So why do we participate in “Challenges?”

Me and my friends, family and Juice Plus colleagues will be participating in the Shred 10 challenge starting Monday, March 11. This is a challenge that eliminates caffeine, sugar, dairy, gluten and eating after 6 pm and emphasizes the importance of eating healthy fresh foods and nutritious supplements, also getting 7-8 hours of sleep a night and achieving adequate daily hydration. There are dozens of challenges readily available to participate in through social media, local gyms, community organizations, work places, or friend groups. In addition to healthy eating challenges — there are weight loss challenges, squat challenges, hydration challenges, walking challenges, plank challenges, push-up challenges and more! What is the DEAL with all of these challenges? Could it be our competitiveness comes out when we confront what is hard for us? Our great desire to be healthy, fit and at our best? Unity with others for a common positive outcome? To experience good healthy fun? Achieving something we couldn’t on our own? A needed jump start because we fall back into the same unhealthy habits? Winning good prizes? Camaraderie with like-minded people? Yes, yes and yes! Maybe a little bit of all the above … I think, the bottom line is-we LOVE them! The definition of a challenge is ‘something that by its nature or character serves as a call to battle, contest or special effort.’ I don’t know about you- but I’m always up for a challenge, a contest, a non-confrontational battle -especially if it’s going to be hard! For me, a challenge provides a sense of accomplishment, a sense of control over my health and wellness, and satisfaction that I’m doing something good for my physical, spiritual and mental well-being. It may not be easy, but that makes it all the more satisfying when I accomplish my goal of finishing it successfully. The end-result is always better at the finish-line than at the starting gate. Who doesn’t want to win? With the prize being- becoming the BEST version of yourself. I say, GAME ON!