Okay, so here’s the deal. I decided to track something for 45 days, starting April 19th, 2024. Why? Well, I was feeling a bit… blah. Needed a kick in the pants, a routine, SOMETHING.
Day 1 (April 19th): The Grand Plan
- Figured out what I wanted to track. I went with consistency in exercise, reading, and cutting out sugary drinks. Ambitious, I know.
- Downloaded a habit tracking app. There are tons out there, I just grabbed a simple one that wouldn’t overwhelm me.
- Actually did a workout! Just a quick 30-minute run, but it counts. Felt surprisingly good.
Week 1: The Honeymoon Phase
Everything was sunshine and rainbows. I was hitting my goals every day, feeling super motivated. Reading before bed instead of scrolling through my phone? Check. Swapped soda for water? Easy peasy. This was going to be a breeze, I thought.
Week 2-3: The Grind
Reality started to set in. Work got crazy busy. The weather wasn’t cooperating for outdoor runs. That reading before bed? Yeah, replaced by staring blankly at the ceiling while trying to fall asleep. I missed a few days here and there. Felt guilty. Almost gave up. But I didn’t!
Week 4: The Adjustment
Okay, so I wasn’t perfect. Big deal. I tweaked my goals to be more realistic. Instead of running every day, I aimed for 4 times a week. Reading became “read at least one chapter.” This made it feel less like a chore and more manageable. Plus, I found some sugar-free soda alternatives that didn’t taste like cardboard.
Week 5-6: The Routine (Kinda)
Things started to click. I wasn’t thinking about the habits as much. They just became part of my day. I even started looking forward to my runs (sometimes!). And that feeling of accomplishment after finishing a book? Addicting.
Final Days: Reflection
The 45 days are up! So, what did I learn?
- Consistency is key, but perfection is a myth. Missing a day (or even a few) doesn’t mean you’ve failed. Just get back on track.
- Realistic goals are crucial. Don’t try to overhaul your entire life overnight. Start small, make adjustments, and celebrate your progress.
- Tracking helps! Seeing those little checkmarks on the app was surprisingly motivating.
Would I do it again? Absolutely. It wasn’t always easy, but it helped me build some better habits and feel more in control of my day. Now, time to figure out my next 45-day challenge…
