What seems to separate those who find success in life from those who do not, is not a lack of talent, but rather a lack of action. This is not to say talent has no bearing. Nonetheless, if you are frozen by inaction, you will never realize the true extent of your talents. Why do you fail to get going? Perhaps you are scarred by previous attempts and their associated disappointments, thereby paralyzing any future attempts for fear of failure. Or maybe you lack confidence to make major commitments. It could even be the fact that you are just plain lazy. However, here’s a simple experiment that, if followed, will bring motivation, confidence and action into your life. I call it the 10-Day Experiment.
The 10-Day Experiment is just that…an experiment. I based it off of my experience last year with the Lemonade Fast, a 10-day fast which aims at ridding the body of all the toxins it has built up over the years. Although initially difficult, I noticed that after the 10 days, it would have been fairly simple to continue with the fast if I wanted to. Since then, I’ve applied this same 10-day pattern to many different aspects of my life. For example, I’ve used it in regularly get up at 5AM every morning, in doing daily planning, to changing the foods I eat. Each of these “experiments” ended up turning into solidified habits. Last night, I just finished the latest application of this experiment. I used it to provide the impetus for the Body for Life program that I will be covering over the next 12 weeks in this blog.
How it Works
In a nutshell, you take something that you have wanted to try, improve, or change in your life, and for the next 10 days, you try it out. For example, if you have always wanted to be an early riser (say 5AM), you would over the course of 10 days get up at 5AM. It’s that simple. You make the decision that no matter what, you’ll stick to that decision for at least 10 days. It helps to think of it less as a commitment or lifestyle change and more like a trial run.
The best part about this, is that it only lasts for 10 days. If after the 10 days, it doesn’t seem to fit in your life or you don’t find it beneficial, you can stop. This relieves the added pressure of “a commitment”. Even if you don’t decide to continue, at least you stuck with a goal that you made to yourself. That in itself builds personal trust and confidence. By sticking to something for 10 days straight, you will have the ability to make major improvements in your life. You will gain more confidence, personal trust, discipline and willpower to apply in all your life endeavors.
Beyond the 10 Days
It seems (at least for me and others with whom I’ve talked with) that the first 10 days are the most difficult. From there, I’ve noticed a definite progression that happens over 10-day increments, until the action becomes a habit. Let me explain this progression in terms of “levels”.
Level 0 - The Launch
You have entered this level when you begin to apply action to a decision. Just like a rocket being launched, 90% of the fuel is used in overcoming earth’s gravitational pull, while the remaining 10% will keep it going. So it is with your “launch”. You will be using much of your energy in overcoming the inertia of your previous way of life.
Level 1 - The Tipping Point
Now that you’ve made it to the 10-day point, you may have noticed something. What was previously a struggle, seems now to be a lot more bearable. At level 1, you have just begun to overcome the inertia that held you bound to your old way of living. This is the level I like to call The Tipping Point. Although you’re up and running, it still hasn’t begun to be automatic for you. You now have an idea of what it’s like and it’s here that you can determine whether to turn the experiment into something you’d like to do for life, or to quit altogether.
Level 2 - Momentum
After 20 days, you’ve reached level 2. Here is where you’re picking up speed and have gained momentum. You no longer struggle to keep your commitment, however it still requires a conscious decision. You now know exactly how it will fit in your overall life. You’re well on your way at establishing a habit.
Level 3 - The Habit
At the 30-day mark, you’ve arrived at the final level. Level 3 is the realm of habit. Your daily commitment is well established and you realize a sense of freedom because it has now become automatic. At this point, it is actually more difficult to stop doing what you’ve been doing then to keep doing it. Now it’s time to send this into autopilot and try a new 10-day experiment!
Life Applications
Here are some applications in your life that you can apply this to:
Addictions
Trying to overcome addictions like coffee, soda, cigarettes or even video games or television, can all be helped with the 10-day Experiment. Just try and see what it’s like to go without your favorite addiction for 10 days (the first 3-4 days always seems the worst for me).
Health
Getting involved in a health and fitness program is a perfect candidate for the 10-day Experiment. After 10 days, you’ve overcome the initial inertia and if you like how it makes you feel you can stick with it.
Focusing on what you eat is also a great candidate. For example, try going without white flour, or eat fresh fruits and vegetables everyday for 10 days. If you’ve always wanted to see what it’s like to be vegan, try refraining from eating any animal products for 10 days. I’ve tried a raw food diet for 20 days straight and discovered that I loved the way I felt but disliked the inconvenience while traveling for my work.
