‘The longest journey starts with a single step’
In other words, if something seems to hard to do, does that mean you shouldn’t try?
Well maybe, but why not try the Team Dorset Challenge before you decide?
The Team Dorset Challenge makes it easier for you to take up those things you’ve always wanted to try, or to do the things you know you should do but never have the time for. It might also inspire you to do things you didn’t even know you wanted to do!
So what is it?
Inspired by such Olympic ideals as courage, inspiration, determination, friendship and excellence, the Team Dorset Challenge is a new interactive website which encourages you to step out of your comfort zone (as much as you dare!) and do new things. The website allows you to create a profile to show you and your friends your chosen challenges, check your progress, win online medals and challenge others to join you (friends, family, club members, work mates). You can also search for activities and events near you where you can find more challenge opportunities.
So what’s a challenge?
It can be anything, so long as it is a challenge to you; anything that you don’t currently do on a daily basis that you would like to. You can choose from the hundreds of challenge ideas such as:
- Learn a new beach game and teach your friends (physical activity)
- Have breakfast every single day (healthy lifestyle)
- Do something nice for a friend or neighbour (community)
- Have a TV/computer free day once a week (environment)
- Learn to say hello in 6 different languages (culture/learning)
- Or simply create your own to suit you…!
How long does it last?
Again, it’s up to you. It might be a good idea to put a time limit on your challenge so you have something to aim for, for example you might want to set a challenge such as: ‘I will do/learn/try ??? 3 x a week for the next 2 months’. Once you have completed your challenge you can always extend it, or try a new challenge.
Does it cost anything?
No, it is completely free of charge to enter and do – unless the activity you choose has a cost associated with it such as swimming or gym membership etc.
Do I do it on my own or in a group?
Do it on your own, or get together with friends, work colleagues, family members, villages, club members – whatever you prefer, but you may find it easier if there is a group of you to keep everyone motivated. It’s also a great excuse for a team celebration at the end!
Who checks that I have completed my Challenge?
You do. In the true spirit of the Olympics only you know whether you completed your Challenge or whether you didn’t. All the good things you can get from the Challenge come from being honest with yourself, and you know that when you’re tempted to exaggerate, it’s just not the same buzz.
What’s in it for me?
Well, that sort of depends on what you want to get out of it. If you want to get fitter or healthier, it can help you do that. If you want new skills or experiences, it can do that too. It may widen your social circle, bring you closer to friends and family and even change your direction in life. But it’s really all about the small things, so you may not even notice that you have more confidence or talents you didn’t know you had. The challenges are personal to you and the impact will be different for every individual – it should be fun finding out...!
So how do I get involved?
Why not have a look around the website and start thinking about what challenges you might do, and if you are thinking of doing it as a group, start getting those people on board.
Then simply sign up, choose some challenges and you’re off!
