Over-Thinkers.Com!
Well, it appears that yesterday’s task was something of a challenge for the over-thinkers in the group. The ants-in-pants brigade. That’s the beauty of this seven-day project; one person’s easy is another person’s hard. And the next day, the tables are turned. For those of you who have completed both days, well done. I completed yesterday’s stillness task in my Zen Den (my outdoor lounge area) with a backdrop of running water and bamboo leaves rustling in the breeze. Nice. All I needed was a dude in sandals playing pan flute in the background and I might have had an out-of-body experience.
Or not.
Give-Aways
Hey Clozza! Congrats, you’ve won yourself an Everlast Pack complete with enough kit to make you fifty-three percent cooler. Can’t argue with stats. 
Good for you. And if Jill Mottram, Annette W, Jc and Adam (11.05am) can contact Johnnie via email, he will hook you up with some me-dot-com products. ‘Cause we’re ace.
Challenge Three: Water
So, day one of the project was primarily about movement. Sore calves anyone? Day two was all about stillness and quiet. Which brings us to our challenge for day three; the stuff you put in your mouth. Specifically, the liquid stuff.
Unlike the first two days, this challenge is not a fifteen-minute activity. Interestingly, it’s an all-day challenge that doesn’t require any time out of your normal schedule or responsibilities. Rather than adding something to your typical shedule, today I want you to subtract something: liquid calories. And liquid chemicals. In fact, I want you to eliminate any liquid other than water.
Ideally, filtered water is the go but tap or bottled water will suffice.
Sodium, caffeine, alcohol, sugar, calories, artificial sweeteners, flavouring, colouring, preservatives and a terrifying range of shitty chemical crap; we (the society) inhale it all in liquid form. Depending on your current habits, this challenge could be a piece of cake (metaphorically speaking) or, almost impossible. Apart from avoiding all those chemicals and toxins, a day of drinking water only, means that many of us will consume somewhere in the vicinity of 500 to 1,000 less calories. Weight-loss anyone?
Giddy-up.
BTW, your body is about seventy percent water so a day of zero liquid crap and some additional H2O should see every cell in your dehydrated body performing its own little happy dance. I’m of the opinion that, for many people, this will be the toughest challenge of the week. If the idea of one single day without coffee, tea, alcohol, soft-drink (soda), etc. is a little overwhelming and terrifying, then I have one word for you:
Addiction.
If that’s the case, then this will be an uncomfortable but important exercise (mentally, emotionally and physically) for you. Keep in mind that it’s one day of your life and it’s important that you remember why you committed to this project in the first place. Are you really committed to this change process or do you just like the idea of it? As you negotiate these seven days, be mindful of how transformation and personal growth work (it’s all in the doing). Giving up is easy. Making excuses is easy. If this particular challenge makes you a little anxious and uncomfortable then what’s the lesson (in your reaction)?
Don’t get mad at me; it’s your reaction.
Okay Kids, drink up.
If (per chance) you don’t read this before you throw down your morning coffee (etc.), then simply start now and finish tomorrow at the same time. Like all of these challenges, if there’s a medical reason as to why you should not participate in this exercise then don’t. Simple.
* You can also follow what people are saying about the Doing Project on Twitter at #doingproject.
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{ 325 comments… read them below or add one }
Aaaghhh no coffee!!!!!!
You have found my Achilles heal – coffee, but I will give it a crack. I feel a very nasty headache coming on
OH crap. I haven’t woken up with a morning tea or coffee for, well, over 20yrs! And my hot chocolates, and post workout milo or protein shake.. ahhhh!
Decide Commit Do Finish Grow Repeat.
I think I had better go hide the teabags and milo now..
I’m not sure I can do this… I have 2 cups of coffee (at least), 1 cup of milk, berocca tablet, apple cidar vinegar, 250ml protein uht drink in a working day, as well as water.
Milk will be the hardest to give up for a day, coz I NEED it for cereal.
Reminds me of going smoke free for a day years ago, wasn’t sure if I could make it but I did. Then gave up smoking entirely.
Don’t want to give up coffee…
I want to get off now!! Please someone, help!!
MIlk is a food not a drink in my house. When it hits your stomach it solidifies into a custardy lump.
Definitely the hardest challenge yet.
I’m not addicted, really I’m not, I can stop anytime, it’s just that I love my morning coffee. I guess I could try drinking hot water instead?
Yep, calves and my quads are aching still.
Ouch
Wjy didn’t you ask us all to hang from our toes off our clotheslines instead? Glad I saw this before I got the morning fix ready.
Deep breaths in and out.
Good luck to all of us.
Thank God I had that extra coffee after dinner tonight! That should make it a little easier tomorrow morning
Oh wait! I always put a little lemon juice in my tap water (it tastes really bad without it). Does that count? If so, I’ll stay with bottled water tomorrow.
You caught me too late! Already had my cup this morning. But I am a dedicated water drinker, and apart from first thing in the morning, that’s ALL I drink.
Tomorrow morning. I promise.
Thanks JeNjen – I was in blissful ignorance till your Day 2 post! Had to trawl around till I found this – Argggghhhhh! I have had no Calorie-filled drinks/liquids all day – just black coffee, black tea and water…. surely that’s good? I need my coffee – just 1 cup…
Not sure I can do this one.
Told Hubby not to bring my morning cuppa in bed today, so was off to a good start (he wouldn’t have remembered to make it water). Then have had numerous hot waters – & he is checking up on me!! Will have some with ice later, just for variety….
Glad I am managing these challenges on the day this time – I think that was where I fell apart last time. That and the fact they are for short time spans, so have no valid excuses & am out of work 3 days per week, so can read all the great emails…. actually that’s taking more time than the challenges are
I so wish I hadn’t read this yet. Its still Tuesday in Perth as I write this. Oh well, fore-warned is fore-armed!
Oh, an easy one for me.
I’m sharing these challenges with my girlfriend and she decided to try them.
So far, so good. But this one…. a day without coffee. It’ll be interesting to watch her.
Good one Craig!
I think this one will actually be pretty easy for me as I generally only drink water anyway with maybe 1 or 2 cups of tea a week but I don’t drink as much water as I should so I’m changing this challenge slightly for me and I will commit to drinking the recommended 6-8 glasses of filtered water for the day.
Renae
Glad I read this the night before I love my hot cup of tea each morning and I’d rather know now than realise when I wake up. I will miss my morning cuppa but water for 24 hours is totally do-able
Awesome, I can do this one without knowing I am doing it as all I usually drink is water. I might have a tea every other day or with friends…..ohhh look out I just remembered I am having a friend and her daughter over for lunch tomorrow and our routine is to sit out the front and watch the kids and have a cuppa.
I seriously just went from thinking I had this in the bag to “oh shit” ha ha ha too funny touche Craig touche.
Will report back with my findings….
Love Mel
Ok, im glad i read this now, and not during my morning caffeine fix. I shall forgo the coffee wake me up, and i shall not have any alcohol in the evening. Cross my heart etc etc. from 12:00 am until 12:00pm i do solemly promise to consume nothing but H2O.
Haha! An easy one, consider this done already I don’t drink anything other than water unless I am on night shift, then occasionally some caffeine sneaks in.
Okay, now you’re testing us. I haven’t being checking in for my daily challenges until I’ve go home for work – that wouldn’t have worked for this one, “lucky” I checked tonight. Definitely the biggest challenge.
Hey there love the fact that the info is coming out the night before as it allows those who start early to get organised – much thanks!
oh…
Since I’m in the USA, I did not see this until after I had my morning coffee. But for quite some time I usually only drink water. I’m usually able hit my goal of 96 ounces a day.
Surely you can’t be serious! (avid coffee drinker here)
Okay, I’ll give it a go. Like Jeni said above:
Decide Commit Do Finish Grow Repeat.
Just as well we didn’t have a ‘coffee date’ today Ange.
We need one of those soon though Cheryl!
I’m not fairing so well without the coffee… have had a dull headache that comes and goes. All I want to do is sleep, lol.
EASY! For some strange reason I tend not to drink anything other than water most days……the sitting quiet thing however much much much more terrifying. Go figure!
Surely we can have a bit of milk for cereal??? Isn’t it more about replacing the drinks with water – whereas milk for cereal is more an ingredient in the meal?? Just my thoughts on that one anyway.
Looking forward to this one as I know it’s my morning coffees/cappuccino that I need to cut and find the hardest to do without. This will be tough though as I struggle with drinking enough during day. One day though, I can survive and hopefully even the next day!
Did the do-able and its done, run upwardly – then silence in the space – moment of peace in chaos..now water alone – will let you know.
Since I happened to be drinking my morning coffee when I read this…ok…out it goes. Thank you CRAIG for not giving this task on a weekend!!LOL!!
Aaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Surely coffee is just brown water?????
I never drink sugary soft drinks, I (mostly) gave up alcohol some time back because I didn’t like the way it left me feeling the next morning, but coffee’s my addiction. I love the whole ritual of grinding, brewing, and inhaling — but for today, no coffee!
