Good topic -
My personal hair challenges involve learning and working to grow longer hair as healthy as possible as I do intend to continue relaxing. Yet I am learning more about hair care than I have ever known and am already benefitting from this new knowledge.
I will not cut my hair even if it is long and I always wear it up so it does not touch my face - I will not cut my hair beyond necessary dustings and trims. As it gorws longer, I will keep it long. Additionally, I am working out a system of hair care that works for me - how often I need to wash my hair, low manipulation with which I am most comfortable, focusing on finding and using the products that work best for me without getting carried away when I read all of the really cool products others here are using. This one can be rather difficult because I like trying new things and I love shopping for the sake of shopping. I am also making a schedule of haircare so I do not get lazy.
Right now, I am in the boards C&G Challenge; however, that was my personal challenge before I dsicovered LHCF. It is easier with support from ladies here certainly. One of the advantages of C&G is that i am in braids until late summer which gives me plenty of time to learn and consider products - those I wish to continue and those new I'd like to try. By maintaining this part of my personal challengeand with the support of the board's challenge, I have not gone out and spent a mint buying stuff - which I probably would have done were I not braided right now. Whent he time comes, I will be reasonable. The expense, within reason, of a product is not as much a concern as is using products that work well for my hair and NOT getting carried away buying everything in sight.
Another personal challenge I have set for myself is to lose 50 pounds by the end of the year - I will not be overweight when I turn 45 - it WILL NOT happen. To effect this goal, while I generally eat well, I have cut out junk food (lays while on my period do not count) and no sodas - fruit juices and water only. I am exercising regularly - taebo and pilates at home. I may work up to joining a gym as I recently discovered my school district will pay everything except the monthly fees, but that's for later. right now, my challenge is to exercise in the morning before work and walk the dog for 30 minutes in the evening. So far, so good even if there are days when I have to drag my but to get it done.