The original goal was 6,200 pushups for the month of March, 2021. That challenge was met on March 21. The goal was then adjusted to add another 4,000 in the remaining ten days.
The 10,000th push up of the month occurred earlier today. There will probably be a few more as part of tonight’s regular workout. Out of the 31 days, on only one did I do zero pushups. I had two days with over 500 with the highest daily count at 560.
Was It Worth It?
Yes. A physical challenge is always worth it. However, in the final week, my regular workouts fell off as I focused solely on pushups. I basically limited myself to the pushups, core exercises (planks, etc.) and leg strength exercises. In addition, I amped up my running and got the bicycle up and running after a lengthy hiatus.
It was worth it for the physical challenge. But, it was also worth it for the lesson in self discipline. There were times when I wanted to skip the daily rounds. But, this would just mean I’d have to add to the numbers in the coming days. What you don’t take of now, you have to take care of later.
It was worth it for the sense of accomplishment. It’s not like I’m celebrating. It’s not like anyone else, even my family, knew I was even gunning for this goal. Even so, we need wins. Wins like this open us up to new, greater challenges that ultimately end in greater wins. In that, we grow as human beings.
What Did I Learn?
I definitely learned that by publishing this goal here at this website, I was extra motivated to achieve. It didn’t matter that no one actually reads this stuff! The thought that some day someone might and that someone might be inspired to life a healthier lifestyle was enough to keep me going.
I learned that I tend to set my goals on the low side. My original goal of 6,200 was knocked off when the month was just two thirds done. Even with the updated number of 10,000, I believe I could have gone with a higher count.
I learned that I can accomplish things that I once thought might be beyond my capability. With this knowledge, I can smash through much bigger personal barriers in the future.
What’s Next?
Push ups will continue to be a part of my day. They just won’t consume my day! For April, 2021, my challenges turn to getting things done as far as photography and writing for my websites, as well as publishing content on my YouTube channels. I’ve kind of been slacking lately and it’s time to amp it up in that area.
As for physical challenges, I have nothing concrete set as a monthly goal for April. I am going to put focus on pull-ups and dips, utilizing the new rack I bought and assembled a month ago. I am going to continue to increase my running mileage, along with more time on the bike.
I will be pushing myself through April to prepare for May. I believe that by next month, I will be able to put up a 100,000 FitBit step day. This is a pretty monumental feat and the highest level for daily steps that you can be awarded for by FitBit. I’ve pondered a 1,000,000 month but that’s quite a task…
Stay tuned… Instead of a monthly challenge, I will probably be putting together some daily and weekly goals throughout the month.