Are you going to let 2009 just run its course, or do you want to make something extraordinary happen while there is still time? If you haven’t accomplished everything you wanted to this year, it’s not too late. In fact, I’ve decided to kick out all the stops and turn the last 90 days of this year into a life changing event.
That’s right, I intend to accomplish more in the last 90 days of 2009 than in the previous 9 months combined. Not only that, but I am going to lay it all out in full public view and make myself accountable to the thousands of people who read this blog. That means that we are in this together! Since you are already involved…
Why not join me and really challenge yourself?
All year long it seems like every time I get started on a project; my world fills up with distractions that throw me off track. Have you had a similar experience? Meanwhile, the months keep passing by and I still haven’t accomplished several of my primary goals. That all ends here and now!
Do you have goals that have been delayed or pushed aside this year? If so, let’s join forces and encourage each other to Make It Happen Now. Listen, I’m into this and I don’t plan to let anything get in the way. The ninety days will go by quickly, but it’s still plenty of time to make some major changes in our lives. Let’s do it together.
What do you really want to accomplish?
Maybe you have been meaning to start exercising to get in shape or lose some weight. Perhaps there’s a special project at work or at home that you haven’t gotten too. Have you wanted to write a book, organize or redecorate your house, learn some new skill, or anything else? Why not Make It Happen Now?
Notice this is a 2009 Countdown Challenge, not 2010. If you focus on next year, then you’ve already written this year off. Don’t do that to yourself. Focus on the here and now and make this year really count for something. Accomplishment happens in the present, not the future.
OK, here’s my plan!
I’m not going to limit myself, I’m pumped and plan to make big time breakthroughs in several areas of my life. This includes physically, mentally and emotionally, in business, and on the home front. So, here’s my list along with a brief explanation of how I plan to make it happen (in no particular order).
1) Physically – I’ll be in my best shape in a decade after 90 days. As many of you know, my background is in health and fitness. For the last few years, I have spent way too much time in front of the computer, and far too little time exercising. Oh, I’ve started working out several times, but after a month or so I get sidetracked and it falls apart. In fact, I haven’t been in peak condition for way too long. That cycle stops this week. I was really inspired by an article my friend Sid Savara wrote called Personal Development Roadblocks – Taking Things for Granted. In it, he described how, with focus, he made more progress working out in six months than in the three years prior.
Now, I’ve used just about every kind of workout approach there is. But as I get older I feel the need to do more stretching and cardio along with resistance training. I had a chance to try the P90X program this last week and I was so impressed that I ordered it for this part of my 90 day challenge (my wife is doing it also).
2) Business – I will launch a new 26 week coaching program. I’ve had it in mind to create this coaching program for most of the year, but it hasn’t happened yet. That is about to change. The program will be called “Mastering Your Midlife” and I promise that it will be a life changer for anyone between the ages of 40 and 65 years old.
This is a huge project, but I intend to have it up and running well before the 90 day deadline. I will report my progress on this and my other 90 day goals in regular updates so you can hold me accountable.
3) Mental and Emotional – I will achieve massive personal growth. Personal development is my passion and I love to make progress in this area. Here’s how I plan to ramp up my progress. First, I will go through the exercises in the first section of my book: TRUE SELF to fine tune my internal harmony.
Second, and this one is a biggie. I recently started using a breakthrough technology called Holosync by Centerpointe. They call Holosync “the most powerful personal growth and mind development tool on earth.” Well, after using it for the past six weeks I am convinced that their claim is 100% true and accurate. This is my personal growth and mind development secret weapon, and I plan to use it for the rest of my life.
4) On the home front. With so much focus on blogging and writing, several home projects have been in a holding pattern. It’s time for that to change. I am not going to bore you with a list, but the first job I intend to finish is our kitchen remodel. We’re talking new counter tops, sink, water faucet, water filter, range hood, light fixtures, and paint. Just imagine the points I’m going to make with this one!
What it takes to reach a meaningful goal in 90 days
Got Goals? The first thing needed is to actually have one or more meaningful goals. Well, the countdown doesn’t start until Friday, so there’s time to sort out your goals. To help you do that, my friend Stephen Mills wrote a great article called: How to Create Happiness Enhancing Goals. Reading this will really help you fine tune your 90 day goals.
