The Challenge

I'm not one for New Year's Resolutions. They tend to make January, which is already kind of a downer month, even more of a challenge. However this year my to do list has taken on a different kind of twist involving a larger group of people. Here's how it works: each participant puts $20 in the pot, then for each day you accomplish each item on the list, you get a point. All the points are tallied weekly and after 12 weeks, the people with the most points split the pot. Knowing we're all working on it is kind of fun (this week anyway, hope that lasts) and the potential monetary prize at the end is also a huge motivator. The list:
1. Exercise for 30 minutes
2. Drink 48oz of water
3. 2 servings of vegetables, 2 servings of fruits
4. No unhealthy food or drink (soda, coffee, "bad" fast food or snacks, etc.)
5. No sweets, candies, chocolates, etc.
6. No eating after dinner, or 8pm (whichever is later)
7. Read 15 minutes of scripture or other spiritual text
8. Devote 15 minutes to accomplishing a written personal goal
9. Go out of your way to help someone else
10. Write a journal entry (of any length)
For the most part, everything on the list are things I am/want to be/should be doing anyway. So far my biggest challenge is the afternoon munchies (I just want a cookie!) and writing in a journal is something I've never been good at. Sundays are a "free" day and you'd better believe I'm already trying to decide what kind of delicious dessert I'm going to indulge in!