The Home Straight
Well, here we are Kids. The home straight. The fourth quarter. To all of you who gave the Doing Project your best shot (no matter the result), well done. Good for you. As long as you keep showing up, you’ll eventually nail it. Remember:
“Signing up ain’t showing up.”
Plenty of people sign up (for a range of things) but it’s only the people who show up consistently and do the necessary work who give themselves a realistic chance of succeeding.
So, I’ve loved the comments, the feedback, the encouragement and the genuine concern and kindness you guys have shown for each other. Let me tell you that, in the very strange realm of cyber-space, kindness and generosity are rare commodities. Internet-based communication and conversation can be very (very) unpleasant and you guys are indeed the exception. I feel proud to be a small part of something so positive and potentially transformational. So, from me to you; thanks.
Before I outline today’s activity, I just want to remind you what this project is (was) about. Why we did it. I have a feeling that a small percentage of people may have missed the point. At times. Actually, let me start by telling you what it’s not about…
It Ain’t…
It’s not about coffee. Or tea. Or alcohol. Or any resultant headache. Neither is it about stairs, running in the buff or sore calf muscles. It’s not about the kind thing you did for that person (but well done, anyway). It’s not about silence and stillness. Neither is it about decluttering your pantry and it’s definitely not about doing that thing that you should have done long ago. Although, all the insights and conversations about the daily challenges were interesting, funny and very worthwhile.
But ultimately, this project is all about you. The whole point, the whole purpose, the whole reason… is YOU.
Your reactions. Your thinking. Your attitude. Your ability to commit. To follow through. To deal with discomfort. And inconvenience. To ask the right questions. To be the solution person not the problem person. To persevere. To finish what you started. To do what you signed up for.
In the quest for ‘better’, your biggest asset and your biggest challenge will always be you.
Three great questions for today:
1. What do you want?
2. What’s the cost?
3. What price will you pay?
On with the show…
Challenge Seven: Step-Ups
Back to the physical today. A step-up workout is not really a sexy workout and it’s not often a fun workout but it’s definitely an effective one. From a practical perspective (time, cost, resources, skill), a step-up session is arguably the most effective arse and leg workout you’ll ever do. Today I have decided to give you some options in terms of how you execute this task. Specifically: the height of your step, how many step-ups you complete, your intensity level and the time frame for getting the job done.
Your step can be around knee height (just below your kneecap) if you’re relatively fit and conditioned. Or, if you’re more towards the beginner end of the fitness scale, you might want your step to be around half that height (half way between your ankle and your knee). Your second variable is work-load (how many step-ups you’ll complete). Here are my suggestions and remember, that’s all they are; suggestions (not a personal prescription, so exercise discretion).
1. Super-unfit: 50 each leg
2. Unfit: 75 each leg
3. Moderate fitness: 150 each leg
4. Good fitness: 200 each leg
5. Excellent fitness: 250 each leg
6. Annoyingly fit: 300 each leg.
Now, before you go crazy and rip the crap out of your unsuspecting calves, here’s four important pieces of advice (instruction):
1. Warm up a little (maybe walk) and stretch your calves before you launch into your program. Also, stretch once you’re done.
2. You can take as long as you like to complete the program. There’s no hurry! It’s not a fitness contest!! You may want to do them all in a row (not suggested unless you’re very fit). Or, you may want to stretch it out over the entire day. The structure is up to you.
3. Your ‘step’ can be anything from a literal step on a set of stairs (you may have to use the second step to get enough height), to a bench, to a low wall or anything that will be stable enough to ensure your safety through the activity.
4. Technique: step both feet up (on top of the step) and both feet down. Repeat. Seems obvious but not to everyone!
Of course, if you have any doubts about doing this program (for medical reasons) then (1) get a clearance from your doctor or (2) give it a miss. Better to be safe than sorry.
Last Bit
Remember, this seven-day group activity is not the story but rather, the introduction. It’s now your job to start writing (and creating) your own story. If you make it so, this can be the start of something very significant. But that’s up to you. Of course, it’s great to work in groups and have support (and we’ll keep doing that on this site) but it’s not great to be totally dependant on others. In fact, it’s disempowering. Don’t use the completion of this program as an excuse to undo your good work or to grind to a halt.
Keep those wheels turning Kids. 
Free Stuff
Congrats to Tracey B, you’ve won our last Everlast Pack! Good for you. And to Korryn, Chris NZ, Suu and Glitz, if you guys care to get in contact with Johnnie, he’ll hook you kids up with some me-dot-com goodies just for being involved.
*Don’t forget, you can see what people are saying about the Doing Project on Twitter at #doingproject
Next Time
I’m taking tomorrow off but I’ll be back the following day with a debrief on the project. I’ll share my observations, thoughts and insights and I’d (we’d) love to hear what you learned about… you (and other things). I’ll also talk about what we might do (off the back of this project) moving forward.
Peace.
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{ 118 comments… read them below or add one }
Thank you for the me.com award. I feel on cloud 9. If there’s something I can do for you (that doesn’t include cheesecake) ask away.
Seeing it’s physio day tomorrow and after the therapist and I have had a little chat I’ll see about stepping in the pool or use the Wii board.
Back tomorrow
Thank you for being you, Craig.
Okay.. I’m making my exercise group do this tomorrow… our 5km walk (which includes approx 1/2 km of up and down stair work) is going to be interrupted by bouts of “Steps”… wherever we find something high enough … I want to get them to push me to 200… but will be happy with 150… I will report back in tomorrow night… Good luck with this one guys!!
Wow, 7 days went quick, and I have got a big insight into myself from this challenge – my strengths and weaknesses.
Step -ups – well Im back on the night shift, and as I consider myself to be fit, I shall go for the 300, but I shall start at work tonight, and just continue throughout the day until done – hey – I may even go further – or I may call it quits earlier, Im not about to injure myself – what was that song – ‘know when to hold em, know when to fold em, know when to walk away and know when to run”….I’ll think of it later, but it will be in my head all night now damn!!