I’m really wishing I hadn’t read this before breakfast!
Well, I already had my first coffee of the day before reading this. The rest is easy. My body doesn’t like milk and I learned that my diabetic body can’t tell the difference between artificial and the real sugar so I quit doing artificial about 7 years ago. Today I won’t do sugar either. I already drink a lot of water. Tea started giving me indigestion about 5 years ago so I quit drinking tea then. I drink a lot of water every day because I know that hydration is important.
Did just 3 sets of 5 minutes of stair steps yesterday since the 4 sets of 5 minutes made me sore from Day 1′s challenge. Off to do my 1st set of 5 minutes of stair stepping for the day and then to drink my second glass of water. Even though the day is only half way through for me here in the U. S. I am marking this one as done.
ok now this i can do! except i will miss my juice…bye juice cya around its been a good run, maybe we will meet again someday… cough* tomorrow cough*
Just sat down, as per my usual morning routine, with my morning coffee to check emails….hmmmm…..back to the kitchen for swapsies.
I’m grumpy already, no coffee, thats almost what I live on. But I will make it through the day, looks like I will be to bed early tongiht.
Sweet as Bro! – I have been on solely water for the last 3 months and am loving it!
No booze, coffee, tea, or soft drinks for this gal
Same here: years without soft drinks, 5 years without booze, 3 months without caffeine … and feeling great on it. Drink countless cups of hot water every day. I find it way easier to drink a lot of hot water than cold. So much more comforting
OK. Im assuming you dont mean the banana nut smoothie that is currently sitting on my desk that Ive made for my breakfast. Coz if you do – Im screwed so to speak. I get hangry in the morning (hungry and angry!) if I dont have a decent brekkie. You dont wanna see me hangry – its not pretty ;o)
Im AM going to very s-l-o-w-l-y back away from the pepsi max I normally have at around 10ish, when the fact Ive been sitting at a desk crunching numbers since 5am kicks in, and I feel the urge to throttle those nearest to me.
I will go for a walk and have some more water instead. Im so saintly…..
Ive always used the excuse that I need to get up at 3:45am each day, with 2 young kids to deal with after work as my justification for drinking pepsi max. Plus I HATE the taste of coffee – bleurgh – its evil!!
Advice Please? What about my morning – freshly juiced Vegetable juice? no preservatives or added, just fresh vegies (Carrot, Celery, Zucchini, Beetroot, Ginger and an Apple)….
Hi Mazz – a special exemption for you on the veggie juice..
Thanks Craig, as it is my usual early morning feast, however I changed it up and went with my rice based muesli for brekky instead… Am going to try and have LOTS of vegetables today to make up for my missed juice, and my friend Charmaine and I are going to walk to the post office instead of our favourite coffee shop at morning tea time… I can do this with my eyes closed, the rest is just routine stuff to avoid (ie luckily noone has offered to buy me a cuppa yet this morning, and I have put my coffee mug in the dirty dishwasher to avoid using it)
Grumble, grumble grumble as I turn off my coffee machine. I’ll be wearing a post it note today that says on it “Blame Craig!” Bring on the challenge though. It shouldn’t hurt too much
Ps, Congrats to all of yesterday’s winners.
Lol, so that explained your grumpiness this morning! I didn’t make the connection….god help me tonight…
Ha! This one is too easy! Will check back in later, but consider this one done & dusted!!!
LoL’s. Bugger, I read the challenge before I had my standard two wake me up coffees. Oh well tomorrow’s coffee will taste all the better.
Sorry guys – this one is easy for me. I don’t really drink anything other than water anyway – a coffee once or twice a week, juice and a wine probably once a fortnight.
Will be conscious to stick to it today, though!
I am pretty sure this will be an ok day for me. I usually only have one coffee and maybe a glass of milk after a workout other than water. And Craig you are right. My calves are killing me today!!! Will report back later today.
Actually maybe this may be a bit of a challenge as I see there is a v looking at me from the corner of my desk. I must put it in my car so it can get all warm & gross so I wont want to drink it.
Wow, on the day I decided to give up diet drinks! This challenge was meant for me. It is going to be a loooonnng day.
This challenge has completely stopped me in my tracks. I am sitting here looking at the cup of tea I poured really not knowing what to do. How and why can this be so hard? Addiction. That word has given me one of the most profound aha moments I can remember for a very long time (and i am a ferocious consumer of Personal development stuff) I am celebrating my fathers 70th birthday tonight and the expectation is alcohol will be consumed, not necessarily in excessive quantities but Im not sure how I will go with that? I drink coffee and tea daily and I feel that yes I could easily give up for a day and alcohol also but not not sure I can today……….. i need some time to prepare and do it on the right day for me, so what does that say about me and commitment? Nothing but water has touched my lips yet, tea getting cold but honestly I am not sure if I can follow through (today?) ………….that for me is the most eye opening realisation, ever. It tells me I certainly have some real work to do, Thank you Craig.
I can feel your pain Deborah. This will be hard. I am also a 3 coffee, 3 Tea, 1 soft drink, hot chocolate a day person. My anxiety levels are building now about how i am going to get through the day. You know what? We got through the first 2 days we can get through this one. I am going to do it hour by hour. I will tick off each hour as I go so that I can see my progress and that I can feel proud of what I have achieved thus far.
Good luck Deborah and everyone else.
Oops – I have had a coffee this morning but will do 24 hours from now. Shouldn’t be too hard as I have cut back just recently and now only have one or two per day – used to be considerably more.
ROFLMAO!
Just got back from walking to the beach and back (7k round trip – and longer than I’d have considered any other time) and saw this.
YAY For Day 3! I’ve been doing this solidly since Monday. Nothing but water. Zip, Zero, Zilch. So you can consicer this done!
consider even.
Got this one covered …will revisit day 2 challenge..need to work on just being . xx
Coffee just poured – down the sink .. this is the hardest day! No wine tonight – no morning coffee!! Help!!!
I love my water…but no mid morning/afternoon coffee damn that’s gonna be hard! But I committed to this so bring it onnn!
easy peasy now where’s that cake…?
Oops – I read this as I was just finishing my first cup of tea for the day. Oh well. I’ve become very accustomed to my glass (or 2) of wine every night – so this will be a challenge – and I choose to take it!
No Wine? No Wine!!!!!! OMG I know I’ll be fine with water till about 8pm and then I’ll instinctively want alcohol. No wine?? OK Guess I’ll have a bit of a whine instead and then just deal with it – after all it’s only one day and I know I can do this. xx
This will be a wallk in the park for me – it’s rare that I drink anything except water. So my usual 2.5L+ it is!
Epic fail
Read our task at some silly hour of the morning thinking that it was going to be something like hanging from monkey bars but alas. You’ve found a weak spot…..also my achilles! I really don’t enjoy drinking water but I have committed to this project and by god I am going to do whatever you dish out….so water it is! At least my kidneys will thank me for it right? But I will certainly miss my morning coffee. Bottoms up!
Kayley, try a little lemon juice added to the water. I love it that way and lemon juice is good for your body too. I am missing my late afternoon coffee. I am so sleepy right now. Time to go do any 5 minutes of stair stepping. Maybe that will wake me up.
Already had my cuppa before reading! But I couldn’t not have it anyway, it is either the coffee as a stimulant or nasty prescribed meds that cause worse side effects and addiction. I’ll choose the coffee.
As to the rest of the day … Ouch, this may be tough.
Remind me to read your posts before I leave the house for my 100km drive to work!!…..I drank my normal cup of tea in the car on the way in (tea,milk, no sugar) and then had my All Bran with milk (and sugar) when I got to work and then settled down to read the task for the day, only to discover that I’ve already failed….BUGGER!!!
I think I’m going to have to do yesterday’s today (because with a minor crisis on my hands I just didn’t…but I did walk up and down stairs!)…..and do today’s task tomorrow….so it should take me 8 days to finish 7 days tasks!!
…and that is the end of my overthinking for today (yesterday)
LMAO at you guys. This is gonna be an interesting day. I’m loving all the out-loud thinking and group discussion (confession) – most entertaining. Suck it up Princesses.
Hey guys – avoid what you would normally do when you have a cuppa… so don’t sit down with your friend on the porch – go and chase the kids… the meditation from yesterday – that several people have suggested – could also be another way to avoid the temptation… and if you smoke with your coffee… have one less(?) or do so with a glass/mug of water in your hand – You can do it!! GOOD LUCK!!
Oh – and yes! Calves still ridiculously sore. No exaggeration, but I was forced to rub in some deep heat to this morning because they are hard as rocks and I literally could not walk!
A easy task, I don’t need caffeine of any sort, but will try to drink lots of water today. Let’s all do it!!
Let out a little cheer when I realised this task would be easy because I only drink water during the day. Then whimpered when I remembered I ALWAYS have a BIG MILO after I get off the treadmill in the evening. Bugger! Good luck with this one everybody. Just keep saying – it’s only 1 day. What a committed tribe we are!!!