Time Management
For the next 10 days, work on planning your day each evening and sticking to that plan the next day. During those planning sessions, it’s a good idea to review the day and see where you can make improvements the next day.
Productivity
Focus on being absolutely productive for 10 days. For example, instead of lying around watching the boob tube, work on tasks that have needed to be done but you just “haven’t had the time to do them.” Well, now you do slacker…so get to work. 
Relationships
Work on being completely unselfish towards your partner. For 10 days, work on their needs and go above and beyond your normal actions. You’ll probably be amazed at how much comes back to you in return that you’ll never want to stop!
Finances
Work on sticking to a budget for 10 days. Or for 10 days, see if you can save 10 dollars a day.
Random Acts of Kindness
Try finding ways to serve and help other people for the next 10 days. Randomly show acts of kindness to complete strangers.
Conclusion
One of my favorite things to do is carry out personal experiments. I love trying new things. Whether it’s living in a leaf hut out in the woods for a month straight, to seeing if I can clean my insides drinking nothing but lemonade for 10 days, if I feel I can benefit from it, I’ll try it. Sure, many of the things I’ve tried have not benefited me directly, but at least I’ve always learned something from it. And if nothing else, when I’m 100, wearing Depends, and confined to my rocking chair, at least I’ll have some cool stories I can tell my grandkids one day.
Experimentation is what all great discoverers have done. Edison ended up experimenting with thousands of filaments before he found the right one which would light up the world. In our personal development, it is no different. By applying the 10-Day Experiment to different facets of your life on a regular basis, you’ll be forced into action which will eventually light up your own world!
[...] oovs presents 10 Days to a Better Life posted at LifeTraining - Online [...]
Left by Widows Quest » Carnival Of Positive Thinking on January 28th, 2007
[...] oovs presents 10 Days to a Better Life posted at LifeTraining - Online. [...]
Left by Personal Development Carnival - January 28, 2007 - Personal Development Ideas Blog on January 28th, 2007
[...] Erich talks on taking action instead of fear with a specific plan.10 Days to a Better Life which is posted at LifeTraining - Online. [...]
Left by OhCash.com - Cash and the pursuit of happiness! » Carnival 1st Edition on January 28th, 2007
Great article. I usually test ideas and beliefs for 7 days with the same results. Also, research shows that a certain way of thinking becomes conditioned after 30 days, as you have said in your article - The Habit. Great article, well done. By the way I though I was good rising at 6am, 5 is fantastic!
Left by Mark McManus on January 30th, 2007
Mark,
thanks for the comments. I just checked out your site. You’ve got some great articles there!
Left by Erich on January 30th, 2007
[...] oovs presents 10 Days to a Better Life Pam presents Who Are YOU? Silicon Valley Blogger presents What The Silicon Valley Startups In My Life Taught Me Charles H. Green presents Trust Tip 12: Telling Tough Truths almomento presents Balance Your Life With a Feng Shui Cleanse Raymond David Salas presents How to Have Beginner’s Luck David Maister presents Relationships and Romance Alvaro Fernandez presents Lifelong learning, literally Charles H. Green presents Trust, Freedom and Resentment Rick Cockrum presents Is Your Life a Tragedy or Comedy? Craig Harper presents Beliefs [...]
Left by Bryan C. Fleming » Personal Growth Carnival on January 30th, 2007
[...] 10 Days to a Better Life (1292) by Erich was a great kick-off to this week’s CoI. He will tell you exactly how to make improvements in your life, how they’ve worked for him personally, what exactly you can use this insight for and what you and others around you will get out of it. It’s definitely a worthwhile read. [...]
Left by Carnival of Improvement 02 | The Probabilist . com on February 1st, 2007
[...] oovs presents 10 Days to a Better Life posted at LifeTraining - Online. [...]
Left by Verve Coaching:: Life, Growth and Leadership, Boston MA » Archives » Carnival of Powerful Living - February 1, 2007 on February 1st, 2007
This is a great idea. I like the concept of just 10 days. It makes it all seem so much less overwhelming. I think I will experiment with this. Thank you!
Left by Karen Lynch on February 1st, 2007
You’re very welcome Karen!
Left by Erich on February 2nd, 2007
[...] oovs presents 10 Days to a Better Life posted at LifeTraining - Online. [...]
