Reset Your Life Day 9: Do One Thing

This post is Day 9 of the 31 Days to Reset Your Life Challenge. Learn more and sign up for the program here.

After a week of thinking, reflecting and imagining your ideal life, it’s time to take some action! It’s nice to take time to be dreamy and in your head (and we will do even more of that in the upcoming days of the challenge), but for you to really get reconnected to your dreams, you will need to start putting some real stuff out there in the universe. Right now.

Today, you will do one thing to move yourself closer to your ideal life. We will be embarking on some more in-depth action planning later this month, but today’s exercise is meant to begin building some initial momentum for your journey.

Day 9: Do One Thing

Today’s exercise is not related to your everyday to-do list. You are being asked to complete one task that is personally significant to you and your ideal life. This task should help you get started on a specific goal you’ve identified during the challenge, either from your life map, your personal mission statement or your ideal life narrative. Your one thing should meet at least one of the following criteria:

  • Something you’ve been procrastinating on for a long time
  • Something that terrifies you the most
  • Something that inspires you the most

The main requirement for this exercise is that the action you take must be tangible and measurable. Basically, if I were there with you looking over your shoulder, I would be able to see clearly with my own eyes that the task was completed.

Some examples to jog your imagination:

  • You want to have better relationships with your family. Call that aunt you haven’t spoken to for three years. Buy a plane ticket to visit your brother.
  • You want to go back to school. Research some programs online and call or email to request information packets from the ones you like the best.
  • You want to own your own home. Sign up for a homeownership class or buy a book about how to begin the process.
  • You want to be healthier. Throw out all the junk food from your cabinets. (I just threw away my Oreos!) Then go grocery shopping today and only buy healthy foods. Or sign up for a gym membership.
  • You want to save money. Open up a savings account. You can do that online now with most banks from your computer or phone. Then set up a recurring direct deposit from your checking account.
  • You want to improve your credit. Obtain your current credit report. If you haven’t done it yet this year, you can get one free here.
  • You want to start your own business. Complete the necessary forms and register your business name with your state.
  • You want to find a romantic partner. Approach someone you like or find attractive and ask for their phone number. Or sign up for an online dating service.
The possibilities are endless! Whatever you do, make the task specific and only focus on that one thing for today. I know you’re busy. But no matter how busy you are, you can always do at least one thing every day to move yourself closer to living the life of your dreams. And really, isn’t life too short not to?
When you’re done, tell us about what you did in the comments! Also let us know if any immediate results have occurred, either with an outcome or simply a change in your frame of mind.
Note: If you blogged about today’s assignment, please post the link in the comments so we can read it!
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84 comments

  4. I transferred some money into my savings and I’m going to start that routine every paycheck. Some transfers will be larger than others but as long as something goes in I’m happy. I’ve also started an “attitude jar”, similar to a swear jar, for me & the kids. They have a reall ybad habit of getting an attitude so I told them each time they do they have to put 5 cents into the jar. And in return they told me everytime I say a bad word I have to put in 5 cents also…so far there’s $1 (45 cents a piece for them and 10 cents from me for saying “damn” twice)…it’s gonna be a rough start but eventually they’ll want to keep there money. Oh, and I also bought a book via iTunes so I’m going to start reading: 1st To Die by James Patterson **so excited!!**

    Follow me on Twitter @agarcia21

  6. I want to improve my credit score and my financial situation. I just pulled my Equifax credit report and score. Now that I need where I am, I can figure out a way to proceed.

  7. I like to write whether it’s poetry, encouraging words or stories. I have always wanted to find ways to enhance my writing skills. I have been writing stories and plays since I was younger. We used act them out. It was so funny! Now I want this gift that God gave me be useful to others as I encourage, uplift and inspire them.

    I signed up for a writing workshop and will be attending on 06/11/2011. I am looking forward to it. I will let you know how it has helped me.

    Be blessed ladies!

  8. Like many, action is a challenge! From tomorrow (cause it is night now) I promise to start a vit regime (I already bought them and everything) and do 30mins-1 hr of physical activity that I find is fun each day.

  9. My “do one thing” was actually done 2 days early when i rejoined the library.

    It’s something i had been meaning to do for a while but never got round to it.

    It wasn’t until i was thinking about the education part of the life map and actually thinking about studying subjects that interest me that i thought about it.

    the library is free and once i join i can go to any in my borough and there are 3 that are local to me.

    i think it’s quite inspiring that there is something so huge i can do for my own self improvemnt that is free and doesn’t require alot of effort.