The call of the MILO was too strong for me….I failed the water challenge today so will attempt it again tomorrow…..and ask hubby to hide the MILO tin!!!
Like many others in here, I only read this e-mail after I had my morning coffee I normally drink heaps of water during the day, so it may be a easy task for me this one. I won’t have anything rather then water from now on.
Haven’t done day 2 as yet.
Will definately complete today with day 3.
Giving up tea coffee etc should be easy for me (I hope)
Let you know tomorrow….
Hi, my name is TrailRunner & I am addicted to Nescafe blend 43. I buy 500g barrels on special in bulk so I never run out. This challenge scares the crap out of me – but I’m committed just out of pig-headed stubbornness to see this one through. Thanks for the tough-love Craig
I read this while having my one (super super strong) coffee (no more for 24 hours !!) – rest of the day should be OK and will not have tea this afternoon and will definately focus on more water than usual – although I get sick of waking in the night to pee after lots of water!!!! BUT for the sake of the project
I will load my bladder up!!
Mmmmm well finall y my addiction is out of the bag!!! Headache here i come…but i shall survive!! I actually drink a load of water…BUT….yep i do still have a chronic pepsi max addiction to deal with. Thanks for this one Craig…..yep i thought yesterday was hard but this is ona different level.
Did you research all our number one vices before embarking on this….mmmmm me thinks you very clever man!!
Done. This one was right up my alley: coffee and alcohol are not my cup of tea (yes, I’m boring like that, I know), and I’m used to drinking water regularly, although I have a hard time resisting soft drinks when they’re around. If you wanna see me really suffer, take away my cakes and sweets.
That might be tomorrows challenge hee hee
OK I started with my coffee before I read the challenge. 2K – my partner – makes a mean latte. So my 24 hours will begin now at 7:30am. I should be homicidal or suicidal by 3pm
Good luck to everyone – try filtered water – we don’t need to add thousands of empty plastic water bottles to the land fills around the world.
gonna be an interesting day………
Hi Craig – for over a week now I have been looking forward to Thursday as I am driving into the countryside for work and all week I have been planning the “take-away” coffee stops along the way and thinking about cranking up the music and enjoying the countryside with a lovely decaf skinny latte at my side. You have shattered me – but although I have no addiction to coffee as I gave that up several years ago – the thought of that take-away creamy decaf is still calling – I WILL RESIST though – but you have ruined my drive for sure. Oh well the water container will get a workout and the countryside of ours will have to suffice. Love ya work!
OMG!!!!! How can I survive without my cup of tea followed by coffee with breakie (cereal and milk). I think that this will be the hardest day for me. Bring back the stir climb HA Ha!!!
well, breakfast done, and that was the danger zone…. but i think i have a headache already!
Oops. Already had a tea. Bit that’s all I have! Tomorrow sounds like a plan.
Easy peasy – I only have one cup of coffee a day now days and the rest is water. I can’t see that missing my 2.30pm coffee will be that hard – I hope
– I love a challenge!
Bugger! Checked my email whilst boiling kettle for my morning coffee/milo combo. Actually thought to myself nobody will know if I just have this & then drink water for the rest of the day. Wrong!! I will know. It is important for me to actually follow something through to the end for the first time in my life. So although I may be a grump today, I will stick to this challenge & only drink water.
Have this one covered – will continue with x15min ramp walking and x15min quiet today
Yes coffee is my only sin in this area. I have armed myself with a water bottle, extra yoghurt and muesli bars and of course the Panadol for the 11am headache… will not give in!!
Gosh I was so proud of myself for doing the 15 mins yesterday, epic failure in the beginning – took me 40 mins of ‘did I turn the oven off, I wish the bird would stop saying ‘hello, hello’, what time is my meeting at Auburn in the morning etc etc. But after 40mins restarted and got the hang of it, think I might incorporate that into everyday.
Read this at my desk as I was sucking on my skim latte, but just poured the rest down the sink and onwards and upwards.
Okay – my attempt to drop the one coffee a day habit has officially commenced.. Other than that, I drink water all day, so that is fine. Today is so revoltingly humid, the thought of having a coffee kinda makes me feel sick.
.. How do you feel about peppermint tea, considering it’s really just leaves and water, no caffeine? Peppermint tea rocks my world, and I will miss it if that’s off the table as well – even for one day.
Oh I like this one!
1. I only drink water anyway
2. I do need to drink MORE water
3. I am using this as a challenge not to have ANY excess calories today. I went a whole week sticking to my plan, was making awesome progressa and have slipped back into old habits. So a timely challenge.. Craig the psychic…
Not a coffee or tea drinker (was a former diet coke/pepsi max addict), but what are your throught on coconut water? Love the stuff!
A tip for todays water challenge – most people think that if you increase your water intake you will spend all day running to the bathroom if you simply ADD A PINCH of CELTIC SEA SALT to the water, it will replace the hard mineral content that filters remove. By doing this your body will absorb the water instead of it going straight through you!
OMG! This IS going to be an interesting day! Apologies to family and friends if I’m a little odd (ok, obnoxious). And thank you to my beautiful husband who is supporting me today by joining this challenge as well. Good luck to all!
Thanks God I am already on this wagon! Water is my staple with a tea tonic well being tea some days. I can feel the caffine pumping through my veins when I meet the girls for the occasional latte. Caffine gets me pinging!!!!! I consider this challenge done. Thanks Craig.
My addiction – coffee. Going out for tea tonight and there can be no wine. Or cider. Good wake up call. Scary how anxious it made me and how wibbly. Again, having to stand up and take care of myself. Be assertive. I’m committed and I will do this.
Finally one that’s actually easy for me, I drink three and a half liters of filtered water a day already! Positivity!!! Come on you can all do this!!!
I am so glad I read this after my morning long black
I love water, so this will be relatively easy. i am going to miss my green tea very much, though. Pity an exception can’t be made for healthy herbal teas 
The day one challenge has gotten me started on exercising more regularly. I just needed a nudge 
OOOPPSS….already had two coffees before I got your instructions…..and have a coffee date with a girlfriend!
I will however undertake to do this tomorrow!
No coffee?! I wondered how on Earth I was supposed to get through my crack-of-dawn circuit session this morning, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that I made it through and somehow even felt more of the post exercise “high” than I usually do.
As for getting through the work day, that’s going to be a lot harder methinks. I don’t drink coffee so much to wake me up as to keep me interesting and entertaining to my colleagues. No coffee = quiet, mousy Nav. Coffee = outgoing and entertaining Nav. Holy moly…I just re-read that and realised how terrible that sounded. It’s kind of the same logic as having a few shots for Dutch courage at a party or bar or something, right? Not cool. Maybe this will have to be more than a one day challenge for me…I may just need to banish the brown stuff from my life.
Wow, well, I joined The Doing Project late….I only heard of the Project from a friend who is doing it late on Day 2. So Im having a catch up day today. 15 minutes of stillness (I posted somewhere on one of the blogs about it) was a revelation today…since I am a stay at home 52 year old I thought, I do it all the time, but noooo. A great experience and something I will try to continue with.
and the rest of the week.
Stairs..I have 4 outside so I am going to get onto the 15 minutes this morning.
Water….mostly what I already do, but I had only just been thinking about my daily treat of heading off to one of the local cafes for my skim cappuccino later on…so thats off the menu now.
Looking forward to my day
Too easy, Campese!
day 2 – tick – loved it- as the saying goes, there is gold in them there hills- with challenge day two – there is riches in them there silence.
Have a happy day. R.
think about this- we have fantastic quality water in OZ and its plentiful and easily accessible- our water is delicious compared to many places around the world – This task will taste and feel very very easy when you think about how many souls on this earth struggle every day to find a drink of water and stay alive- makes my missing cup of tea (or cofee or milo or sweet drink or alcohol) for one day take on a more healthy perspective.The associated withdrawal headache a good message for self and a gratitude reminder for all that we have.
ok ready to go. Have my 1.5L bottle on the desk full and ready to roll.
I was on the road all day yesterday rushing around seeing clients, and by the end of the day I remembered that i didnt have my usual 2 strong coffees that day. I didnt even think about it as I had hit the road early and finished late – didnt even have a headache – maybe because I was so preoccupied with work I didnt have time for a headache – surprised me
I read today’s challenge and thought “good, an easy one” until I had to skip the breakfast coffee and face a day without tea breaks and the post lunch and dinner coffees!
I think that it’s partly the addiction and partly the fact (as with diets) that when you are asked to give up something, it becomes more appealing.
Thanks Craig for making the challenges so thought-provoking. They’re bringing up all sorts of issues.
Sitting in peace & quiet was very hard, especially in an open plan office at work, and 4 kids at home…!
But water all day, easy. Lucky I don’t drink tea or coffee!
