In my last blog I wrote about creativity, and said that what helped me to rediscover mine was something called the “30 Day Challenge”. I wanted to write more about that and explain why it helped, because I think the challenge was fundamental to changing my thinking and helping me take some action.

The first element was actually choosing the project. I’d spent quite a few years before that going round in circles, reading self-development books, working with a couple of different coaches, going on courses, and even unknowingly doing what I now realise were “play” projects.

So actually choosing something to focus on for a month was important. It was only for a month, so at the end of that time I knew could move on to do something else if I wanted. But during that month, my priority would be the blog I’d decided to start.

The second element was the container, the structure around the challenge. It had been set up so that we had things that happened on specific days of the week, and these included opportunities to ask questions and share how we’d been doing.

Some of us chose to continue with the challenge group for longer than the initial 30 days, with a more relaxed feel. It was during that time that I saw the value of having a weekly check on how I was getting on. So much so that even after I stopped being a member of that group, I’ve continued that one habit ever since.

The third element was the community around the challenge. There were a couple of hundred people all doing the challenge at the same time. I’ve kept in touch with some of them, and even met up with a few. It’s been lovely to see what direction they took after the challenge – and at the time of the challenge it was really nice to have the support and encouragement of others who were having similar challenges and doubts along the way.

And I think the final element that was important in helping me progress my project and see the results of my efforts was having someone leading that challenge. John Williams, Selina Barker and their small team shared endless amounts of knowledge and their tips for overcoming the mindset challenges we came across over the course of the four weeks, which was invaluable.

Whether it’s a coach, mentor or a guide, it’s so helpful to have someone to lead the way, someone who’s not involved in your project but wants to see you get it out there into the world. Someone who can see the bigger picture and who has seen where others get stuck. And someone who may have a different type of brain from you, so offer a different perspective and point out things you hadn’t considered trying.

I learned so much from that 30 day challenge and the subsequent group interactions. I really would recommend a similar approach to anyone who’s looking to progress a creative project but keeps getting distracted or feeling a bit lost. Whether it’s a project that ultimately helps you change career, or just something different to do alongside your other work.

Have you found anything that’s helped you move your creativity forwards?

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