How about Motivation? We all need motivation to pull this off. Thankfully, my friend Dragos Roua put together a nice list to help us all stay motivated during this countdown challenge. It’s called 33 Ways To Get And Keep Yourself Motivated. I am going to print it out and keep it handy during the next 90 days, you might consider doing the same.
Focus is absolutely essential. I’ve been watching as my friend Steven Aitchison has set his focus on a huge goal. He wrote an article about it that really inspired me called: The power of Focus. He is a few months into his goal and the results he is getting are extraordinary. You can do the same thing with clear focus.
Make yourself accountable! Accountability is easy, all you need to do is leave a comment telling us what you intend to accomplish during the 90 day countdown challenge. There’s a lot of power in the simple act of putting your goals on display for all the world to see. So, it’s time to stop reading about it, and start taking action. That’s the only way you can Make It Happen Now!
The mission of this site is to provide you with all the right strategies and resources to promote and encourage positive change in your life. All of the articles, 
{ 44 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Jonathan,
I am going to have my website launched within the next 90 days!
Hey Mark, great goal and I look forward to your launch. I know how BIG of a job that is (it’s not your average site).
Mark is an online business coach and he’s putting together an Outdoor Adventure social network. He really knows his stuff and it wouldn’t surprise me to see his new site become the facebook or twitter of Outdoor Adventure.
Jonathan, awesome post! You hit this one head on! I am going to keep this article bookmarked, and am going to refer to it for the next 90 days. Why NOT use the end of the year to be the best we can be! It’s reverse New Year’s resolutions
Looking forward to joining you! One of the things I am working at over the next 90 days is a 10K training plan to have me ready to go by the beginning of January. There are free plans at Runner’s World (google it).
.-= Steve´s last blog ..Get Rid of Quitting Once and For All =-.
Thanks Steve, I think it might have scared a few people off. Personally, I’m pumped and ready to make things happen. Your goal sounds awesome. Great to have you on board.
OK, I have had a toe injury that made it impossible to run and work out. Then the fact we work such odd hours also has effected my workout.
So I am in ~ many areas need an overhauling and this is a great way to end 2009.
Great post.
.-= BunnygotBlog´s last blog ..Garbaolge! =-.
Alright Bunny, I know you have what it takes. Your goals can be anything, I just put mine up as an example. Glad your involved.
Jonathan, You’re an inspiration. I’m already going for a huge goal but I’m going to add another one here and that is to write a book. I’ve toyed with the idea for a few days now and this post has inspired me to just go for it. Thank you
.-= Steven Aitchison´s last blog ..100 Ways To Develop Your Mind =-.
Way to go Steve! Just think, by the end of 90 days you’ll have 10K subscribers and a new book. I am excited for you and can’t wait to see what you write. Very cool goal.
Great post Jonathan. I already have goals for the 90 days challenge. Am glad I’m not the only one.
.-= Karlil´s last blog ..The 4 Steps Guide To Achieving Your True Focus =-.
That’s excellent Nik, now you need to make it public so there will be accountability. So, lay it on us my friend, what do you intend to accomplish?
Jonathan,
My 60 day plan is to lose the 28lbs I gained in the last 2 years since moving to Chicago. I came here at 161 and do the math.
.-= Frank J´s last blog ..Google Trends Makes Changes to Top 100 =-.
That’s a great goal Frank, and you actually have 90 days to pull it off. So, 10 lbs every 30 days. That means that you need to create a calorie deficit of 1167 calories per day either by eating less or burning more through exercise. Try eating 500 calories less a day, and exercising enough to burn the rest. That approach will keep your metabolism revved. If you try to do it by diet alone, your metabolism will slow down and your progress will stop.
Great post. Like many people, my goal involves weight loss. I’d like to lose that last 10 pesky pounds. I should reach my goal just in time for the holiday season, so my secondary goal will be to not gain it all back.
.-= Miranda´s last blog ..ThreeJars: Teaching Your Kids Money =-.
Hi Miranda, that’s a great two part goal. For some reason, I like to push to get in shape this time of year. I think it’s a reverse psychology thing. When I see others over indulging, it somehow strengthens my resolve. Come new years, they will be busy making resolutions and I’ll be feeling great. But that’s just me!
