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Jenny Zurawell
Brooklyn, NY
United States

TED Open Translation Project, Translation Operations Manager, TED

TED Staff TED Attendee TED Translator Associate

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Alright everyone, what big and crazy or small, sustainable things will you try for 30 days?

Matt Cutts said, "Think about something you've always wanted to add to your life and try it for the next 30 days. It turns out, 30 days is just about the right amount of time to add a new habit or subtract a habit ... from your life."

What will you do?

This conversation is open for 30 days ;)

Related Talks:

Matt Cutts: Try something new for 30 days

Topics: challenges change fun life

+15

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Fernando Camberos
- +1
Jul 28 2011: Pic or video of the most creative moment of the day, people solving problems or accomplishing something in a different way! Lets see if I/they are up for the challenge!
Jason Lilly
- +1
Jul 27 2011: I joined Weight Watchers with my wife. My next goal is to learn to play the guitar.
Lace Nguyen 100+
- +5
TED Translator Associate

Jul 25 2011: Has anyone done the Tumblr 30 days writing challenge? It starts by writing 15 facts about yourself, concludes with 'What have you learned about yourself in the last month?' on day 29 and 'Who are you?' on day 30. Recommend it to anyone who wants to gain insight into themselves or simply writes for fun. This is the greatest thing about keeping a blog: writing your diary with the desire to be overheard.
Eman Khereba 500+
- +2
TEDx Organizer

Jul 24 2011: I'll learn how to draw caricatures ????:)
Jacqueline Chase
- +1
Jul 22 2011: I have to admit, keeping it up every day has not been easy. But I watched this one: http://www.ted.com/talks/tim_harford.html

It's good to remember: sometimes trial and error can be painful and hard, but through that constant examination, you will eventually find out what does work. So if you missed a day or too, think back to what happend on the days that helped you accomplish your goal and realize what happened that prevented you from moving forward.

Hang in there gang!
Kyo young Chu 500+
- +1
TED Attendee TED Translator TEDx Organizer

Jul 15 2011: i started not visiting any kind of fun web site cause i waste my time on there.... its day 3, working totally fine! LET'S KEEP OUR MOTIVATIONS!!
Zoe Sotet
- +1
Jul 14 2011: It's just a small thing but I have a bad track record of keeping at things so baby steps. I'm doing 30 sit ups a day for 30 days. I'm on day 6 so far.

At the same time I'm watching at least 1 TED talk a day for 30 days. But that's not hard.

My first TED comment Woo :D
Lynne Rees
- +1
Jul 13 2011: Thanks to a friend, Bob Merckel, a group of 30 Dayers have just started here:
http://our-thirty.blogspot.com/
We are walking, looking, writing, swimming, running, taking photos, meditating, giving up bread... and generally being wonderfully conscious : )
Big thanks to Matt Cutts.
Comment deleted
- Jimmy Strobl 50+
  - 0
  TED Translator
  
  Jul 13 2011: So... After checking your profile Adam, I must say that I find both of your comments FUBAR...
  
  Edit: What's funny is that I only thought him a fool, now I see he is a powerful one! :P
Xiang Li
- +2
TED Translator

Jul 11 2011: no TV for 30 days. It's been a week s far and i really don't miss it!
melissa Baumgart
- +2
Jul 11 2011: My blog partner and I do something new every month. At the beginning of a year, we come up with 6 new things each, then we have to try all 12 over the course of a year. It is great, because you get to try things you may never have thought of yourself, and you have someone to do everything with. We blog for fun and for accountability. This month is "Memorize and recite a classic poem." Check out what we are up to at www.goodluckwiththat1.blogspot.com
It's fun to see what other people are doing for 30 days here too.
thanks! Melissa
- Simone Lackerbauer 100+
  - 0
  Host TED Translator Associate
  
  Jul 12 2011: That's a great project and fun to read! What was the most interesting/challenging/fun experience so far?
  - melissa Baumgart
    
