Lifestyle
Why a 6-week challenge could be your best decision yet
Taking part in a 6-week challenge might be just the kick-start you need to make lasting changes in all areas of your life.
By Bron Maxabella
Have you ever looked at a goal – whether it’s getting fit, learning a skill, losing weight or breaking a habit – and thought, “Where do I even start?” If you’re nodding along, then a 6-week challenge might just be the answer. Designed to kickstart positive change, a 6-week program can be the nudge you need to get moving in the right direction.
While 6 weeks may be an arbitrary number (the “6-week challenge” was most likely started by the fitness industry to sell gym membership), it’s actually a good length of time to focus on something new. It feels achievable, it establishes a new routine across a month and then some, and if you stay the course you’ll be well on your way to hitting the required amount of time to change a habit – which was rumoured to be 21 days for a long time, but is actually average of 66 days, according to one study.
With that in mind, let the challenge begin. Here’s why signing up is a good idea.
It’s the perfect jumpstart
The hardest part of starting something new is, well, starting. A 6-week challenge gives you a structured plan to follow, removing the guesswork and decision fatigue that often hold us back. You don’t have to figure out what to do each day – it’s all mapped out for you.
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Think of it as someone taking your hand and saying, “Let’s do this together.” Whether it’s a fitness routine, mindfulness practice or a creative pursuit, having a set timeframe and clear steps makes it so much easier to dive in.
You should see results quickly
Six weeks is long enough to notice real changes, whether they’re physical, mental or emotional. If you’re focusing on fitness, research shows you should find yourself stronger, more flexible, or more energetic. Tackling a skill like cooking, music or meditation? With regular practice over 6 weeks, you should be noticeably more proficient by the end of the challenge.
Seeing those results isn’t just satisfying – it’s incredibly motivating. It proves to you that you’re capable of making changes and reaping the rewards, which can be the spark that keeps you going long after the challenge ends.
It’s a manageable commitment
Let’s be honest – committing to something for life can feel overwhelming. But 6 weeks? That’s doable. It’s long enough to make a difference but short enough that it doesn’t feel like a never-ending marathon.
A defined endpoint also helps keep you focused. Knowing you’ve only got 6 weeks encourages you to show up and give it your best shot. And when it’s over, you can decide whether to keep going, tweak your approach, or move on to something new.
It connects you with a community
Many 6-week challenges come with built-in support, whether it’s a local group, online community, or even just signing up to do the challenge with a friend (highly recommended!). Sharing the journey with others makes it more enjoyable and provides a built-in sense of accountability.
Read this too: How to nurture social connections to feel like you truly belong
When you’re having a tough day, knowing there are people cheering you on can make all the difference. Plus, hearing about others’ experiences and successes can inspire you to keep going. Who knows – you might even make a few new friends along the way.
It helps build healthy habits
Experts say that the key to change is habit formation. Do the same thing in the same way day after day and eventually you’ll strengthen the association between your new behaviour and the effort required to maintain it.
“I’ve found that goals are good for planning your progress and systems are good for actually making progress,” habit expert James Clear says in his international bestseller Atomic Habits. “Having a system is what matters. Committing to the process is what makes the difference.”
A structured 6-week program is great for helping you develop the right process to establish the right habits. With a bit of luck, you might find these habits have become automatic by the end of the challenge.
For example, if you’re taking on a fitness challenge, you might find that heading to the gym or going for a walk is now a natural part of your day. Or if you’re doing a gratitude challenge, you may catch yourself automatically noticing and appreciating the little things in life.
You’ll enjoy a sense of accomplishment
There’s something incredibly rewarding about setting a goal and seeing it through. Completing a 6-week challenge is proof that you can commit to something and stick with it – even when it’s tough.
That sense of accomplishment isn’t just a pat on the back; it’s likely increasing your sense of wellbeing and building your self-esteem as well. It can give you the confidence to tackle other areas of your life, knowing you have what it takes to succeed.
It’s a chance to rediscover yourself
Life gets busy, and sometimes we lose sight of the things that bring us joy or make us feel like our best selves. A 6-week challenge is a chance to hit pause and reconnect with your goals, dreams and passions.
Maybe you’ll discover that you love yoga, have a knack for painting, or actually feel fantastic after cutting back on sugar. Or perhaps you’ll simply realise how good it feels to prioritise your wellbeing. Whatever the outcome, it’s an opportunity to invest in yourself – and, yes, you’re worth it.
Take the plunge
If you’re feeling inspired, now’s the time to find a challenge that speaks to you. Look for one that aligns with your goals, whether it’s improving your fitness, building a new skill or creating a healthier lifestyle.
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And remember, it’s not about being perfect. It’s about showing up, giving it your best, and seeing where the journey takes you. Six weeks from now, you’ll look back and wonder why you didn’t start sooner.
Feature image: iStock/jacoblund
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