Month 9 - Josh Learns the Ukulele

For the month of April, my challenge was to learn how to play one song on the ukulele and then perform it - no matter how far along in my learning curve - and upload it to YouTube. Below is the video. This was really fun as I have been wanting to play for a long time and just looking for the incentive. This was my incentive. I definitely want to keep playing. I might even look into taking lessons.

You can watch the video below or click on this link to see it on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPN08jI_Jxs

Month 8 - "All is Well"

For the month of March, Jen and I thought it would be neat to spend the month being inspired by other people's stories. A month or two prior, we both bought a book called "All is Well", which includes 29 stories of different people, all connected to the Center for Spiritual Living in San Jose, who have overcome different life obstacles.

We thought it would be inspiring to hear of other's challenges. And, with 29 stories, we figured, "perfect - we'll read one story a night." We did and while I can't speak for Jen I can say that the idea was good.

The stories themselves, for whatever reason, did not really resonate with me. People overcoming the death of their loved ones, overcoming eating disorders, falling in love with their soul mates (while being married to someone else), bankrupt, etc. Many of the stories were powerful and I was more struck by the notion that everybody has gone through different life challenges, no matter who you are. Everyone has a story - most people don't take the time to listen to what they are.

That was my lesson in month 8. It was not the stories themselves but the ideas of the stories that resonated with me. It also confirmed that for me and my life, all is truly well.

Month 7 (February) Weight Loss Challenge

I have done lots of weight loss challenges in the past. Lose 5 pounds this month. Do Weight Watchers this month, etc. These work for me, because it forces me to be disciplined, which I am usually not very good at.

But when we looked at Challenge #7, we liked the idea of a weight loss challenge but wanted to add some meaning to it - some significance. So, Jen and I decided that we would pledge $5 for every pound lost in the month of February, collect the total and donate it to a charity. That way, the weight loss meant something bigger than ourselves (no pun intended). So, we opted to donate it to the Walnut Avenue Women's Shelter, where Cita, our sister-in-law works.

And, to stir the pot a little, we put it out there to our friends and family that we were embarking upon 28 days of weight loss for a purpose and invited any and all to participate. This was the first time that I did any sort of weight loss challenge where bragging rights or an actual prize was not the goal.

And, I tried to instill smaller changes that could be more life sustainable. Such as making good choices every day... side salad instead of fries, lots of water, breakfast every morning, say no to treats and sweets, etc.

The result personally was not overwhelming... 6 pounds lost was ok but I know I could have dropped more if I took different measures. I was ok with this but the real overwhelming part was that we had 18 people participate and we raised over $350 for the Walnut Ave. Women's Shelter.

That was the best part. We had a variety of people participate, all knowing it was for a good cause. And, another great part was that our sister-in-law was really touched. In fact she cried when she heard we were doing this. And, she shared this with her boss and staff.

I can also honestly say that I have not done a good job maintaining the weight I lost in February. So, my goal of making sustainable choices hasn't quite panned out... yet.

Oops - Forgot to Mention Month 6

Month 6 was one of those where the idea/challenge sounded like a good idea at the time but Jen and I both realized that we were basically 'settling' to do something together. Moving forward, if neither of us are completely on board with the monthly challenge, then we are going to do separate challenges.

That being said, we agreed on the idea of the sixth month being all about energy. Giving or receiving every day. Concept is good. I did reiki on Jen 2-3 times and the rest of the month was giving reiki to Ryan and Haley or meditating. I guess there is nothing wrong with it, it just didn't really feel like a challenge and didn't feel like something Jen and I were on board with from day 1.

If I were to do this challenge again, I would probably set a goal for myself of doing energy on 10-15 people and receiving it from other folks as well, or just doing a daily meditation and sending energy to people other than myself. Something like that. Still good to focus on giving energy to other people, it just could have been better strategized.

February Challenge- JOIN US!

We are doing our first challenge that invites your participation. February is fitness and health month. We are inviting anyone to join us. Make a goal, make a pledge, and all donations will go to the Walnut Avenue Women's shelter in Santa Cruz.
What's your goal? Lose weight? Work out more? Eat healthier? Whatever it is you decide how you want to pledge. Some ideas are:
1. certain amount per pound lost
2. $1 for every mile run for the month
3. an amount for every day you stay within a certain number of calories.

