Challenge Yourself With a Streak!

It takes several weeks to create a new habit, or make your new stretch your comfort zone. One thing that helped me significantly, was to create a goal surrounding the practice of physical activity each day. I chose to do yoga every day, and it didn't matter to me whether I did 1 sun salutation or 2 hours of yoga, it would qualify as meeting my goal. The goal for a streak should be something, that regardless of the external context (rain or shine) or internal context (sick or healthy), you can complete. Keep it simple!

I used an app, called Streaks, to track my progress each day. For $4.99 on IOS devices, this app allows you to track multiple behaviors and sends reminders each day to help you stay on track. There is something very motivating about not wanting to break the streak. Even when I was sick, I would reflect on my number - especially when it started to get high, that I did not want to lose my momentum and progress. It was very important that I had a goal that was do-able in all contexts; like I said, some days, I would do 2 hours of physical activity. Some days 10 minutes was all I could muster. But I was still keeping my "streak".

I loved practicing yoga for many reasons. There are huge health benefits. It teaches you lessons for body, mind, and spirit. It was something I had always loved. But, one of the more motivating aspects but also because I could see massive progress across time.

This was Day 75. My tree, warrior, and dancer. I loved the fact that I could do yoga, no matter what my body size or type. That yoga is all about self-acceptance, internal focus, and non-judgment. It's not about the "perfect" pose - that is actually a very westernized understanding of yoga. It is about  healthy progression in all areas: physical, mental, AND spiritual. I felt strong in these poses and proud of my progress here.

On Day 100, I could see some major progress in form and strength. I loved the flexibility that I was getting back into my body, and feeling stronger each day.

At 150 days, I was thrilled to be able to do a wheel - I had been trying for at least 50 days to do this move and could not. It was also the first time I could do a full lotus.

At 175 days, I was able to do more advanced postures - and even though they were a struggle, I was proud - I think this is the first picture that you can see my smile while practicing! These took so much effort and focus - I usually look very serious!

At 200 days, I was attempting harder postures and although I couldn't quite get all of them - it was tremendous progress.

At 225 days, I felt a huge burst forward. Doing advanced postures, strength postures, and my hips were open with a release of emotion that had come from some deep psychological work as well. 

At 250 days, I was able to do some binds and hand balancing postures that would have landed me on my face when I first started practicing. These took lots of effort and focus, but it was so meaningful to me to keep seeing progress.

At 275 days, I hadn't been practicing these. In fact, they were my first attempts. It showed me that my flexibility and adaptability was getting better and my willingness to try something new and different (physically) was also getting stronger. 

At 300 days, I did 3 poses - 2 that didn't look all that difficult, but were such a challenge!! The bound balancing posture (top right) is a challenge in focus and flexibility. The forward bending eagle throws you off balance when you try to put your elbows on your knee. And for the first time, my palms lined up.

The streaks philosophy kept me motivated to keep going when I felt tired, unmotivated, sick, sad, stressed. It was a good motivator to think - just do 5 minutes, and then to realize that it was helping. It helped me get healthier, quicker. It made me more balanced, more calm, more aware. Being able to see the progress with the pictures, helped me see how much my daily efforts were paying off. It made a big difference, and I could see it in each photograph that I took.

I am off to go practice yoga for consecutive day 322, but I want to supply this tool for those who are on any kind of wellness journey, whether it is one of self-love (say something nice about yourself every day), health (eating 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day), or physical activity. Incorporate a streak into your routine and reflect on your progress either through pictures or journaling. It may just change your life.