Walk it Out WEEK 7: Task 35

WALK IT OUT

At some point today, make time to go for a walk. Doesn't matter where or when, just schedule some time for you to take a walk. Walk to lunch, around the block, neighborhood, track, or up your office building stairs. (ok that might be pushing it) But seriously, grab a co-worker, friend, kids, significant other or go alone...just get those legs moving! While you're walking, I want you to think about the new you and how every step you take is a step closer to becoming the person you're envisioning. Remember to breathe consistently as you're walking.

35 = +2 points for completing

Journal Questions:

After you complete this task - Go to the quiet space you've created for your self, take 3 deep breaths, read the below questions and journal about everything that comes to mind. Don't think too hard...just write as if you were talking on the phone to a friend.

1. How did you feel as you were getting prepared for your walk?

2. What thoughts were traveling through your mind?

3. What next steps for yourself did you come up with on your walk?

"Keep the faith, keep making it happen and remember to always stay out of your own way!"

Jack A. Daniels is a best-selling author, speaker, syndicated columnist and counselor. Jack can be contacted for interviews, speaking engagements, questions or comments concerning this blog and/or project @ http://www.presspause.org/

Get Up and Get Out WEEK 7: Task 34

GET UP AND GET OUT

Today's task involves breaking your normal routine by going to visit a friend or relative you haven't seen in a while for whatever reason. Maybe you've been too busy with work, family, kids, school, your drama, or any other excuse you can think of, but today you're going to visit. I'm not putting a time limit on this task, but I am requiring you to make the time for a visit today. You've been putting this off for too long and today is the day to pick up the phone so you can get up and get out!

34 = +2 points for completing

Journal Questions:

After you complete this task - Go to the quiet space you've created for your self, take 3 deep breaths, read the below questions and journal about everything that comes to mind. Don't think too hard...just write as if you were talking on the phone to a friend.

1. How did you feel before, during and after this task?

2. What kept you away so long?

3. How did it make you feel to get out and reconnect?

"Keep the faith, keep making it happen and remember to always stay out of your own way!"

Jack A. Daniels is a best-selling author, speaker, syndicated columnist and counselor. Jack can be contacted for interviews, speaking engagements, questions or comments concerning this blog and/or project @ http://www.presspause.org/

Thank You's WEEK 7: Task 33

THANK YOU's

For today's task, physically find 5 people you know or don't know and ask them to tell you 3 positive things about you. Don't give them anything to say, just ask them their thoughts about you. Your job as they're stating these wonderful words is to say nothing. The ONLY words you're allowed to say are, "Thank you." They're going ask you why you're asking them to state these things, but you're ONLY allowed to nod your head in agreement, smile and cordially say, "Thank you." This may be hard for some of you because you're used to always explaining your actions, but today is your day to just receive a few compliments.

33 = +2 points for completing

Journal Questions:

After you complete this task - Go to the quiet space you've created for your self, take 3 deep breaths, read the below questions and journal about everything that comes to mind. Don't think too hard...just write as if you were talking on the phone to a friend.

1. How did you feel before you asked your first person?

2. How did you feel about just saying thank you and nothing else?

3. How did it make you feel to hear such good things about yourself?

"Keep the faith, keep making it happen and remember to always stay out of your own way!"

Jack A. Daniels is a best-selling author, speaker, syndicated columnist and counselor. Jack can be contacted for interviews, speaking engagements, questions or comments concerning this blog and/or project @ http://www.presspause.org/

Old School Dance Off WEEK 7: Task 32

OLD SCHOOL DANCE OFF

You need to get those bones active again, but we need to ease into it. So today is your day to take it back to the old school baby! Sometime today, your task is to turn on some music and for AT LEAST 3 minutes, break it down by doing a MINIMUM of 3 old school dances! The hustle, smurf, whop, funky chicken, prep, butterfly, twist, snake, the running man or whatEVER your non-dancing soul tries to do! Lol Don't try to be cute..BREAK IT DOWN girl! I need you give this your best shot. If you do this in front of other people, give yourself an EXTRA point for today's task! Have fun and don't hurt anything or anybody! ;)

Task 32 = +2 points for completing

Journal Questions:

After you complete this task - Go to the quiet space you've created for your self, take 3 deep breaths, read the below questions and journal about everything that comes to mind. Don't think too hard...just write as if you were talking on the phone to a friend.

