A reader has sent in an e-mail to the Dollar Stretcher about a 100 day challenge. She believes that goals can be reached by setting them into smaller attainable stages.

 

100 Days Challenge

 

September 22^nd marked the last 100 days of the year, so I took the opportunity to set a couple of goals that I could meet within that time.  I also broke the 100 days into 10 sets of 10.  One of my goals was to lose 10lbs by the end of the year.  To lose one pound, I would have to burn 3500 calories.  Instead of having to burn 500 calories a day over 7 days (a week), I found it’s a lot easier to burn 350 calories a day over 10 days.  Another goal was to save money for a little weekend trip that I plan on taking in January.  I set aside a dollar a day to help pay for it.  With some other money I have set aside, I will be able to pay cash for the entire trip!!

 

I challenged a couple of other people to join me.  One person wanted to pay off her credit card, so she decided to save $5.00 a day and make her lunch every day, setting the money she would have used to buy lunch, aside.  She had her card paid off by the 70^th day of the challenge.  Another one wanted to finish a scrapbooking project, and decided on doing one page every 10 days.  She’s almost done.  I’ve already lost my 10lbs and am working on a couple more for good measure.

 

I’ve challenged a bigger group for the First 100 Days Challenge which starts on January 1^st.  This helps to reinforce how important short-term goals are and how they can contribute to the larger, medium and long term goals.  Set some goals (not resolutions) for yourself for the first 100 days, and have fun.  Make sure that you can realistically achieve them by April 10^th.  It’s amazing what you can do!!!

 

Michelle S

 

Thank you for telling us about this challenge, Michelle. Is anyone interested in joining her?

 

I think I can lose 10 lbs. in 100 days. I'm in!

**Edited to add: I figured that just saying "I'm gonna lose some weight" is a good goal, but I need to have a plan in place for how to achieve it. So I am adding to my goal here--on April 10, I am going to run 5K nonstop. (I'm not setting a time limit, just finish without stopping to walk.) Three days ago, I ran 1/2 mile and walked a bit more than 1/2 mile. Yesterday I ran 3/4 of a mile and walked 1/4. Today I was a bit sore, so I got on the stationary bike for 5.5 miles, and I walked 2.25 with my DH tonight. I am hoping that my fitness plan will result in the weight loss goal. I am keeping a workout journal on www.mapmyrun.com

I love this idea and am going to try it. While I am opposed to "New Year's Resolutions" for myself because I have never been able to keep them, this certainly seems more doable. The problem is to narrow my goals down to one or two to work on. I have so many: lose weight, get more organized, eat homecooked meals more, save more money and pay off bills, etc., etc. I will have to consider these goals, make them more concrete and devise a plan in the next few days. Thank you Michelle for this great idea!

anyone else have a 100 day challenge? I have lots to choose from..making money is the first one for me.

I started out with two goals:

1. To have my mortgage down to a specific amt. (I've already passed that!)

2. To make curtains for my basement. Nothing difficult...just using old, lace tablecloths, tension rods etc.. I have two left to make and hang! Think I'll get there by 100 days easily.

 Maybe I need to make a little more difficult goals? I'm feelin' good!

 Hi

It is good that people set targets for achieving their plans and goals. One can achieve anything, the only thing required is firm determination.

 Love this and I am oh so in!!!   Goals for the 100 day challange:

1. Already working on losing 1 pund per week, so that will be 14 1/2 pounds for that time frame.

2. Stick to my budget

3. 30 minutes of ME time everyday.  I learned the hard time that it is critical for my physical health to set aside time for prayer, meditation, reading or anything else that helps me maintain peace within.

grame:

. Already working on losing 1 pund per week

That is a realistic and attainable way of looking at it. I think when people say "I want to lose 20 pounds", it becomes so much larger a thing to accomplish and then it becomes harder.

"I want to loose one pound a week" breaks it down into steps that can be taken gradually.

good idea! don't know what I would do yet..still trying to catch up on the stuff I am behind.

This is a great approach.  I'm always setting BIG goals but not good at breaking them down in to the steps so this will be great practice.

 One of my "goals" for 2012 is to do the splits by the end of the year so I guess I will get 10inches closer to the floor during the first 100 days of 2012.   That's 1" every 10 days.  I think I can do that.  Thank goodness I live alone so no one will be watching.  (I have a 34 inch inseam so if I keep up the 1" every 10 days I should be on the floor by next solstice)

To reduce clutter:  Choose 1 thing per day for the first 100 days which can go out of my house (recycle, donate, trash, or gift).  That will be 100 fewer items cluttering my house.  Maybe I'll look around the room for removable clutter while I'm trying to do the splits...I do like to multitask.

 Finances:  Read one article on investing or running a business every 10 days. 

 

Thanks for bumping this thread up.