I am pledging $5 for every pound loss. What are you going to do? By joining us you are getting healthier and helping out a great organization!

Jen's Thoughts

It's Jen and I realize I have not contributed to the blog. I have gone through and added my comments in certain months and will add my thoughts from this challenge on. So far this process has been enlightening. I look forward to the 2nd half of the year. Feel free to visit old posts to read my thoughts on some of our past challenges.
Happy reading!

Month 5: How Am I Perceived?

Month 5 was an interesting adventure as much for the process as the outcome. Given that it was December and I was already going through a 360 review at work, I thought "why not do this all the way and see how friends, family and colleagues view me." So, I used a free online system called 360 Reach which creates categories for feedback including my Brand Attributes, Brand Skills, Strengths, Weaknesses, Comments, and of course - if I were a car, what would I be and if I were a brand of cereal what would I be.

I put out an email ahead of time to the 50-60 people that I was asking to fill out the anonymous survey - letting them know that my challenge for the month of December was this: in order to improve myself, I need to know how I am viewed so I know what to work on. It seemed easy, but it was FAR more challenging than I thought.

Think about this - no matter how 'open' you think you are to hearing what other people think, the fact is - it's nerve wracking. I wondered to myself if I really wanted to know. I deliberately tried to select a wide-ish range of people from family to work acquaintances. How do I come across? Does it align with how I think I come across?

After about 30 responses, I learned some interesting things. First, I think my perception is pretty well aligned with the reality. That's a big deal to learn. Here are snapshots of some of the results:

The top 4 brand attributes about me:

1. Likable (13 responses)

2. Creative (10 responses)

3. Funny (10 responses)

4. Outgoing (10 responses)

The top 4 brand skills associated with me are:

1. Developing ideas (12 responses)

2. Relating to others/ building relationships (9)

3. Communicating (listening/speaking) (9)

4. Growing professionally (9)

Strengths were all over the board but many of the strengths were aligned with my personality and the brand attributes listed above.

Weaknesses were all over the map too. Some of the funnier ones were "love of Weird Al" and "cooking". But, some of the weaknesses that resonated with me had to do with moving too quickly, being a little too ambitious with goals and follow-through, overextending, too easy going and not assertive enough. All I actually agree with.

In terms of what car I would be, my favorite responses were:

- A toyota FJ cruiser because he's like a concept car turned production suv... a bit luxury, while sporty, quirky and fun

- Convertible BMW b/c relaxed, sporty and fun

- Prius - innovative with a purpose, good for the earth and even better once you look inside

- Back to the Future - creative and determined

- SUV because a little bit masculine but not overpowering

For cereals, the best responses were:

- Captain Crunch because he is sweet and makes you feel like you have a sugar high after talking to him

- fruit loops - open minded, willing to try new things

- honey nut cheerios - good for you but a little bit sweet

- Lucky Charms - while the taste can be overwhelming at times, it offers excitement and variety

Additional comments and suggestions had to do with me continuing to step into my own and leverage my life experience to gain more confidence.

Again, the questions lent themselves more to positive responses but it was still a great learning experience and opened myself up to whatever people had to say. I feel now more confident in who I am as a 'brand' and would strongly recommend an exercise like this for anyone open to hearing what people think.

JEN'S THOUGHTS:

I know I am doing this a little late, but I am adding my thoughts and my experiences through these challenges. Josh and I have done all of these challenges together and have experienced different things. This one was very interesting as Josh said. I did mine a bit differently. Used Survey Monkey and designed two separate surveys, one for personal and one for professional. I found it funny that everyone thought I would know exactly who they were when reading the responses. The only one I knew for sure was Torrey as he answered the statement, "I wish Jen would..." with, "come out and visit us in Japan." Dead give away. This is what was clear to me.

In my professional life: My intention matches my perception. I am seen the way I want to be as an educator and as a staff member. Many answers about what I can improve on included me stepping up to the plate and "using my powers for good." I need to put my cell phone away at meetings. oops!

In my personal life: My sense of humor is valued. People know that family and friends are the most important things to me. I was surprised to learn that some of my words come out sharper than I intend. This is so good to know as I do believe in being honest but THINK that I am always sensitive. This was good for me to think about.

People were fascinated with this month's challenge. Many said that it must have been tough to really put yourself out there. It was risky, but very insightful.