Millions of people have started a #100DaysOfCode challenge, but almost no one finishes.

The challenge is meant to accelerate learning by forcing consistency. There are two main rules:

• Code for at least one hour per day

• Tweet daily about your progress

I love the intention, but here's three steps I would take to make the challenge more effective.

Step 1: Reduce the challenge to 30 days

You only need 30 days to create a new habit, and 100 days is too daunting at the beginning.

Step 2: Do the challenge with a buddy

Accountability is much easier to achieve with a peer than with yourself.

Step 3: One day per week, replace coding with writing

Write a weekly blog, article, or newsletter to synthesize your learning and take a break from coding.

Make these changes if you want to be successful with the challenge (and have more fun while doing it)!