10 Things I hate about #Levelup45 and other Commitments

By Leah Hantman

If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed. Or by drinking a glass of water. By not hitting snooze. Small task completion leads to a sense of pride and resiliency that allows us to have forward momentum. If we can’t complete the little tasks in life, how are we going to face the big scary stuff?

I bet you saw my blog title “10 Things I hate about #levelup45 and other Commitments” and got a little confused or maybe thought of the rom com with Heath Ledger. But I’m guessing you wouldn’t think I hated anything about our current healthy living challenge #Levelup45. No-one ever said a struggle was easy, that’s why it’s a challenge and it’s normal to dislike certain things about a process or obligation. The #Levelup45 challenge takes you way outside your comfort zone by asking you to commit to 5 actions every day for 45 days. Not going to lie, it is super hard!

The key is turning the excues/struggles or dislikes into strengths and silver linings. Read on below for some real talk about what it means to commit: the good, the bad and the ugly… and why it’s all worth it.

10 Things I hate about #Levelup45 and what I’m going to do about it, because quitting isn’t an option. 

1. Constantly needing to go to the bathroom since drinking so much water. What I’m going to do about it? I’m going to be better at pacing rather than chugging and I’m going to have my last glass be at 7pm so it’s not disturbing my sleep goals.

2. My right hand is feeling weak after spending so much time on my personal goal of drawing 20 minutes a day with pen and ink. What I’m going to do about it? I’ve started using my left hand for shading and color blocking and I’ve added in some stretches and mobility before and after drawing.

3. All eyes watching- I’m a Coach! I am helping to run this challenge! I’m feeling the pressure! Guess what, you are all role models to someone! Your kids, friends and even others in the #Levelup45 group. I can’t tell you enough how many people are talking about what you all are posting because it’s helping them so much. #strongertogether is the only way!

4. Commitment- I hate commitment, I won’t lie. It scares me, makes me feel trapped and bored. What I’m going to do about it? Well, if I don’t like commitment for small goals then I probably am even more bothered by it for big life things. It’s time to address the monsters under the bed! I’m going to do some work on my mindset for commitment in general. 

5. If I miss a day I don’t get the prize- yes and no. If you don’t complete all 45 days in a row, you may not get the t-shirt but you will have won the gift of improved health and community. It’s a win:win opportunity.

6. That’s right, it’s an opportunity and a privilege . Changing our words even slightly from ‘I have to’ to ‘I get to’ makes a world of difference. Some people don’t have access to water to drink 75% of their body weight. Some people don’t have a bed to get their 7-8 hours of sleep in. Check your perspective and leave excuses at the door. 

7. The challenge in general is hard and can feel frustrating at times. The world is in shambles and I’m worrying about a health challenge. All the more reason to follow through on your health. The healthier you are the more you are able to face adversity. The more community you have access to, the less likely you are to face adversity alone. #strongertogether

8. What if I let someone down? Having an accountability buddy can feel like a ton of pressure. What if I let them down? … rephrase… why is it okay to let myself down but not others? 

9. “This challenge isn’t really fitting into my social life. Halloween is coming, theres candy, theres drinks, theirs special holiday foods”… helllooooo pumpkin spice lattes.”  ALWAYS FLIP THE SCRIPT.. . —- “The drinking, outings and food choices I’m making aren’t fitting into my picture of health”… WORDS HAVE POWER

10. No days off- Yea, I like a day off here and there. I believe in working hard and playing hard so building a 45 day streak is super daunting for me. Can’t I just hit snooze and forget about life for a while? I remind myself of this video If You Want to Change the World, Start Off by Making Your Bed   – If you haven’t seen it, take a few minutes and watch it. It will help remind you of the importance of small habits. Completing a small task, gives you a sense of pride that will encourage you to complete another. Just watch the video and always make your bed ;-). 

Excuses are a dime a dozen. If we let one thing throw us off track, anything can throw us off track. Just keep going!  Here’s to 35 more days together on this journey! What are 10 things you “hate” about #Levelup45 and what are you going to do about each of them?

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