Day 129 of the 117 Day Challenge - The Endcap....


Day 117 was August 26 - the closing day of the Toastmasters 2017 International Convention. The framing of this challenge was essentially from the day I took second at Division in the International Speech Contest to the final crowning of the World Champion of Public Speaking, which actually occurred the night of August 25, when Manoj Vasudevan took home the big trophy - congrats to Manoj!

So what did I do with all those found days - days I didn't need to be practicing for a semi-final, much less Finals speech, as I have so often done in the past? With the extra few weeks of found time before even the District Contest, which I've previously competed in the last 3 years, and 10 of the last 18?

Not much, sadly, which was one of my fears before putting this transparent challenge out there. Which is why it's taken me nearly two weeks to fess up - the other being the common deflation I feel at the end of every contest cycle.

WHAT DID I HOPE TO DO?

Write my Speak & Deliver Book & my Win Anyway Book

Revamping RichHopkins.com on the Wordpress platform - which I've been trying to do for about two years. This means getting a sizzle reel done, at the very least, and getting some decent graphics and testimonials.

Restarting, for the third time, my podcast.

Restarting my newsletter (and figuring out why I'm getting robosignups right now)

Getting out to service clubs & associations, and actively finding paid speaking.

Marketing myself to Toastmaster Conferences and TLIs.

Creating more videos in general - FB, YouTube

Attracting more keynote coaching clients

Putting on a coaching event, or two

Using the resources I have accumulated - video software, etc to achieve the above

And, all the while, still be a good husband, dad, and human being.

And lose weight - get down to 175 - so that's 45 lbs in 117 days - 1/3 lb per day. I can do that.

And read some of my books

WHAT DID I ACTUALLY DO?

Well - I DID get a couple coaching clients.
I WAS a pretty good husband, dad, human being, though I had my rough spots.
I DID restart my podcast, though it's still sporadic.
I DID lost 10 of those 45 lbs.
I DID read some books. Mostly Audio.

....not on the list?

I DID get selected for TEDx Colorado Springs.
I DID start a 100K in 100 Days group on Facebook - which I need to focus on more.
I DID (my wife and I at least) take the jump to buy a new car.

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There was turmoil early on in the challenge - particularly surrounding drama about me getting a job, and leaving Toastmasters behind a bit.

At this point, I'm still not working a regular job, but that will likely change soon, just to make the car payments. I backed off from TM a bit, but at the same time, TM is the supply line to my clients, to my ability to practice TEDx, and my connection with the outside world, to some degree. So, I'm still involved.

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But - what about all I DIDN'T get done?

Well, they're still on the LIST. I right now I'm 58 days away from my TEDx speech - and I really need to have that website up. That's first priority, other than, you know, actually making some money.

If I could get a book done, that'd be great too.

And a #WinAnyway button.

Still want to market myself, lose weight, be a good Husband/Dad - it's all there in front of me.

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In the end, we all have goals - some we meet, some we continue to pursue. Some that come up out of nowhere, that usurp other goals. A day will come when no goals will be left - but only when we die - whether we actually die, or simply die while still living.

I'm going to keep pushing forward. Keep #WinningAnyway. And, every now and then, I'll let you know how I'm doing.

Did YOU do anything during this challenge? Any big wins? I'd love to hear about them in the comments below. :)

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