There’s a hack for personal growth so simple it’s overlooked.
Yet, it’s one of the most effective ways to motivate yourself toward self-improvement.
It’s three simple steps:
- Set a goal
- Put a date on the calendar
- Share it with others
It’s signing up for something that may or may not scare you and timeboxing it.
It can be as simple as a 5K or marathon, volunteering at a charity event, or starting the business you’ve been itching to pursue.
It transforms a distant goal into a reality.
It creates a sense of urgency and accountability.
And if it’s an event like those above, it’s difficult to back out or procrastinate.
Why do we shy away from committing to dates on our calendars?
Fear of failure or discomfort is usually at the root.
We don’t want to set ourselves up for disappointment if we can’t reach our goal by that specific date.
We’re afraid to push ourselves out of our comfort zone and into the unknown.
But the truth is, even if we fall short of our initial expectations, the growth and progress come from the journey there.
The preparation that goes into it, the motivation to keep pushing forward, and the lessons learned throughout are invaluable.
For me, it’s been marathon prep. At a 4th of July party, a family friend asked me to run the Philadelphia Marathon.
I’ve never run more than a half marathon, but I had no reason to say no.
The next day, I registered, and from that day on, it gave me a goal to work towards.
So far, the journey has been incredible.
I’ve learned the compounding effect of consistency, the importance of pushing through discomfort, and the power of a support system.
I’ve met countless people who inspire me to be a better runner, athlete, and person.
Heck, I even started VTLZR!
One simple decision to challenge myself has snowballed into growth I wouldn’t have experienced otherwise.
So, why not give it a shot?
Sign up for that race or event you’ve been eyeing.
Put a date on the calendar and commit to it – even if it scares you.
Why should we start marking our calendars for growth?
It builds a clear roadmap
Having a specific date in mind gives us something to work towards and breaks down our bigger goals into bite-sized chunks and measurable milestones. This can make the process less overwhelming and more manageable.
Once you’ve committed to an event, you need a training plan. For a marathon or bodybuilding show, you optimize workouts, calculate nutrition, and schedule rest days.
Without a set date, it’s easy to get lost in the monotony of everyday life and skip workouts or neglect healthy habits.
It encourages discipline
Signing up for an event means sticking to your regimen plan, pushing through when it gets tough, and prioritizing your goal over other distractions. This level of discipline not only helps you reach your physical goal but translates into other areas of your life.
It boosts accountability
By openly committing to a goal or event, you hold yourself accountable for your progress. You’re 65% more likely to meet a goal after committing to another person. That number increases to 95% if you collaborate in ongoing meetings.
A deadline creates accountability, and accountability creates results.
It fuels excitement and anticipation
The adrenaline rush of counting down the days cannot be replicated. The anticipation builds a fire within. It’s natural in humans. The journey toward the event becomes an adventure filled with triumphs, setbacks, and rewarding moments.
Ultimately, it fosters personal growth
Pushing boundaries and accomplishing something you once thought was impossible is a profound personal growth experience. Putting an event on the calendar challenges you to try new things, meet new people, step out of your comfort zone, overcome obstacles, and unleash hidden potential.
It’s the journey, not the destination
The greatest reward of signing up for an event is not the medal at the finish line but the journey to get there.
Along the way, you learn more about yourself and your capabilities than ever imagined.
You develop new skills, build resilience, and discover a sense of purpose and determination that carries over into all aspects of your life.
Take VTLZR Action
Now, it’s time for each of you to take action.
Sign up, commit to the challenge, and let the journey begin.
Remember, the road may be long and challenging, but with a positive mindset, a well-thought-out plan, and the right community (VTLZR😉) around you, you can cross any finish line and achieve your goals.
