The 2% Challenge
Making the final 100 days of 2025 matter
If no one has told you today, happy 265th day of 2025!
Today is September 22nd, 2025.
Otherwise known as day 265 of 2025.
Meaning, there are 100 days left in 2025.
Take this in for a second and pause for some reflection. We are 265 days into 2025. How ya doing? Like most, I find myself being more introspective and reflective towards the end of the year, and so thinking about this mile marker in 2025 where I’m looking forward to the last 100 days, I can’t neglect to think about the past 265. Here’s a question I’m asking myself that might be beneficial for you to think about as well:
What have the past 265 days of this year been characterized by in my life?
After rucking with a group of guys this morning, we talked about the past year and what we want the last 100 days of 2025 to look like in each of our lives. I invited them to participate in a something I’m calling “The 2% Challenge” until the end of the year, and the invite now extends to you. Here it is.
The 2% Challenge
First of all, why “2%?”
Well, that’s a great question.
1% of your day = 15 minutes
Technically…..14.4, but round up with me here
Therefore, 2% of your day = 30 minutes
For the final 100 days of 2025, be resolute in protecting 2% of every single day for the below:
1% (15 minutes)
5 minutes of reading the Bible
5 minutes of reflecting/responding to what you read
5 minutes of prayer
1% (15 minutes)
15 minutes of challenging physical exercise
This can be whatever you need it to be: walking, running, rucking, lifting, working out, etc. You know your body better than anyone else. As long as it challenges you physically and you’re pushing yourself to be a better version of yourself than you were yesterday - you nailed it.
= only 2% (or 30 minutes) of your day. That’s it. Doesn’t sound like a lot right?
Here’s a catch: both of these 1% focus points should happen outside of any regularly scheduled programming where this might be happening for you already.
For example: my wife and I are in a small group with a few other married couples. I won’t “check the box” for my 5 minutes of reading the Bible in the 2% challenge when we read the Bible together in our group. The same thing goes for any workouts you might do during the week that are 15 minutes or longer.
This should be intentional and protected time outside of things like this.
Why? It’s not about checking the box or adding another thing on top of what you’re already doing. Which, if you’re not already doing this, even if not perfectly (no such thing by the way), I strongly recommend it. I think it is about, for me at least, personal discipline and resolve to find 30 minutes out of my day to invest in my relationship with my Heavenly Father (getting in His word, responding and reflecting on what He’s showing me through this, and having a conversation with him) and also to push myself physically to be a better version of myself than yesterday.
In 100 days, where do you want to be? What would happen if you did commit yourself to this 2% challenge for the next 100 days? What would happen to you spiritually, mentally, emotionally, relationally, and physically?
I’ll tell you one thing — in 100 days, I desire to be closer with my Creator and in better shape physically so I can love and serve the people around me by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Will you commit to getting 2% better every day with me for the rest of the year?
If so, drop me a line at dhenson1160@gmail.com or comment on this post - I’d love to cheer you on and encourage you in your 2% journey for the next 100 days. You can find daily updates and takeaways from my 2% Challenge here in Substack for the next 100 days.
Train yourself for godliness, for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.
-1 Timothy 4:7-8
Stay the course, keep the faith, and fight the good fight!