Okay – water for me will be easy much easier than yesterday
BUT I NEED HELP – PLEASE CRAIG – ANYONE???
My delemma is that whilst I appreciate that watching me walk is humourous to everyone at work, I would really love a tip of what to do to release these very tight calf muscles.
I did do stretched every 30 min yeserday (again to everyone’s amusement) but I could hardly walk again this morning
HELP
Trish:)
Radox bath and some soothing music?
Hi Trish
I think your muscle soreness is mostly a matter of time. Usually, the stiffness/soreness will be at its worst between 24-48 hours after the exercise, and then it will get better (usually very quickly after that).
So, time is your friend. And very gentle stretching (must be gentle!) will help in the short term.
The good news is, if you keep up regular stair walking from now on, you won’t be nearly so sore in the future (perhaps not sore at all after a couple more goes at it).
Danielle
Hi trish, I’m surprised I am so sore too
Franklin balls are good – else a tennis ball or spikey ball from the $2 shop (maybe a spikey ball when they are less sore).
Put the ball(s) under the sore muscles & lie on them for a while so the muscles stretch – use your calves to move them around… it hurts but will help. Also good for glutes/ hamstrings/ backs – anywhere, really
Hey Trish!
It’s just DOMS! Delayed onset muscle soreness. Day two is usually the worst. Mine pulled up pretty sore but i also feel like they are all the more perkier too! haha Keep stretching and also a light massage can really help! Get someone to give you one. Grin and bare it for the firest 5 mins and then they will start really loosening up again!
Like someone else said even a tennis ball can help if no1 else will help you with with the massaging
As sore as they might be bet your glad you did it and finished the challenge!
I was stiff as last night. Tigerbalm on both calves worked a treat by the time I woke up.
Emu oil or muscular ease oil works well too…
This one’s easy for me… but I remember a time when the headaches kicked in at 9am if I hadn’t made it to a cafe. Ahhhhhh the pain!
Morning tea time and starting to feel it….headed to tearoom with coffee mug but walked out with a mug full of hot water instead. Try it everyone…its not as bad as you think!
I did that this morning too… not too bad, but not quite the same!
Whoops started the day with a coffee before I read today’s e-mail. I’m back on track now and will go back to back tomorrow drinking just water to make up. Lesson learnt – read Craig’s e-mail first up
I never thought I had a caffeine addiction. I mean 1 cup of black coffee (no sugar) per day is hardly an addiction is it? That being said, I do enjoy my 1 cup per day, and after reading your post, I’m starting to feel what could only be described as.. uncomfortable. Hmm..must wikipedia addiction.
Damn. I obviously get to reading this too late in the day because, as was the case with a few others, I had my one and only morning coffee this morning. However, 24 hours from now is the goal! ps. I was very surprised but the 15 minutes of silence was HAAARD! i guess I think I usually receive my ‘zen’ or non-brain use time when in the gym : )
Mostly done…will finish tomorrow morning since I already had my tea before reading the challenge. Pretty easy for me
First 2 days completed and enjoyed the zen experience of sitting still though not to mossie bites I accumulated in the garden! No coffee…. hmmm that will be a challenge
I’ve already had a decaf but like someone earlier suggested, I will simply start from now for the next 24 hours. Bottoms up!
Awesome about the prize!!! Thanks a bunch Craig. I could do with any help in the “cool” department haha
You’ve absolutely made my day.
Bummer about today’s challenge as I had already had a coffee when I read it…… There’ll be no cups of tea today. I’m a massive water drinker anyway which helps. The biggest challenge for me is not to have a beer tonight! I’m already feeling like a child who’s had her toy taken away – tragic but true!!!
I really only drink water most days, not enough I’ve been told so maybe my challenge should be to increase the amount of water I drink today. see how I go.
Oh and I did the peace and relaxation task, got almost to the end of 15 mins and partner came in and started talking to me arghh. Will try this again another day when I am alone.
Epic fail. It may even be a deliberate fail as I knew about today’s challenge but went ahead anyway to spoil it by having a coffee. Addiction? Most likely. It’s nice to be aware of your weaknesses. Then you make a concious choice. I did. So I guess, I suck at committing! Maybe that’s why i couldn’t get up for boot camp this morning as well? I think I’m having a CBF day (can’t be f**ked day).
Hey guys, I gave up liquid crap about 8 months ago now. After the first few weeks of “withdrawls” I can honestly say as part of my new lifestyle, drinking only water has been the best thing I ever did.. Even managed to convince a few others at work that is a good idea! You’ll all thank Craig for this suggestion in the long run…
Cheers
Adam
Thumbs up!
This is SO hard,,,,,, my head hurts.
You’re nuts & you’re gonna be grumpy without your coffee…. ha ha ha
Luckily I had chopped up half a rockmelon for brekky, so no milk with cereal. I just have to say no to my coffee buddy this morning, so that will get a quizzical look. All good…..rock ‘n’ roll……
I broke,……. sorry
Only saw this after my usual morning caffeine hit so will extend the challenge to this time tomorrow. My Achille’s Heel is milk (skim) – I drink heaps of it. I justify it by saying it’s only skim so doesn’t really count…. Will have to change my patterns and cut loose a few of my mental ‘anchors’.
So far sticking with it.
No morning coffee has made me feel alot more hungry this morning. Why?
Hmmm – have decided to pass on this one. Gave up sugar and grains about 3 weeks ago, gave up cigarettes about a week ago, I am choosing not to put myself under any more stress by giving up coffee (even for one day!!). Doesn’t fit with any long-term goals I have.
I drink lots of water every day, and no other drinks at all, so will have my coffees today as per usual and repeat yesterday’s challenge.
Excuses? Possibly, but I have made the best choice for me and I am happy with that.
I’m on the wagon with Adam.
Personally I have never been a big fan of bitter tasting drinks such as coffee and tea. Don’t even think beer, wine and spirits cuts it. I wasn’t born with a taste for it so if I acquired it I can lose it. I tend to agree with children when it comes to what tastes good – they’re as honest as can be.
And before any of you think I am uncultured, I come from the one of the most wine cultured backgrounds you could think of.
This challenge is as good as done seeing as I do this practically everyday just for the fun of it
Goodbye morning coffee 0_o
What the!!!! Craig, you said “something not too daunting” and “don’t do anything potentially dangerous for yourself or anyone else”. And you’re asking me to go without caffeine????? Actually, didn’t have to decide ‘cos I already had my morning coffee.
But seriously,if I did have to, I would mentally prepare myself to break the addiction and go the whole hog, not just a day, and free myself from the control I allow caffeine to have on me. I’m going through this with cigarettes at the moment. I tried many times in the past to stop, and failed because I was forcing myself to stop rather than examining and addressing the sub conscious blockages that were sabotaging my efforts.
I will however, commit to nothing but water for the rest of the day, only ‘cos you asked nicely.
Oh Crap! I was reading my emails this morning while having my morning coffee. How about water all day and half a cup of coffee?
Okay how about I skip my coffee tomorrow? My kids will hate you around 4pm when the head ache sets in but I am up for it.
Thank god I am two weeks off my personal crack diet coke so a little bit easier but not much. This is really a hard one. I am done though as I am going to bed now so I won’t be tempted. Can’t wait to wake up tomorrow to make some tea. Can’t wait to see what you have in store for us all tomorrow. I will hold off on breakfast until i read it.
Loving Day 3. Guess what? I don’t drink tea, coffee, etc, etc. Just water, water and for something different more water. Whoo hoo!
I feel like I’ve won the lottery with todays task, which I might add I’m loving and soaking up every second of it.
Water anyone? lol.
First thought this morning was ‘only have one coffee at 9am and i need it for the day ahead so i deserve that coffee’, then my Craig Harper taught thinking came in and said ‘ suck it up princess’. So no coffee etc for me this morning. Committed to the challenge.
I have only just read todays challenge and thought to myself hey this is going to be easy! I only drink water anyway.
Then as I read through the comments I realised with horror that I had my usual cup of green tea with breakfast. woops!
Yes, drank coffee before reading email, 10 o’clock huge headache from no caffine, go home from work or have a coffee, sorry, failed on this one
This is turning out harder then I thought.. my calves are aching, I am so tired after my 15mins quiet time turned into a 4hr nana nap, which in turn led to a post midnight bedtime.. and I sooooo want a cup of tea to wake me up.
I bought a new water bottle with a filter.. buying things makes me feel better
.
OK so I feel like I’ve let the team down a little, in that I’ve only just read the last 3 days of The Doing Project! So, as I’ve already had coffee (oops!), but, I live in a 2 storey house, so I do stairs everyday anyway, I will from this point on drink nothing but water today until noon tomorrow and will also squeeze in that 15 mins of quiet while my 2 year old sleeps this afternoon…and a few more stairs than normal to catch up
GO TEAM!!!
