Try something new for 30 days

Let’s not drink alcohol at all in November (and see what other things we can challenge ourselves with.)

A few days ago, my wife suggested a little challenge: let’s not drink alcohol at all in November.

Don’t worry: we don’t have any alcoholism issues. We just thought it’d be nice to take a little break, and see how difficult it could be.

Can it be done?

Challenge accepted!

But it got me thinking. Why stop there?

A few years ago, Matt Cutts started posting about his 30 day challenges: for 30 days, he would try something new. Whether it be getting rid of a habit or starting a new one, 30 days is just enough time to test yourself. Check his TED talk to find out more:

What does it mean for me? Well, first that means no more whisky on Fridays in November, and no more wine after a long day at work. ?  I haven’t decided what I’ll do in December, but to make myself accountable I’ll blog about each challenge, so you’ll know how it went and you’ll know what each one of my challenges will be. You’re free to join me! ?

Here are a few ideas I’ve had for a future challenges:

  • No Twitter for 30 days.
  • No chocolate (my wife and I already agreed to do that challenge in January.)
  •  Going to bed an hour earlier for 30 days.
  • Take a picture every day.
  • Give up sugar.
  • Go one month without data on my phone.
  • No work for a month.
  • No more multitasking for a month.
  • No more TV in the evening.

Do you have any other ideas for me? Let me know in the comments!

7 replies on “Try something new for 30 days”

Might sound super crazy. But I want to do this. One Month without internet and gadgets.

I tried a month without Facebook long back. Worked out really well and made me realise few things. But a month without internet is a big challenge.

I looked into veganism once and decided it wasn’t for me. Lately I’ve been thinking: I wonder what would happen if I ate vegan for a month? What will happen? Will I feel different? No difference? People make a lot of claims about veganism. I’ll find out first hand.

I don’t have anything specific – but it looks like a lot of your ideas are giving something up. Maybe add a few additions to your life too? Just a couple off the top of my head:

Go for a walk of a certain distance every day. I did something similar last year between US Thanksgiving and New Years; I ran at least one mile every single day. No running for me this year, though. :/
Try a new hobby: like knitting, drawing, etc.

Curious to see how it goes! :)

You’re right. I’ve had to stop going to the gym in the past month, so find a challenge that reintroduces some kind of physical activity would be nice. Thank you!