    I tend to put things off because they cost too much money or are not possible logistically, so this realization is good for me. I also forgot how much i just love libraries (espscially large ones you can lose yourself in and no one cares because they are busy doing their own library thing).

    And yes, you would be able to see me go into the library, ask for the form, fill it in there and then, hand it over with proof of adress, get my new card and check out some books.

    It’s also something that won’t be a one off, but that i can keep doing.

    I can also combine it with my walking, since one of my local ones is a 15 minute walk away (30 minutes right there, Bam!!)

    Also, getting my new library card felt better than getting a credit card! (wit’ my ol’ nerdy ass!)

  10. I have obtained the forms and the guidelines related to starting a home-based business in the state where I live. I will be filling them out and sending them in this week.

  11. I would and will begin to get myself back in shape mentally and physically. One thing i believe in is that your health is your wealth. I am going to.cut down on alot of snack foods and begin to buy healthier foods and obtain a gym membership

  12. I felt inspires to do more thannone tangible thing as an action item. I originally wanted that thing to be finance related because those are the Large items on my life map, so I created a tentative budget. I need to obtain a recent credit report to assess debt. I started by making changes to my cell phone bill bit getting rid of services I don’t need or use. Instant saving$$.

    I also walked 2 miles today in the return to my fitness routine.

  13. I finally purchased a sewing machine. I took classes several months ago and have been saying that I would buy a machine but procrastinated

  14. Job done!
    seeing as i have been playing catch up with the assignments i was pleasantly surprised that this one came along as i have done most of these since i started the program….so pat myslef on the back,as i have a habbit of not doing the things that need to be done.
    this weekend i caught up with family i havent seen in a while and looked into the requirments needed to get my education and health on track :)
    Today i am working on my finances

  15. I couldn’t decide so I am going for two things. The first is actually writing a comment. Not sure why I have been so hesitant because I am a chatterhound in person. I have to say that reading the comments after completing the daily exercises makes this whole experience, which has been great so far, even better. The comments have made me laugh, feel proud for your accomplishments and inspired by your goals. My prayers are with you all. My other one thing was to reach out to a guy who I think is so cute! I have never called a guy before so I felt really proud of myself. Of course he wasn’t home so I had to leave a message and my mind will conjure up many scenarios of how this will not end well. I guess next on the list is my negativity!

  16. I’m kinda torn on what to do. And also, it’s like 2am so some of these I can’t do but here are my thoughts…..

    -Go to the library and research graduate programs for social policy (can only find limited lists online)
    -Set up automatic deposits into my Way 2 Save account
    -Select a Bible plan to start reading daily
    -Find a gym or fitness activity to do regularly
    -Gather all debt files and call credit counseling center

    I’ll pick one of these tomorrow and get the ball rolling.

    • But what I did was dust off my resume and put it out there for my dream job company to have and review….

  18. Here’s my day 9 post. http://bit.ly/ggGHHn I failed miserably here because I can’t clearly pick 1 tangible thing to do (which is usually my issue). This is probably the most “evasive” post I’ve done the entire challenge. bummer.

    • hahaha @ all your emoticons! have you tried writing out your feelings & concerns first? then you can present it to another family member who is close to the situation or to a good friend. from there, you can either pass your final product on to the family member or use it as a springboard for your conversation.

      • Uh… everyone in our family knows she’s difficult (well at least everyone I hang with LOL). I still have failed on this one because I’m out of town now and haven’t even finished up getting the muslin like I said I would. Bummer.

  20. Taking action, oh what a difficult thing especially when I put other people’s needs before mine. Pushed against the wall and was being badgered into putting other people’s needs before mine I completely SHUT DOWN!!! BUT ALAS those days are gone.

    The action that I’m taking is setting my siblings on the path to build a life for themselves. Because of some life circumstances I’ve taken care of my siblings for a long time. My mother passed away and I even adopted my little sister. But I also have my other two adult siblings along my nephew living with me. While I love family and the closeness of our family, I need my own space. So I’ve spoke to them and given them a date to move out. Though in the past I felt this way I didn’t say too much because I felt bad, but the longer I put this off the longer the life I want to live will take to manifest. Even though they haven’t left the nest yet, feel free just having told them they need to move out.

    This action alone I’m sure will jump start other actions!

