Take a 66 Day Gratitude Challenge

As we transition from summer to fall, back to school, starting college, or whatever is happening in our lives, there is no better time than the present to start a new habit, especially one that will hopefully improve your overall physical and mental health and well-being. Each phase of life requires a focus on self-love, self-improvement, and growing with grace. Dr. Phillippa Lally has conducted extensive research on health psychology, habit, and behavior change. She noted that for a habit to form, it takes at least 66 days of repeatedly performing the behavior, but if you miss a day, it is ok; if you go back to performing the behavior, you can succeed. 

Terry Savelle Foy, in her book, The Alone Advantage, talks about journaling your gratitude to improve your happiness and success. It is an attribute some of the most successful people have in their personal and professional lives. She notes how journaling your gratitude can produce positive changes in your life.

Some of these positive changes that can occur because of journaling include:

1. Improve Self-Esteem

2. Decrease stress

3. Sleep Better

4. Feel more Optimistic

5. Boost your Mood

Why write it down rather than just saying what you are grateful for:

1. Mindfulness: Writing requires you to pay more attention to what you are doing and focus on the thoughts you want to record. It can provide a greater awareness of what you are thankful for in your life. 

2. Recorded Document: A written record of your gratitudes allows you to revisit them over time. This can be especially powerful when you’re feeling down or need a reminder of the good things in your life.

3. Deeper Reflection: Writing often encourages more detailed and thoughtful reflection, allowing you to experience introspection and self-awareness. 

4. Mind-Body Connection: The physical act of writing engages your brain differently than speaking does. Writing offers the ability to capture your gratitude with greater precision, reflection, and permanence. 

5. Boost Memory: Writing things down helps to enhance memory. When you write about what you’re grateful for, it’s more likely to stay with you and influence your mindset throughout the day.

Checklist to start the 66-Day Gratitude Challenge, you will need the following:

1. Notebook/Journal

   1. Find a notebook at your house, buy a cute journal, or use your phone/tablet.

2. Pick a day to start

   1. You can’t create your new healthy habit without starting. Remember, if you miss a day or two, just jump back in. You will succeed. 

   2. Be consistent, especially at the beginning of your time of day. This will help create your new routine.

3. Time of Day

   1. Now, pick the time of day you want to focus on recording your gratitude.

   2. Consistency in staying with this time will help form the habit. 

It is that easy!! But if you need a reminder, set a timer on your phone or schedule it in your calendar/planner. If you schedule it, it will get done. You wouldn’t miss an important meeting or event, so this is the same—an important meeting with yourself. 

We are excited to take on this challenge with you. We will check in with you every 22 days to see how you are doing.