The Best Challenge to Change Your Life
Do you ever quit when things get tough? Struggle with consistency? Feel like you lack discipline? Maybe there’s a habit or addiction that you just can’t seem to break.
Canadian Psychologist Albert Bandura says, “in order to build self-efficacy, one must achieve small wins. The most powerful way to build it is through success.”
I’ve been there and I found a straightforward challenge that completely changed my life. And the best part? It works for anyone—whether you're 8, 18, or even 80.
First, you need to understand the 80/20 Rule.
Have you ever noticed that a small group of people seem to have the most success? That’s called the 80/20 Rule—20% of people control 80% of the money, the best 20% of athletes earn 80% of the money in a league, or on the flip side, 20% of bad habits (social media) cause 80% of your wasted time.
So, how do you take advantage and get yourself to the top 20%? The secret isn’t working harder—it’s self-discipline.
Daily Habits That Only the Top 20% Would Do
All you have to do is commit to doing something that most people don’t do—every single day. That’s it.
Look at the people around you. What are the things the bottom 80% don’t do daily?
Here are some examples just to name a few from beginner to the most advanced:
✅ Making your bed (Self-Esteem)
✅ Eating an apple a day (Health)
✅ Reading for 30 minutes every day (Developmental)
✅ Meditating or Journaling (Mindfulness)
✅ Running or working out in the morning (Physical)
✅ Cold shower to start your day (Mental)
“Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become.” – James Clear
Most people won’t do these things consistently on a daily basis. That’s why the small percentage who do—win.
The Hardest Part: Making It a Habit
Whenever you complete a task or a goal you’ve set for yourself, your brain releases dopamine which is the brain’s “reward chemical.” Breaking a habit reduces dopamine release, making it harder to feel motivated to restart.
The challenge? Pick one and DO NOT MISS A DAY. No excuses. No “I’ll do it tomorrow.” If you do happen to miss a day, forgive yourself but NO BACK TO BACKS. What do Lebron James, Steph Curry, and Kobe Bryant have in common? They never have 2 bad games in a row.
My Challenge: Cold Showers Every Morning
I wanted to test my discipline, so I picked something I knew would be hard: taking a cold shower every morning. It sucked at first. Every morning, I wanted to quit. But I didn’t. Now, over a year later, I haven’t missed a single day.
Study showed that it could take anywhere from 18 to 254 days depending on the person and the complexity of the habit. For me, it took 3 months. I’m at the point where I would take my cold showers even when I have a 102-degree fever. That’s when you know you’re somewhat of a badass and you have formed an unshakable habit.
And guess what? After building that habit, everything else got easier. I quit caffeine. I quit alcohol. I quit watching porn. I quit masturbation. I quit putting up with people who made me feel I was not enough. I broke bad habits and addictions I never thought I could.
The Ripple Effect: One Habit Changes Everything
Once you prove to yourself that you can stick to one habit, your confidence skyrockets. You start stacking more good habits. You stop doubting yourself. You become unstoppable.
There’s a quote by Jamie Kern Lima:
"You can’t be anything you want, but you can be everything you are."
So, I challenge you—pick one habit. One thing most people don’t do. And commit to doing it every single day for A YEAR (365 Days Straight). Even if it’s as little as eating an apple a day.
Then watch how your life changes.
Are you up for the challenge? Drop a comment and let me know which habit you’re choosing!