Ouch, I sat down with my first hit of caffeine to read today’s “Doing’s”. I hadn’t even had a sip!! I looked at it lovingly and then tipped it down the drain. Sadist is a word that springs to mind Harps
oops .. read this after morning coffee consumed post gym. The rest of the day not a problem as no other liquids normally consumed except water after 9 am. Will compensate by going 24 hours and not having coffee tomorrow. Thanks Craig
This is a no brainer for me. Whilst I do occasionsly drink other liquids, more often than not I drink water. Even if we go out to a restaurant, I’m the cheap date and drink water. I find it much more thirst quenching and actually enjoy it.
To those who find it a bit harder – honestly it is doable.
I read this after having my morning coffee but as per your request, will only have water from now until the same time tomorrow- which is my normal day anyway! It’s only occasionally that I’ll have another coffee or a tea, chai or Boost Juice.
This one is easy so DONE!
Well, I read this after I got to work, but only had one cup of tea on the drive in (my morning ‘thing’). It was just normal tea – true pom!
I have been drinking about six litres of water per day now for about the last three weeks – up from my usual 3 litres, probably due to the warm weather and boredem at work(!) I have also had a strange addiction to adding cordial lately – not sure why – I have never been bothered with it before.
I will drink just pure water from now on today and will try to negate all cordial from now onwards. I know it’s not doing my pearly whites any favours. The only saving grace is that I always use a straw so at least it bypasses my teeth, but it’s still getting into my body, which isn’t good.
Good luck to everyone! I am a bit ‘take it or leave it’ when it comes to caffeine – I suppose it’s more of a habit than anything. And with working full time and having a small child who still wakes up every night, I sometimes appreciate the pick-me-up.
I have started the challenge, and for me it wouldn’t always be a problem, but for the one day out of this month that we have a work function….I give you my honest word, my pedge to myself and everyone else doing today’s taks…I will not succumb.
Panadol has helped me thru the withdrawal headache. It’s funny how much pleasure we get out of life’s rituals…
i feel like I’m missing something.. and I am.. my cup of tea!!
I have given up coffee totally two different times over the past 10 years and I did not feel better without my coffee. I usually have just one cup when I first get up in the morning. Sometimes in the Winter months, which it is in the U. S. A. right now, I will increase to 2 or 3 cups to perk me up in the afternoon and to warm me up sometimes in the early evening. Coffee doesn’t seem to keep me awake at night like it does some people.
Several years ago, some study came out with the idea that some people are healthier drinking coffee than not. I share that with my husband, the non-coffee drinker, when he says something about my drinking coffee. His mother gave him castor oil as a child if she thought he was sick and then made him drink down a cup of hot black coffee. He hates coffee. I am having my coffee in the morning when I get up. Looking forward to tomorrow’s challenge.
1.50pm – caffeine withdrawals, I can do this, I can do this. Like this challenge a big wake up call for me, I told myself I only drank one (because I paid for it on the way to work), but realised I have 3-4 from the “Free” machine at work……
Thought I had this one in the bag however im going to my in laws this evening and they always insist that I drink anything other than water. Apparently it’s boring!
Well it’s almost 2pm and I’ve learnt a lot!
Firstly, my body on autopilot in the morning heads towards the expresso machine and my mind says ‘better make some coffee’ until it was jolted into reality by the word ‘coffee’!
Secondly, I must have been artificially awake all this time. Today I was up at 8, yawning just before 10. An hour later, I thought I’d better have a nap and got up at 1:30.
Let’s see what happens next…
OMG this is hard. I need a tea or coffee. I need a very good reason to stick this out. What is the point of giving up for one day? Please help. Isn’t a little coffee good for you.
Well I had to have some chocolate for the caffeine fix. But the tea or coffee would not have had as many kilojoules.
You wont regret it after…. You will only regret it if you dont!
x
ok lessons learned today:
1. get up early and read emails so I know what the challenge will be!
2. do something different to take your mind away from thinking you can’t have a coffee or a glass of wine at the end of the day! – I will enjoy it even more tomorrow!
3. warn my colleagues that I may be a little grumpy today – even though I did have my breakfast coffee…
will check in tomorrow (early) with a tick for challenge #3 – I will survive
NO FRIGGIN WAY! Not doing it…today anyway
For the last 6 months I have been living with my mother….in that house there is no cofee\tee…definately no sugary drinks……no meat….no dairy….no bread…..I would not dare even consider bringing these things in to the house! Currently away visiting family and I have access to all these “Luxuries”, not a hope in hell I am giving up these “Privelages” while they are available to me!!!!!
Day 2 challenge = Epic struggle! I managed to get moments of relaxation though. I am definietely a smash the exercise kind of person! =P
Today’s water challenge = easy!
Last two weeks i have been making a point of drinking at least 2 L of water a day. Just a matter of making it a habbit! Looking forward to day 4!
water all day woop woop
So far so good, but come three o clock may be a different story and will miss my glass of wine after dinner – at least my liver will be thankful.
Its going well so far !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ok, so I have struggled with not having a day go by without a diet coke or diet pepsi or a coffee for months… I have been trying to drink more water but always end up having something else… but today being task 3 I have managed to resist all other drinks but water and managed to drink more than I normally do
So thank you Craig Harper for the Doing Project… for once in my life I have completed all tasks to the best of my ability without piking out and making excuses!
I can’t believe how tough this is. I need my coffee!!
I have a headache and a massive urge to strangle Harps
The real downside is I cant stop eating!!! And I only drink black coffee (about 3-4 a day max) so theres no calories in it anyway. And my head hurts!!! I know I am an addict. I dont care that I am an addict….I really dont!
Dont think I can make it.
Whats worse? One coffee or four panadol? I think the panadol is worse.
OMG i am so addicted to chemicals!!!!!!!!!!! AAARRRRGGHHHH…….i love water and drink heaps every day…BUT……this has proved once and for all i need to kick this chemical caffeine artifical sweetner addiction NOW!
Thanks for the kick up the bum
This is so tough, I just cracked and made some tea (very strong) : /
I don’t like this one…at all.
)
I am doing it though, unfortunately, and I can’t wait until tomorrow. Not that I don’t like water, I do, but I really like coffee and tea.
(I do not have a bad attitude…you do
OMG this is waaay harder than I thought I love drinking water & usually have about 2 litres a day & I only have 2 cups a day anyway so I thought easy peasey! I am nearly falling asleep at my desk..staring at the computer wishing I could just get my caffiene fix to keep going…gonna be a looooong afternoon! But I’m committed to this project & know others are doing it waaaaay harder than me! Good luck everyone!
Oh boy, this one is really hard. Really missed my early morning wake-up cup of tea.
The challenge you set me today almost caused me to disgrace myself in a most unladylike fashion. Craig I hold you to blame wholeheartedly. Middle aged women are known for the occasional problem with stress continence, here’s the link if you would like to research it further. http://www.continence.org.au/
Today I set off for a rather long drive with my water sitting nicely alongside me, sipping occasionally but reminding myself that I needed certain “pit stops” and timing my drinking accordingly. I noticed the final destination mileage reading as being 55km to travel, so with that in mind and the vehicle travelling at 110kmp (yes legal speed in South Australia), I guzzled the remaining water knowing that half an hour was easily within my range. Unfortunately we should always remind ourselves to “expect the unexpected”.
I came across some rather long roadworks which brought me to a complete standstill for “you guessed it – half an hour”.
As I was sitting there in this lovely new car, squirming in my seat, the workmen looked at me with their heads cocked and asked “is everything alright luv?” With a rather embarrassed look on my face I explained what the problem was. As there were no bushes or trees close, they offered to hold up a road works sign and look the other way whilst I squatted behind it. (Only in Australia could this occur). Naturally I declined.
Crossing my legs was not an option due to the fact that I still had to drive. On top of that I was delivering a brand new vehicle to our country team and I don’t think they would have been impressed had I delivered it SOILED!!!! Nonetheless I managed to contain what little remained of my dignity and arrived at my destination safely – although the receptionist must have been amused at my running straight past her asking for the toilets! Thanks for nothing Craig!
PS. As women don’t have any options with containers except this rather awkward device known as a ‘go girl’, so if you set similar challenges, I would appreciate it if you could please order me one from stores.
Wow Marci -That is so funny – but not for you! I think I would have taken up the sign offer, but you deserve a medal…. hope they like the new car & that you paced yourself on the way back
I’m just hankering after a long black coffee, rather than the iced water I’m sipping…
You have made my day, fabulous story, thanks needed the chuckle!
Marci – that was a fantasic read!….. You have my complete and utmost sympathy…..
I am sooooooooooooooo proud of myself! Hubby and I spent the day going from doctor to doctor at the hospital and these sorts of days usually have us ‘doing coffee’ in between appointments. Hubby asked what I wanted – “water please. It’s in the bag.” (Why pay for it when I can bring it from home?) This happened 4 times over 6 hours and not once has he asked me about it.
Home again and he asked if I’d like a cup of tea and the same response – “water please.” I thought I’d miss having a cup of tea but I haven’t.