So it’s interesting that you ask
“1. What do you want?
2. What’s the cost?
3. What price will you pay?”
I would answer 1. Happiness; 2. Love; 3. Selflessness
Going back on this thought process ~
I had the chance to walk around Sydney Harbour with my husband yesterday who is in total admiration of the million dollar yacht’s and boat’s and asked me the old question ‘Does money buy happiness?’. I didn’t have an answer straight away as I like to think before sharing. He told me that he would be happy if he had the money to be free from all that tied him down. I responded that he wouldn’t be happy because he would find something else to clutter his life with and happiness was a state of heart/mind (I know how my husband ticks).
Today at church the Minister posed the question of what we valued more ‘Freedom or Love?’ Freedom for our rights or Love for others? Obviously these two can live in balance together but we often have an imbalance.
I thought it was interesting and thought back to all the times when I have fought for my rights and freedoms often feeling a bitter-sweet taste in my mouth because not all is what it seems and that feeling of biting off more than I can chew because I didn’t know what I was getting myself into or sometimes who I was hurting. At other times I have had that feeling of no matter how much I work or try to be free I am still tied down to my body, my addictions, taxes, sleep, judgements, etc, etc. Are we really free?
So ‘Love for others’? Yep, that’s what makes me happy! Listening, helping, doing, consideration, respect, love (but of course it’s great to be free from it all and have ‘me’ time). Just to see that smile on somebody else’s face or sometimes that awkward look of “What are you doing?”.
I don’t consider myself a Saint, perfect, right or special. I only feel special (and happy) around those who love me back.
As for changing my body, losing weight and all the rest of my lifestyle changes, this has happened over a long time through confidence, self-awareness, being around the right people, awareness that my children pick up my habits and the responsibility of being a good role model to them. My latest personal challenge has been to drop my sugar/chocolate/icecream addiction which I am happy to say is working. I have become addicted to becoming free of material/physical addictions and to bring my body to an optimal ‘ground state’ through balance of food and exercise. In saying that I still have work to do.
Back to the challenge ~ I will log back in when I have completed the step-ups
Theresa this for me was a great post. Sharing this made me smile, inspired me, lifted my spirits and spoke solid words of wisdom. It resonated in my heart and soul. u r a kindred spirit.
Keep on keeping on and know that I am a big fan of your mindset and motivations . Thankyou
Thanks ninaballerina, I’m sending you hugs through cyberspace
Beautiful
Have fun with this one everyone. I’ve lined up a walk with my buddy followed by the step ups after work tomorrow.
Sorry for the late post on Day 6. I thought long and hard about procrastination and what I procrastinate about the most and my decision was that I have been procrastinating about exercise intensity. I’ve got comfortable in the groove that I’m in, my body has adapted and the intensity is more ‘safe’ than intense.
My challenge to myself is to do something I wouldn’t normally do each exercise session that ups the intensity.
Soooooo, this morning on my half hour walk, I veered into the hospital grounds and did 9 flights of stairs mid-walk. Todays challenge will also work well for me as I will be bringing step-ups into my somewhat stale routine.
And…. I’m booking a session with the trainer to plan new workouts going forward.
Thanks for the project Craig. I seem to be ‘doing it’ a lot more!
It’s still Sunday here
so I can report immediately after
the accomplishment of my share.
What I’ve learned this week is
that there is always some time
for this extra bit of myself.
And the fun is, that everyone around
can have a share of this bit of mine
This has been a great new beginning
for bloke.com
Thank You
All
————————————————
I had to look «step ups» up
This challenge and all the amazing comments posted have given me a wake up call…my headspace IS the biggest obstacle in achieving an amazing life. My over thinking, over analysing, is stopping me dead in my tracks, living each day with anxiety and depression the result. This challenge has taught me not to over think the task at hand, just get the not negotiable done, I am stll breathing, I survived, I’ve achieved. Feels good, and it all started with just minutes out of my day and getting out of my comfort zone. I am realising that if I can extend these minutes into a larger portion of my day, I just may be able to knock that anxiety on the head a little bit. Now that is my goal.
OK, now with my freshly organised ‘mums sneaky exercise room’ I have at my fingertips this should be a breeze!
Thanks Craig for the nudge to push my chubby arse out of my ‘Im still recovering’ (I had a bad dose of Trigeminal Neuralgia, and MVD surgery + brain leak late last year) into “Im gonna kick some arse’ thinking!
Im sick of always being just a little bit fat. I want to be so much happier with my body by the end of this year. I am committed to doing what it takes and have set myself up for the best possible outcome. I am the only one who can get in my way(apart from kids being sick!) so there is no reason why this will not happen.
I deserve this. I have such a shit past year, this one will be my personal best one!
Hi Craig. Just thought I’d hop in early and say thanks. It’s been a fun week. The group has done so well, they are inspiring. Thanks everyone.
Yay we made it guys and gals
Today’s challenge will see me drag out my Reebok Step (blow off the dust) and give it a red hot go. Will check in again tonight to reconfirm.
Good luck for day 7 folks – you can do it,
Cheers
SymoneinOz
Great start to the day! I feel energised! First 100 done before work next 100 will be done after work… Will let you know when DONE
My husband and you think alike on this Step Up thing. He was just telling me yesterday that I needed something to make me step higher. So I got his second stair step stool and added it to the first one. It is about the right height for your lowest level workout of 50 steps up for each leg. Will come back later tonight to let you know how well I do on the step ups.
As to what I have learned this week from doing all of your challenges. It was time for me to move out of my comfort zone physically and emotionally. Thank you for the shove in that direction.