Left by Towards Better Life Carnival Edition #5 (February 4, 2007) « Towards Better Life on February 4th, 2007
[...] I’ve decided to use this year to entrench some strong habits and really transform my patterns. I’ll dedicate each month to a daily task or practice that I want to continue with permanently. I started with a somewhat frivolous photo project in Project 365 for January and this month I’m working on daily resistance training, focusing on body weight resistance and altering my diet to include more foods for strength.I’ll essentially be doing “10 Days to a Better Life“. This approach splits the process of starting a new habit into three very managable sections and encourages experimentation. [...]
Left by Frozen Truth » Patterns and Bubbles on February 4th, 2007
[...] oovs presents 10 Days to a Better Life posted at LifeTraining - Online. [...]
Left by The First Self Improvement Carnival on February 8th, 2007
[...] oovs presents 10 Days to a Better Life posted at LifeTraining - Online. [...]
Left by » CultivateGreatness Success and Growth Blog Carnival #010, Feb 9th, 2007 · Cultivate Greatness | Personal Development | Self-Help & Success Blog | Motivation Blog | Inspiration Blog | Business Blog | Self Help Book on February 9th, 2007
Interesting. You use first 10 days to try out an activity, mindset or anything that you want to venture into. If you like it, continue into the next 10 days or more to transform it into an habit. It’s akin to the idea of a free 7 days or 14 days trial offered by many subscription based services or products before the potential customer makes the purchase decision. Nice.
Left by Goal Setting College on February 10th, 2007
Interesting point. It IS a lot like a subscription.
Left by Erich on February 10th, 2007
[...] Breaking The Habit To further decrease your personal sensitivity to procrastination it is important to bear in mind it is in many ways a habit and should be treated as such. I briefly covered this in a previous post. Essentially, you need to break the habit of puttings things off and develop a new habit in its place where you do things punctually. The first few projects are understandably the hardest because you are going against your usual practise but the key thing to bear in mind is that by sticking to it, things quickly becomes easier, to the point where it becomes almost natural. Typically, its often said that habits are broken in 30 days (though there are naturally so many variables to this). Create a habit breaking table broken down into the periods stated here (great article to read in general too), and combine it with the time schedule mentioned previously. For each day you don’t procrastinate and stick to the schedule, tick it off on the habit breaking sheet. Recording your performance is key as it allows you to visualize your progress. [...]
Left by Organize IT » Blog Archive » Ultimate Procrastination Guide on February 23rd, 2007
Just wanted you to know I did not quite make the full 10 days of the lemonade diet but I did manage some how to lose about 7 lbs. I felt great and like I mentioned to you before (if you remember) my blood pressure went down a lot. I don’t know if it was because the lemonade diet elimated the toxins and waste out of my body and eatting healthier had anything to do with it but I do know it went down a lot. I still take my medication, don’t get me wrong, I’m not crazy but just seeing my blood pressure readings and my weight going down made me feel even better. Oh by the way, I did do the diet for 8 days. I plan to start again tomorrow and hope to make it through the entire 10 days ending on Easter Sunday. I’m doing this for me to help me to continue to feel better. When I went to the doctor he was happy to see that I had lost weight and that my blood pressure reading was down. I told him how I had fast and had started eatting better and not trying to starve myself. I have his blessings, he just don’t want me to use this as a tool to lower my blood pressure or as a fast way to diet. I’m a chicken and fish lover so there is know way I’ve given that up ever. Plus I don’t know about anyone else but I continue to exercise at least three to four days a week (I belong to Curves, a womens workout fitness center) and since spring is here I plant to walk a lot more.
Good luck to anyone else who has discovered this like I did and as I said before I just wish I had known about this years before. THANKS!!!!!
———————————————————-
Evelyn,
Thanks for the update and keep up the good work!
- Erich
Left by Evelyn on March 29th, 2007
[...] oovs presents 10 Days to a Better Life posted at LifeTraining - Online. [...]
Left by Welcome to the January 31, 2007 edition of positive mindset and wealth creation | Diane Corriette on May 3rd, 2007
Great article! I have enjoyed trolling through your reviews and saw this over in the favorites list. 10 days is definitely doable to try something new in your life, and has the benefit of passing beyond one week so that whenever you start you will encapsulate a full cycle of your normal routine. Well done.
Left by Travis on June 13th, 2007
Thanks for the comments (as well as your insights) Travis! You’re right on in that it encapsulates a full cycle of your normal routine. There’s some definite psychological benefit that’s created when we extend beyond a week’s time. I think because we get so set on the weekly/monthly patterns, this ends up breaking us out of that normal routine and allowing the new action to “stick”.
