I could have never known that the Millenium Falcon Space foam disc blaster I got for Christmas in 1996 would still be a recognizably cool toy for kids in 2025, but (albeit with a few upgrades) they are still making them today. Just like certain Queen songs, Nike sneakers, and Star Wars memorabilia, certain things have staying power in our world and our lives.
I was a 7th grader when I was introduced to the "Four Pillars of Life" and just like my Millenium Falcon blaster, I didn't have the foresight to realize the staying power they would have in my life.
If you've been reading awhile, you'll remember these "pillars" and recognize that they're referred to a number of different ways. My teacher Mrs. Lute introduced them to me as Four Areas of Life, Zig Ziglar put them in the Wheel of Life, and now the fitness program I subscribe to has created a challenge to help subscribers focus in on what they're calling the Four Pillars.
While there are various ways to title them, the Four Pillars they are challenging us to invest in are faith, fitness, family, and service.
As a way to challenge their subscribers to start the new year by improving their entire self, not just their physical health, they have introduced the 440 challenge. Four pillars, forty days.
I don't usually do this, but as I've committed to this challenge, I am inviting you along. My goal with this newsletter has always been to provide readers with a tool to make their lives better. For some, reading two minutes once a week is enough. For those looking to take another step, I'd love to invite you to participate in the 440 challenge with me.
Faith
For people with an established faith, you may already have a routine that involves prayer and study. For others, this is a word that may make you shy away from this entire newsletter because it's not an active part of your life. To invest in this pillar, regardless of your belief system, invest 10 minutes a day in praying, meditating, gratitude, or studying something bigger than yourself.
Fitness
I consider any personal development program that doesn't include an investment in our physical health incomplete. Spend 30 minutes a day getting your heart rate up, stretching, walking, or playing an active sport.
Family
This pillar, much like faith, looks different for everyone. Spend 30 minutes a day investing in those you care about. The most important aspect of this pillar is to eliminate distractions and ensure the time spent is focused on people. This means no phones, and ideally, no screens.
Service
It takes time, effort, and energy to serve others, but every time we do we're reminded that we often gain more than we give. Commit to doing something kind for someone every day. Hold the door open a little longer, buy someone's coffee, donate $5 to a cause, or just give a stranger a compliment.
2025 can be a year of failed resolutions, unused gym memberships, fad diets that steal our cash and soul, or it can be a year of establishing hard-won habits in core areas of our life. Join me in the 440 challenge and create something with some staying power this year.
Fact
Gym memberships increase by 25% every January. By the end of February they are back to normal.
Action
Reply to this email if you are in for the 440 challenge.
Print a calendar that has the next forty days on it. Draw four boxes on each day. Hang it somewhere you'll see everyday. Check each box daily as you complete a pillar.
Question
Which pillar do you need to focus on most in 2025?
Quote
"You can have everything in life you want if you will just help other people get what they want." - Zig Ziglar
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