101 Things in 1001 Days: So it begins

Here we go:

The Mission:

Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.

The Criteria:

Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on my part).

Why 1001 Days?

Many people have created lists in the past - frequently simple goals such as New Year's resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organising and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.

Some common goal setting tips:

1. Be decisive. Know exactly what you want, why you want it, and how you plan to achieve it.

2. Stay Focussed. Any goal requires sustained focus from beginning to end. Constantly evaluate your progress.

3. Welcome Failure. Frequently, very little is learned from a venture that did not experience failure in some form. Failure presents the opportunity to learn and makes the success more worthy.

4. Write down your goals. It clarifies your thinking and reinforces your commitment.5. Keep your goals in sight. Review them frequently, and ensure that they are always at the forefront of your thinking.

MY START DATE: October 1, 2009

MY END DATE: June 28, 2012

MY LIST:

FEATS OF STRENGTH
1. Run the marathon
2. Drink only water for a month
3. Try yoga
4. Work out everyday for a full month
5. Learn entirety of "Single Ladies" dance
6. Lose 20 pounds
7. Go 30 days without any sweets
8. Try a spin class

ADVENTURELAND
9. Go to West Coast
10. Look out the window when I fly
11. Get a psychic reading
12. Go whale watching
13. Go ice skating at Rockefeller Center
14. Milk a cow
15. Go a week without buying anything
16. Go to a Bingo night
17. Learn to do a cartwheel
18. Try a Hot Toddy
19. Do a 1000 piece puzzle
20. Climb Charles Mound (highest natural point in Illinois)
21. Climb a mountain
22. Swim in the ocean again
23. Buy scalped tickets to a ridiculous concert
24. Go to Sonic
25. Attend a burlesque show
26. Go to Field Museum
27. Sing karaoke
28. Go to a different country
29. See an opera
30. Go to 3 new states
31. Watch all of James Stewart's movies
32. Watch all Best Picture winners
33. See the Nutcracker ballet
34. Go to a football game

I'M VERY LITERARY ANYHOW
35. Read and finish a book I know I will hate
36. Read Faulkner
37. Read all the books I own but haven't read yet
38. Read Lord of the Rings books

I THINK NORMAL PEOPLE DO THESE THINGS ANYWAY
39. Go to the dentist twice a year
40. Get a massage
41. Learn to cook five meat dishes
42. Learn to tie a tie
43. Go to a Blackhawks game
44. Take pictures in front of ten major Chicago landmarks
45. Have dinner in Pilsen or Bridgeport
46. Watch an entire series on DVD
47. Go apple picking
48. Open a savings account
49. Catch up with all the work in my inbox
50. Get my passport
51. Make a basic will
52. Pay off a credit card
53. Get a pedicure
54. Get fitted for running shoes
55. Buy a bathing suit

I'M KIND OF AN ARTIST
56. Take Annoyance classes.
57. Audition for three things a year
58. Play Freeze
59. Be an extra
60. Take and frame a photgraph (not of people)
61. Get headshots done
62. Print out all important pictures
63. Make a wedding cake (wedding optional)
64. Learn an authentic Regency dance
65. Finish Britney show
66. Sell a cake
67. Make a pumpkin pie from fresh pumpkin
68. Make bread from my mother's recipe
69. Coach

I'LL MAKE SOME MAN VERY HAPPY SOME DAY
70. Complete a separate list of ten items
71. Organize closet
72. Paint dining room chairs
73. Learn to knit
74. Make a sweater
75. Try 101 new recipes
76. Make my own Christmas cards
77. Purchase a Kitchen Aid mixer
78. Sew something wearable
79. Learn to grill

YOU MAKE ME WANT TO BE A BETTER MAN
80. Send my mother flowers
81. Send my sister a surprise
82. Give five "just because" gifts
83. Send 25 cards/postcards
84. Tell someone who deserves it to f off
85. See a sing-a-long movie
86. See an old movie in the theatre
87. Learn to play poker
88. Donate toys for Christmas
89. Grant someone a wish
90. Take a baby I know on a baby date
91. Tip the cost of a meal
92. Call one old friend a month
93. Donate blood
94. Volunteer for Obama campaign in 2012
95. Volunteer 40 hours
96. Make scarves and hats for the homeless
97. Jet ski
98. Organize papers/memory crap but not into like a scrapbook, ick
99. Paint something
100. Save $5 for every task completed
101. Donate five dollars for each item on list not completed

101 Things in 1001 days, or "My Own Bucket List"

Kara and I have decided to do 101 Things in 1001 days.


Basically, as Kara explains this, you have a list of 101 things you want to accomplish in the next 1001 days. These things range from small to big things. She said the last time she did it, she had "return library books" on it but also "travel to Europe." Makes sense.


I think this is a good idea, as I have no goals and could probably use something motivational in my life. So I have jumped right on this idea. I also decided to reactivate my blog in order to document this process, because that is what the internet is for.

So, list is forthcoming as we will begin work on October 1st. We're also open to others who'd like to join in. Rock.