Presented by Digital Harvest
It’s no secret that 2020 has been a trip. And part of what’s made it so rough are all those reverberating voices on social media, the news, in your email, and seemingly everywhere you turn. Everyone feels the need to share their opinion about everything that’s going on in the world.
That’s why at Digital Harvest, Albuquerque SEO company, our founder Avram Gonzales is inviting you to join him on a 30-Day Mindset Detox. Avram completed one of these detoxes in 2010, thanks to his friend, Tim Atkinson. Tim came up with an earlier version of the detox. Since things were a bit simpler in 2010—no streaming services and fewer social media outlets—Avram updated the list a bit to help you cut out all the noise to finish up 2020.
Why Even Do a Mindset Detox?
When you see the steps included in this detox, you’ll probably be intimidated. Avram shared on a Facebook live, right before starting the detox,
It’s been a long time since I’ve done something like this… and I tell you what. I’ve been thinking about it now for two weeks, and I’m nervous as hell about jumping into this thing tomorrow.”
But the whole goal of cutting out so many of our go-to coping tools is to make room to find more of ourselves. When you make room by clearing out some old stuff—whether that’s the junk in your garage or a bad relationship—it’s only then that something new and better can find space to enter your life. After you’ve cleared out many of the negative influences in your life, you’ll be surprised to see how many of your thoughts were influenced by things you were taking in throughout the day.
Another benefit is, hopefully, this challenge can help you build or reinforce some habits that you will continue past the challenge. Most items in this challenge are pretty self-explanatory, but we’re going to break them down to share the “why” and add any explanation if needed. Then you can decide if you want to join us!
#1 Self-Reflection (10 minutes per day)
Self-reflection can look different for everyone. You can choose to start your day with this practice or do your reflection at the end of the day. Some people enjoy meditation. Others prefer journaling. Pick a way that suits you and go with it. Taking the time to think through your day, experiences, and relationships helps you learn more about yourself.
#2 Exercise & Movement (30 minutes per day)
Hopefully, this one is relatively easy for you. Even if you can’t go to the gym—we’re totally locked down here in New Mexico—you can go outside and walk the neighborhood for 30 minutes a day. Or if the elements are against you, check out a yoga or HIIT video on YouTube—your only excuse to get on YouTube, by the way. Once you get your body moving daily, you’ll be amazed at the clarity you find.
#3 Associate with Empowering People
This point can be a hard one, especially around the holidays if you find that time spent with family doesn’t leave you filled up. But within your control, do your best to surround yourself with empowering people. You want your conversations to leave you feeling energized, not depleted. If you must hang out with individuals who bring you down over the holidays, make sure you supplement that interaction with a Zoom call with someone you know will lift you back up!
#4 Read a Personal Development Book (30 minutes per day)
Spend 30 minutes each day reading or listening to an audiobook that deals with personal development. Sources like these drill positivity, inspiration, and education into your mind. They lift you up rather than drag you down. Avram shared,
Admittedly for me, reading daily is something that I’ve gotten away from. I used to read religiously… I would cruise through 40 to 50 books a year. And that alone elevated my mindset, my consciousness. And I started to notice that when I wasn’t reading on a consistent basis, I would wonder why I wasn’t in as good of a mood as the day before. This stuff has a profound effect on us.”
If you don’t know where to start, Avram filled us in on five of his favorites. They are—The Big Leap, How to Win Friends and Influence People, The Slight Edge, A Happy Pocket Full of Money, and Prosperity Consciousness.
#5 Disable Smart Phone Notifications
Do you find yourself constantly picking up your phone, urged to do so by constant pings throughout the day? This detox is the time to literally turn off that noise and make room for your own thoughts. Only leave what’s absolutely necessary for your work. Or perhaps, choose to only do email or use social media for work purposes on your computer and not on your phone. You can choose to take this step at whatever level you want. But keep in mind, it will only be effective if you’re intentionally cutting out some major distractions.
#6 Only Listen to Positive and Uplifting Music
This one might seem silly to some of you, but you might be surprised at the effect your music choices have on you if you make a change. Music is quite the mood setter. So, if you’re constantly listening to depressing, violent, or angry music, you’re immersing yourself in the exact opposite attitude as the one you want to have when you face the world. Just give it a try for 30 days and see if you clear out any negativity.
#7 No TV, Streaming, YouTube, or Social Media
Ouch, right? We totally get it! Especially in the time of COVID when social gatherings are very limited, and in the winter when it gets dark so early, what are you even supposed to do in the evening except for watch TV? For this step, Avram came up with a plan for himself because he knew this step was going to be especially hard. He stocked up on some new board games and books, and he’s planning to spend his evenings enjoying those activities. And as for social media, many people do need some access for their jobs. Avram suggested only using those apps on your desktop, not your phone, to limit use to what is only necessary—no mindless scrolling.
#8 No News, No Media
For some of you, this is simple. You never watch the news anyway! For others, this is going to be a big deal. And, most people get a decent dose of news on social media whether they want to or not. That’s another reason why this detox includes no social media. It might seem like you’re cutting yourself off. But if something earth-shattering happens, you’ll hear about it. And once you clear away all the other noise, think of how much louder your own voice will become!
#9 No Alcohol, No Drugs
When alcohol and/or drugs become the coping mechanisms or avoidance tools from being with ourselves, it’s only a disservice. Do yourself a favor and give yourself just 30 days of mental clarity, completely unhindered by any cloudiness from alcohol or drugs.
#10 Spend One Day in Total Silence
It all boils down to this, folks. As soon as you decide to do this challenge, put your day of silence on your calendar, or else you will not do it. If this seems super uncomfortable and scary—that’s because it is! But you’ve got this! The results will be life-changing. For one full day, be with yourself and your thoughts. When you stop trying to fill the silence with small-talk, gossip, and regurgitating stuff you’ve heard throughout the day, you’ll see which thoughts are actually your own. And, if you live with other people, you’ll find out their presence alone can be enough, without words. And for a little more inspiration, check out the following video of Avram’s thoughts during his Day of Silence he did 10 years ago. We promise you won’t regret it!
Dive in with Us
There they are—the 10 steps to our 30-Day Mindset Detox Challenge. We use the word “challenge” because it is going to be hard! But you can do it if you put your mind to it. And the result is starting 2021 with clarity like you’ve never had before. You’ll have a new insight into who you are, what you want out of life, and how you’re going to get it. If you decide to jump into this challenge, we’d love to hear about it! Let us know how it’s going for you in the comments!