I’m on Day 15 of a 21-day challenge I started on April 4. Please don’t do the math.

Not long ago, a friend of mine mentioned she was getting ready to begin a 21-day challenge for toning and strengthening her arms. A few days later, we had an unseasonably warm day, and I texted my friend this message: “I put on a short-sleeved shirt this morning and realized I REALLY need that 21-day arm challenge! Can you send me the link?”

It was a pretty straightforward plan, consisting of five exercises, and using one set of hand weights. You were to do three sets of each exercise, starting with eight reps and working up to 15, with a day of rest in between each exercise day.

I was fine at first, but then I had an all-day commitment, followed by a few fully-scheduled days, so my one day of rest turned into three. When I started up again, I debated whether to pick up where I left off, or go back to the beginning and start over. I could make a case for either option, but I figured that if I started from the beginning anytime I missed a day, I could be doing this 21-day challenge for the rest of my life. Not that that would necessarily be a bad thing.

On the other hand, having to go back to the beginning and start over can be strong motivation not to miss a day. Still, I opted to continue on from where I left off. I did the same thing on several other occasions when one day of rest turned into two or three.

About the time I started to feel like a failure for not  keeping up every day, I got a text from my friend, saying she had just finished the 21-day challenge, and her arms did feel stronger. She could also see a difference—which surprised her in such a short period of time. She said she was going to start over again with a heavier set of weights, then added, “If you started/are thinking about starting, then use this as some inspiration.”

I don’t know if she’s psychic, or just knows me really well, but her timing was perfect, and her text was all the motivation I needed to keep going.

So whether it takes me 30, 40, or 50 days to complete this 21-day challenge, I know I’m going to do it. I expect my arms to be stronger and more toned when I’m done, which is the whole point. But I’ll also celebrate the fact that I did complete the program. Then I, too, will start over again, either with heavier weights, or determined to actually complete the 21-day challenge in 21 days.

Whatever happens, I know I’ll be armed and ready.

April 27, 2024
©Betty Liedtke, 2024

I welcome your comments, but please be aware that all comments will be moderated and approved before appearing on this blog. This is to protect all of us from unwanted spam.