    0
    Jul 13 2011: Hi Simone. I replied, but the comment ended up a few comments above this spot. Hope you find it and thanks again for checking out our blog!
  - melissa Baumgart
    
    +1
    Jul 13 2011: Thank so much, Simone! Sometimes it is the anticipation of something I am afraid of, like our up coming backpacking month. But so far, one of my favorite months was Yoga month, where I discovered a love for Bikram yoga. It was inspiring, motivating, life-changing and totally a surprise. One of the most challenging was making my own dress, from a pattern. I hated the sewing, but that was over a year ago, and I still get compliments on the dress whenever I wear it.
    Thanks for checking out my blog! And so glad you enjoy reading it...
    You could memorize a poem with us, I find the hardest part of that so far is choosing one and sticking to it.
    -Melissa (I copied and posted it here, so hope you get a chance to see it!)
Alexander Shand
- +1
Jul 11 2011: I have started positive thinking in all aspects of my life. Any time I feel a negative thought popping up to spoil my day I simply turn it around and find the positive in any situation even if it is that something has been a learning experience.
Torren Lee
- +1
Jul 11 2011: Starting this Thursday, on my twenty-third birthday, I will start on a 30 day journey to try something new every day for 30 days.
Jimmy Strobl 50+
- +1
TED Translator

Jul 10 2011: I completely forgot about this... http://www.ted.com/talks/derek_sivers_keep_your_goals_to_yourself.html

Edit: This short talk is about keeping your goals to yourself, Derek says that you'll have a smaller chance of achieving them if you talk about them... What's everyone's thoughts on that?
- Debra Smith 200+
  - 0
  Jul 11 2011: I am not sure what to think about this Jimmy. I remember considering it when I saw the talk. I wonder how much actual research went into his assertions. I do see his point but I also think that confiding in others helps to cement our resolve if we are really interested in doing it but teetering.
  - Jimmy Strobl 50+
    
    0
    TED Translator
    
    Jul 11 2011: Yeah, I'm a bit skeptical towards the amount of research that went into it as well... I've also been thinking that there might be a huge difference between simply saying it and putting it in writing on TED.
    
    Might there also be a difference in what people can prove and what they can't? Will people who say that they will quit smoking have less chance then people who say that they are going to write a novel?
    - Debra Smith 200+
      
      0
      
      Jul 13 2011: The evidence on smoking is clear. People who keep trying eventually win the smoking battle. I think that once you start writing, especially with the broad base of knowledge that you have gained, you will be successful, if not in 30 days- eventually. Believe in yourself!
  - Jimmy Strobl 50+
    
    +2
    TED Translator
    
    Jul 13 2011: I quit smoking 3 years ago, it took a lot of mental preparation though...
- Cesar Rossi
  - 0
  Jul 12 2011: Keep all your things to yourself! Naturaly, things come up! I totally agree......Now, about the smoking and novel thing, I have no ideia dude! :)
- Nick Roe
  - 0
  Jul 12 2011: I believe it is a matter of how you get things done and your self discipline. Some people keep their goals to themselves but are slack about holding themselves to it. They wait for when things are a bit better before they start or they tell themselves they can't/shouldn't for various reasons.
  
  It would be best to try both methods. Some of us feel we haven't accomplished much on our own thus having someone hold us accountable would be better. Though, as he said in the talk, you can't just say your goal; you have to ask them to hold you accountable and know they are someone who will be positive/encouraging (a negative comment near the start will really kill your drive). And vice versa: if you normally tell others your goals but don't do much then keep it to yourself and hold yourself to it
Cesar Rossi
- +3
Jul 10 2011: Day 23. Hi, today I decided to check a older one, but one of the best ever!!! http://www.ted.com/talks/jill_bolte_taylor_s_powerful_stroke_of_insight.html
still rocking my mind!!!
- Jimmy Strobl 50+
  - +1
  TED Translator
  