The challenge has been good for me. I intend to continue to do the stair stepping. I want the physical strength and stamina back that I had before the pneumonia in 2010. The past few months have helped me to realize how much I had lost that I wasn’t aware of. I made adjustments to what I required of myself and wasn’t even aware of it. I like the way that I feel when I am more active.
With yesterday’s challenge on procrastination, I finally looked at the fears of actually sitting down and writing my memoir. I do care that my inner children are still afraid of talking about incest in the form of my book but they don’t control my actions unless I let them. There is nothing that anybody else can say to me about my story that I haven’t said to myself with that inner critical voice of my dad in my head. All the warnings about not telling, of being silent to be safe. My dad is dead. So is the Uncle who first abused me and I don’t know who it was that abused me before I was 3 years old. I don’t have those memories. They can’t hurt me today. I faced those fears 7 1/2 years ago when I started my blog Spiritual Journey Of A Lightworker. I faced them for each of the radio programs that I have been a guest on over the past few years and when my interview was published in Conversations Live Magazine. Even after 7 1/2 years of writing my blog and stepping out there on Twitter and Facebook to share my story, there were still fears to face that were causing me to procrastinate in starting my book. I am sure they will still be there when the book is ready for publication.
I am bigger than my fears. We all are, no matter what the challenge. Sometimes, we just need someone like you, Craig, to make us get off our ass and get moving physically and emotionally. Thank you for this week. With your challenge and your encouragement, I have taken some really big steps in my healing journey.
Another amazing journey Patricia – best of luck with the memoirs and the future. stay strong and take care, Fran
Fran M., thank you so much. I appreciate your words of encouragement.
Here we are at day 7…who would have thought I’d be still here as I am usually a quitter when the going gets tough. I made a promise though that I would see the 7 days out and by god, I will complete today’s task and then pat myself on the back!
But I also appreciate and understand that its not the end…just the beginning in fact. NEVER in my life have I been in this kind of head space to be ready enough to make massive change in my life. I have always lacked courage for the fear of failure used to consume me. Not anymore. How on earth do I know that I will fail if I never actually do anything? What if I actually do really well and not fail at all!!
Thank you to everyone for sharing in this wonderful week that we have had and I wish you luck on writing chapter 1 of your story.
Now lets all go out there and shake the hell out of life and see what drops out!! xx
Done (owwww…!). Overall an interesting week. Nice to get out of my “box” and think a little differently. Thanks!
I have to be honest I didn’t do most of the activities. Some I was physically unable to do and others I put off until there was abetter time. Will I ever learn? It appears so as yesterday I did something that was both scary and challenging for ME. I wanted to put it off until Friday and I almost did but this need in me would not let up.
Hence, you are right, it is about YOU or in this case ME. I took it at my own pace and created my own challenges that challenged ME and that were related to my goals. Next up is less stressing and more doing which i will accomplish on a daily basis as this is a journey and not a destination
Hi guys,
Well I didn’t really last at all. Two reasons, I didnt see the challenge until it had already started and was well into its 2nd day, and second, I was away for 3 days of it with no internet access and no way of finding out what the challenges even were. So, I have kept the links to each days blog and I am going to do it starting next Saturday for the set 7 days (away again with no internet on Thurs/Fri). I havent checked the links for those three challenge days so they will still be a surprise for me when I do them.
Hope everyone has had a fantastic week of it, great idea Craig.
Cheers.
I may not have been in touch, but continued the challenges and loved it! What could have been a funny/sad story had a good ending – an elderly lady had her skirt all hooked up in her panties and a lot was showing, I tapped her on the shoulder and let her know for which she was so grateful – man I felt good. I plan to do the steps tonight, going to hurt, I know it! I agree, Craig, this is about starting a new way of thinking and a new way of living for each of us. So, I’m booked into the gym and plan to kickstart a healthy way of life here on forward. Thanks for creating a space for reflecting on my life and what I should be doing, but have been “Procrastinating” for a long time. Today is the day!
Thank you, thank you, thank you Craig!
This week has had the most amazing effect on my life, because by ‘making me’ change my focus, you have encouraged me to face up to what was really holding me back from achieving what I want.
I found out that I was (note the past tense!) a card-carrying People Pleaser! I’ve always suspected a tendency towards it, but with all the analysis provided by the tasks (particularly the procrastination one), I have finally faced up to the consequences of always putting other people first, which is very different from considering other people’s rights, because the former leaves my rights totally out of the equation.
7 years ago, I decided to see if I could turn my favourite hobby into a business. I succeeded beyond my expectations, but had become very stressed because I had more work than I thought I could handle, and was finding charging for my services incredibly difficult (“what if people thought I was charging too much, and was up myself?”). I also let clients arrive late for appointments, without comment, and generally let it be known that it was ok to push me around.
Thanks to this week of self-analysis, I have now have a list of strategies to give myself equal billing.
I now charge what I am worth, and give a quote before doing the work, so the clients decide whether it is worth it to them. If clients are late, they will be required to ring and re-shedule (I politely tell them that, when the appointment is made). I have cut out distractions (such as checking emails, chatting to friends) during working hours, and possibly most important of all, I now operate from a detailed daily to-do list, which is non-negotiable.
Again, thank you Craig. You have made one very hard worker finally become happy and productive. Bless you.
Oops! Missed the ‘c’ in ‘schedule’.
Now to work on those perfectionism issues…
whow that’s brilliant Trish, how terrific to hear about the start of your transformation.
Wow, thanks so much Craig for the pack. I have to say I don’t win anything. Though I. Already feel like a winner doing the project. I have stepped out of my comfort zone and committed to doing the task each day. I feel this is the push I needed to get motivated and do those things I put off now. I will keep trying to conquer that fear of everything.
Thank you so much for this project. I will post back tonight after steps complete.
I have been offline since Friday – I must be the only adult in Australia without a smartphone, and limited internet at home!
