Why Everyone Loves a Monthly Challenge for Achieving Goals

Today we’re talking about using the power of a monthly challenge for achieving goals! Let’s dive right in.

Ever felt stuck in a rut or struggled to keep up with your long-term goals? You’re not alone. Many of us set ambitious goals but find it hard to maintain momentum. Enter the 30-day challenge—a powerful tool that can help you achieve your goals, one month at a time.

This is inspired by one of my favourite books, “Leap Year” by Helen Russell, in which she dedicates a month a year to focus on improving a particular aspect of her life: finances, health, relationships… etc. I’d 100% recommend giving it a read, both for the inspiration and her relatable and funny writing style!

So, in this post, we’ll explore why monthly challenges are so effective, backed by psychological theories and personal insights, including a little inspiration from “Leap Year”.

The Power of a Monthly Challenge for Achieving Goals

Monthly challenges are simple yet powerful tools for personal growth. By committing to a specific goal for just 30 days, you can make significant progress without feeling overwhelmed. This bite-sized approach makes it easier to stay motivated and track your progress.

The Psychology Behind Monthly Challenges

1. The Power of Habits

Habit Hero B.J. Fogg’s Behaviour Model emphasises that habits are formed through repetition and consistency. A 30-day challenge leverages this by providing a structured timeframe to develop new habits. Research shows it takes, on average, 21 to 66 days to form a new habit, making a month-long challenge an ideal period to instil new behaviours.

2. The Fresh Start Effect

The ‘fresh start effect,’ coined by Professor Katy Milkman, suggests that people are more likely to take action towards their goals following temporal landmarks such as the beginning of a new month. These moments provide a psychological reset, making it easier to adopt new behaviours. (Read more about this in my blog post on giving yourself a ‘life reset’)

3. The Commitment Device

Using a 30-day challenge as a commitment device can enhance your motivation and accountability. According to a study published in the Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, commitment devices—self-imposed constraints that help individuals stick to their goals—can significantly improve goal achievement.

Why I Love 30-Day Challenges

I’ve always found 30-day challenges incredibly motivating. There’s something about the finite timeframe that makes goals feel more attainable. Whether it’s a fitness goal, a new hobby, or a productivity hack, dedicating a month to one specific challenge helps me focus and stay committed. Plus, the sense of accomplishment at the end of the 30 days is incredibly rewarding. Imagine tackling a new challenge each month, and by the end of the year, you’ll have twelve new achievements under your belt!

Practical Tips for Using a Monthly Challenge for Achieving Goals

1. Choose a Specific Goal

🎯 Be Clear and Specific: Whether it’s drinking more water, exercising daily, or learning a new skill, make sure your goal is clear and actionable. It’s essential to have a clear destination to find the best route.

2. Make a Plan

📝 Outline Your Steps: Break down your goal into manageable steps. Create a daily or weekly plan to stay on track. Plotting your journey with each step brings you closer to your destination.

3. Track Your Progress

📈 Keep a Journal: Documenting your progress can keep you motivated. Use a journal or an app to track your daily achievements and setbacks. Every entry marks your path forward.

4. Stay Accountable

👥 Find a Buddy: Sharing your challenge with a friend or joining a group can increase your accountability. Regular check-ins can help you stay committed.

5. Reflect and Adjust

🔄 Evaluate Your Progress: At the end of the month, reflect on what worked and what didn’t. Adjust your approach for future challenges. Review your journey to plan even better next time.

Overcoming Common Challenges

1. Mid-Month Slump

🚫 Stay Motivated: If you find your motivation waning, remind yourself why you started. Revisit your goals and the benefits of achieving them. Sometimes, a little pep talk with yourself can reignite that initial spark.

2. Perfectionism

🔥 Embrace Imperfection: Don’t let perfectionism hold you back. It’s okay to have off days. Focus on progress, not perfection.

3. Lack of Time

⏰ Prioritise Your Challenge: Make your challenge a priority. Schedule it into your day and treat it as a non-negotiable commitment. It’s essential for growth, no excuses.

Struggle with this? Check out my blog post on shifting your perspective and what you prioritise.

The Positive Impact of Monthly Challenges for Achieving Goals

Taking on monthly challenges can lead to profound personal growth. By consistently setting and achieving small goals, you build momentum and confidence. This can spill over into other areas of your life, helping you develop a growth mindset and a stronger sense of self-efficacy. It’s like climbing a mountain, one step at a time—each step builds your strength and brings you closer to the summit.

Helen Russell’s “Leap Year” is a testament to the power of embracing new challenges regularly, reinforcing the idea that you don’t need to wait for a special occasion to start fresh.

Conclusion

A 30-day challenge is a powerful way to kickstart new habits and achieve your goals. By leveraging psychological principles like habit formation, the fresh start effect, and commitment devices, you can stay motivated and make meaningful progress. Why wait? Start your monthly challenge today and see the positive impact it can have on your life.

Share your experiences in the comments below. Have you ever tried a 30-day challenge? What was your goal, and how did it impact you? Interested in more tips? Book a session to learn more.

Speak soon, everyone!

Stephen