"The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now."

By Clare O’Brien

I've had so many insightful and interesting conversations with Diamonds at our training sessions about goals and intentions. There is one word that I often hear and I've found myself challenged by.

Should!

And I use it too (and other variations) - "I should do that, I need to improve at this, I still haven't done that, I should've been doing that, I should be a better ..." etc. All those changes that I tell myself I should be making just end up feeling overwhelming (not to mention judgemental). I simply cannot do them all at once. 

I also started to wonder, 

Why?  Why was I telling myself I should do x, y and z? Was it for me? Some outcome that I wanted? Or sometimes, was the should coming from someone / somewhere else / some other version of me that I thought everyone wanted me to be? 
But...  How do you change your lifestyle and habits in ways that are meaningful to you?
Well, perhaps it's done just one step at a time.
That's why for 2021 I'd like to encourage you to join me in taking on the #21in21 challenge. 

Okay. The first step is to step back and breathe. Think about what YOU want, and why. Then pick one positive change that will move you closer to what you want and aim to do it for 21 days in that month. 

Why do I think this it is worth a try?
It's simple.
Pick one thing, that you can fit into your day and just do it.
Daily repetition.
Consistency is what helps a new habit stick. After 21 days you're quite likely to continue or incorporate this change in some way into your life (if you want to).
It's motivating.
Marking off the days on a whiteboard or ticking them off in your diary allows you to see your achievement (cue dopamine release), every day. And, the more ticks you get the more you want. 

Action orientated.
This approach moves you quickly from the thinking stage into taking action, which is where progress is made. And, rather than being results focussed (e.g. lose 6kg), your success is based around your action/effort.

It's been great to see people take up the challenge with some really diverse and inspiring changes in place. Here are just a few:
Meditation before bed; Eating healthy salads for lunch; Getting up before 7 am; Reducing coffee intake; Zero alcohol; 20 minutes decluttering

How are we doing? Some people have ticked off their first 21 days, some had to reframe their goal and for some there were set-backs and they will recommence next month. And all of that is okay. This is all about action and progress. No matter how far you get, you will be further along than before you started. 

After the first month and talking with quite a few of you - here are some tips to keep us going.

• Tick it off.
  Put a tally up / write it down somewhere so that you see it every day. The fridge, the noticeboard or your diary.

• Complete it in the AM.
  Even better than that, do it first thing when you get up. There's no better way to achieve something on your to-do list than to get it done before the rest of your day takes hold.

• Share your intentions and progress.
  Tell your family, your mates and share it with us. You'll get encouragement and feel accountable. And you might even inspire someone else.

• Be precious and imperfect.
  Diamond flaws are common - yet they are still precious. Don't expect all your efforts to be successful immediately, accept a setback, then reframe and reset. And recognise that progress rarely follows the straight trail.

• Do it for YOU.
  Work on letting go of all the "should' have habits. Focus on changes that motivate you and move you in the direction you want to go. YOU.
  
  Oh and PS, it's never too late to start.
  
  The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.