So for me, I have a few tasks to catch up on, but the committment is still there and active! I did my 15 minutes running (well, intervals) from Friday on Saturday morning.. I will make an opportunity arise during the course of today for my random act of kindness.. My procrastination task will take a bit of thinking (I cleaned out the ‘containers’ cupboard in the kitchen yesterday, which had been bugging me for weeks!?).. Step-ups can be arranged for tonight.
.. After this week, I have realised that it is entirely possible to ‘find’ the little pocket of time to do something effective, satisfying, and complete.. I get it in my head that if I am stuck at work late, then the evening is a write-off, and I might as well switch off in front of the tv.. But if I have 20 minutes of daylight left, it is perfectly safe for me to go for a run.. Or I can phone my dad to say hi (and make his day) before I make dinner.. Or I can leave the tv off, and spend the evening just quietly taking care of myself.
Not scheduling exercise is half my battle. Being aware of that is acknowledging it, and not letting myself get away with it. So it is scheduled, and it is not negotiable.
Thanks Craig.
Uggh! This was tough – not enjoyable but I know I need to discipline myself to do this kind of physical activity daily. I did it. Don’t know if I feel good about it or just feel grumpy because now I’m sore. It’s not my calves that ache as much as my thighs. I’ll probably feel happier as this exercise gets easier and I can do more. I could only do 25 for each leg but I did two repetitions. Hope that counts!
I agree that alot of internet commentary and blogs attract smart a$$ remarks and negativity. This is a rare blog that doesnt attract this, and it is a pleasant one to be a member of.
I did the Moderate work out this morning. 150 per leg. Man what a work out, huffing, puffing, burning, sweaty…………………. I am sure that in 2 days time it will probably be hard for me to walk
Woo-Hoo!!!
You know, I thought that my usual ‘arthritis in the knee’ excuse would have had me bowing out much earlier than this, but here I am at day 7, having done every challenge with the best effort I could dredge up.
I’ve not drunk anything but water for a week.
I’ve done more exercice in 7 days than in the last month combined. (I’ve continued the stair climb and walk every day, and even went on two hour and a half ‘treks’)
I’ve committed to something I feared, and let go of some things I didn’t need to hold on to.
I’ve just done 50 step-ups (2nd step in the stairwell) and I’m seriously contemplating going for 150 by the end of the day. I honestly think that’s achievable.
I also want to throw out a huge Thanks to CH for making the time to do this for all of us…and a huge thanks to all of the other ‘do-ers’ for your stories, struggles and triumphs.
You have given me the boost and belief that this is not only worthwhile, but ultimately achievable.
Hugs to you all!!
Ok, I have done a handball with this one – the physical challenge part. My personal trainer put me onto your blogs years ago, Craig, so have asked her to take care of this in tonight’s PT session. Knowing Amanda, she will ensure it’s done to the max with no mercy. Re your 3 questions, I will stew on that for a while.
Thanks again, Fran
Ok, today’s task is completed. Thought I should do 150, as not so fit, but I told you there would be mercy!
now my butt really hurts and it will take real committment to climb the ladder & paint tomorrow.
A varied routine of pushups, lat pulldowns, 1km rowing sprints, crunchs and planks to break the monotony of 200 step ups per leg took an hour.
Thanks Amanda!! The stretching was great
Not sure if you really wanted this, it’s rather verbose, but I have answered the 3 questions:
1. What do you want?
a. I want to enjoy myself, my life & the people around me.
b. I want to be able to run faster and for longer, and generally be stronger (and lose a few kg along the way).
c. I want a new job that I enjoy doing, that’s challenging, with a purpose I can believe in & a decent salary.
2. What’s the cost?
a. Time to relax and enjoy life; not filling every hour with activities, and properly switching on to each moment
b. Time to exercise consistently, regardless of other pressures
c. Time & money to finish my Masters (am halfway through so 18 months part time) and inner fortitude to look for a new job and accept the inevitable knockbacks.
3. What price will you pay?
a. Lose some flexibility and instead structure what I need to do each day along with what I want to do so I get both lots of activities done. Confront & accept my reality.
b. Force myself to schedule the time to exercise and not put it off – ever.
c. Budget and schedule time to complete Uni. Swallow my pride and get help both with finding work and staying strong throughout the process.
As someone who has never wanted a daily schedule, looks like this is a big part of my future committment.
These seven days have helped to make a few things clearer, so I really thank you, Craig, and everyone else for that. I was committed because I wanted to learn – even though I didn’t always like what I’d learnt. Reading all the responses helped me to understand myself better (along with a few giggles and sniffles). While I hope this is not the end of all posts as I would love to hear how people continue with these tasks, I will be able to focus better when I am not reading all the posts every day but doing stuff instead – It is all about doing!! Good luck everyone!!!
Done…
Well done everyone.
My takeaway from all this is that you can do anything you set your mind to (an oldie but a goodie)! The gold bit for me is that if we are working towards something positive then as a collective group anything is possible.
I have loved every project day would be great to see it continue… In saying that I’m a massive Lurker on the board I read every post but rarely speak up, I’ve completed all 7 days happily felt awesome for committing and doing it. I’ve done my step ups it’s 39 degrees where I live so I was out early on the retainer wall ended up setting a
goal of 50 each leg and mindlessly went past
and did 120 each leg was awesome. My kids egged me on and laughed their little bums off was very entertaining. As far as the question’s about myself I think i’d like to be content the cost is putting myself out in the big wide world and giving life a go! So I want to thank you bloke.com u make me think laugh and question my world around me. Xox
No problems doing this one!
I have to say, the experience has been a good one though I feel like I didn’t do it properly. I did learn I need to sleep more, I learnt that I still have a long way to go before I can say I have truely overcome my social phobia, and I have learnt that procrastination is something that I am very very good at!