Will report back only if I give up between now and bedtime. Not going to happen so don’t hold your breath LOL
Keep on keeping on everyone. Hugs xxoo
3 months ago this challenge would have been torturous but now I am happily caffeine-free. It did take about 2 months for my concentration-span to recover, but it was _so_worth it!
Word de jour: calves.
Ok. Have now officially hit ‘withdrawing junkie’ stage. Can’t think about anything else but coffee and no amount of panadol will deal with the headache. Would rather do stairs for an hour.
Popped an aspirin by 10am, was jittery and talked like an auctioneer most of the day, when I wasn’t in the toilet that is … its past midnight for me now and my world is righting as I sip the best tasting coffee in the world. I don’t think I have enjoyed a coffee as much as this in ohh 10 plus years. I don’t care to quit entirely but I am really keen to continue less coffee tomorrow and start enjoying, rather than needing it.
So it is 4pm and I am feeling okay. No Panadol required at 11am as I thought but… I have never drunk so much water in one day in my life. What is with that – you say not to drink anything but water and I have a full water bottle in front of me all day and refill it numerous times. Well have weigh-in at gym tonight and at least should not have gained weight through fluid retention after the very numerous amount of toilet visits. Thanks for the challenge – just think it is a bit weird how I approached it now that I am looking back on my day. Have to stay away from the wine tonight! Cheers
Would normally have been easy. Wasn’t bad aside from a company party. The water challenge gave me plenty of opportunities to share my love for this blog with colleagues and by the end of the night I had many high fives for a day well done.
Cheers.
Just checking for day one and two (had internet problems). Stairs are about to become my daily lunchtime feature at work – 7 flights. 15 minutes of silence was really really hard, but have purposed to also make it a daily feature.
Heading into day 3 will catch up tomorrow, fortunately I have already ditched to coffee at the beginning of the year so had only had my Green Jasmine Tea before reading the challenge. See you tomorrow
Caffeine monster is starting to bite but got this far should get there.
just finished my 4th 600ml bottle of water. lunch was hard not having my pepsi with it…..now its past 4 and my husband will be home soon, what? i wont be having a cider????? you bet i wont, im doing this 7 day challenge! oh and craig, this has to be THE hardest challenge for me. other than going on a rollercoaster, and lets face it, you cant ask us to do that! or can you?
Today I’m working from my new office the toilet……….
LOVE IT!
Well that it harder than i thought, working from home today all my taste buds wanted was my coffee from the coffee machine
given i only usually have 1 coffee a day i am surprised at my bodys need. Heading out for tea now where i will forgo my glass of wine.
Has not been easy. Day’s not over yet, but getting there… Definitely the hardest day so far.
5.30pm – so far so good! All down hill from here given I got thru my coffee craves
OMG! its 5.30pm and I just checked my emails, so til 5.30pm tomorrow it will only be water! OK!
Yeah – this one is easy. Not a coffee drinker. And I can go without the green tea for a day.
All going good, thought I’d have a headache by now with the lack of caffeine! My hubby questioned, what r u up to? C – I am on a mission today sorry you’ll have to make your own coffee today.
Still going strong and its 9.01pm the tennis is keeping me up. Had to move away from the dinner table the Merlot was to tempting! WHAT WILL TOMORROW BRING….
2.44pm so far so good. Only ususally have 1 coffee and 1 coke zero a day and the rest water but………………. I have a headache…………really is the addiction that strong.
This is a little freaky
Keep it up everyone
ok, so did finish yesterdays task with additional 5 mins of mindfulness. today I slightly cheated, in that I used Craig’s escape clause which was if you had already had your morning coffee prior to reading the task, you could just start the task from that time until same time tomorrow. So…I pretended that I hadn’t read the task so I could have a coffee (long story why it was so wanted!) at 7am and then I have committed to nothing but water until 7am tomorrow! In fact I may even last til 9am tomorrow. So, technically I will have achieved this task also (do I get brownie points for my confession?? it’s very hard to tell the truth to people I don’t know
did not like this one – i am a coffee addict, and don’t have a problem with my addiction….however i have ditched the coffee (although had one prior to reading the email) but will go the full 24 hours without – I have a 4-5 cup a day habit……feeling a bit grumpy right now!!
I’m not a fan of coffee (don’t like the smell), nor soft drinks (don’t like the bubbles), so I usually only drink milk, water and herbal teas such as mint and cammomile during the day. I only drink black tea (usually earl grey or english breakfast) when at work… lucky I’m on a summer break now!
OK – so I have an addiction. So. What. I also have my caffeine withdrawal cranky pants on. And a headache. Craig – my family hates you #justsaying #stilldoingit
addiction well and truly identified.. looking forward to tomorrow mornings cuppa.
Oh dear, big fail. Reached 10.30a.m. at work and had a blinding headache – boss bought me a long black to ensure productivity for the day
But…. it was only the one, not the two I usually have!
Nearly there.
Thanks for the exercise in self-awareness, Craig.
For me, one of the advantages of this (occasionally sadistic) 7 day challenge is that it’s given me a chance to explore how often I don’t follow through with things that I have promised myself I would do.
My trainer gave me a set of exercises to do at home between gym visits, and I had found many and varied excuses to avoid doing them.
Thanks to your challenge, I did them this morning and kept going with the suggested repetitions, even though I was hot and exhausted and desperate to give up.
There is obviously going to be a flow-on effect in lots of other areas in my life!
Carry your water bottle around with you all day and spice it up with lemon and mint…eeeeeeeeeaaaassssssyyyy today!
so! have hit 6pm and although I don’t drink tea or coffee regularly, I am surprised a the number of times i thought of having a coke zero…..normally i will just go and get one and not even think about it. Hmmmmmm, method in your madness mr Harper?
I wish I had read the posting before my cup of green tea this morning, but I found this very easy to do…water is my staple most days! But I did forget to post yesterday but was able to complete the challenge albeit in an MRI machine. But it worked, I was able to meditate my way through the 30 minutes I needed!
I have made it. The end of the day is here for me and I have drank nothing but water. My partner has just put the jug on so I have sent myself to bed in order to resist the milo. It wasn’t as hard as I thought and I may try this a bit more (apparently I don’t need coffee or v at work). Thanks for the motivation Craig!
Well I failed on this one as I had two cups of tea….I had an extremely stressful day (no excuse I know and wont bore you all with the details), I was having the cup of tea before I even knew it.
Hope everyone else is doing well.
Love Mel
Hope you’re ok Mel xx
This one’s got me beat for today anyway. However I’m determined I will complete this challenge on one of the remaining 4 days.
1. A big packet of Panadol for all those with a caffeine withdrawal headache.
2. A big thank you to all the folk who made me laugh with their funny commentary/misery on today’s challenge
3. And a big up yours to Craig:) – nailed this one yay!
Symoneinoz
That was definitely the toughest challenge yet. Those warm drinks provide punctuation to my day so without them the day was one long sentence. Retiring to bed early. Exhausted. If I go to bed earlier, I can get up sooner and have my morning coffee?
Michael, we know you had a coffee. Sar, you looked ridiculous on Skype with those two water bottles but hey, whatever works.
Ow, I have a headache. I do go through days without coffee but it’s either not a work day or a day that I decide I don’t need coffee. This was so much harder, but I’m doing it!
I failed.
I only normally have one coffee with breakfast and a tea at 10am. By 3pm this afternoon I was in the toilets at work feeling weepy and coping with a massive headache…. I gave in and made myself a cup of tea and cannot get over how much better i instantly felt! Terrifying…..!
You know whats kinda funny is reading everyones comments. I too have been such a grumpy a… (fill the gap) today due to caffine withdrawls. I honestly didn’t think I drank that much but all morning the thought of a nice steaming cup of coffee was ALL I could think about. Was a lot better in the afternoon and now think that theres really only a couple hours left of my day so yey!! Nearly there!!
Well done to everyone that has stuck by this today even if we did feel like junkies!
Preparation starts now for day 4…..I don’t wanna look!!
Yes I did manage to complete today’s task until 7.30pm. So I am going to still give myself a tick. I do have a cke zero addiction and really enjoy my cuppa on waking and my wine at night after a big day out in the sun exercising. I have succumbed to a small glass of coke zero
I really felt a tad waterlogged – needing a taste of something not water. I think I drunk about 6 liters of water today and that is better than normal by a few liters. So I am patting myself on the back and going to get another big glass f ice water.
and my morning cuppa
Waiting for tomorrow
T
Done.
Wasn’t sure I would get through it and cant believe how many times I went to the loo. So …. added bonus, more steps for the day!
I had a bit of a mental struggle mid morning when I was offered a cappucino from my fav italian deli, but didnt succumb.
I decided prior to Xmas to cut sugar out of my 1-2 cups of coffee I have per day. I then decided coffee tastes a lot like mud without my sugar! So have barely had a coffee since.
So the coffee wasn’t such a biggy, just trying to get the volume of water in, lucky it was 36 degrees today!
