Personal Challenges Guidelines

[hotcouponmama]

Every now and then, we all need a bit of support. Research shows that having to be accountable for personal goals leads to success. Checking in daily has the highest results for success, but weekly works too. That's why programs which change behavior (like smoking cessation, weight loss, etc)have high success rates over time when there is a reporting component associated with the goal or behavior modification.

So this forum, for those who choose to subscribe to it, will be that support mechanism for your goal.

Remember, for a goal to be successful, it has to have objectives, be measurable, and be attainable. So a goal of "I want to lose weight" isn't going to cut it. It should be, I want to lose X pounds and here's how I am going to do it, here's how I am going to report in about it, here's the progress, and here's the honest assessment, including reporting the failed attempts at the goal. That's why the reporting piece - verbalizing the goal, is so important.

So, as you decide to address your personal challenge in this thread, be sure that you set the criteria for the challenge, and then be sure to follow it. Those of us who are going to follow the challenges in this forum will be on you to keep you moving along and keep you on track, and you in turn can do the same for others.

It will be interesting to me to see how as a community, we can successfully support others towards their personal goals.

Please note, we are not here to be critical in this forum - support...support...support.

Your challenge can be anything from saving money, not spending money, weight loss, working on your marriage, anything that grabs you in your life where you know you need a push from friends to keep you motivated. It can be simple or complicated.

I personally have two challenges that I will be listing and I saw the member who's challenge was to not spend money this month in October. It's good to have a place to post them, get feedback, and keep you on target.

Good luck with your goals!!! We're all here rooting for you!!!!

[MOM2SNOX]

What a fantastic idea and forum! Loving the support I've received throughout the site and having a specific place to come to and track progress is going to be awesome! Thanks Julie!!

[hotcouponmama]

Got my first one up - I have a few that I need an extra push on - it's like you know better, but sometimes, someone doing the motherly (or fatherly for the guys we have here) reminder is a good thing. I know I am on my kids all day about things - it's good to have someone get on me about things too - then I feel a bit more obligated - it's that accountibility piece.

[dolphinlover]

very cool. i'm going to post one as well. i always tell DH "this is what i'm gonna do..." and he lets me slip coz he lubs me. no help there! maybe if i post one i'll actually make a goal for a change!