I have also learnt that I like to do things properly – I am not happy if I don’t think I have met my own high standards for a task. I could have counted a few different things for my RAOK – I gave up my turn ice-skating as my son had forgotten his socks, I let him have mine and sat out. Just going iceskating itself was a huge challenge for me. But that wasn’t what the task was asking for.. so it doesn’t count.
I also don’t feel I did the 15mins of quiet properly as I fell asleep, and again the next day when I tried! And the procrastination task, I had to wrap the books.. I should have done something else as well.
Just not good enough, as always. I’m just never quite good enough.
Jeni, there are 621 posts for Craig’s initial post, and 156 for yesterday. That means that 3/4 of the initial respondants have not completed this – and you have. As Craig said, signing up isn’t doing & you are a doer & that makes you absolutely good enough. I know we all have room for improvement, but you tried & it counts. Take care, Fran
Jeni, I have to add something to Fran M.’s words. No matter what you do, you are always good enough. I used to believe that I wasn’t good enough no matter what I did. Then I learned that wasn’t true and I changed the way that I looked at myself. I learned to love myself. It took time since I am an incest survivor and I was/am worth every bit of time that it took. As Fran said, look at the numbers who didn’t finish. We did. That makes us winners, not useless individuals. We have worth. You have worth.
Jeni, I agreed wholeheartedly with both the lovely people above.
It’s insidious the way we are taught, probably at an early age, to believe that nothing about us is good enough, and then we have that reinforced by the advertising industry when we grow up, in their quest to make us spend money we don’t have on things we don’t need!
I figure that as long as we are doing the best we can, that is always good enough, and if anyone disagrees, well, frankly, that is their problem.
Hey Jeni
I agree with the other posts – that you have completed this; when others said they would, but didn’t.
Also I bet if you asked your son he wouldn’t think that you’re not good enough
(and you probably fell asleep because you needed it)
Go gal!! Happy ice-skating soon eh?
Just did 150 each leg!
Promptly burst into tears. Not just because my legs feel like lead, but because I think this is the first time in my memory that I have finished something I set out to accomplish (for me). A bit sad really…
This may be the beginning of something new for me.
I like how this feels.
Oh what a feeling!
I missed posting about my procrastination project. I worked on it until late in the night. I finally tackled unpacking the boxes left from our move several months back. Once I got started, I just couldn’t seem to stop until the task was completed. I’m sure glad that is over… My mind seems much less cluttered
without the boxes sitting in the corner. Not sure how well I will do with the stepping… Quite a bit out of shape. Hoping to change that though..
Here we are on Day 7. . I felt like an IKEA flatpack just joining the project. Not knowing how it would all pan out but hoping for a good outcome. With some instructions & direction I know now, that I can be put together even through the frustrations. I have done 7 things this week which opened my eyes, my heart, my mind and pushed me to ‘doing’ things I dont normally do. Todays challenge I did wimp out a bit. My knees dont let me do steps that are too high, so I used my wii step and did wider steps.(150 each leg) and added (50 each) side steps. So in my eyes the task is done to the best of my abilities at this stage. I have really enjoyed the ‘Doing project’ and have surprised myself at what I CAN do without thinking about it. Just did it. Thank you Craig for the project, and to all the ‘group’ for sharing the ‘doing’…. I will be back
PS…Unrelated question & possibly silly, but…Why are some names in blue and others in black? Just askin’
Hi Elad,
The people in Blue have added their web addresses (if they have one…ie like a blog address) when they leave a comment. If you click on their name it hyperlinks off to their web address.
Hope this answers your question?
K
Thanks K. Curiositys gone now
Well I discovered I am my worst enemy. My stubborn self talk…..wow. It came to the forfront on the day you said no coffee.
Self talk was something like this, well I’m not doing this I love my coffee, well I said I’d do challenge maybe I do no coffee tomorrow, next day I am having coffee I love it. Ect ect ect
then you wrote something about procrastination is laziness, well hello lightbulb. Procrastination has been my middle name, thankyou for pointing this out (or for me finally admitting to this). The last couple of days procrastination has not been on the menu and I am getting lots done, physically and mentally. Thanks again
Good on you Amanda for ‘doing’. There’s a lot of words that really mean lazy
I had to face that one too! Stubbornness can be our success, or our failure. The plan is to be a stubborn success
Thanks CH for a pretty good week of info and mind opening guidance.
I think, that among the most important messages were your little reminders/comments at the end of your daily “instructions” which informed people there and then that it really was all up to them.
This has been a great way to get people to understand that what, how and when they do the things that make up their life (thoughts, emotions and phyical stuff) is very much up to individual persons; but most importantly, just get on and do!
What an awesome bunch of people we have here. I’d love to be able to bottle the action and enthusiasm for this week of tasks….wouldn’t that be worth something!!
I have done all the set tasks except the step ups. I’m choosing not to do them today * notice I did not say can’t….because I can but I have to entertain some people for work this afternoon / evening at the tennis so in the little time I have to prepare I’m going to spend it with my kids
…that said I can’t wait to do them either in the morning or after work tomorrow!!!
Thanks for putting this week together Craig. The living is in the doing.
And thanks to all the participants. Reading about your little journeys is a blast.
I finished all 50 per leg step-ups. I did first 10 step-ups per leg right after a late breakfast. Did a set of 20 per leg in the afternoon after several hours of shopping. Before supper I did another 10 step-ups per leg. Then after supper, I did my final 10 step-ups to complete the 50 per leg. I could have done more but I don’t want to be too sore tomorrow to start back on my stair steps that I didn’t do today. I am going to continue to do the stair steps on a daily basis. Thanks Craig for challenging me to get more active. Its been a grand adventure this last 7 days.
Wasn’t sure if I was moderately fit or unfit – LOL I soon found out! Unfit it is!! Still puffing but challenge complete.