Done. This was easy for me, even went out for dinner and declined the wine.
Day 1 however is still hounding me. Should my right calf muscle feel like its detached and just wobbling around in my leg? Didn’t think so
Good timing as I’m cutting back on my after dinner wine or beer; so this adds to the incentive (surprised that so many more doing the challenge will be missing their coffee).
Calf muscles currently covered in Tiger Balm (ouch).
I very much missed my cups of tea throughout the day. But happy to say task done!
DONE! Nice and Easy!
This week not only am I doing the “The Doing Project” Challenge I am have also been doing the following detox challenge: http://chadwaterbury.com/how-to-get-ripped-with-food-a-7-day-plan/. So today’s challenge was perfect it was what I have already been doing for the past 3 days.
Great to see that two different sources opinions align!
Cannot wait till tomorrow (I have gone from being nervous and scared of the challenges to eagerly waiting for the next one)
See you tomorrow
Well – I simply cannot imagine the remaining challenges will be worse than this one – although I may live to regret saying that.
No coffee or wine for a whole day …. Three hours and eighteen minutes to go and I’m determined to get there although is it a sign of being unbalanced to wait up until midnight for the and then dive in?
Very bad tempered and complained a LOT at work which I don’t normally do – people think I’m nuts doing this. Don’t agree.
Usually get home from the gym and have large glass of diet cordial .. not tonight!!
Lots of lessons here as to why this is so hard and why caffeine and alcohol are so important .. hmmm ….
Done!!! …. h2o is the only drink that quenches my thirst and today was a hot day in Sydney, drank plenty … BONUS!!!
DONE!
got through the day on water, not too hard although coffee in the morning will taste like gold!
Consider this one done. Biggest difference I felt was how much more energy I had at the gym tonight from the extra water drunk than normal, during the day. Thanks for the reminder.
I caved..my resolve for getting by without my espresso was very weak. Haven’t touched any other liquid besides that and the water but at least I learned how strong my coffee/caffeine habit (addiction) is. I need to have another go at this one to prove to myself I can do it
I know the day’s not over yet in Perth, but I know I wont give in. I generally only drink 1/2 cups of coffee a day and dont drink soft drinks or alcohol..or tea! Though I have taken a shine to iced tea recently. I enjoy my H20 and if I feel the need for a different taste, which isnt often, I will have a small juice or iced tea. I did miss my morning coffee but substituted it for hot water. I still felt as if I’d had my ‘fix’. So today I have had no coffee, 15 minutes on the stairs and took time for my “Be still”.
I am not peeking tonight for tomorrows challenge
Unfortunately I didn’t quite make it…. 8:30am mocha got the better of me….
Tomorrow morning – coffee! Success for today.
Giving myself a tick as didn’t cave until 7.30pm by (chai) and nothing but water since 10am yesterday. Oh, and 15 minutes of ‘nothing’ today as well.
What I learnt is what hot drinks represent to me – dedicated ‘me’ time and my own little zen.
Cath – we know Michael caved first and early (10am I believe) and, you are a saint (long live Catholic guilt!!), knowing how much you love your coffee. Enjoy your first shot tomorrow!!
Didn’t make it…started with 2 coffees and now a glass of wine
, will try this one again tomorrow.
Epic day double whammy. Meditation nailed however it did take a few goes. In fact I found silence very distracting??? Strange…obviously need some practice. Was a great spot though. Watching the sunrise on scarborough beach first thing in the morning. Nice.
Water done. My mouth tastes like brown paper… Not that I eat a lot of brown paper…. Perhaps I could have just said plain.
Done, but a pretty uncomfortable day. I’m a coffee drinker – 2 or 3 cups usually, so I did miss that. Thie unease or discomfort I think wasn’t so much no coffee, but the fact that there was no one stopping me having any but me! Weird really.
Have to agree with that last statement. It’s scary when we take control of our lives, isn’t it? And in my case, unfamiliar!
Day 2 & 3 done and dusted. Staying quiet was harder than I thought it would be!
Epic fail….
Give it another go tomorrow! I’m sure you can do it
We are all here to support you
Failed! Crappy day at work and I just knew a caffeine withdrawal headache would not benefit me, my colleagues or my patients. I did cut back to only 3 coffees when I would normally have about 6 or 7! Hardest challenge yet by far!
Too easy Campeze. Day 3. Done.
Weel I don’t read these email till late in the day, so I had my morning coffee & wine with dinner but nothing but water all day between, thats my day as normanl
catch you tomorrow.
Funny day. Got through it ok though. No coffee for me today. Did well. It’ll make tomorrows even better. Hoorah!
Water intake went from 2lt to 3lt instead. Feel lighter somehow – nice challenge Craig – thinking this ‘clean’ day might need to be scheduled in as regularly as once a week…. Aquadelirium
Hopeless Fail I’m out…
With someone who’s two sources of fluid are water and tea I’ve come out the other side of this challenge quite well
) Although admittedly kicking the morning tea was harder than expected.
ok I’m off to bed now so I’m calling this one done.
Done – Made it through the day and resisted all other beverages.
Taking my head ache off to bed now
Wow I stuck with it, but it was through the people who posted the following: “Decide Commit Do Finish Grow Repeat.” At morning tea I really wanted a chai, but then I remembered someone else’s comment “cheat, and you just cheat yourself”. Well with those two phrases rolling around in my head to give me strength to carry this task through I actually made it. To be honest by lunch I was enjoying my water. Thanks to the comments of those who inspired me and kept on the straight and narrow. This was a big deal, because I hate water and I could’ve easily folded. I am proud of what I did today
I did it, I drank 2 litres of water today. Normally only drink water but not enough.
Amazing how easy it is just to reach for a coffee or juice in the morning…. Water it is
Done
Done…just! Can’t believe how much I’ve come to rely on 2 cups of coffee to get through the day! Sooooo very tired & got a headache…but I got through it! Tomorrows challenge will definately be easier…a run down the beach before work is an awesome way to start the day
This one works well for me, thanks
I normally only have 2 non-water drinks a day. Easily done
Done but rather boring just drinking water, if I’d know about this before I would have made sure I had a couple of herbal teas hiding in the cupboard. Must admit I did miss my morning cuppa tea and then started wondering why I was doing all this by some guy I don’t even know! Well, I have started this challenge, I said I would, so I will have to finish it I guess
Drank my last mouthful of coffee before I read this yesterday morning so now I can say I officially completed day 3 this morning! No coffee, no milk and no orange juice! Water all day yesterday and still drinking water today! : )
Now ordinarily this one would be a breeze for me, but as it happens I am on holiday and love to relax at the end of an active day with a glass of wine. But no not today! And I am feeling strangely smug! Yesterday’s 15 minutes of quietness was an altogether more difficult task with 3 ‘on the go’ kids on beach holiday. Might have to work on that one! Looking forward to seeing tomorrow’s task. Thanks Craig
Day 3 done
Don’t drink tea or coffee anyway so hasn’t been too bad. Do miss the occasional Pepsi Max but am trying to give that up too – have gone past the headache stage so that’s good. My husband who dosn’t believe in this sort of thing asked if our challenge for Day 4 or 5 could be more sex please!
Overthinking it all? I may be, but I have 2 concerns
1. Staying up till midnight to have my first non-water beverage for the day, a steaming cup of licorice tea – yes!!!
2. Tomorrow’s challenge. I am really pleased I have completed the three so far, but what will tomorrow bring? After today, it’s scary…..
Anyway, wll have nothing till after midnight so I am done
O.K. So I had just made my monrning coffee today when I read this challenge. So, the coffee got tipped down the sink (sigh…..) and I’ve since consumed around 2.5L of water – about the same as usual.
Not easy. Done
Done. I found myself swinging on the fridge door and eyeing up the bottle of yellowglen with one eye and the bottle of pepsi max with the other but caught myself in time and poured yet another glass of water instead. Off to bed now so that’s day three completed – oddly the hardest one yet for me but at least my legs have stopped aching from the stairs!
OK, made it through the day on water only, I managed it much better than I thought except now I have a headache because I’ve not had my caffeine intake, so it’s time for a couple of panadol and sleep.
Done I even refused wine! And managed to do day 2 challenge too
Day 3 challenge done.
Day 2 challenge done.
Day 1 challenge will be done on day 4.
Lesson for me: don’t give up on the first day because you don’t complete the task. Just meet your commitment how you can, when you can. Cause I’m learning commitment, and completing what I commit to!
Looks like my table has turned as today’s task was my ‘easy’ – this was a piece of cake – I normally only have 2-3 cups of black tea with no sugar a day so don’t see that as too bad unless you take on board the frequent trips to the toilet throughout the early hours of the morning which do tend to disrupt sleep patterns.
Water – yes, should drink more like the 8 glasses a day but get lazy as it means I have to take up residence at the ladies & people might think I need incontinence pads!
