Embracing the Last 90 Days: Finish Your Year Strong!
As we approach the final quarter of the year, it's easy to fall into the trap of coasting through the holidays and waiting for the New Year to set new goals and start working towards them. But what if we could harness that "fresh start" energy right now?
For a number of years, I have done Rachel Hollis's Last 90 Days Challenge. It's not run so much as a challenge anymore but I still love the idea of finishing the year strong and using the last 90 days to my advantage (rather than as a slippery slope which sees me slide full of chocolate and a little bit tipsy into the New Year!).
It's one of the many reasons I wrote the book 'A Year of Great Habits.' Doing the challenge helped me realise that I didn't need to wait for New Year's Day to change my behaviour or start a new habit that would serve me. I could start today, right now and by the time 'New Year' came around, that habit was already established in my day-to-day life!
As the last 90 days of this year are coming up, I thought now would be a great time to share a little bit about what the challenge entails, in case you'd like to join me in ending this year on a high note and in setting yourself up for success in the coming year.
What is the Last 90 Days Challenge?
Rachel Hollis is a bestselling author and a podcast host. She created this challenge a number of years ago to inspire people to finish the year strong. The concept is simple yet profound: commit to living the last 90 days of the year with the same intensity and focus you bring to the first 30 days of a new year.
We've all experienced that burst of motivation that comes with the New Year. There's something magical about the first of January that makes us believe anything is possible. But why wait for the calendar to flip? Rachel Hollis challenges us to bring that same energy and commitment to the end of the year.
I like the idea of the last 90 days because you are effectively giving yourself a head start. You can start slow and build gradually, and by the time New Year comes around you have built at least one solid habit or have made positive progress towards something that is important to you.
The Five to Thrive
At the core of the Last 90 Days Challenge are five daily habits that Hollis calls the "Five to Thrive." These aren't just random tasks; they're carefully chosen practices designed to improve your physical health, mental wellbeing, and overall quality of life:
- Rise and Shine: Wake up an hour earlier than usual and dedicate that time to yourself. This could mean meditation, reading, journaling, or any activity that centers you for the day ahead.
- Move Your Body: Commit to at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. It doesn't have to be intense – a brisk walk, yoga, or dancing in your living room all count.
- Hydrate to Elevate: Drink half your body weight in ounces of water. Proper hydration can improve energy levels, skin health, and overall wellbeing.
- Nutrition Transformation: Give up one food category you know you shouldn't be eating. This could be processed sugar, fried foods, or whatever your personal kryptonite might be.
- Gratitude Attitude: Write down ten things you're grateful for every single day. This practice can shift your perspective and increase overall happiness.
These are all excellent suggestions and when I did manage to do all five, I felt AMAZING, partly because these are all aimed at improving your health, but honestly, it was mainly because I kept the promise to myself and stayed consistent.
What you choose to focus on in the last 90 days depends where you are in your life right now. Only you can know what you need. You don't need to do all - or even any - of these things, you could just pick one activity that you feel would make a positive impact in one area of your life and commit to performing it consistently for the last 90 days. That activity might be to take time every day to rest, or play with your kids for 20 minutes after school or have a proper conversation with your spouse every evening when you get back from work.
The point is that you are doing something. You are focussing on and committing to doing one thing which is contributing to your own growth and success in some area of your life. Remember, where focus goes, energy flows.
How to Get Started
- Commit: Decide that you're all in for the next 90 days.
- Customise: While the Five to Thrive are excellent starting points, choose something that is relevant to your own lifestyle and goals.
- Plan: Set specific, achievable goals for yourself.
- Track: Keep a journal or use an app to monitor your progress.
- Connect: Talk to your friends or your partner or colleagues or find an accountability partner to share your journey with.
- Download your FREE Last 90 Days Journal pages by clicking HERE
Remember, the Last 90 Days Challenge isn't about perfection – it's about progress. Some days will be easier than others, but the key is consistency and commitment. By focusing on building positive habits, you're not just working towards a better end to your year; you're laying the groundwork for a fantastic start to the next one.
Why wait for the New Year when you can start creating the life you want right now? Let's make these last 90 days count.
Your future self will thank you. 💜🤟
P.s. If you'd like a hand building great habits, feel free to check out my book.
P.p.s. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE LAST 90 DAYS JOURNAL PAGES!
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