This is the first time ever I’ve actually completed something like this and it feels good to know I can – I have what it takes to perverse and to show up. Each day is a chance for a new beginning and I’m beginning to understand that I am worth it!
Thanks everyone. Loved all the comments and the much needed “suck it up princess” graphic
xxx
Step ups done. May do another round with my evening training session tonight though.
I learnt how powerful positive self talk can be through this project. Positive thinking does make you more motivated to find time available for the important things you value. Thanks.
I said 75 and I did 100. And I think I might give another 50 a bash later on.
Yeehaa – 200 done!!!! Very proud of myself and feeling great. Already did 15 mins of steps again thus morning.
I’ve loved being a part of this project. It was very timely for me and I’ve made the most of getting myself out of my comfort zone and getting on with the things I need to be doing for myself.
Thanks Craig – you’re a bloody legend! And as fir the rest if you participating and being gutsy enough to give this a go and share your experiences, I love youz all!!!! It’s been a brilliant week and I’ll be keeping it going.
Thanks everyone.
Low step, only 50 each side because I’m still sick. Snails pace but I got there! Yehaaa made it to day 7! I wanted to be one of the one’s to see it right through and I did it dammnit!!! Yay for us!!
Day 7 and I struggled. Seems my right leg wanted to challenge me with the step ups. Long story about the legs deal and very blah, blah!
So here’s the deal. I did what I could do, which turned out to be 50 step ups. Didn’t think I’d make it to that. Today has been a day of thinking “help!” after reading what the task was, and then turning out to be another day of feeling good about myself. As a result I’m smiling like a Cheshire Cat. 
What a way to bring it all home.
Everyone loves a good step-up session….
Done – my bum is sore already
Thanks for time and effort Craig you have spared pulling this challenge together for free. Rest up Mr Muscles…
Step ups done. How exciting to complete the whole 7 day challenge! I believe I can get back on my weight loss/health wagon and this time achieve my goals. Thanks Craig for this challenge it helped me clear the negative self talk.
Well that went fast, I will get to the stepper tonight & do at least 15 to 20 minutes. Thanks for the different challenges has been very interesting
Hi again. It looks like a lot of people have been inspired to outdo whatever the tasks were this week, including me. We are a good mob to have around each other.
Added from yesterday – I spoke to my physio and he said that’s the way all therapists work but if I wanted more to do then he’d be happy to oblige. I have no idea what he meant but was over the moon when he handed me off to a female offsider who said that a couple of the physios were very overworked. I asked if we could start from scratch and I said “Hi, my name is Suu and I’m here for you to teach me how to walk again.” She laughed and that started off a very good session. A fair bit of teaching me technique with the exercises I need to do and then gave me a whole hour in the pool and got in with me to show me again.
50 stepups done albeit in the pool. Instead of calves or shins hurting like the other day, it’s my gluteus maximus’ that are feeling. I suppose it’s due to the weight-bearing I did.
1. What do you want?
I want to be able to walk 2klms non-stop.
2. What’s the cost?
Working towards losing weight, persisting with exercising till it’s a habit like cleaning my teeth, and not overthinking it.
3. What price will you pay?
Price? What sort of price do you put on being as healthy as you can so you can see your grandkids grow up? I won’t give up smiling through adversity. I won’t give up helping others. I won’t give up…. period.
This list is endless at what I got out of this week. It made me think, act, and do.
It felt like the end of something when reading the posts but it’s just the beginning.
Love and luck to all of us doers.
Go Suu!!!! That is great news – seems like you’ve met the right person to help & bet you are walking 2 km before the year is out with that fighting spirit, take care, Fran
Thanks for the confidence, Fran. I wish you well with life’s challenges too. We’re women! Hear us roar!!!! LOL
Well done Suu, you did it!
I did the 300 each leg, that will do me though. A bonus to being on night shift on my own, i could just randomly do 25 each leg as a walked past my ‘step’
Simple things, but thought provoking – thanks Craig.
Hi Craig
Finished all 7 days. Thanks for challenging me to commit & also analyse my thought processes
No moore procrastination i am making the changes i need to make to achieve my goals
All completed. I chose to do the step ups today after pump and day 2 week 1 of the C25K program. Initially I set my goal at 200 each leg, but was feeling so good about it continued on and did 300 per leg. A nice way to complete the 7 day challenge.
I have enjoyed trying something new each day. Some fitted in nicely with my everyday life/fitness program, but others where a stretch and it was good to have a goal to work towards. I’m going to continue on by setting one task each day that I have been putting off, makes me slightly uncomfortable, challenges me or is something that I have always wanted to try. Hopefully the results at the end of the year will be a noticeable in body, mind and spirit!
Thanks Craig.
Completed 150 steps on each leg.
Thanks for 7 days of fun challenges.
half done will finish later when it cools a little.
What have I learned from this week?
That I’m worth it and I can do anything if I want it enough.
Thanks Craig
How long do you think I can look at the step before it spontaneously combusts?
hahahahahahahahahahaha!
Done – slowly. Have really enjoyed this week, and hope you’ll do something similar again soon. Thank you.
before I disappear in a pool of sweat, it’s still in the 30′s here in outer Melbourne, I managed 300 steps so maybe I didn’t count correctly…up and down counts as one for each leg…but I know I’m not ‘annoyingly fit’. I took a break for a drink maybe 1-2 mins after 150 steps then another short break after the next lot of 50 – all done in 15 minutes. I just kept pushing myself because I wanted to see how far I could go. challenge #7 achieved!
To answer your questions Craig:
1. I want to be fitter than I am now – and I know I can do it!
2. The cost is making the time to achieve my goal – I know I can do this
3. The price will be walking to the gym instead of driving and getting up earlier to go for a walk/jog/run, what’s 15 minutes??!!
One word after Day 7′s project – OWWWWWWWW
day 7 challenge completed, have really enjoyed this weeks progress on the mental side as im a hard trainer anyway. thanyou for the doing project. its been great reading the weeks comments.