  Jul 11 2011: It's one of the "10 must watch" according to TED on Facebook.
  - Cesar Rossi
    
    0
    Jul 12 2011: Nice....indeed!! Tell me about another one in this list, maybe there is something to see!! ;)
- Jacqueline Chase
  - 0
  Jul 22 2011: Absolutely amazing!! Love it :-)
Gill Lauder
- 0
Jul 10 2011: Regulate my sleeping patterns. Go to bed ay 11pm and get up before 7am. I generally have no problem sleeping (only a problem getting up) - but my go to bed time and getting up time varies dramatically over the week - despite the fact that I work 9-5.30 Mon to Fri. I am interested to see what impact (if any) this will have on my life.
徐雯
- +2
Jul 10 2011: i am an english learner, speak english fluently is one of my dream, but sometimes learning english is boring, i can't keep study every day . after watching this i want to join the 30-day plan, i'll study english two hours every day for a month.
- Debra Smith 200+
  - +2
  Jul 11 2011: Why not just commit to discussions on TED for an hour a day, every day. We will all help you and it will be more fun!
Susan Biali
- +1
Jul 10 2011: I've started running. As a child, I despised it and assumed that state was permanent. Turns out that I LOVE it!!!
- Alexander Shand
  - 0
  Jul 11 2011: I have started running more frequently now also. I have to remain fit for the job that I do however I found it very difficult to motivate myself to run alone in my own time. Just recently I decided that I was going to run a half marathon this year and a full marathon next year and I now find myself actually WANTING to go out for a run after work.
  I think that this shows us that if we have a goal to achieve we will always be motivated towards that goal.
  This might help anybody who is struggling to stick at something for 30 days!
  - Susan Biali
    
    0
    Jul 11 2011: Yes, it's rather amazing what happens when you do something new - something that you have some good reason to want to do - for a few days and it starts becoming a habit. Today while out for what has now become my daily run (I actually really do more of a run/walk/run rhythm to get my body to agree to this big change), I was amazed to find that I'd run really far without needing to take a break. I'd started thinking about something that distracted me and when I came back into the "real world" I was amazed to find how far I'd gone without noticing or struggling! I'm just loving it.
    - Alexander Shand
      
      0
      
      Jul 11 2011: I find that audio books have that same effect
Simone Lackerbauer 100+
- 0
Host TED Translator Associate

Jul 10 2011: How is everyone doing so far? WHen I read all the posts, I thought that those who only had one or two things on their agenda would most likely be more successful than those with a huge list of things. What do you think?

I think I have been successful so far, I am biking and swimming a lot (which is my current interpretation of "going out for no particular reason at all") and working on my research project (the atmosphere here on campus makes this a very easy thing to do).
- Debra Smith 200+
  - +1
  Jul 11 2011: Hey Simone! My update is that I just bought new walking shoes because I have just passed the 100 km mark in the last 2 weeks to keep my commitment. I had become very senditary after my surgery and getting out walking is really a positive step (so to speak!)
- Debra Smith 200+
  - +1
  Jul 22 2011: Simone! I kept my promise to myself and i have walked to the library at least 5 times a week for a month. That is 8 km round trip and it feels great even now that the heat is over 100 degrees F. Today I bought a sun hat along the route and I plan to keep it up!
  - Simone Lackerbauer 100+
    
    0
    Host TED Translator Associate
    
    Jul 22 2011: Hi Debra! That sounds great and I think it is really motivating for others to see that these simple things can work and make a change. I am going swimming every day and enjoying this small break in my daily routine. It really helps me to focus on what's important and to clear my head. The fact that it's summer probably also helps... personally, I think my motivation is higher in the summer. What does everyone else think: does the season play an important role regarding our moods and motivations?
Cecilia Acha
- 0
Jul 9 2011: I have already started a painting. With the help of my husband I´m painting the sea with some colourful boats. I hope I will finish it by the 6th next month and I will give it to my mother as a present. I am also playing the guitar two hours a day because I want to learn two or three new songs
Anthony Martin
- +1
Jul 9 2011: Meditation, something that I have been on and off about for the past 6 months, but this will be the month that it sticks. Here's to getting 10 minutes each day of meditating in. Good luck to the rest of you, I read many great ones!
Matt Lane
- 0
Jul 9 2011: Creativity happens when there’s an unstable situation in when old habits cant be repeated.

