So we're always talking about the theory of change here at craigharper.com.
Okay, I'm talking, you're listening.
Er, reading.
You know what I mean.
Always exploring, discussing and analysing the nuts and bolts of self-improvement.
How to make a better version of... us.
The 'new and improved'.. you.
Not that we shouldn't take time to appreciate and enjoy who we are and where we are right now.. but we're always a work in progress on some level.
Anyway, as you know from Sunday's post, I'm the Action Dude (sounds like I need a cape or something.... "is it a bird, is it a plane... no, it's Action Dude!).
Alright, I'll stop.
Clearly I missed out on the embarrassment gene.
Feel free to cringe and feel uneasy at my expense; I won't know.
And if you're a regular on this site then you'll know that I'm all about removing one's ass from one's couch and taking one's head out of the sand and getting shit done.
Now, If I'm getting too technical for you at any stage, lemme know and I'll dumb it down a bit for you.
And why is one talking like the Queen anyway?
And in the third person?
Well my faithful readers, today is an opportunity (if you choose to make it so) for you to stop reading, thinking, talking and waiting and to start doing.
Well actually, every day is... but sometimes we need a little shove with love.
I'm giving you the chance to participate in my twenty eight day...(cue the trumpets) "Get-Yer-Shit-Together-challenge".
GYST challenge for short.
Just rolls off the tongue doesn't it?
Dunno how it's gonna look on the posters though.
Oh well.
My PR guy told me that I should probably go for a more PC name for the challenge or perhaps something a little less offensive and more marketable; I told him he had smelly breath and to go clean his yellow teeth with his nicotine-stained fat little fingers.
Sure we could call it something fancy-schmancy like "The Harper Behavioural Modification Program" but..
1) That's the most lame-ass name I've ever heard and
2) When we're completely honest, all we really wanna do is... get our shit together right?
So the name was a no-brainer.
And as I've said before.. "my site, my rules."
Everything else I write (for mags) is perused (and periodically mauled) by editors... so ya gotta love the creative freedom of a blog.
By the way (yes I know I'm digressing), have you ever noticed how people write completely differently to how they speak?
To their friends they say "C'mon Charlie... get yer shit together man you're being a total tool."
But in the written form that sentence translates to "Excuse me Charles, I feel there are some underlying behavioural issues which may need to be explored and addressed."
Glad I'm not smart enough to write like that.
Now while most challenges have an agenda (use our products, pay our registration fee), my only 'agenda' is for you to climb out of that very deep hole you've dug for yourself and see what it's like up here where the sun's shining and the birds are singing.
For you to step out of Groundhog day and into a world of new possibilities.
That's right; it's a practical opportunity for you to start doing and stop talking.
We all need a catalyst.
And a cheer squad.
And a start date.
And we all need to create some momentum... so I'm gonna give you a little nudge.
If you're a person who has a history of 'almost' doing stuff... then this little challenge might be the opportunity for you to break that destructive, repetitious, frustrating cycle of blaaaah that you seem to have embraced so often.
If you've been the Captain of the 'SS Monotony' for too long... then maybe it's time to jump ship.
But you need to be ready.
The water's cold... but it's oh-so refreshing!!
So why twenty eight days?
Well, my experience tells me that four weeks is long enough to create real change and short enough to stay focused and on track.
And if done properly, these twenty eight days can be the catalyst for life-long change.
Okay, here's how it works:
1. The start-date is Monday, September 3, 2007.
Yes I know we could all start tomorrow (Wednesday August 29) but some of you won't even read this until after that date and some of you will need to make some practical arrangements in order to really get the best out of yourself over the twenty eight days. Use this time wisely and productively to get your head, heart and life (practically) where they all need to be for you to create FOREVER change. This challenge is not about four weeks... it's about starting the wheels turning on life-long change.
It's a beginning.
2. Identify what needs to change in your life (you already know). Tell someone that you trust what you're doing and why. Ask them to kick your ass, keep you honest and to encourage you through the four weeks (get them to read this post so they know what you're talking about). It doesn't matter what area of your life those changes relate to (health, work, relationships, destructive habits, attitude, self-talk, overcoming fears)... as long as they have something to do with creating positive change in your life.
And no, it's not a weight-loss challenge (as such)... but if you need to drop some weight then I would love you to get involved.
3. Set some specific goals (regarding that thing/issue/habit).
4. Write NO MORE THAN two hundred words to tell me (and perhaps a few thousand others) what you are going to achieve over the twenty eight days and why it will be different this time. This is your public commitment and yes, this takes a little guts.
If I can reveal my head and heart to you guys every single day... you can do it once. Yeh?
If you don't want to reveal your identity, use your initials.
By the way, if you can't take a risk, you can't succeed.
5. All of your submissions (goals, objectives, commitments) will be displayed in a separate area on this site. There will be a link in the right side bar on the home page (where you are now) below the 'Life Renovation' advertisement. It will be up this Friday and it will be an orange box saying 'GYST Challenge'... click on that link and it will take you through to where all your goals and commitments will be displayed. You can send those from now.
They will be displayed on the site from this Friday.
6. You can send your submission via the comments link at the bottom of this post or you can email me via the 'email Craig' menu option in the left side bar. Either way, it will make it through. If a photo is appropriate (and relevant) please send it in a JPG format.
7. Even though it's called a challenge.. you're the only competitor and you are.. your major obstacle. If you can get out of your own way, you might do what you've failed to do in the past. While it's not a competition, I will be giving away a few goodies (books, T-shirts, a place in my next Life Renovation program) to people that I feel have made an outstanding effort. Don'tcha think it's funny that these days we have to motivate people to change their life for the better with prizes... surely the change is the reward?
"I'm not losing weight unless I win a car."
"Then I'll get fat again."
Am I the only one that thinks this is stupid?
I don't get it; I must be missing something.
Lemme know if you've figured it out.
8. Find a reason to succeed. Stop rationalising why now is not the time for you.
If you want to continue to sabotage your life and waste your potential, feel free.
If you want to break the cycle, change your attitude (it's a choice).
9. Every Monday (for the four weeks) you will be required to send us a one hundred word (or less) brief progress report. This is so we can all see how you're going and encourage and support you... and so that you have a whole bunch of accountability partners to report to and keep you doing what you need to do.
Just so you know, I will read every submission.
I will comment when I can..
10. I would encourage you to read other people's submissions and to send through your support and encouragement... either by clicking on the comments link or via email. We will get them and post them either way. I have a good feeling about the potential of something like this concept; no money changing hands, no agendas, no ulterior motives, no products to sell... just a bunch of like-minded people with good motives helping each other towards a better life.
Call me old-fashioned.
It may or may not work; it's up to you guys.
Start sending your submissions from today and feel free to add your (general) thoughts and comments as well.
Cheering you on,
Craig ( ) - group hug.
Written by Craig Harper
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