Left by Erich on June 16th, 2007
Hi Erich!
I came across your site today while preparing for Day 1 of the Master Cleanse. I was actually looking up articles on the dreaded SWF (salt water flush). I am so happy I stumbled upon your site because not only did I get to read about your 10 day journey, but I also got to embark on 10 days to a better life.
When I set out to do the Cleanse I tried to find several friends to do it with me. I could not find 1. I did, however, find some e-friends on a message board who agreed. I was amazed at the negative comments from some of my friends when I told them I wanted to do the Cleanse. Some discouraged it at unsafe, and others seemed to laugh in advance of my failure.
I am determined to complete this Cleanse. I know it won’t be easy, but I know for sure that I will fail if I don’t try. Thank you SO much for the day-by-day on the Cleanse & I plan to implement this 10-day plan in several areas of my life.
Left by Honesty on June 19th, 2007
Hi i could not find you name on the website but you have a great website. Very inspirational and informative. Great stuff !!
Ash
Left by Biggs on September 26th, 2007
Ash,
Thanks for the comments. My name is Erich. I know, I need to get an ‘About’ page put up on this site.
Left by Erich on September 27th, 2007
Hi. I’m on day 4 of the Cleanse and the caffeine withdrawal headaches are getting better! I am honestly amazed that I have lasted this long and will definitely make it to Day 10.
I drink 10 glasses of the lemonade mix but stopped the Salt Water Flush after Day 2…I just couldn’t keep it down. But I have the herbal laxative tea in the morning and before bedtime which is followed by major cramps and nothing else. I haven’t had a bowel movement in 2 days….Please let me know what is happening. I thought the detox would help me eliminate waste. Is it not working on me?
Left by Judith on November 29th, 2007
Judith,
You’re doing great, don’t despair!
Sometimes the tea can give you cramps. It helps to drink a glass of water after you drink the tea or try soaking your tea for less time which minimizes the dose. As far as no bowel movements, this is a common side effect in the beginning. Hang in there. The tea usually takes 6-10+ hours to work, so you should have some progress soon. Remember your body is probably backed up so you’ll need to just give it time to release.
I recommend the SWF because it works much faster. I prefer it because it happens quick and is over in about 2 hours unlike the tea which can last during the day.
Good luck,
Erich
Left by Erich on November 29th, 2007
[...] Huh… I just noticed that there are 10 letters in MOTIVATION… maybe that can be a motivation in itself! I read an article/webpost about doing things for ten days [here it is], and I think the spelling of motivation may help me keep that up. In fact, I already have a 10 Day Challenge in the works, hehehe… there’ll be a new post on it, no doubts! [...]
Left by Commencement « Zesgon Extraordinare on January 2nd, 2008
I am on my second day of the lemonade diet, my 1st day went well but we had family members and of course bar-b-que was on the menu, it was very very tempting to just dig in and say what the heck, i will start the diet tomorrow, i pushed myself away from that thought and from the plate that had been made for me twice,
instead i drank the lemonade, then the laxative tea b-4 bedtime, the swf works great, i like the taste but i cant drink it all down at one time, but it definitely works, this morning i had the cravings for a big breakfast, but the drink prevailed, by the way, my stool was liquid this morning, is it possible that i will encounter solid waste in the next few days? sorry but i had to ask, 
I also liked Evelyn’s comment on the lowering of her HBP, i also take HBP medication, it would be awesome if my HBP would get low enough to the point that i won’t need it anymore, sorry for my comment being so long, thx Erich, ur a great inspiration and thx to everyone for their comments, i have read them all and i enjoyed reading them all, God Bless All of u
Left by Sam on April 20th, 2008
Good luck Sam and good job holding out!
Left by Erich on April 21st, 2008
Erich
This is my 4th day on the lemonade diet, all is going well but this afternoon i sure got hungry, but i managed to control it with the drink, i walked 6 miles this morning as i did yesterday but yesterday i didnt get hungry (not to hungry) but while into the 3rd and 4th mile, just curious as to why i got the hungries today way after the walk, but im hanging in there, its 7:37pm central time here right now , i will do my tea in about 45 minutes, take care and any input would be appreciated, god bless
Sam
Left by Sam on April 22nd, 2008
by the way!
