times myself.
As recently as this morning I got up after only 4 1/2 hours of sleep and started rushing around because I had many things to do before I headed outdoors for my morning exercise. However, I stopped the presses and MADE myself read my statement.
The result? I was both more focused as well as more energized when I finished up my tasks, and also while I was exercising.
It is time well spent, sticking to your guns, Lyman, and I’m truly glad to hear that you are doing that!
You know Aaron, it’s interesting that you mentioned taking the time to read your goal statement, after getting up and before going to sleep. One of the principles I’m working on is “Definite Major Purpose”, and when I was in that week, I set up a statement of just that. So doing the spreadsheet at night reminds me to read it… but it’s funny how even when it’s right there in my face, I still think “I’ve got to read this thing out loud again?” sometimes. But just taking those few minutes to do it really does make a huge difference.
I’m with you, Lyman!
At first, you’re like, “Why I am a reading this again? I wrote the damn thing, and I’ve read it dozens of times already!”
However, for one, it is the subconscious programming that we’re after, and also, no matter how many times I read something good, there are certain instances – sometimes weeks or even months later – when some part of the text hits me upside the head with a much needed reminder! 🙂
WOW!
Nice to see that I’m not the only metal-fan around:) Although I’m more into Machine Head:)
OK… my commitments:
Within 60 days I will be financial independant!
Within 150 days I will be earning 10,000-20,000 each month… (I live for about 2K’s a month now)
1 Year from today, it will have grown to 50,000-70,000 a month.
2 years from now I will have written more than 3 and sold at least 1 movie script.
1 year from now I’ll have a complete drumset and I’ll be drumming like Julius from Nightwish…
…now… what happens if it doesn’t work? Set a new set of goals or prolong the time frame?
…And then… could someone please give me some tips on how I can get rid of my fear of commitments so I don’t give up along the way? please? -Noooo, I’m not really comfortable writing these commitments (*shiver*), but it had to be done… And I’m glad I did:)
Thank you for this cool blog:)
Hugz and best wishes for everyone:)
*Louise
Louise,
You’ve got some great long-term as well as short-term goals, and if they didn’t make you shiver, what fun would they be??? 😉
You said that you are living on $2,000 per month now. What is financially independent in 60 days?
As far as what happens if you don’t hit your goal, you can’t give yourself that option. If you could just “reset the clock” if you didn’t make it, then what would be the point of giving yourself a set amount of time to begin with?
I have personally found that the best way to get rid of a fear of commitment is to just do it. Fear is a completely internal thing, and it can be defeated by just taking action on the thing that you fear. I know that sounds simplistic, but it works!
Aaron,
You are so right… I just have to kick myself and get started! No other option. Guess I’ll have to divorce my comfort zone *lol*:)
However, I set out to put in the electrics (what I do at my job)in 4 ventilation machines before the end of this week… that was thursday night, and I only made 3… So that would mean that I have to do it next week, right?
To me, financial independence would be 2001 bucks per month. That means I would be able to support myself and quit my job if I wanted to so I don’t have the feeling that I have to keep the job (but right now I have some really great work-colleagues who make it all worth it going to work…)
I was wondering, do you put any daily/weekly goals on that goal sheet you read every morning and evening or is it “just” your long-term commitments?
Take care Aaron (and everyone else too)
*Louise
Louise,
HA! “Divorce your comfort zone” – I LOVE IT!
That is exactly what people have to to do!
As far as keeping a job because there are people there that you enjoy, there is nothing wrong with that if you keep the job because you choose to stay there.
Too often people will use some aspect of their job as an excuse to stay there simply because they aren’t willing to do what it takes to leave that job. I’m not saying that is the case with you, but I’m just throwing that out there as something to keep in the back of your mind.
As far as daily/weekly goals, I do not put those on the statement of success that I read every day because the statement of success is meant to keep me focused on the big picture, not my daily tasks.
I do have daily and weekly goals, however, and I keep them on an old-fashioned notepad that sits on my desk. As I get them done, I pick up my pen and put an “X” showing that they are completed. That is one of the best parts of my day! 🙂
Aaron…
Wasn’t planning on leaving this comment, but I’m with Lyman and saving you $100. The wind this past friday kept me from doing a major cross country flight that I needed to complete my pilot’s license in the specified time….. so….. unfortunately I won’t be completed in the 90 days. Probably about 95 🙂
Whoaaaaa…… hold that thought. I just checked the timestamp on my commitment comment and I’ve got to the 7th of September…. It ain’t over yet…
Aaron… don’t spend my money. 🙂
Dave,
YAY!! I’m glad to hear that you are still in the game, and also that you are so close to attaining your goal! That is truly awesome, and I can’t wait to hear the details of your successful flight! 🙂
Aaron, thanks a lot for your help:)
Now I have a new question:
How do you handle obstacles so you reach your goal in time?
My obstacle:
My parents… as usual… They love me, I know, but they have such a funny way showing it! They rarely speak to me in a “normal” way. If we have a nice and relaxed conversation, critique or anything negative comes up pretty quickly… And that sets my mind out of control in any negative direction as well! Which unfortunately leads me to struggle with family issues rather than getting my job done.
I have often heard that you should cut all contact with negative people, even your family… has anyone done that?
In addition to family-problems, I’m currently in a nasty “fight” with a colleague which has left me sleepless… not good!
I even forgot to read my goals for 4 days now!
So… Aaron, could you please give me and everyone else with stupid obstacles a little advice?
I know that you can do anything when you really want it, and I truly believe that is true… no one just never told me how you can stay focused when you are highly frustrated with something that has nothing to do with your goal…
Sorry about this negative post… I’m frustrated!
