Prepping: Day 3 - 10 TIPS FOR PREPARING FOR YOUR CHALLENGE

1. CLEAN OUT THE KITCHEN, CAR, DUFFLE BAGS, CLOSETS, DISHWASHERS, YOU NAME IT.

30 Days is 30 Days, and you don’t need temptation staring you in the face. Whatever is it you’re disposing of for the 30 Day Challenge, dispose of it NOW. I know what you’re thinking… "But it doesn’t start until Monday”. This is true, get used to the fact it will not be located in your possession. If you desire it before Monday, make yourself make the extra effort to go get it.

While you’re lying in bed tonight, or when you have a quiet moment today, I want you to think about all the wasted time, energy, both mental (As many people are ‘pre-occupied’ with their weakness 24/7), and physical, not to mention financial waste, and ultimately the waste of health, that has been ‘flushed’, and realize the 30 Day Challenge is your ticket to compensation.

2. JOIN A GYM

If you’re not already a gym member, I suggest finding a gym that fits not only your budget, but also your style, and both short and long-term goals. Why a gym? Get out of the house. Meet new people. Make new friends. If the gym you join offers group fitness classes, check each and every one of them out, and discover interests you didn’t know you had. You’ll find like-minded people, as well as, motivational people. Who knows, you may even come across your future mentor.

If, for some reason, you absolutely can’t join a gym, consider your local recreation center. Prices are often much more feasible, and there’s no contracts.

If your only option is home, then begin purchasing the basic, necessary items for your training. Consider garage sales, Craig’s List, etc.

3. WRITTEN PLANS

Have your workout plans, or any plans regarding your CHALLENGE situation written down, or printed up, and have them with you at all times. Nothing like realizing you have an extra half hour and the gym’s nearby, but you don’t know your workout for that day. In that case, run, in whatever you’re wearing! I always smile when I see men come into my Zumba class in their button up shirts and dress pants so they’re not late! Women come racing in through the doors with their scrubs on, I LOVE IT! These people are serious. You need to be, too.

4. HAVE GYM BAG - WILL TRAVEL

Always keep a simple gym bag loaded with basic items, and keep it in your car. No excuses.

5. MAKE SCHEDULE CHANGES KNOWN / REQUESTED NOW

You might consider working different hours, adjusting when you wake or go to sleep, to make things happen. Remember, if you do things as you’ve always done, you can expect the same result. Get out of your comfort zone! Don’t be afraid to make changes. This is your life, your health, your decision. Arrange for childcare, now. Arrange your group meeting time, and location, now. Arrange things now, so when Monday comes you feel you have a handle on things.

6. INFORM THOSE WHO WILL HOLD YOU ACCOUNTABLE

Let the people in your life who can support you, and hold you accountable, know what you are embarking on, and that you’re serious about it. Sometimes, we’ve had a ‘weakness’ for so long we operate on ‘auto-pilot’, these people can be key figures in looking out for your best interests.

7. ARRANGE TIME WISELY

Think about your lifestyle, friends, recreational activities, and events that are a DANGER ZONE to your CHALLENGE plan. Make different arrangements. Find other things that interest you, that you can plan on doing to fill your time, occupy your hands, and keep your brain busy. 

8. VISUALIZE

‘See’ yourself, and your end SUCCESSFUL results, in your minds eye starting today. See your new physique, your new whatever it is you’re challenging yourself to. Put pictures up, articles, inspirational thoughts. Yes, this is serious business. You must believe in your CHALLENGE, in yourself, and allow that desire and belief to fuel you. Top athletes, top executives, and many people use visualization. It works.

9. BE PREPARED TO FEEL VULNERABLE

Going without an addiction can be overwhelming if you’re not prepared. It can be likened to standing on a major freeway, butt naked, between two lanes. You will feel exposed, vulnerable, beside yourself. Decide your method of coping with this feeling now, and you will have half the battle won. 

10. MENTAL PREPAREDNESS

This is the most important step to take action on. Done properly, you will use it the rest of your life. You are an important person. You are important to many people in your life. You have something to offer life in your own unique way no one else can. You will certainly be ‘tested’ throughout your entire 30 DAYS. This is a TEST! How many times have you made up your mind, for instance, “No more junk food”, and 20 minutes later, a friend or neighbor brings you over the most delicious looking brownies or whatever, for no apparent reason. This is Universal Law.

KNOW YOU WILL BE TESTED - YOU CAN PLAN ON IT.  

                            EVERYDAY!

Think of yourself as a Warrior. Stand up to your CHALLENGE. Face it. Look it in the eye, and let it know YOU have chosen something different. YOU are the one in charge, not a package, not a can,  not a whatever.

The motto for this CHALLENGE is:

BE STRONG. STAY STRONG. YOU CAN’T GO WRONG. 

When you're around your friends, give a hug, a high five, back slap, butt kick, knuckles, whatever it is you do, and repeat the motto, it's empowering. 

Empower one another!