    • okay, for some reason disqus isn’t letting me like this, but CONGRATS to you! people will continue to invade your space as long as you let them. sometimes this is intentional, but a lot of times it isn’t. i’m willing to bet your siblings are scared to death. but you’re no good to them if your home life isn’t as you’d like it to be. kudos to you for having such a tough conversation & taking care of yourself!

  21. Pingback: 31 Days to Reset Your Life: Recap and Reflect | Happy Black Woman | Personal Development for Success in Life, Love & Business

  22. I am catching up, one thing that is on my Life Map, that I’ve put off long enough…smh was the creation of a budget. After researching some online budget spreadsheets I decided to open an account on Mint.com, and get the iphone app. In under 5min I had a budget (for free and its awesome). I can see CLEARLY now where my money has been going, where I can curb spending (and still enjoy life). I am GLAD God pulled the wool from over my eyes chile~

  23. Pingback: Reset Your Life Day 16: Reflect, Comment and Connect | Happy Black Woman | Personal Development for Success in Life, Love & Business

  24. I have been trying to get through several major projects at work and for church and fell WAY behind on my Reset. One thing that I have been really trying to do is save money for a car. In my efforts to save, I always find ways to spend the money. I decided to set up a Savings account and set up an automatic transfer from my Checking account. I am beyond proud of myself for doing this. It was time. Actually, it has been time. Go me! Go me!

    Here is my blog entry for a bit more detail: http://keikokaveri.tumblr.com/post/2320330741

  25. I needed to wait for the work week to start before I could complete my Day 9 activity. With that being said I reached out to a list of companies today that I either sent my resume to and heard no response back from or that I was interested in working for.

    The result? Yesterday I secured an interview with a top PR firm I sent my resume to maybe a month ago and today I heard back from a larger firm I had been in communication with for the past 2 months and scheduled an interview for next week. Two interviews secured and now my next activity is creating a portfolio and a powerpoint for one of the interviews to help sell myself better.

  26. I’m a few days behind, so I’m catching up. One of my goals is to maintain a desired weight and I have 7 lbs to get to that desired weight. Last night I threw away a big bag of chips that I had been eating on for a few days. I know I didn’t need them, but I couldn’t resist eating them, so I decided to get one more handful and throw the entire bag away! Also, I’ll be getting my business name registered later this week. Hope that counts! And good job for all of the actions taken!

  27. I’ve been thinking about it for months – going to grad school. I really want to, I’ve been gathering information about schools and how to apply, how to take the GRE…but nothing. Finally, tonight I just started whacking away at the application for the school I really want to go to. My process had no rhyme or reason, filling out addresses until I grew bored, filling out recommendation addresses. Until I just told myself stop. Enough. I will work on it again tomorrow. And I was smiling because I know that I will.

  28. The one thing I did today was call and reach out to my biological sister. She had been calling me for months and I put off the conversation for a long time. Our relationship is complicated. I know I care about her but with her comes a lot of baggage in regards to me being adopted, seperated from my biological siblings, etc. I took a big step by calling her today. I’ve decided to take our relationship step by step…day by day…we will see how it goes.

  29. I’m a tad behind and do things a bit out of order but having so much fun on this journey. I actually did 2 things for Day 9′s activity. Both are related to me moving to higher heights professionally. First, I set up a meeting with colleague to learn more about her career and the work she is doing creating a new office within the governemtnt. Second, I sent my resume and bio to a potential contact in the arts world. Two friends recommended I reach out to her and I finally did! I had to build up the nerve but I decided if I want to grow professionally and move into a new sector, I have to stop procrastinating and put myself out there. The meeting with my colleague is almost most finalized. I’m awaiting a response from the arts connect. Feels good to be making moves!!!

  30. I am so behind on posting. I’ve been journaling(is that a word? LOL) but am behind on actually posting on this site….For my Day #9…. I wrote my household budget for 2011. That’s laying the foundation for my NEW financial house.

  31. Going to Home Depot tomorrow to buy the stuff to finish removing the wallpaper from my living and dining rooms and prep the walls for painting! Yay!! Going to buy storage bins and organizers next! Double yay!

  32. Something you’ve been procrastinating on for a long time -
    I set up a recurring direct deposit into my savings account.

  35. There was so much going on today, but I managed to get this exercise done! (fist pump)

    1.) I want to take a beginner’s photography course and I was unsure what school I wanted to attend. I did my research today and finally decided on a school. I will register and pay for my class next week for 2011.