1. What dances did you choose to do?

2. How did you feel as you were breaking it down?

3. How long did you keep the party going and how did you feel afterwards?

"Keep the faith, keep making it happen and remember to always stay out of your own way!"

Jack A. Daniels is a best-selling author, speaker, syndicated columnist and counselor. Jack can be contacted for interviews, speaking engagements, questions or comments concerning this blog and/or project @ http://www.presspause.org/

Say Cheeeez! WEEK 7: Task 31

SAY CHEEEEZ!

Today, find a camera or use your phone to take a picture of yourself. Not of you posing or anything. Take a picture of just your smile. No other parts of your face should be included. The primary focus is that beautiful smile that lights up the room everytime anyone sees it. When you've taken a few shots and have the perfect one, print it out or post it somewhere you'll be able to see it the entire week. Hang it up in your cubicle, upload to your social media profile, on your bathroom mirror, on the frige, or wherever! Just make sure it's in a place that's visible and convenient. Everyday this week 3 times a day, I need you to look at the picture of your smile and do the polite thing by genuinely smiling back. :)

Task 31 = +2 points for completing

Journal Questions:

After you complete this task - Go to the quiet space you've created for your self, take 3 deep breaths, read the below questions and journal about everything that comes to mind. Don't think too hard...just write as if you were talking on the phone to a friend.

1. What did it feel seeing a picture of your smile?

2. What would one of your friends say about your picture?

"Keep the faith, keep making it happen and remember to always stay out of your own way!"

Jack A. Daniels is a best-selling author, speaker, syndicated columnist and counselor. Jack can be contacted for interviews, speaking engagements, questions or comments concerning this blog and/or project @ http://www.presspause.org/

Me, Myself, and I WEEK 6: Task 30

ME, MYSELF, AND I

You've been hiding from yourself and everyone else for awhile for whatever reasons. It's time to get some fresh air. Today, do something you used to do and haven't done in a long time. Workout, goto the movies, get a massage, pedicure, take a hot bath, call in sick, a prank phone call, church, whatever! Just make sure the focus is of interest to you and not someone else. Today is your day. See what it feels like again to do what you enjoy. Have fun and try not to get into TOO much trouble!

Task 30 = +2 points for completing

Journal Questions:

After you complete this task - Go to the quiet space you've created for your self, take 3 deep breaths, read the below questions and journal about everything that comes to mind. Don't think too hard...just write as if you were talking on the phone to a friend.

1. What did you do and how did it feel?

2. What's kept you from doing this for so long?

3. What memories did doing this task bring out?

"Keep the faith, keep making it happen and remember to always stay out of your own way!"

Jack A. Daniels is a best-selling author, speaker, syndicated columnist and counselor. Jack can be contacted for interviews, speaking engagements, questions or comments concerning this blog and/or project @ http://www.presspause.org/

Shop Til You Drop WEEK 6: Task 29

SHOP TIL YOU DROP

This is definitely the easiet task you'll EVER receive from me! Sigh...here it goes..."Buy it." Whatever it is you've had your eye on and haven't purchased because...today is the day. Stop rationalizing about it and buy it. Nope...no buts, just go buy it. If you haven't been eyeing something, goto the mall and buy something nice for yourself. Not for the kids, not for the significant other, just you. Today is your day! So stop reading and start figuring out what and when you're going to go get it! :-)

Task 29 = +2 points for completing

Journal Questions:

After you complete this task - Go to the quiet space you've created for your self, take 3 deep breaths, read the below questions and journal about everything that comes to mind. Don't think too hard...just write as if you were talking on the phone to a friend.

1. What did you buy and how did it feel to bring it home?

2. What took you so long to buy it?

3. How long do you think this purchase is going to make you feel the way you feel?

"Keep the faith, keep making it happen and remember to always stay out of your own way!"

