Habits for Purposeful Living Challenge: Week One

We’re sharing our Habits for Purposeful Living Challenge Week One Recap today.

If you’re new to this challenge, you can catch up on why we decided to start a habits for purposeful living challenge here.

Well, my Mom and I have officially completed the first week and goodness what an eye opener!

For some reason, I had convinced myself I was going to waltz into this challenge like I was living in a Nancy Meyers movie.

So, when we got off to a bit of a rough start, I’ll be completely honest, I was kind of thrown.

That said, I’m excited we rallied to finish the week strong and focused.

We learned a lot and gave ourselves plenty of grace along the way.

Here’s a look at our Habits for Purposeful Living Challenge Week One Recap…

Week One: Goal

The goal of the first week was simply to be consistent.

The purposeful living habits we chose fit nicely into our already existing routines without a lot of extra fuss, which really helped.

Still, we had to remember to do them.

So, we used James Clear’s habit stacking technique which helped a lot.

I don’t think we would have been able to combine established habits with new ones without using that method plus an old school habit tracker.

They made a big difference!

What Worked Well This Week?

Mom – Starting the day off focusing on my needs and taking the time to set a positive intention for the day.

CoCo – Having breakfast and lunch meals at the ready helped tremendously.

I ate more consistently, had less blood sugar spikes and didn’t get as hangry which my family appreciated.

This week, I also traded coffee for green tea as my first cup of the day and was shocked at how much better I felt.

I know it sounds totally cliché but it was a nice way to ease into the morning.

I still have coffee, it’s just with breakfast around 9 am now and I drink fewer cups.

What Did Not Work Well?

Mom – Having three days that were essentially half days because of my travel schedule and doctors appointments.

CoCo – I caught the oven on fire trying to meal prep. Everything worked out ok but what a mess.

What Surprised You Most About This Week?

Mom – When I took time to focus on my needs it spilled over into the rest of my day and I was able to focus on other things in a positive light.

CoCo – How much I let micro distractions, and the emotions of other people affect my day. When I set up (and respected) my office hours boundary it was wild how much more focused I felt.

What Did You Choose From the Weekly Habit Menu?

Mom – Sent cards to loved ones who were sick and encouraging messages to those who needed a pep talk, visited one of my sisters, prioritized follow up appointments and medical care, spent time at Loblolly, walked a different route, ate outside, went treasure hunting and had lunch with your Dad.

CoCo – Added lunchbox notes to lunches, hung new curtains, had a celebratory dinner with a friend, hugged my accountant, meal prepped, went antique shopping, found a new flower market, tried a new bed yoga routine and started using a weighted vest on my daily walks.

What We Read This Week:

Mom – The Happy High Achiever by Mary Anderson

CoCo – I’m currently reading Let Them by Mel Robbins and Lent In Plain Sight by Jill Duffield and they’re both really good.

What We Ate This Week:

Mom – Whole foods.

CoCo – Prioritized protein, fresh fruits and vegetables, and tried to eat fewer sweets.

 What We’re Looking Forward to Next Week:

Mom – I plan to have an even greater week because this works!

CoCo – After looking back on these photos there were a lot of meals in bowls so I’m going to try to incorporate more plated meals in the coming weeks, a fresh haircut and possibly going back to my signature shade of auburn.

Things To Keep In Mind…

Keep in mind, this habits for purposeful living challenge is meant to combine purposeful living with intentional energy so that we can fully focus and prioritize self-compassion, self-improvement, healthy habits and healing in an empowered, authentic and sustainable way.

Please don’t feel pressured to do all the things listed in our previous post.

They’re merely meant to be suggestions and ideas.

The things we’re choosing in our 40s and 70s as a relatively healthy and happy small business owner with a full life and a rock star retiree recovering from surgery while trying to blend an unexpected healthcare journey, philanthropy and a busy family life might not be the same things you choose in your 30s as someone who is climbing the corporate ladder or in your 50s trying to figure out who you are now that your kids are in college while still being a caregiver to an ailing partner or aging parents.

You can do one thing or 7 things.

Simply choose habits that excite you, fit into your current lifestyle and things know you need to work on so you will be intentional and consistent.

Another suggestion is to take a selfie when you start (or now if you’ve already started) and lots of pictures along the way so you can not only see your progress but capture how you’re spending your time.

The visual reminder is so important, especially, if you don’t keep a journal.

Plus, it’s fun to look back on all the ways you chose to live a more purposeful life.

As always, let us know if you’re working on your own habits for purposeful living challenge this season so we can help cheer you on!

Until next time, I’ll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.

Many blessings,

CoCo