Let me know if I can help in any way.
Positive Gangsta Approves of this!
You got the 4 basic food groups for making the rest of 09 supremely successful. As long as you stick with your plans, you will reach the top!
If you don’t know where you are going, you will probably end up somewhere else. ~Lawrence J. Peter
.-= Positive Gangsta´s last blog ..Re-buliding Your Soul By Melting Your Heart =-.
Hey Jonathan, that’s the beauty of making myself accountable. By putting my goals out there for all to see, it gives me lots of motivation to stick to the plan.
So my friend, what about your goals?
Great post! This is very helpful. I’m sure I’d visit your site more often. Anyway, you can drop by my favorite online hang out too, at UK Student Community. Thanks!
.-= Micah´s last blog ..choosing your university.. =-.
Hi Micah, glad you liked it. Thanks for visiting.
Ayup, count me in. I’m going for massive personal development in three fields–courage/confidence, self-awareness and self-discipline.
At the moment I’m still formulating these goals into concrete, achievable targets. I have a big list of scary things to choose from, and I plan to tackle either three in depth or six once. The self-awareness will chiefly be meditation and some very private blogging–that’s going to be hard to quantify, as it’s probably going to be a matter of making it a habit. The self-discipline will be to work on my internet habit.
I reckon those should keep me pretty busy, right?
Excellent, you’ve got the right attitude Cat. Those a certainly some important areas for setting goals. Let me know if there is any way I can help!
Hi Jonathan, I’m kind of late to get over here but wow, what a great attitude. I just watched a video this morning about enthusiasm and your enthusiasm comes jumping out at me through this article. It pumped me up. I need to spend a little time thinking about what I’m going to accomplish in the next 90 days.
Thanks for the link love and the links to some other great resources.
.-= Stephen – Rat Race Trap´s last blog ..Finding Meaning and Happiness in Your Work =-.
Hi Stephen, glad you are feeling pumped. I know how much you’ve already accomplished this year and it’s inspirational. I can hardly wait to see what you come up with for the grand finale!
Great motivational post. I think you are so right that we have to always continue to push ourselves to move forward and this 90 day challenge is the perfect idea. As you mentioned, it is so easy to get caught up in the many distractions of life, but we do need to keep our ultimate goals top of mind and put our action plans to work. Sometimes we have to make certain that we are turning the heat up and doing those things we know we should have been doing all along. Thanks for the extra motivation that I needed. It is time to move.
.-= alternaview´s last blog ..Time for a new job… =-.
Hi SIbyl, thanks for joining us. For some reason I get real goal oriented toward the end of the year. I think the countdown thing gives me that extra push.
You said that you are motivated and ready for action, care to share a goal or two with us?
I can’t believe there’s only 90 days left of 2009! What a great way to maximize the remainder of the year. In fact, the condensed amount of time probably makes it much better than New Year’s resolutions where you have the comfort of an entire year.
I’ve been hearing a lot about P90X and am intrigued by it, but for myself, I can’t see spending the money on it, especially since it seems to favor isolation exercises to an extent. I wish it were a $20 book instead of a $120 DVD set! Maybe I’ll look around for a used set just to check it out.
I’ve been busting my butt on my blog all year, so for me, the last 3 months of ’09 will be more of the same.
Good luck with your goals! I’m curious to hear about your thoughts on P90X.
.-= Vin – NaturalBias´s last blog ..America Runs on Dunkin’. Do You? =-.
Hey Vin, there’s a couple of things about P90X that were really unique. Even though I set up training routines for clients for years, this one was above and beyond anything I have ever seen. It moves through resistance training, plyometrics, yoga, kempo, stretching, cardio, and an ab/core routine like nothing I’ve ever seen – and you don’t need to go to the gym to do it (the savings on gym membership quickly pays for the program).
The other thing that still blows my mind is that people stick with it. Even those who have never been into exercise. That is so rare! I think it’s a combination of rapid progress and incredible variety that accounts for the fact that over 30,000 people are actively using this system to make unprecedented physical changes.
