Adrian’s Birthday Challenge

During a do-nothing session of Thanksgiving week 2008 I stumbled across a small article in the February issue of Backpacker magazine - and it changed my life. After a quick visit to the original Birthday Challenge website (watch the flash intro) I was hooked - and frantically scribbling ideas for my challenge on the nearest piece of paper. The concept in a nutshell is to create a day or days (usually your birthday) of goals that test your limits. There’s a better description here. Now it’s your turn to celebrate your birthday with your very own Birthday Challenge for 2009…and every year from here on.

The Birthday Challenge is a new take on setting and meeting goals - and here’s why you should create one:

1. It’s customizable
2. It helps you reach your goals
3. It gets your friends involved
   
4. It’s a change of pace
5. (Bonus) - It can make a difference

1. Customize your birthday.

It’s your birthday and you can cry if you want to ! That is, you can put yourself through as much (or as little) pain as you want to. The beauty of YOUR Birthday Challenge is you decide what you want to accomplish. Since “Challenge” is in the name, it should be a bit challenging - but if your not a self-derived masochist for physical torture then undertake some other challenge (Read 2 books every month, hold a five-minute conversation in Spanish if you’re learning Spanish, write 5 chapters in the book you’ve always wanted to write, contact 5 friends you haven’t spoken with in a while, etc). A friend recently told me that her challenge wasn’t going to be as ambitious as mine. That’s bullpoopy. My challenge is not ambitious, it’s just an expression of how naive and foolhardy I am. More so, it consists of activities that align with this point in my life and what I enjoy doing. You can find ways to challenge yourself and have a great time. Get creative, but be yourself.

2. Reach your goals.

In a previous discussion on dreamlining, I claimed that resolutions just don’t cut it. For the most part, as you know, resolutions flicker like a candle flame in the wind; then suddenly they are gone, their remnants a faintly lingering wisp of smoke. Instead, by creating concrete and trackable activities, making yourself accountable, and doing the research you will  be able to reach your goals more effectively than a candle in the wind..er, a resolution. A Birthday Challenge helps you do just that.

For instance, let’s say you want to complete your first triathlon on (or near) your birthday. First, look up local tris and sign up for one (you can find tons of activities and events on Active.com). Now, you have raceday to work toward and you know exactly what your goals are . Next, become accountable by telling your friends and family, or creating a website (free and easy blogs @ blogger.com or wordpress.com). Go even further to ensure you will stick with it by recruiting some friends or join a local training group. Finally, do your research which will help you set a training timeline, learn additional tips and techniques, and educate you on proper nutrition. There’s plenty of free information out there on how to do…anything.

When you set a challenge and put in the proper preparation, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to achieve your goals.

3. Your friends and family will join in.

Since launching Adrian’s Birthday Challenge, I’ve received an outpouring of support from friends and family - way more than any other birthday (except my 16th - the outpouring being “watchout” now that Adrian can drive). Your friends and family will be excited about celebrating with you for several reasons: 1) It’s a unique way to celebrate a birthday, 2) people love to see others pushing themselves to the limit, and 3) it’s boatloads of fun. As a result, I’ve been overwhelmingly satisfied and I haven’t even celebrated the big day yet. And most importantly, what better way to celebrate a birthday with those who mean the most to you?

4. Change it up a little.

How’d you celebrate your last birthday? Do you even remember? I certainly don’t. This year, your Birthday Challenge will leave you with a day of fun, a new personal best in something, and memories to share for years to come. Was that on your birthday list?

5. Bonus reason - You can make a difference.

Your Birthday Challenge should be about you. But, if you opt in for the free bonus reason, some of you will decide to make part of your challenge a fundraiser for a charity, friend, or other organization. Sam Davidson, a friend and founder of CoolPeopleCare, recently asked friends to donate $28 to a charity for his 28th birthday in December. Kate Jongbloed asked her friends via Facebook Causes to donate $25 to Canada Africa Partnership on AIDS in leiu of her 25th birthday’s presents (which is January 13th and I think you can still donate). Just think if everyone opted for a few less presents this year and asked for donations -  you and the people you recruit can make a significant difference in the lives of others on YOUR birthday. I’ll take that as a present any day!

Thanks for reading and I hope to hear about you - somewhere, somehow - doing some kind of birthday challenge this year. If you want any help let me know or if you want a shout out on this blog I’d be happy to do that as well. I just want to see everyone having as much fun as I am. Have you grabbed a piece of paper and a pen yet? Why not?

Happy Birthday - to you.

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