    2.) I joined a meetup.com group to connect with other Happy Black Women to fulfill my need to connect with people with similar interests.

    3.) I started doing research on event planning companies to find out more about the field and what is expected from an event planner.

  36. I opened an Educational Savings Account for my son, I researched Ph. D programs and narrowed it down to 3 I am very interested in, and I set a goal to be ready to take the GRE in July.

  37. How funny. Last week I was craving Oreos and bought a large package. Seriously, I’m really interested in upgrading from a co-op to a condo or house and am going to attend a homebuyers workshop in Harlem this weekend. I’m also taking speech language pathology pre-requisites because I plan on going back to get my second Masters next year, so this post was pretty timely. It makes me feel like I’m taking steps and making strides.

  38. After much thinking and a little bit of research, the one thing that I am going to do is work on my finances. It’s the one thing that effect a few other things I have been putting off. Tomorrow I will be ending a 5 year relationship with a certain bank. I used to love them but they have some new rules that I don’t love. I should have done this months ago. I will post an update to my blog once it complete.

  39. I was wondering if I’d have time to get today’s task done; I’m headed out to Maryland in about half and hour, and will be gone for a whole week. I’m pleased to say that I JUST did my one task a few hours ago…and I’m TOTALLY glad I did!

    I’m working on a grant currently, to do community education for moms around helping them talk to their teens about sensitive sex and relationship topics; at 1PM this afternoon, I met, and successfully garnered support from my former CEO to host the project at one of his facilities!

    GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    This is a pretty big deal. Not only did he give me the support…but he complimented me on my coat. AAAAAAND, I didn’t go in there as lil’ ole me…I went in their as CEO of Gilbert Educational Ministries–put the title on my handout and everything! :o D

    PHEW!!! Okay…so this is my one thing…now I gotta go. Talk to you guys later! :o D

  41. I did two things today on my list…

    The first thing I did is signed up for an information session for a Ph.D. program I am interested in.

    The other is researching group running programs. I would really love to do a half marathon or 10k next year.

    blog posting: http://wp.me/pBR3E-A9

    • Your two things inspired me. I am itching to go back to school and I’m about to go on line looking. I just started a new fitness challenge at work, but running a 5K is on my bucket list.

      I’m on day 16 of the reset now.

  42. I obtained my credit report and ordered my score. Since I recently changed 401K contributions and increased my ING savings amount, I feel pretty good. But looking at my credit report encouraged me to tackle some of my debt, particularly credit cards and student loans. Next year will be a year of deliberate work towards those goals. Thanks for sharing everyone. Keep the encouragement going.

  43. Fitness and relationships are my two biggies…today I signed up for a half marathon, it’s on Feb 13th, so I have to get back in shape.

    Also I kind of like this guy, I think I may ask him out today…still on the fence about that one though, I don’t normally ask men out…in fact, I never ask men out, so this is scary territory for me. Wish me luck.

    • Luck? Girl have you seen you? He’s bound to jump on that opportunity! LOL…

      Half marathon sounds intense! Do it big!

      • Yeah Lib but he’s one of those intellectuals who judge based on personality and not looks…most men think I’m superficial before even getting to know me..but he’s my fb friend so he may just think I’m cookoo!! LoL

        Half marathon is semi-intense…today I ran 3 miles w/o stopping, very proud of myself. Full marathon, goal for June, is intense.

        I asked him out via fb…how lame, we’ll see what happens. LOL, I can’t believe that I’m posting this on the world wide web.

        • Yay for FB crushes :) Actually a lot of people use it to facilitate the dating process, so you’re not the only one. Fingers crossed that this guy knows a good thing when he sees it!

      • My advice go to active.com and look for one in your area, most have sign ups 6-8 months in advance, at the very least, pick one, maybe even sign up for one…that way you’ll actually have a goal to work towards.

        I LOVE today’s activity!!!…it’s so progressive.

  44. Ok, so I’m back again. Getting started is always a bit difficult for me, but I completely believe in achievement motivation. I LOVE writing lists of things to do and checking them off I think when you accomplish something it automatically motivates you to accomplish something else. I actually think I’m addicted to progress (once I get going anyway). So to narrow things down I wrote a list of several things I would like to do and decided to try and pick just one…weeeeelll…I couldn’t choose just one.

