The Challenges.

To tell you the truth, my dad was the inspiration that set me to embark on my vision quest. He has always been the one to guide me and advise me at the many turning points of my life. Yet, never has he forced me to take any of his advice. He also taught me that I need to lay down the foundation, meaning to take care of the basics, before I try to conquer some of my advanced goals. This strategy is mere common knowledge, yet, it has taken me years to understand it to the point where I can apply it to what I want to do. We have training manuals that tell us how to get stronger, nutrition guides that help us lose weight; and they all preach to start off slow, making sure that we have our “feet under us” so that we do not risk injury or, at least, injury to our motivation and pride. Problem is I don’t necessarily need to look like the next Vin Diesel. I want a step by step guide to improving the quality of my life. Sure it’s a tall order but this is essentially what I am doing through this blog. Interestingly, there is a dual-book set titled The StyleLife Challenge by Neil Strauss which ultimately aims to improve one’s social intelligence. I would regard this book as the modern pop version of Dale Carnegie’s classic teachings (i.e. How to Win Friends and Influence People, etc.). Yes, this book is very popular among men who can’t get a date but the underlying principles of the book could help anyone obtain necessary skills that could benefit them in a social setting. The book is constructed by setting certain challenges per day for a total of 31 days, with the intention of getting a date within that amount of time. By accomplishing the goals in the required time set by the book, the participant is set into a path of redefinition. So in a very StyleLife-esque manner, I’ve gone about and set some challenges for myself.
I figure the sooner I get these challenges posted, the sooner I will feel compelled to stick to my goals. Take note, this post is not, nor will ever be, finalized. These first few challenges will only get me into the habit of challenging myself to do more with the intention of being able to accomplish much more. Of course, the first few challenges will also be relatively easy just so I can get into the groove of setting goals and conquering them. I am starting from the very bottom, people. Here are the first few challenges:

1. Spend at least 30 minutes in the gym or on the track every day until the day of graduation. That is 26 days. Do-able.

2. Attend every class until reading period. 2 weeks.

3. Get an A on the Physics test this Friday. Money.

4. Write on this blog consistently so that I can keep reminding myself of what I need to do.

Now, I know that these challenges are borderline pathetic but give me some time. Ideally, I would like to add a new challenge every time I publish a post and these challenges will become inherently more difficult as time progresses. If anyone has any comments or suggestions for this “PhazeLife Challenge” or might want to join me, you know how to get in touch.