Jack A. Daniels is a best-selling author, speaker, syndicated columnist and counselor. Jack can be contacted for interviews, speaking engagements, questions or comments concerning this blog and/or project @ http://www.presspause.org/

I Love Me Some Me WEEK 6: Task 28

I LOVE ME SOME ME

This is one of my favorites, but also a very hard one. Relax and stare at yourself in the mirror in silence for 5 minutes. Observe everything. Notice the freckles, the grey hairs, laugh lines, skintone, curves, everything that makes you unique and who you are. Next, verbally have a conversation with the woman in the mirror about what you DO and DON'T like about her. This is going to feel a little wierd, but trust me it's worth it. After you've said your do's and don'ts, take 4 deep breaths, look yourself directly in the eyes and repeat this phrase 4 times, "I love you for who you are." 

Task 28 = +2 points for completing

Journal Questions:
After you complete this task - Go to the quiet space you've created for your self, take 3 deep breaths, read the below questions and journal about everything that comes to mind. Don't think too hard...just write as if you were talking on the phone to a friend.


1. How did you feel before, during and after this task?
2. What imperfections about yourself bother you the most? 

3. How hard was it for you to say I love you? 

"Keep the faith, keep making it happen and remember to always stay out of your own way!"

Jack A. Daniels is a best-selling author, speaker, syndicated columnist and counselor. Jack can be contacted for interviews, speaking engagements, questions or comments concerning this blog and/or project @ http://www.presspause.org/

Delete the Distractions WEEK 6: Task 27

DELETE THE DISTRACTIONS

Time for some house cleaning! Time to get rid of everything and everyone who doesn't add value to your life. This may be hard, but first things first...DELETE HIS/HER/THEIR NUMBER! You know the one I'm talking about. And don't you dare say but, "What if...?" If you're moving forward, you can't keep looking backwards! 2. Delete and/or take down ALL pictures that remind you of whoever or whatever moments. You don't have to throw them away, but they definitely need to be stored out of sight. 3. Same thing goes for emails, letters, cards, gifts, and anything else that can be associated with the old you. 4. Replace the empty spaces with items that serve as positive reminders of where you're heading. Anything from pictures, key phrases, vision boards, or whatever motivates you to keep moving in the right direction. 

Task 27 = +2 points for completing

Journal Questions:
After you complete this task - Go to the quiet space you've created for your self, take 3 deep breaths, read the below questions and journal about everything that comes to mind. Don't think too hard...just write as if you were talking on the phone to a friend.


1. How did you feel before, during and after this task?
2. What things have been distracting you the most? 

3. How hard was it for you to delete some of your distractions? 

"Keep the faith, keep making it happen and remember to always stay out of your own way!"

Jack A. Daniels is a best-selling author, speaker, syndicated columnist and counselor. Jack can be contacted for interviews, speaking engagements, questions or comments concerning this blog and/or project @ http://www.presspause.org/

What would You Do? WEEK 6: Task 26

WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

Today, take a few minutes to relax and reflect. Take a piece of paper and draw a line down the middle. If your life could be whatever you wanted it to be, what would it look like? Think about that question and on one side write about "what the good life looks like to you." Don't be bashful about dreaming BIG! Be as detailed oriented as possible; these are your dreams and no one elses. On the other side, write about all the things stopping you from living that dream.

Task 26 = +2 points for completing

Journal Questions:
After you complete this task - Go to the quiet space you've created for your self, take 3 deep breaths, read the below questions and journal about everything that comes to mind. Don't think too hard...just write as if you were talking on the phone to a friend.


1. How did you feel before, during and after this task? 

2. How hard was it for you to see yourself in such a positive way? 

"Keep the faith, keep making it happen and remember to always stay out of your own way!"

