As a psychologist; i’m passionate about helping people realise their full potential through personal development. Sometimes we need a little push to get out of our comfort zones and start making positive changes in our lives.
These seven personal development challenges are designed to help you do just that.
Each one offers a unique way to improve different aspects of your life.
Let's get started!
1. 21-Day No Complaints Experiment
Imagine going 21 days without complaining, criticising or gossiping. Sounds hard, doesn’t it? But that’s the point! Popularised by Tim Ferriss and Will Bowen, this personal development challenge encourages you to break the habit of negativity. Every time you make a mistake, you start over. By the end of the challenge, you’ll notice a significant shift in your mindset and the way you interact with the world around you.
2. 75 Difficult
It’s not just a fitness challenge; it’s a mental toughness challenge. The 75 Hard programme, created by Andy Frisella, requires you to follow a strict regime for 75 days:
- Eat nutritious food,
- Drink a gallon of water a day,
- Read 10 pages of non-fiction,
- And exercise twice a day (one of the exercises must be outside).
This personal development challenge will push your limits and help you build stamina and discipline.
3. 30 Days of Minimalism Game
Are you ready to organise your life? The 30-Day Minimalism Game, recommended by The Minimalists, is a fun and practical personal development challenge. On the first day you get rid of one item. On the second day you get rid of two items and so on. By the end of the month, you will have removed around 500 items from your home. This challenge helps you simplify your life and focus on what really matters.
Less is more, isnt it?
4. Saturdays without technology
In our digital age, taking a break from technology can be incredibly invigorating.
Brad Stulberg suggests dedicating one day a week to a complete technology-free day. No phones, no computers, no TV; just you and the world around you. This personal development challenge allows you to reconnect with nature, spend quality time with loved ones, and enjoy hobbies without digital distractions.
5. 52-Week Money Challenge
Financial stability is a very important aspect of personal development. The 52-Week Money Challenge is a simple yet effective way to increase your savings. Start by saving $1 the first week, $2 the second week, and continue to increase the amount by $1 each week. By the end of the year, you will have saved $1,378! This challenge not only increases your savings, but also instils a consistent saving habit.
6. 3 Day Phone Charger Challenge
It’s amazing how small changes can make a big difference. For this self-improvement challenge, remove your phone charger from your bedroom. When your alarm goes off in the morning, you will have to get out of bed to switch it off. This simple adjustment can help you gain an extra 10 minutes of productivity every day, adding up to 60 hours a year!
7. Daily or Morning Pages
Inspired by Julia Cameron’s book “The Artist’s Way”, this personal development challenge involves writing three pages of stream of consciousness thoughts every morning. It is a powerful way to clear your mind, process your emotions and stimulate your creativity. Journaling helps you reflect on your goals, track your progress and understand yourself better.
Taking on any of these personal development challenges can be a transformative experience. They are designed to help you break old habits, form new ones and ultimately become a better version of yourself. Whether you start with a single challenge or tackle multiple challenges, remember that the journey of personal development is ongoing and constantly evolving. Simply accept the process and enjoy the positive changes that come your way.