    1. I restarted my automatic savings plan to my ING account. That thing has been so neglected and I hate having the financial savvy I have and not having any real money in savings. So…DONE. I started with a small amount and I’ll be increasing it as I get my debt paid off (and my haphazard spending under control).

    2. I increased my 401K contributions (again, I can’t be as financially savvy as I am and not take advantage of an employer match…WTH)

    3. Agreed for my company to participate in a beauty seminar, this will be a great marketing opportunity. I’ve been hesitant about getting our name out there since the website isn’t complete…but what the hay, no time like the present.

    4. Planning my first ever themed gathering at my house. An arts/crafts party. We’re going to make a cute earring holder…WOO-HOO!

    see…once I get started, I just can’t be stopped! LOL Thanks for the kick-start happyblackwoman!

    • 1. I restarted my automatic savings plan to my ING account. That thing has been so neglected and I hate having the financial savvy I have and not having any real money in savings. So…DONE. I started with a small amount and I’ll be increasing it as I get my debt paid off (and my haphazard spending under control).

      Way to go! I have definitely neglected mine. And I’m getting back in gear as well.

    • Seems like you got your groove back. Keep it going and you succeed at all your dreams and visions.

    • One of the things I always encourage people to do…GREAT first step actually! Sometimes it’s not as bad as people think it is. At least you know where to get started. Once you get it 1. dispute items that are incorrect (heck dispute everything if you want, some stuff just might get dropped off) and 2. if you have any collections, contact the creditors and strike a deal…BUT only do it if you are ready to pay it back and make SURE to get the settlement in writing…after it gets paid off it should show on your credit report as a paid collection…wait a month and dispute it, it just might drop off completely. Good luck!

    • It’s rarely EVER as bad as you think it is…rarely ever. Great first step!!!

      Credit Karma gives you your free score for Transunion..and you can get a copy of your credit report for each agency from annualcreditreport.com for free once a year. Just in case someone else needs the info.

      • and another FYI, some states allow for an additional free credit report each year…Georgia is one of them. You just have to write in to request it.

  46. Taking action has always been a challenge for me with the hardest part being FOLLOWING THROUGH & FINISHING! Those are major things I’m working on now b/c sometimes I can talk a good game but I don’t actually suit up and play it through to the end.

    Today in order to pursue some creative aspects of my ideal life, I’m going to start my blog. In being the anal knowledge-thirsty person I am, I ordered a book about how to blog & started reading it last night. I’m going to actually take the steps of setting it up today. And might make my first blog entry. I’m not sure yet. I really want it to be nice & since I’m computer illiterate, I’ll be depending on this book so I will be taking baby steps.

    I’m actually going to do TWO things today in that I’m going to also commit to walking an hour on the treadmill. One of my goals is to FINALLY get this weight off of me & to get my diabetes under control and then to completely rid myself of it.

    • I’m working out too! And all your blog needs to say is “I’m Kimmie and I’m glad you’re here” :) I put pressure on myself for months before I started blogging. For me, I had to realize I was not in school anymore. I was not being graded or judged. When it’s time to have a big, professional site, we will. *hug*

    • Kimmie me and you both..I feel you about the follow through! Happy Goal-doing :-) My one thing is the send an email that could spark a career change for me!

  47. Ha. See this is where my issues come in at…. THE ACTION. I have planned, written, affirmed and have done pretty much everything you suggested so far in this challenge. My issue has been the action!! But today is the the day I do something more than just dream!! I have almost all of those things on my list…I think I am going to improve my relationship with family by calling my dad (I really need to work on that). I want to go back to school for a phd so I am going to look at programs (I have already been doing that). These are my plans for the day. Oh yeah my 6 months of “chillin” after graduating with my Masters are over so I am going to look for a job in my field; that will definitely get me closer to accomplishing my dreams. I like to talk so I will definitely be back with my update. Thanks Rosetta.

    • LOL, I’m with you! It was all good when we were just talking/writing about stuff. I can do that all day…but now she wants action…sigh? Ok, here goes, we can do it!

  48. Aww man, you want me to actually DO something now? LOL, my thing is I have so many to-dos to choose from, I’ll have to spend some time narrowing down…Can’t wait to hear what everyone else is doing!

    • Pull one out of a hat. I’m cleaning (hate it), and that’s how I keep going. Instead of putting stuff off because I hate it, I let the hat decide. Have a good, productive day :)

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