Jack A. Daniels is a best-selling author, speaker, syndicated columnist and counselor. Jack can be contacted for interviews, speaking engagements, questions or comments concerning this blog and/or project @ http://www.presspause.org/

Time for a Temper Tantrum WEEK 5: Task 5

TIME FOR A TEMPER TANTRUM

Today's task may not be easy for some of you, but please give it a try. You've been so disciplined and controlled lately it's time to lose it. The next time you're alone, I want you to have a good old fashion temper tantrum for 60 seconds. Kick, scream, yell, punch, pout, shake your hair, run, jump, fall out, growl or whatever melodramitic antics you can do to let it out! Make sure you use your whole body. (Think of a bad child who's horribly embarrassing his mother in the produce section of the grocery store) You need to be and act like that child today. This can be done in your car, closet, bathroom, garage, office wherever! Just make sure you're not disturbed while you're acting this out. While you're throwing your tantrum, think about whoever or whatever has hurt and held you hostage. For whatever reason, you haven't gotten your way so lose control and throw a temper tantrum about it just like the bad kid.   

Task 25 = +2 points for completing

Journal Questions:
After you complete this task - Go to the quiet space you've created for your self, take 3 deep breaths, read the below questions and journal about everything that comes to mind. Don't think too hard...just write as if you were talking on the phone to a friend.


1. What made you hesitant to do this task?

2. How did you feel before, during and after your tantrum?
3. How hard was it for you to lower your wall? 

"Keep the faith, keep making it happen and remember to always stay out of your own way!"

Jack A. Daniels is a best-selling author, speaker, syndicated columnist and counselor. Jack can be contacted for interviews, speaking engagements, questions or comments concerning this blog and/or project @ http://www.presspause.org/

Is it Really Easier to Tell a Stranger? WEEK 5: Task 24

IS IT REALLY EASIER TO TELL A STRANGER?

Today is going to very similar to yesterday except I'm going to push you a little more. Find a stranger and tell them your TRUE life story. It doesn't have to be the graphic version with every detail included, but it needs to be enough information so the stranger walks away knowing your tragedies, pains, successes and ultimately who you are. The stranger can be a co-worker you've never spoken to, someone in the grocery store, coffee shop, daycare, mall or wherever! Just make sure you let your wall down enough to tell someone your TRUE story. Also make sure you encourage the stranger to give feedback and ask questions. BIG task, but you can do it!

Task 24 = +2 points for completing

Journal Questions:
After you complete this task - Go to the quiet space you've created for your self, take 3 deep breaths, read the below questions and journal about everything that comes to mind. Don't think too hard...just write as if you were talking on the phone to a friend.


1. Who did you approach and why?

2. How did you feel before, during and after you told your story?
3. How hard was it for you to lower your wall? 

"Keep the faith, keep making it happen and remember to always stay out of your own way!"

Jack A. Daniels is a best-selling author, speaker, syndicated columnist and counselor. Jack can be contacted for interviews, speaking engagements, questions or comments concerning this blog and/or project @ http://www.presspause.org/

Tell Me a Secret WEEK 15: Task 23

TELL ME A SECRET

This is one of my favorite exercises, but it's also going to be one of the more challenging tasks for some of you. Pick a friend, partner, spouse or relative, sit them down and honestly tell them 3 things about yourself you've never shared before. Share something you've carried around with you for awhile and have been either too embarrassed, ashamed, guilty or afraid to share with anyone. Don't just share something on the surface or that's superficial, really lower your wall and reach for something you need to release. Make sure you're in a safe and comfortable space while you're sharing these things.

Task 23 = +2 point for completing

Journal Questions:
After you complete this task - Go to the quiet space you've created for your self, take 3 deep breaths, read the below questions and journal about everything that comes to mind. Don't think too hard...just write as if you were talking on the phone to a friend.


1. What secret has been holding you hostage the most?

2. How did you feel before, during and after you talked about your secret(s)?

3. How hard was it for you to lower your wall? 

"Keep the faith, keep making it happen and remember to always stay out of your own way!"