It’s been too long since I’ve had a totally ripped midsection, so that’s what I am shooting for. At 58, I will have a clearly defined 6 pack by years end and be it my best shape in 10 years. That’s why I got P90X. Use this link if you want to see how P90X is organized, but remember, this was just what I chose for part of my 90 day goals. I’m not trying to talk anyone into anything, I’m simply sharing my plan to Make it Happen Now!
This is EXACTLY what I needed to get myself motivated to make the most of the rest of this year. I was starting to blow off some major goals as not accomplishable this year. Now I am rethinking them, to see if the goal or, at least parts of the goal, are in fact still attainable. And as for accountability, I am going to publish them on my Facebook profile. How’s that for accountability. Hundreds of friends all checking to see if I am attaining my goals!
Excellent, please feel free to publish then here as well Jeanine. Think how encouraging your progress would be to the rest of us who are ready to “Make it Happen Now. By the way, there’s a countdown timer at the bottom of the right column so we can all see how many days are left as we go along.
You hit the nail on the head. I need to be challenged to make great changes during the next 90 days. Here’s one of my goals ready to be held accountable for:
I will continue my workouts 6 days a week. Funny that you should mention P90X…My husband and I have been doing the workouts for three weeks and are already seeing big changes in how we feel physically and mentally. We actually look forward to our workout each day and feel energized and renewed when it’s done. My husband has already dropped from 246 down to 233 and even though the scale only shows that I’ve dropped 5.5 pounds, I am ready to continue to challenge myself.
The sluggishness of inactivity affects every aspect of life…so I’m kicking sluggishness out of the way and commiting to an addition of physical exertion in my daily schedule for the next 90 days.
Thanks for the motivation and encouragement!
Hi Megan, all I can say is WOW – that’s exciting. Now I’m more pumped than ever. I was really hoping to get some feedback from a P90X user. Sounds like it really is working for you. I am hoping that mine arrives tomorrow so I can get started right on time. If not, I’ll just do my standard routine until it gets here.
Now it’s my turn to thank you for the motivation and encouragement.
Hi, Jonathan!
Thank you for the encouragement!
I was thinking about something like this, as my efficiency has dropped notably since the beginning of the year , but I guess just needed a good kick to start moving.
The first part of the challenge was starting a blog, I’ve been procrastinating for several months and finally – here it comes. I’m going to put a list of goals there and report on my baby-steps of making the most out of the end of the year.
And again thank you for motivation!
.-= Elena´s last blog .. =-.
Hi Elana, thanks for sharing your goal of starting a blog. Even though blogging takes time and energy, it also yields many personal benefits. As you will learn from your very first post, blogging can be a vehicle for personal growth and self-awareness. Please keep us updated on your progress and let me know if I can be of any help.
Hi there….wow, yes….just what’s needed and just at the right time!! I woke up today feeling that something was going to happen to change my life and this is one of 3 things (excluding my attitude to myself) that have arrived on my ‘doorstep’ to help me create a new pattern. The thought that many others are doing the same thing is good as somehow, I’m not alone. That’s a plus!! I know we can all do this!
I’m ’sharpening the saw’ – getting a skills upgrade which will make a huge difference. My faith in my abilities had wandered off course so I’m making sure I’m well versed in the tools I need before I tackle the job…..I was doing it with blunt tools and wondering why I was struggling. I know that the tool is only 20% of the job however the 80% self faith can be blunted by constantly using a blunt tool. The best saw-man in the world only stays the best by keeping the saw sharp. Then he knows he’s the best and tackles the job with confidence. I was tackling the job with dwindling confidence and beating myself up when it went wrong…..instead of simply sharpening the saw. I didn’t even need a new saw or a better saw or a super saw…..just a sharp one….duh!!!!!!
Hi Pat, the sharp saw makes a nice analogy. For us human saw blades, we sharpen ourselves with skills like focus, empowering beliefs, self-confidence (or esteem), priorities, and evaluation. This allows us to take decisive action toward our goals without wasting our energy. Thanks for joining the conversation and remember, I’m here to help so don’t hesitate to ask. I hope you will keep us updated on your progress.
