During the month of September, I’m challenging myself to get outside and play everyday. I’m looking forward to 30 days of fun come rain or shine.

I’ve always like the concept of the 30 day challenge – you decide on an activity to do each day and then do that activity every day for 30 days. I’ve heard it is a great way to get motivated, try a new habit, or get focused on a new project. The problem is, every time I start a challenge, it never works out that I finish one. I can’t seem to persevere through doing something I choose each day for 30 days straight. Life, wine, weather or some other excuse always happens.

Last year, I started with a goal to run every day. Two days into running it snowed and was 20 degrees in West Texas. At that point, bundling up around the fire pit with bourbon spiked hot tea sounded like a more fun way to spend the morning.

One month, I wanted to do a 5k a day (trying to get back on target on running 500 miles in one year) but then torrential rains for 20+ days came.

Each time I didn’t meet my goal, I was frustrated and thought this type of challenge was not for me. But as I thought about each monthly attempt, I noticed that having the goal did help me do something, it helped me do more of what I wanted to do that month. I ran more in January and May than I would have without the challenge. I thought, maybe there is a benefit to giving myself a goal of a 30 day challenge even if I only make it 15 days….that’s 5 or 10 more days than I might have done minus the challenge.

So, this September, I’m going back to the 30 day challenge. Whether it’s a walk around the neighborhood or one last swim in the pool, I’m going to enjoy being outside for this last part of summer and kick off into fall.

Will you join me? (I’ve also hear sharing your goal with others is a good way to meet your goal).