Anyway, take care everyone:)
*Louise
Louise,
You are correct in that we can do anything that we want to, and it all begins with us, not with the other people.
In both the situation with your parents as well as your colleague, their behavior is all but irrelevant. Technically, it is 100% irrelevant, but it can be hard to instantly ignore the negativity that someone else brings into your presence.
However, the power to get through the negativity that is brought on by someone else is totally in your control. It has always been about our reactions to what happens to us, not the events themselves.
You have the ability to smile and laugh in the face of anything that your family or your colleagues throw at you, but if you continue to allow yourself to be negatively influenced by their behavior, you are the one who is allowing that to happen, and you are the only one who can stop it.
You may not be able to control other people, but you can control your reaction to them, and it sounds like you need to start exercising that control, Louise.
Also, I am very fond of the phrase “become what you want to attract“. Or, to put it another way, Lead by Example. If people bring negativity to you, keep up your positive attitude both in their presence as well as in private, and accomplish the things that you say you are going to accomplish. No one can dispute success, Louise, so if people don’t believe in you, simply prove them wrong by attaining your goals!
Hi, Aaron and all;
I am SO enjoying reading everyone’s posts here, and what is really striking is how many people have said ‘oh, well, I’m out’…because they missed a day or a task. Commitment isn’t easy, but remember to pat yourself on the back for even being willing to put yourself ‘out there’, as most people around you NEVER WOULD.
This challenge has brought so many people closer to their goals than they otherwise would have been, and in the process has no doubt changed a lot of lives. For all of us who are already in this ‘self development’ business, we know it’s not easy, but every step and learning experience and ‘aha’ moment is worth the trip. Each step, each choice is worthwhile and important and one further than where you were before you took it. Enjoy the process!
Thanks, Aaron.
Shauna,
Very much obliged for your positive and uplifting comment!
You are so right that every single step is a part of the process. We don’t always have to accomplish the “big” goal in order to learn from and enjoy the journey.
I remember when I was a kid I was reading a Reader’s Digest and someone had asked a mother or father if they had ever failed at being a parent. The very appropriate response?
“Everyday.”
We learn from the journey, not the destination. Then, when we apply what we’ve learned, then we can accomplish even bigger and better things in the future.
Life is just cool like that! 🙂
Aaron:
I wanted to come back and give you an update. I posted 90 days ago about two things — having a new job, and making money from blogging and writing.
Well, I don’t yet have a new job, but I feel confident that one is forthcoming.
I’m not making money from blogging yet. BUT, I did create a blog I’ve been wanting to create for a long time. I did it! Momentum is building slower than I had hoped, but I am taking the steps necessary to make it happen.
For that, I thank you for the kick in the pants. 🙂 Things will just get beter from here.
Holli Jo,
Thank you for sharing your update with me, and I want to assure you that you have internalized what this challenge was about to begin with – taking the necessary steps to make something happen!
I firmly believe that one of the biggest reasons why people do not succeed in the attainment of their goals is because they do not consistently take the necessary actions in order to bring their goals to life.
Even in my own life as the author of this challenge, I have learned things in the past 90 days about laser focusing on specific tasks, and you can bet that what I have learned will become apparent over the next 90 days!
If I have motivated you in any way to get the ball rolling towards the attainment of your goals, Holli Jo, then I have done my part. The rest is up to you, and I have confidence that you will take the ball and run with it from this point forward!
On a more specific note, if you aren’t already a regular reader of Darren Rowse’s blog, the knowledge to massively succeed as a blogger is contained in the pages of his blog, so I highly encourage you to check out ProBlogger.
Also, I have just started a new blog (BRAND new, in fact) where I will be taking apart the ins and outs of how I have made money blogging, so you can look for some additional info there. That blog is called The 3 Alchemists and is a joint venture with myself and 2 of my mastermind partners.
Aaron:
Thanks for the encouragement, and thanks for pointing me in the direction of problogger and your new site The 3 Alchemists. These are both some great resources! I wish you success with your new blog, by the way.
And thanks again for being so personable and real with your readers. It’s inspiring that someone as busy as you read and responds to our posts.
THANKS!!!
Holli Jo,
I am truly grateful to be able to help, motivate, and inspire people in any way, so thank you very much for all of the positive feedback!
I am frequently reminded of the need to keep this blog unique so that it doesn’t just melt unnoticed into the growing pile of blogs on the Internet, and one of the ways that I do that is to endorse this site as a community, not just a blog.
So, responding personally as often as I can to reader comments is just me putting my money where my mouth is! 🙂
Thanks, Holli Jo!
Hi Aaron
I first come across your site last year and set my self some goals which I changed but never achieved. I was thinking about the 90 day challenge last week and thought I am ready to nail it this time! So as of the 13th May 2008. I decided to stick with the 2 goals I had before which are:
To lose 901bs
Pass my driving test.
Since setting these goals last week I have lost 81bs and know I WILL SUCCEED and be a slimmer driver by 10th August 2008.
Labo,
Very glad to see you setting some goals for yourself that are really going to require you to put forth a serious effort! 🙂
I love what you said about being a slimmer driver – that’s a great way to combine those 2 goals in your mind.
90 lbs in 90 days is a lot, though, from a health perspective. Most fitness professionals – myself included – don’t recommend losing more than about 2 pounds of body fat each week.
I emphasize body fat because it IS possible to lose more actual weight than that in any given week, but if you are starving yourself, you will lose muscle tissue, and also sabotage your metabolism. The last thing you want to do is end up as a skinny fat person!
Hi
Aaron that was a major typo I actually meant 42 lbs!!
Labo,
That is definitely a more realistic goal! 🙂 It’s been almost 3 weeks since your first post. You should be seeing some results even this early in the game.