I see alot of other detox cleansing available online, do they have the same effect as this one does, or would one have to do another detox cleanse besides the lemonade diet, thanks in advance Erich
Sam
Left by Sam on April 22nd, 2008
Sam,
It’s interesting you got real hungry on the 4th day. For me the worst was the 3rd and 4th days. It does subside so hang in there!
As far as other cleanses, I don’t have too much personal experience with them. (I did try a prune juice detox at one time with ok results). I personally like the Lemonade Diet, just because of the results it gives me. After finishing the cleanse once a year, I feel cleaner, more alert, and have a greater desire to eat and live more healthy.
- Erich
Left by Erich on April 23rd, 2008
Erich!
On day 7 here, hanging in there, by the way, i forgot to mention that into the 3rd day, i also had a burning sensation in the evening when i went to the potty, it also happened today after i came back from my walk and drank a 32oz cold glass of water, made my stomach feel weird, maybe it was in shock, i dont know but i had to use the potty within a few minutes, it burned like it did on the 3rd day, does that mean i still have toxins?, i was also amazed that this morning’s loose stool b-4 the swf was semi liquid and looked like old waste, does that make sense, u also mentioned something about the white coating on ur tongue, i have the same thing but to be honest i had it b-4 i started the lemonade, should i also be expecting that to clear and notice a pinkish tongue?, sorry if i sounded kinda gross but we are adults here, thx for any input u might have, oh i went to the store today and got some frozen vegetables that i plan to stem when i get off of the cleanse, and some canned vegetable soups, will this be ok or do i have to use fresh veggies and homemade veggie soups, i also got some fresh fruits, i went crazy, lol, well this has been long enough, thx for ur time in advance, take care
Sam
Left by Sam on April 25th, 2008
[...] so many variables to this). Create a habit breaking table broken down into the periods stated here (great article to read in general too), and combine it with the time schedule mentioned previously. [...]
Left by Ultimate Procrastination Guide - Practical advice on personal development, productivity and GTD on June 7th, 2008
Today was my first day on the cleanse… All is going well but I would like to know if I can leave out the maple syrup. I really think it tastes better without it.
Can I leave out the maple syrup?
Left by Laura on October 6th, 2008
No maple syrup! That’s not such a good idea Laura. First, you would not be getting any calories at all to maintain you during the cleanse which is really unhealthy and second, the minerals contained in pure maple syrup really help to facilitate the cleansing process. Another possible substitute that Dr. Burroughs recommends is Molasses if you don’t like the taste of the maple syrup.
Left by Erich on October 6th, 2008
Hi Erich,
I am interested in doing this cleansing but I take thyroid medication for my hypothyroid. Would this “diet” affect that?
Thank you.
Left by Shannon on November 5th, 2008
[...] a blog I happened upon (when I was researching a body cleanse– more on that another day):  10 days to a better life  I had already walked for 2 mornings when I found the [...]
Left by Just a Saturday | cheerfulheartblog.com on February 12th, 2009
This works!
If you can do something for 10 days you can normally do it for a month. If you can do it for a month you can do it for 3 months..
It’s a great way to break a habit or start a habit. Good post thanks.
Matt
Left by Matt Belcher on December 23rd, 2009
Thanks for visiting Matt
Left by Erich on December 25th, 2009
I tried this and now I get up at 5 every morning and exercise before going to work at 7.30
Thank you so much! Great article!
Left by It's Wednesday today! on February 24th, 2010
Just for interest’s sake, do you think one would keep losing weight if you stayed on the Lemonade diet? If not, that is strange, because how can you not lose weight if you actually aren’t having solid food..and you are exercising.
Left by Megan on February 24th, 2010
Megan,
You would definitely keep losing weight (especially if exercising). Since you are consuming less calories than typical and burning more (due to exercise) you would continue to lose weight.
Left by Erich on February 24th, 2010
Some time ago, I did need to buy a good house for my firm but I didn’t earn enough money and couldn’t order anything. Thank goodness my comrade suggested to get the personal loans from trustworthy creditors. Therefore, I acted that and was satisfied with my credit loan.
Left by PayneMargret30 on May 11th, 2010
Cool concept. I’ve actually tried similar things in the past. It works. I love the idea of planning each day in advance and sticking to it. That’s exactly what I’ve done for these past two days. I’ve actually set up a very vigorous schedule for myself and vowed to keep to it. If I don’t, I must bring my computer with me on my trip to the city tomorrow and work instead of taking a day for relaxation. It’s working so far but it’s hard. The feeling of accomplishment will be great if I complete it!
Left by Matt Maresca on May 18th, 2010