Challenges should not be set for the sake of impressing others with them and getting hundreds of "likes" on Facebook. They should be raised for themselves.
And Greta Bytautaitė the challenge is one of the simpler, but for her personally, difficult tests. It's a week without any sweets.
When there are so many opportunities to taste something sweet, delicious, and sweets are (already) almost addictive...
Even this week is becoming a test. And in this interview of the "How I did it" series, I talk to Debesyliet about exactly that.
By the way, Greta took up the challenge with the help of Daniel and his "Gūs". Daniel helped her this week by reminding her of her challenge to herself every day. However, this is not the time for Goose advertising.
Let's talk to Greta!
Hello, Greta. First, introduce yourself. In five sentences or less - who are you?
I'm Greta, a student. I am also a person who can safely be called a sweet tooth, because I cannot live a day without sweets. I wouldn't call it a disorder, a more accurate description would be a "bad habit" that was instilled in me as a child, so the roots are deep.
Do you often challenge yourself? Where would you place yourself on a ten-point scale from the cowardly Nuobodila to the superhero Batman?
I often challenge myself, but often unsuccessfully, because I start to give in. After all, I know that I won't make anyone angry if I don't keep my promise to myself, although it seems that the promises made to myself should be the most important.
Therefore, I do not set any very serious and significant goals, but I always try to experiment with my possibilities. I wouldn't call myself a coward, but I'm not Batman either. I would rate myself at six.
Tell us what challenge you took on and what were the rules?
This time I decided to get over my bad habit and go a whole week without sweets. I gave up sweets, cookies, muffins, ice cream, chocolate and all kinds of treats.
This was a big challenge for me because, as I said, I need sweets every day.
And why did you choose this challenge?
I set such a goal, because I often decided to "not control sweets from Monday" and did not pick anything. I thought that by making a commitment not only to myself, but also to Daniel, I could focus my will and not give in to temptation.
In addition, I want to improve my diet a little, so I try to get rid of bad habits.
Overall, how did you go about achieving your goal?
This goal was difficult to achieve. I felt an overwhelming need for sweets and could not satisfy it. I had to look for alternatives, so I rediscovered dried fruit and nuts.
It's true, until I found them in the store, I had to go around it maybe three times, because until then my route passed by that shelf...
Every day there were endless temptations lurking around and it took willpower to overcome them.
What stood in your way the most? What did you do when it was hard?
In the first days, I would gasp and drool when I accidentally saw a picture of a treat. I kept passing by some bakery and smelled the tempting aroma, and my friends were generous, as if on purpose, and kept offering to try grandma's buns or apple pie.
Every time I found myself in such a situation, I remembered what I promised. An image of a mustachioed uncle would pop up in my mind, I would smile and tell myself that I couldn't give up.
Then I would say NO out loud to myself and others and go do something.
How did you feel after completing the challenge? And what did you learn from it?
It's good that my "NO" was stronger than the temptations. I didn't expect to last a whole week. I achieved even more than I wanted - my eating habits improved, I discovered new shelves in the store.
I realized that I have a will, because sometimes it looked different. I also learned that all habits can be overcome if they don't break your will first.
Do you have any advice for people who want to repeat or surpass your adventure?
My adventure is not so colorful, but quite useful. For those who want to give up sweets, I advise them to develop willpower and come up with a punishment for misdeeds (for example, doing some unpleasant work) and definitely carry it out. It motivates you not to give up, and if you stumble, at least you will have done a good job.
Soooooo… What challenge will you take on now? Already have ideas or secret desires?
I really promise to take on more challenges. Since I've already started with nutrition, maybe I need to go on physical activity adventures as well... Future challenges will definitely be related to willpower development, experimentation and tangible benefits for me.
I also have a secret goal, but that's why they're called secret, so you don't tell anyone about them. 😉
Thank you for conversation, Adjacent!
It was quite interesting, although perhaps a little lacking in detail. But that's okay, maybe someone else who will take on a similar challenge will have a chance to tell about it from their side.
It is true, readers, I remember that Daniel had written an article about a healthier life and how to change your habits using the small steps method and the architecture of choices.
...And, you know, if you don't have sweets with you or they are in the farthest corner of the closet, you won't want them so much, because you simply won't think about them and you won't be annoyed by the thought that all you have to do is reach out and the blissful sweetness will melt in your mouth. Brilliant, right?
Also, breaking the challenge into parts - first allocating one week for the development of the will, and then deciding to live differently for a longer period of time - is probably also a good idea?
Well, however, I will not give up my habits. Although Greta's challenge is good, I don't need one. My weight goes to… Well, I don't know where it goes, but I haven't gained a gram. I'm fine.
However, if you want to lose weight or at least cut down on your sweets bill, I invite you, my dear readers, to try this challenge too! Whoever decides to try it - raise yours hooves hands!
By the way, would you also like to give an interview about your challenge? You can do it. Just write a letter to contact@debesyla.lt and I will send the questions.
And if you need help in carrying out or preparing for the challenge - try Daniel's "Gūsis". Even a commitment of five euros is sometimes more than enough. Similar to what happened in the case of Greta.
it's yours
Pig Antanas