Jack A. Daniels is a best-selling author, speaker, syndicated columnist and counselor. Jack can be contacted for interviews, speaking engagements, questions or comments concerning this blog and/or project @ http://www.presspause.org/

Take Off the Cruise Controls WEEK 5: Task 22

TAKE OFF THE CRUISE CONTROLS

Today is no automation day. The task is to NOT use anything that automates something for you. If you use a remote control to turn the channels on your tv...you cannot use it today. Get up and change the channel. For all your phone calls, do not just punch the name or speed-dial #s; dial all the numbers manually. Changing radio stations in the car; do it manually. No microwave; cook something. No cutting & pasting on the computer; re-type it out. No shower; take a bath. No Electric toothbrush; breakout the ole manual one and BRUSH! No garage door opener when you come back home; park outside. No Toll way EZ passes; stop and pay. Get the point yet? Whatever things in your life have you on cruise control, think about them and do your best to NOT utilize them all day.

Task 22 = +2 point for completing

Journal Questions:
After you complete this task - Go to the quiet space you've created for your self, take 3 deep breaths, read the below questions and journal about everything that comes to mind. Don't think too hard...just write as if you were talking on the phone to a friend.


1. How did you feel as you were doing this task?

2. What was the most difficult thing you did without and why?

"Keep the faith, keep making it happen and remember to always stay out of your own way!"

Jack A. Daniels is a best-selling author, speaker, syndicated columnist and counselor. Jack can be contacted for interviews, speaking engagements, questions or comments concerning this blog and/or project @ http://www.presspause.org/

Relax, Relate, Release WEEK 5: Task 21

Theme: Who's in Control?

RELAX RELATE RELEASE

Today, take 5 minutes to center yourself. Sit up straight in your chair, close your eyes and take 5 deep breaths in and out. Try to count to 10 as you inhale and exhale. Clear your mind and think about relaxing and releasing. Forget about your drama, deadlines, kids, relationship, boss, finances, or anything that may be stressing you out right now. The only important thing is breathing and where you are right now. Do this exercise at least 3 times today. Pretty easy task, but make sure you get the full experience of relaxing, relating and releasing everything for those 5 minutes.

Task 20 = +2 point for completing

Journal Questions:
After you complete this task - Go to the quiet space you've created for your self, take 3 deep breaths, read the below questions and journal about everything that comes to mind. Don't think too hard...just write as if you were talking on the phone to a friend.


1. How did you feel as you were doing this task?

2. What was controlling your thoughts the most today?

"Keep the faith, keep making it happen and remember to always stay out of your own way!"

Jack A. Daniels is a best-selling author, speaker, syndicated columnist and counselor. Jack can be contacted for interviews, speaking engagements, questions or comments concerning this blog and/or project @ http://www.presspause.org/

Plant it and it Will Grow WEEK 4: Task 20

PLANT IT AND IT WILL GROW

This challenge is going to take a little more effort, but it's worth it. For this task, if you haven't already, you'll need to pick up a couple of supplies:

1. Go to Home Depot and purchase a packet of Viola (#8339) or Pansy (#8388) flower seeds. (Packet only cost $1.00)

2. Go to Home Depot and also purchase Jiffy Windowsill Greenhouse plant carton. (it looks like an empty egg carton) It's used to grow plants.

Once you've gotten your supplies, find a good spot for placement and simply follow the instructions to plant your seeds accordingly. Make sure you do what it takes to nuture and grow the flowers you've selected. I know, I know you've never been able to grow anything in your life! However, you will DEFINITELY succeed this time! The seeds you're planting are symbolic of the goals you've set for yourself so the same rules apply; Make it, Measure it and MEAN it!  

NOTE: If you don't have a Home Depot near you, goto your nearest floweral store.

Task 20 = +2 points for completing

Journal Questions:
After you complete this task - Go to the quiet space you've created for your self, take 3 deep breaths, read the below questions and journal about everything that comes to mind. Don't think too hard...just write as if you were talking on the phone to a friend.


1. How did you feel as you were doing this task?

2. How does it feel knowing that something you've planted will soon blossom?

"Keep the faith, keep making it happen and remember to always stay out of your own way!"