Wow! I just found this blog today and I’m so glad I did. This post is gold! As soon as October kicked in, I was starting to worry about another year ending and not getting much accomplished. “every time I get started on a project, my world fills up with distractions that throw me off track (…) Meanwhile, the months keep passing by”. That’s just how I feel.
I love the idea of a countdown or, as Steve put it, a “reverse New Year’s resolutions”. My goals: 1) lose a few pounds, 2) work harder on my job search (maybe something good will happen), 3) work harder on current freelance job (to not get in trouble), 4) have focus and discipline along the way (while not getting overwhelmed or disappointed).
Thanks for this and for making me realize 2010 is still 90 long days away!
Hi Lilly, I am equally glad you found your way here. Those are some great goals. You might try giving yourself a specific number of pounds to lose so your mind gets a clearer picture of what you intend to do. The more detailed our goals the more focused we become. Thanks so much for joining the conversation!
Hi ! thanks for this great opportunity and encouraging people at large. I am really getting more self aware and self motivated by your articles. Hope such activity will remain continued.
Thanks Subhash, If you feel encouraged, then I so do I. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Cool…..thanks for he mails…..they’re a real energy stick……hope to conduct my own PD workshops by 31 Dec 2009.
That sounds like a wonderful goal Harsh. Please keep us updated on your progress.
Dear Jonathan, I have read your WONDERFUL 90 day post a couple of times, at least. And it hit me when all the comments started coming in that each person can set their own 90 day goals.
I was trying to decided if I could do the exercise routine and other things you mention to pump up. And I realized that I need to pump “down” LOL!!! I don’t mean lose muscle, but I am stretched very thin lately and what I need to do in the next 90 days is find ways to “cut out”, “stop doing”, and make space for me. Especially OFF line. That is why I was telling you that I’m thinking of leaving stumbleupon. I just don’t know if it’s worth the drain and time spent wading through it all.Maybe it is. I wish there was a guide on all this social net working that told what was really worthwhile and what hasn’t. I thought of trading Stumble for doing ezinearticles. I’ve heard several people say it brings a lot of traffic. I’ve no idea.
I have a lot of choices to make so that the energy I spend is not just wasted, but is really helping further my life in the ways I need. I think I really like being part of a 90 day thing. It will help me be more aware of what I need. I feel like I’m wrestling an octopus.
I think my goal is to simply try and slow down, find space for me in this whole book project. I am thinking of adding Tai chi to my yoga, walking and rowing. I used to teach Chi Lel and miss the slow meditative focus of it. So I got a DVD that teaches a basic routine and am going to do that again.
I also want to get earlier nights. I am already eating really healthy, I exercise regularly, I am very focused and surprisingly what I need is to set a goal to make time where I am not focused on anything. Nothing at all. LOL!!
) It’s really the truth for me.
One knows they are mentally maxed out when doing a yard sale is a Zen experience and feels like a vacation. LOLOLOL!!
On that note, hugs to you and your wife.
Robin
.-= Robin Easton´s last blog ..Bizarro Week =-.
Balance is always the hardest thing Robin, especially for productive people. While some struggle to get motivated for the least little thing, others of us need to learn to say ENOUGH! Creating time for yourself is always a worthwhile goal. Let me know if I can help you somehow.
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PS. Friends – there is now a follow up article that goes with this one called What It Takes To Accomplish Your Dreams. Hopefully you will find it helpful.
Great Information. You’re good and you obviously know what you’re talking about! Keep up the good work
Success Grandma
Dear Jonathan,
A little background about myself: I am a 58 year old who gave up his job last year with a desire to get into personal development training. Both my sons are married and settled abroad (Low liabilities). I am determined not to get service again.
I have floated my own small training company as well. I even have a website which I have yet neglected to build. I have conducted a few training workshops on my own for small groups of 20 to 40 people. Being in my relatively “safe” situation, I have lacked drive and initiative to really grow my new training career, and fortunately am able to admit it myself without excuses. I had read this post twice earlier but somehow today, reading it a third time, I feel a spark ignited to cut this procrastination and push myself harder.
I just feel compelled to share this with you for a selfish reason: it makes me feel better. Thanks for a “matchstick” of a post. It seems to have FINALLY ignited me into some action.
Love and Joy to you and yours, my friend,
Khushrow.