It's amazing what you can do when you put your mind to it.

In August (2011) I wrote about the charity challenge I'm doing at the end of March (2012), which explained when I started the journey to raise £3800, I quickly realised just how hard it was going to be. I didn't think I was going to do it and nearly gave up. But I couldn't give up. I had committed to doing the challenge. I had made a commitment to myself, the charity and my friends and family around me who are supporting me. That's what helped me succeed.

£316 didn't sound like a lot when I broke it down, and yet I couldn't just rely on a few people for that, I had to put my mind to it. I had to think about how I was going to make it happen. What did I need to do in order to raise the money? Who could I ask for help?

My determination to succeed has helped me do just that. I have reached my target, and more. I couldn't have done it alone though and have asked for a lot of help along the way. I'm very fortunate that I have some great support around me, much of which has come from approaching people, explaining what I'm doing and asking for help. The local pub, Primary School, local businesses and my friends and family all agreed to do just that.

One big thing I learnt along the way, was to only count what I had in my hand and not to rely on those who said they will donate money or get me a raffle prize because it often didn't happen. Don't count your chickens before they hatch; use them to keep you focused. By that I mean consider what you can do just in case you don't get what you're expecting; have a contingency plan.

Now I've reached my target, I have taken a step back from fundraising and stopped pushing to raise more money. Of course, the more I raise the better for my chosen charity (GUTS), and yet I need to focus on what's right for now. As I have raised, and actually received the money I've stopped holding events. No more car boot sales and no more pub quizzes or cake sales. I still have donation boxes scattered around but my focus needs to shift; I need to be physically fit and ready to go. It's going to be hard work and my fitness level needs to increase, and that's what I need to put my mind to and focus on now. That's my next challenge.

When you put your mind to it and add determination to succeed, you will. Be ready to ask for help along the way though; many hands make light work after all.

What's your next challenge? How are you going to make it happen?