Jack A. Daniels is a best-selling author, speaker, syndicated columnist and counselor. Jack can be contacted for interviews, speaking engagements, questions or comments concerning this blog and/or project @ http://www.presspause.org/

Set Your Cell Phone for Success WEEK 4: Task 19

"Plant it and Will Grow"

Set Your Cell Phone for Success

Today, take your cell phone and set up reminders on your calendar for at least once a week about your Big 4 goals. Pick the same time and same day every week for the next 5 weeks. If you're not sure how to do this on your phone, find a kid, relative or someone who's not technology challenged and can plug this simple information in for you! If you don't have or carry a cell phone, set up the reminders on your computer's calendar. The truth is, you get busy, distracted, or will keep coming up with more excuses of why you can't... We need to make sure there's NO excuse for you to NOT focus on getting your Big 4 goals accomplished. Therefore, every reminder helps. The goal is YOUR goals! So let's keep making, measuring, and MEANING them!

Task 19 = +2 points for completing

Journal Questions:
After you complete this task - Go to the quiet space you've created for your self, take 3 deep breaths, read the below questions and journal about everything that comes to mind. Don't think too hard...just write as if you were talking on the phone to a friend.


1. How did you feel while setting your reminders?

2. Do you feel like they will help you stay on track?

"Keep the faith, keep making it happen and remember to always stay out of your own way!"

Jack A. Daniels is a best-selling author, speaker, syndicated columnist and counselor. Jack can be contacted for interviews, speaking engagements, questions or comments concerning this blog and/or project @ http://www.presspause.org/

It's Time to Step it Up WEEk 4: Task 18

"Plant it and it Will Grow"

IT'S TIME TO STEP IT UP

Today it's time to step it up. If you're going to develop and carry out a real plan for success, you have to have actionable steps that are going to get you closer to acheiving what and where you truly want to be. Under each of your Big 4, write at least 5 action steps necessary for accomplishing each goal. Also, find 1 picture of each goal that inspires you to keep moving towards that goal. Paste it in the appropriate goal quadrant. Your pictures can be from anywhere or of anything you like as long as they motivate you into action! Commit yourself to these goals and utilize this sheet as your blueprint for success.

Make it, Measure it and MEAN IT!....You Can Do It!

Task 18 = +2 points for completing

Journal Questions:
After you complete this task - Go to the quiet space you've created for your self, take 3 deep breaths, read the below questions and journal about everything that comes to mind. Don't think too hard...just write as if you were talking on the phone to a friend.

1. How did you feel while thinking about the action steps for your goals?

2. What did the pictures you selected symbolize for you?

"Keep the faith, keep making it happen and remember to always stay out of your own way!"

Jack A. Daniels is a best-selling author, speaker, syndicated columnist and counselor. Jack can be contacted for interviews, speaking engagements, questions or comments concerning this blog and/or project @ http://www.presspause.org/

My Commitment Contract WEEK 4: Task 17

Plant it and it Will Grow

MY COMMITMENT CONTRACT

It's contract day! Today, make it, measure it, and mean it! Yes...you've already written down a few goals to live up to, but did you MEAN it?! For this task, we're going to make a commitment. A commitment to the 4 goals you so eloquently wrote and hypothetically stand by. Find someone who you trust, discuss your goals and sign a contract with them committing yourself to the big 4 goals. Your contract should be simple. "I will by _ _ _ _." Sign, hug, pinky swear, shake on it or whatever makes you feel comfortable that you've sealed the deal, but mean it! You now have someone who's going to hold you accountable for accomplishing what you said you would. It's up to you to now do what it takes to follow through and make it happen!

Task 17 = +2 points for completing

Journal Questions:
After you complete this task - Go to the quiet space you've created for your self, take 3 deep breaths, read the below questions and journal about everything that comes to mind. Don't think too hard...just write as if you were talking on the phone to a friend.

1. How did it feel sharing your goals with someone else?

2. How will the person you signed the contract with help you stay committed?

"Keep the faith, keep making it happen and remember to always stay out of your own way!"

Jack A. Daniels is a best-selling author, speaker, syndicated columnist and counselor. Jack can be contacted for interviews, speaking engagements, questions or comments concerning this blog and/or project @ http://www.presspause.org/