Always working or eroding habits and reconditioning and reconstituting myself.

:-)
Brad Wellings
- 0
Jul 9 2011: During uni I would give up one thing every April. I'm sorry to say I didnt continue it. Things included....

1. Beer - which was substituted for other forms of alcohol (a small bend in the rules)
2. Chocolate - which I found surprisingly easy
3. Bread - which was almost impossible when restricted to a students weekly shopping budget

... For my next I'm thinking of ADDING a journal to remember my own lessons learnt and record the good things in life (unfortunately I'm a natural pessimist and tend to let the small meaningless bad things shadow so much good). I hope to share some with TED when I reach that unforeseen milestone
Samuel Jordan
- +1
Jul 8 2011: I really am considering writing a novel in 30 days! I have always wanted to have a go and saying, just 30 days helps get one over the....yeah he we go, I'll start now....write a page and never do it again!

For I think it really helps get out of routine, especially if like me you work 9-5. You can just go to work, do your bit there and then find yourself writing a novel or going for a run each night. Seriously great stuff!
Guy Warnock
- +2
Jul 8 2011: Everyone should try incorporating exercise into their daily routine (if they are able) such as to and from work, or part thereof.

This is truly sustainable. Going to the gym is often predicated on availability after all the 'important' stuff, like your career, is taken care of. I get the train to work but have to walk to the station first. The upshot? You feel better, fitter and are therefore more likely to commit to 'that gym membership' later. Looking back at my youth I feel bad that I could even get out of bed before 11am - now I get up before five to make the walk and feel better for it! Who would have thought...

I am constantly disappointed by people I know who drive their cars short distances purely out of habit, like 200m to get milk. If you're able then make it a habit, not a chore!

Humans were never meant to be so reliant on technology, such as cars... We have to take into account this basic, everyday fact to begin to be truly sustainable once more.

One last point: don't rest from your fitness routine on Saturday or Sunday. These are perfect days to exercise as they are 'days off' to most people. Instead, have a rest on Tuesday and Thursday when your middle of the week morale is at its lowest and you actually could do with an early night...
- Marcelo Melo
  - 0
  Jul 11 2011: Your final suggestion made me think, because I am one of those who have a rest during the weekend instead of during the week.
  
  Let me just share with you something about your idea about having to drive 200m to get something: I believe that some people are convinced that sports and exercise should be done strictly at gyms and using any sort of exercising equipment or machines. This leads to a hardness to realise that exercise is not using equipment, but to move, to walk, to run, to pick something and leave the other side of the street.
Warren Barrett
- 0
Jul 8 2011: Hey Jacqueline. Well I started on a raw diet a month ago, and it has been going very well. So I decided to take it a step further and exclude processed foods from my diet. It's been a couple days so far, we'll see..:)
Shelley Seale
- 0
Jul 7 2011: Hi everyone, what a great talk!
I actually started my own 30 Days at a Time project at the first of this year. You can see my blog about it:
http://30days2011.wordpress.com

For the entire year of 2011, every 30 days I am doing a new challenge, My current one is eating local for 30 days. Previous challenges I have completed include:

Meditating every day
Living Sustainably
Giving or Volunteering
Wearing 6 Items of Clothing only
Happiness Project

It's been a very interesting journey, and it's right on target that doing something for 30 days is the time needed to really learn from it and incorporate it into your life. I am still using many of the principles and habits that I got into with my previous experiments.

Looking here for some more great ideas to finish the year with!
Shelley

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