In my 21 years alive, it's safe to say I've never turned down a challenge. From attempting to change my own diaper at the age of two, to graduating from Montclair State University in just three years, I think of my life as one big challenge that I'm not backing down from. That's why on May 25, I agreed without hesitation to complete the Seven C Challenge for the third consecutive summer. The Seven C Challenge entails giving up the "seven C's" from Memorial Day through Labor Day, that's 15 weeks or 105 days. What are the seven C's you ask? Well, that's simple: Cookies, cake, candy, chocolate, chips, cola, and complaining. It certainly doesn't sound impossible, but I can assure you it's no walk in the park. So at this point I know you're thinking this is another fad diet that promises rapid weight loss, rock hard abs and a butt like Nicki Minaj...well that's where your mistaken. While it may appear at first glance that the Seven C Challenge aims to improve your physical health, in actuality that only scratches the surface of what this challenge is all about. After completing the challenge I know that it's really a test of willpower, a measure of your commitment, and deliberate practice for all the challenges that lie ahead. The Seven C Challenge targets the body and the mind and I guarantee if you buy into what it's all about, you will not regret it.
Why is it that when faced with a challenge some people rise to the occasion while others run the other way? I am a firm believer that you can be trained to better prepare yourself to respond positively to challenges you face and to thrive in situations beyond your comfort zone. The Seven C Challenge is just one strategy to turn you into a challenge seeker by the end of the summer. By giving up the seven C's, you are committing to getting comfortable with being uncomfortable. Just think of all of the barbecues, beach outings, picnics, and pool parties you'll be at all summer long. Each time you'll be tempted to give into the tasty treats, or worse...complain about not being able to indulge. Giving up all those treats for 105 days sounds like a daunting task, but I bet you could easily give them up for an hour. Once you've given them up for one hour, do that 24 more times, ta-da! you've completed the first day of the challenge! Now do that 105 times and you've made it to the finish line! Breaking this long term challenge into smaller, more manageable tasks will help you to see progress with each passing day. Each day you resist the temptation it will become a little bit easier, you will become more comfortable being uncomfortable, and you may even begin to like the feeling. Just like you would do curls at the gym to strengthen your biceps, the Seven C Challenge strengthens what I'll call your commitment muscles. By flexing these commitment muscles over the summer they'll be in great condition for when you really need them.
After completing the Seven C Challenge, you will see immediate results next time you face an obstacle in the office or the classroom. Rather than being that person that runs and hides you can rise to the occasion drawing from your experiences in the Seven C Challenge. By applying the same techniques you used to resist the seven C's, you can conquer any challenge that comes your way. So while there may only be three weeks left in this year's Seven C Challenge, it's never too late to start! Maybe you'll join me for the final three weeks, or give it a try next summer. Or maybe if you want to go the extra mile you'll create your very own challenge. Regardless of which path you choose the more challenges you accept, the more confident you will become with your ability to face adversity, thus making you unstoppable in all that you do. If I can do it, you can do it. When you take a stab at your next challenge, remember, if it doesn't challenge you, it won't change you.