Note to self: once pee has turned from golden to clear I’m on a winner.
P.S. No amount of subjecting myself to the torture of the roller is taking the pain away from my aching muscles but by all accounts come tomorrow I should be able to walk unaided! – Thanks Craig
really needed a cuppa this afternoon but powered thru on h2o!!
Day 3 complete. Going to bed now.
FAILED FAILE FAILED!!! Firstly whilst readin the day 3 project I was drinking Aline long black coffee!!!!! I resisted for the rest of the day and had water…..but then I was falling asleep at my desk at 4pm so I had another black coffee knowing I had to go to training late tonight…..2 out of 3 days done.
I work nights, so, didn’t check the challenge until after 1pm … by then I had already had 4 (or was it 5?) cups of coffee – now before any of you gasp etc … My Doc told me that to purchase coffee out, it can have up to 220mg of caffeine in EACH cup! I make a weak mild coffee, and she said it will only have about 15mg in it. I only add milk. I cut out sugar when I had the choice to cut out sugar, or cut down on my coffee
Normally, I can drink 10 – 12 cups of coffee a day. WHY? Cause I like it! I truly enjoy it. It helps me create, and not stress etc …
So, I started the challenge from when I read it … boy do I feel lost! I keep going in to the kitchen … but, not doing anything! I had a hot cross bun for afternoon tea … and I didn’t enjoy it at all! (no coffee to have it with) My tummy is growling, but I don’t really know what to eat!!! I have come to the realisation that I have replaced food with coffee! It is my transition habit! My constant companion throughout my day … and night!
However … I am going to suck it up. Cause Craig said to … and go and find something satisfying to eat …
I think I will have an early night tonight. I really can’t face being awake without my coffee =(
Ok, I could not in good conscience post until the day was over.
Although I must confess I did have a cuppa before reading todays task.
Doesn’t count right ?
I am off to bed now after a very long day and many trips to the loo.
My daughter decided to cover her room in Sudocrem today and for those who don’t know what that is – imagine ZINC with baby oil mixed in. If anyone wanted a wine today it was me, but I did not cave.
Night all , I have a headache
Alrighty just got home from Melbourne and I felt like one of the little piggies who had to … wee, wee, wee all the way home.
Day 3 done and dusted.
Sorry Mr Purist I failed before the day even really began as I had not read the challenge before breakfast and had already consumed juice and a coffee!! No prizes for me again ):
Fail. poor effort on my part.
Done … have been drinking only water and herbal teas for a few months now. Okay, so also the occasional wine
But none today!
Done, 24 hours with only plain tap water to drink – this was nigh impossible for me, but I made it.
Now I think I’ll celebrate with a hard earned cup of tea.
Made it! Slept through most of it again (6hr nana nap today), but am so looking forward to one morning cuppa first thing tomorrow!
Done – although I hadn’t realised I was so addicted to coffee!
Well Craig – you could have warned us that we needed to check in BEFORE waking up with our morning coffee… I did this challenge last week though – 3 whole days without coffee and 2litres of water on each of those days so I’m ticking it off..
Right. Just for the record. You suck! (Well, actually, I suck, but I like it better when I tell you ‘You suck’, cause it was your idea!)
Considering I usually only drink water all day and all night (other than a small iced coffee in the morning) – I managed to fail this one dismally.
Will try again tomorrow. (yeah yeah, I know, suck it up Princess)…..
I am a caffeine addict…When I read this this morning I was sitting at my desk with a half drunken cup of black coffee…. it was hard but I threw it out!… I drank water all day…I started to get a headache about noon and knew caffeine would help – I’ll be honest and say I did grab another coffee – had a few sips but then threw it out.. I think I did well for how much I usually drink. Water is the best and I guzzled that!
lol my legs still hurt! Today was easy as I don’t deviate from H2O very often.
…done!!! But wasn’t happy & knew it would be hard to keep afloat of… call me grumble arse or princess, not worried… I did break, will confess.. Mine is a consumption of kicking the arse into gear & keeping it running flat out, when I am soley kitchen, getting food prepped & pumping out food orders, plus all other jobs, through our busiest times of the day… Going from cruise control to flat out, sometimes I can’t do alone… I need my Vitamin C (vitamin caffeine!! lol).. on my days off, no worries!! This week under staffed, busiest week & no manager :S … I’d of preferred to do burpees, & I detest them!! I will do 48hrs on weekend for pennace Hahah!!!
Looking forward to tomorrows!!!!
24 hours +
i did not miss the coffee,
but i’m ready to see if a cup of coffee will take the head ache away
Time for bed, and the only liquid to pass these lips all day was H2O. It’s amazing how much you “crave” when you introduce restrictions!
CHECK. Though not quite sure how!
E-mail arrived after my morning coffee. Will extend this through tomorrow and maybe all week!
Well, I’m glad that’s over!!! Still groggy from the lack of caffine… I usually have several cups of coffee in the morning (had one yesterday before reading the challenge email)and tea the rest of the day… Didn’t realize I was HOOKED!!!!
Success
Done, although the day’s not over.. It was an easy task for me except a little dissapointmant while pouring out the coffee I’d already made:)
Done.
Did it!
Cranky, headache, nausea, didn’t go to work last night.
NOT looking forward to rest of the challenges!!
Wanted to cry about not being able to have coffee, and didn’t think that I had a problem with it.
Scared about day 4…
This was an easy one for me…done!
No problems. A part of my current routine anyway!!
This was so easy….until spur of the moment lunch with family. They wanted a counter lunch, and I think I was just completely distracted trying to find a healthy food choice on the menu of the pub (now there’s a challenge!), that I just drank the drink that was plonked in front of me – diet coke! Realised part way through, much to family’s amusement, so will continue challenge on to lunch time today to make sure I get my cleansing 24 hours in!! Anyway, now I know how easily distracted from my goals I can be…….off to Challenge 4 before someone says something to me and I forget!!
Day 3 was good for me. at the risk of being branded a smarty pants I
did 15 minutes hill climbing, 15 minutes navel contemplating and only drank water.
Did not realize that I am a caffeineolic!!
Feel good this morning and ready for day four. Some lights coming on in that dim dungeon of my subconscious.
Writing this in the morning before looking at the next challenge as I had the morning tea before reading the challenge yesterday. Had to explain myself to my friends with whom I went out to dinner that no wine and no coffee, just Adam’s Ale was the go. Still had a lovely time socialising. It’s strange though that when you are feeling deprived of one thing, one tends to overdo it with other things to make up for it. That sabotage mentality will have its way.
Day 3 done.
Well day 3 wasn’t all that bad, nice clean feeling this morning and another 10 minutes nothingness (like Day_2) in the Spa at 11pm last night.
Now to get this mornings challenge and then launch the boat and go fishing…………..enjoy your Friday everybody.
Done – but boy do I have a headache – telling ha!
Day 3 took till now , as I was drinking my first coffee when I read the challenge this time yesterday. Felt great all day !
Failed.. Already had a coffee before reading:( mind you this is always my biggest challenge.
Done
forgot to post last night
Not proud to say but didn’t make it yesterday. Yes, I found it incredibly daunting and difficult. It highlighted a huge lesson for me. Will complete the task within these seven days though. Will also do steps again today – loving those, with sore calves to show for it!
Done – but after the morning coffee!! Quite easy really
I had a cup of tea at breakfast then when I got to work read the challenge for the day so I drink water all day. Just a few visits to the toilet.
I did it!! This morning’s coffee is gonna taste soooooo good!!
Completed Day 3 – will continue the water treatment.
Done
Oh well, can’t win them all! One green tea and one coffee later… I thought the exercise challenges were going to be tough – but I’d find it easier to walk for hours than give up my daily coffee…. hmmm – what was that word… addiction…
Day 3 done and dusted. I was too grumpy to login last night to update! I am intending to continue today too….
Mission complete – hugs for those that suffered
Day 3 done. Hardest day yet.
Done, but it wasn’t in my best interest to do so. Even though I drank heaps of water, and kept busy all day (took 6 kids to Jamberoo action park), I kept on looking for food!
I think that if I had my 11am coffee I would not have been focussed on the esky so much!
Challenge done!
Very easy… at last!
I made it yeh! Just completed yesterday’s project as I had enjoyed my morning coffee before reading the project.
I must say that the idea of only water all day freaked me out, but lucky for me my day was busy so my over thinking head did not sabotage me.
Cheers
VVK
Day 3 completed, didn’t get time to post last night. Always drink a lot of water so was not that difficult for me. Have to admit missed the morning coffee tho.
Loved this challenge. Usually not a hard task, my had a work function on last night. Managed to by with water, and very few comments.
I had already had some caffeine before I saw this challenge yesterday, so did it today instead – harder than I thought
Now completed, latter half of afternoon until first half of morning! make sense? i hope so hehe
This is a great challenge–I committed to drinking more water in 2012 so this really aligns with my goals.
Day 4 done. Today’s challenge provided the littlest discomfort.