365 Day Challenge
Shift Your Mindset in 365 Days
Are you feeling a little lost in life? Not really excited to start the day? If that sounds familiar, I have a little story for you!
Back in April 2023, I hit a rough patch. Life was a bit of a mess - emotionally and physically, I just wasn’t feeling like me anymore. You know that feeling, right? Like you’re stuck in the mud and can’t move forward? Yeah, that was me. But instead of staying there, I decided to do something about it.
I took on a 365-day challenge to completely overhaul my life. Not some wishy-washy, “I’ll do it for a week” thing. Nah, I went all in, trying all those things you hear about that are supposed to make your life better. And let me tell you, it wasn’t always easy, but it was absolutely worth it.
Here’s what I did, and what you can do too, if you’re ready to shift your life in a big way.
1. Cold Showers
Yep, I know. Just reading that probably made you cringe, right? But cold showers kickstart your body like nothing else. Every morning, it was a shock to the system, but that’s the point. They wake you up, clear your head, and get your blood pumping. I wasn’t in it for the thrill—I was after the mental clarity. And it worked.
2. Getting Up Early
I’ve always wanted to be that early riser who has a whole day planned out before the rest of the world wakes up. So, I made it happen. I shifted my alarm back a bit at a time until I was regularly up before the sun (in summer at least!). There’s something powerful about owning your mornings - when no one else is around, it’s just you and your thoughts. You can think, plan, or just enjoy the quiet.
3. Working Out
Now, I won’t lie. At the start, I hated it. Dragging myself out of bed to sweat first thing in the morning wasn’t my idea of fun. But the transformation that followed? Incredible. Exercise didn’t just change how I looked - it changed how I felt. Stronger, more confident, more in control. I learned that sometimes, the things you dread most are the ones that push you forward the fastest.
4. Eating Better
I traded in the junk and started treating my body with the respect it deserved. I’m talking whole foods, lots of veggies and lean proteins. It wasn’t about dieting; it was about giving my body the fuel it needed to function properly. And guess what? It started paying me back in energy, focus, and just feeling good in my own skin again.
5. Journaling
Every day, I’d scribble down whatever was on my mind. Sometimes it was a brain dump of random thoughts, and other times it was more structured - gratitude lists, goal setting, or just reflecting on the day. Writing it all down helped me process stuff that was bubbling under the surface. And when I read it back? I realised how far I was coming, even on the tough days.
6. Meditating
Meditation was one of those things I thought I’d never get into. Sitting still, focusing on my breath? Not for me - or so I thought. But it turns out, I needed it more than I knew. Just ten minutes a day made a massive difference. My stress levels dropped, my focus improved, and I became way better at handling life’s curveballs.
7. Manifesting
I started putting real intention behind what I wanted in life, visualising where I wanted to be, and acting like I was already there. I know, it sounds a bit woo-woo, but manifesting works when you pair it with action. It was about shifting my mindset - thinking, “Yeah, I can do this,” instead of, “Why even bother?”
8. Cutting Out Toxins
This was a big one. I’m talking alcohol, processed foods, and all that stuff that drags you down without you even realising it. But beyond that, I cut out toxic behaviours and even distanced myself from negative influences. Sometimes, you need to step back from what’s not serving you. Trust me, it makes a world of difference.
9. Volunteering
Giving back is one of the most rewarding things you can do. I found some local opportunities to volunteer, and it completely shifted my perspective. When you help others, you stop focusing so much on your own struggles. You get this sense of purpose and connection that fills you up in a way nothing else can.
10. Say Yes to More!
How many times do we hold ourselves back by saying “no” out of fear? During my challenge, I made a conscious effort to say yes to more things. New experiences, opportunities, meeting new people - things that scared me or made me uncomfortable. And you know what? That’s where the magic happens. Growth doesn’t live in your comfort zone, and I discovered so much about myself by stepping out of it.
11. Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone
Speaking of discomfort, that’s what this whole challenge was really about. Pushing boundaries. I learned that growth happens when you stretch yourself, even if it feels tough or weird at first. Every time I did something that scared me, I grew a little more confident in who I was becoming.
Final Thoughts
So, here’s the deal. My 365-day challenge wasn’t just about ticking off a to-do list. It was about getting my life back on track, one intentional decision at a time. If you’re feeling stuck or lost, I want to tell you that you can do this. You don’t need to wait for the perfect moment or hit rock bottom first. Just start.
And don’t get me wrong - it wasn’t easy. There were days I wanted to quit, days I didn’t feel any progress, but I kept going. Because I knew that the hardest part of any transformation is simply deciding to begin.
If you’re ready to make a change, why not create your own challenge? Start with one thing or do them all like I did. Take it one day at a time. You’ll be amazed at how much can shift when you just start showing up for yourself.
Here’s to the journey. Let’s grow together x
More Articles
Your Mate Ginger Kate
Do not copy or reproduce. All rights reserved.