If you have been following my blog for any length of time, you know that I love reading the Money Saving Mom website.  She has great recipes, smart tips for saving money, and encourages her readers to challenge themselves to grow in new ways, whether it be financially, spiritually, emotionally, etc.

“If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.”  This quote has been one that I have loved and lived by for a long time.  I love that Cru makes us create personal development plans every 6 months which challenge us to grow in our walk with the Lord, in ministry, in our personal life, in our marriages, with our children, etc.  But, most people never plan and challenge themselves to grow in a systematic and purposeful way.  When I saw that Crystal from Money Saving Mom plans goals for her life and constantly challenges her readers to do the same, I loved it!

This month, Crystal is starting a year long challenge called 12 Months to a Healthier You.  As I am committed to making self-discipline more of a priority this year – from watching what and how much I eat, to exercising, to being more disciplined in going to bed and rising early, to growing in how I respond to my children (no yelling!), etc. – I thought this would be a great challenge to join her in.  So what do you do when you want to be accountable to finish something well?  Write it on your blog, of course!!

Here are the focus areas Crystal planned out each month:

January: Exercise Regularly
February: Eat More Fresh Fruits & Veggies
March: Drink More Water
April: Cut Back on Sugar
May: Get More Rest
June: Create a Morning Routine
July: Read More
August: Go to Bed Earlier
September: Declutter Your Home
October: Cut Back on Caffeine
November: Keep a Gratitude Journal
December: Simplify & Say No

At the beginning of the month, she’ll introduce the focus area and encourage you to set a small goal for that specific area and she’ll share her goals.  Then, every Friday, she’ll have a check-in post where she’ll encourage you to share your progress & struggles and she’ll share hers, as well. If you want to blog about your progress, she’ll include a link-up at the end of the post so you can share your blog posts on this challenge.

I realistically don’t think I will be blogging about it every week, but every month, I will try to update you on my progress.

So for this month, I am committing to exercise regularly by exercising at least 5 times a week.  I am going to try to be better about doing weight lifting, and not just cardio, and rotating classes so I don’t get bored.

Do you want to join me on this challenge??!!??