All done! 175 reps each leg now walking like a hot wobbly thang.
Thanks to everyone for the stories and inspiration all week. The takeaways for me have been:
1. Being accountable (to Harps, to the awesome folks posting on the site and ultimately me ) is a great and ongoing motivator.
2. I can push past a number of physical walls that turned out, were mostly in my own head.
3. Getting out of my own head (or getting my head out of my own *rse), whether it be finding quiet time or doing a kindness to another – is to only amazing but necessary.
Thank you Craig – you’ve made a lot of us think AND act for the better.
Cheers
SymoneinOz
Wicked thanks Craig – for getting me out is my comfort zone!
Day seven – done!! fini..
I get it…. if you are going to ‘start it’ …. ‘finish it!’
Challenge completed …the only thing I want is to finish what I have started. I really need to lose weight and I want to commit to my goal and make this happen. Wishing all of you all the best wishes. I feel in peace and happy.thanks Craig for the opportunity
Final 100 per leg finished… 200 step ups on each leg DONE! YAY!
Okay – done – did think I might die, but here I am to tell the tale.
More to followl later.
Day 7 done! I was not happy with learning it was to be step-ups l!! but I was not about to give up on the last day. Completed the super-unfit 50 per leg, but surprised myself and need to have a go at doing more!
Truthfully, I thought I got the idea of the whole challenge, but I had completely missed the bigger picture. So that was a kick in the butt. From that I realised what my REAL procrastination was about, and it’s huge, so to work out what I want, what it will cost and what I am prepared to pay is massive!! where to start? phew.
Anyhow Craig, fabulously put together thank you to you, and your team. You were also going to participate, so how did you go?? did you learn anything?
Thanks again Mr Harper, its been a fun 7days. Did as many step ups as I could plus my first Zumba class, what a hoot that was. Well done everybody its been great to read all of your thoughts and experiences. Let’s all keep doing!
500 stepups (250 on each leg – DONE!!
150 steps completed on each leg at work in the stairwell not realising until I’d finished that there was a camera above me so that would have been a hoot for the security guards!.
Have enjoyed the sense of community that this site seems to provide, the honesty, the funny one liners, the encouragement & positivity that becomes infectious & I’m so glad that everyone seems to have taken away a valuable lesson.
It’s felt great to be a part of a project that didn’t need to spend $$$$, need the latest gizmo’s or make you feel guilty if your best was a little less than others – thanks Craig
Before I begin, let me apologise in advance for the novel!
Wherever I went today, I was sizing up things for the appropriate step up height. The concrete benches at the entrance to the courts on William Street (passed them on my way to work), and also the entrance to Victoria Gardens shopping centre (quick, but fruitless, trip to IKEA after work…) were ideal, but I was in work clothes and that would never do. Then about half an hour ago, I scoped out the immediate surrounds of my apartment block, and hey presto! Knee height concrete garden surround. Perfect! 500 step ups (250 on each leg, 5 sets of 50 on each leg with very short hamstring stretch break after each combined 100). Got bored between sets, so used the ‘step’ to do tricep dips and push ups before starting the next set. Then I went for a run around the block to get the legs doing something different.
I am thinking that perhaps I have discovered a small part of what this challenge is all about. Firstly, being aware of your surroundings and making use of them to keep fit without incurring any expense. And secondly, once you start some exercise, it’s so easy to keep going and adding on. I have always though that the cliche is wrong because I believe that motivation does not cause action. Action causes motivation. And I have seen this very clearly tonight. Thanks, Craig. I’m loving all the lightbulb moments this week has brought.
Oh, and Jess completed today’s task too. 150 step ups on each leg, I believe. I’m so proud of her.
Oh dear, I was struggling walking up the stairs to get home :p
Remember to stretch everyone. I think we won’t forget this challenge anytime soon
And thanks for sharing the journey. It’s given me so much encouragement and made my day over and over again
thanks Craig 
doing doing day 7 done yeha ! enjoyable- hard some days easier others- very self instructional- satisying ! Thanks Craig
I’m back in the state I normally live in so today was a bit of a catch up. I did Day 6, since I couldn’t yesterday & crossed off 2 items.
I drank just water all day, still need to redo the whole being quiet or Day 2.
But it’s a start in the right direction.
and… done!
Done that. Thanks for a great week
Done. Have gone back to work today so don’t know how i would have done the other challenges if I had my usual goings on e.g. work, trying to get kids to school in the morning, etc. Have very much enjoyed reading people’s comments and the variety of challenges. Bit concerned about the future as do much better when organised, but will certainly be more conscious of the emotional/mental stuff as opposed to the pure physical.
Have a new addiction- step ups! Something that I can do anywhere and they feel great! Thank you for the privilege of being part of this journey…. It has me moving and has increased my self-awareness yet again. When’s the next one?? Huh? Huh? Bring it on!
OK – challenge complete. Only did 75 per leg. First 20 were on relatively high first step of my flight up to the back lawn – pretty easy. So the next 55 I did on a higher step – took me a while to find one round the house, but little wall in the hall way comes just below my knee. Did the rest of my step-ups there and very proud of myself for getting them done. I am going to be soooo sore tomorrow (despite stretching!!)
What have I learnt from this week?
a) I am actually very happy with myself and the gradual changes that I have made over the last 4 years that have all added up to making me the person I am today. Confidently expecting further change over the years but I am also happy living in the now.
b) I haave found I am truly capable of doing more than I thought I could. “I can do this” is now my new mantra (with required limits for safety, of course!).
Thanks for the week Craig, and thanks for picking my name for stuff from you-dot-com.
Done done done
Hey! Day 7 done.
I’ve learnt that for me it’s been easy to commit to doing something when someone else tells me to do it. I didn’t even think about it, just did it. So now the challenge for me is to keep it up and start challenging myself to do what I want to achieve and create some change.
Thanks for the insight, and the sore legs!
Ouch…
Yes I learnt that the main problem I have is procrastination – failed that project so I now know what area needs the most attention. It was great to find out how fit I am and that I can live without coffee. I also do a lot of things to brighten someone’s day without even thinking about it – and didn’t realise this until faced with your challenge.
Thank you very much for the opportunity to be a part of this project. Cheers
A less than silent groan on reading that it was step ups however, was not going to do 6 out of 7 so … 200 step ups complete after work and before a hard personal training session at the gym.
Enjoyed the challenges, as well as the anticipation of finding out what these would be each day.
Love sharing the experience with others, and especially ‘Team Sar’ (thanks Cath, you completely rock!) – have located MD however, unconfirmed but suspect he fell off the wagon around day 3.
Whoops posted on the wrong day, 1000 steps FTG ok ? hurt like hell comming down as I have some knee troubles but it was so worth the effort
Day 7 completed, 300 step ups each leg, yay!
Well done to all, have loved reading your posts!
Did both the step ups and the de-cluttering today (absolutely no time yesterday – I was on a killer deadline with my work).
Thanks for the challenge. It was fun, got me back on track in terms of exercise and motivation, and, falling on a busy week, taught me something about overriding excuses.
Most importantly, I realised that help from others on the journey to growth can certainly help.
Did the step ups – another hot day and no air conditioning but so what – it had to be done .
Thanks for a week that taught me lots about me !
Last one, done.
Day 6 & 7 Challenges completed
… Awesome Week Everyone, thank you Craig for the Great Idea Amigo!!! Enjoy the rest of the week Amigos 
xxoo
Done and dusted. Thanks for the challenge, a good new year reminder to remind us to live conscienciously and continue challenging ourselves.
” Let me tell you that, in the very strange realm of cyber-space, kindness and generosity are rare commodities. Internet-based communication and conversation can be very (very) unpleasant and you guys are indeed the exception. I feel proud to be a small part of something so positive and potentially transformational. So, from me to you; thanks.”
This is so true what is it about the internet that makes everyone an expert and a very mean spirited one at that. I have given up on trying to engage in discussions on the internet. Disagree with someone and the name calling and sarcasm begins.
Day 7 Done! I will miss the daily challenges Looking forward to the next project
Finished the 200 – did it in stages but got it done. Have started the 7 day program again now.
I would do some step ups then plopped to the couch to bemoan my sorry state. Do a few more, whine about how hard things are as I slide like jelly off the couch to the floor at the idea of more.
But I did do more and those two and threes became sevens and eights by the end of the day and all in all I managed 68 of em.
And that is what this challenge has done for me, it changed or shifted my attitude, perceptions, thinking just enough to cause some waves and show some dirty laundry, inspiring little changes that wil make a big change.
Also I lost 4pounds … I bet you it was ALL from the no coffee day, I am a triple triple.
Done and dusted. Have yet to honestly answer
1. What do you want?
2. What’s the cost?
3. What price will you pay?
Need to chew on this, digest and throw up any rubbish.
Hi all,
Well we made it it’s day 8. Oh I did the leg ups yesterday. I was at the beach all day – sorry those who worked. I did mine by lifting my legs one at a time in the surf. I know not technically correct but still felt it.
I have learned over the last 7 days to just do it! Be it exercise, relax, cleaning etc it takes long to think about xcuses than to actually take 15-30mins to get up off my butt and DO.
Thanks again Craig for helping me find my mojo.
Tracey
I kind of did a summary of what I took away from the Doing Project is my last post (challenge 7). But I am happy to elaborate and refine my thoughts one day on…
1. What do you now know that you didn’t before? In my case It’s not so much lack of knowledge as a lack of action – So I know now any information is only powerful if you do something with it.
2. If anything, what will you do differently from now? Differentiate real obstacles vs those are in only in my head.
3. What was the key lesson for you? Relearning accountability is an awesome motivator and that RAOK should be often not occasional. Oh and that none of your people use Twitter
… Was Nigel no friends :-/
4. What was the toughest challenge? Day two – Quiet time – still need to work on that one.
5. Do you think projects like this should be (semi) regular occurrences on this site? Yes – a great way to build and challenge a like minded and supportive community. Who cares if not everyone “made it” through every single challenge – all the shared stories (good and bad) helped to support, encourage and motivate (even if only for that day) the majority of us. My personal rule of thumb is… If you learnt even ONE valuable lesson .. then it WAS worth it.
(I learnt more than that by the way).
SymoneinOz
Well I really learnt a lot over the past week. Initially I was excited to start because this year my head is in the right space. Started strong then the computed hard drive crashed. Refocused not too worried that CH would think I jumped ship and sank!!
Then Saturday was hit with a personal tragedy when a friend (35) fit and healthy died for no apparent reason. (turns out it was a clot). Well the rest of the challenge went out the window, healthy eating slowed but did not stop, no junk food was consumed and while I have a hole in my heart I discovered the following:
- Life throws curve balls that are not convenient
- To not complete something as a result of circumstances beyond your control is ok.
- How you handle these curve balls is the key.
All in all I am proud that even though I did not complete the challenge (this week) I did not revert back to old habits. I fully intend to complete it next week.
Keep them coming
Cheryl – Sunny SA
Ow. A little late in posting, but done. In small bites, 200 each leg, on a mid-calf step, despite being awfully unfit and my nerves paying for it in foot pain (not calf pain). Because I want to get healthy and fit, the cost in time/pain is worth it.
Done 80!
Didn’t do the step-ups yesterday due to a dickie knee. Walked the 2.5 kms from train station to work instead of taking the tram. Walked barefoot across the lawns of the Botanic Gardens with the dew of the morning still cool underfoot – what a glorious Melbourne morning!