101 Things in 1001 Days

My list is not currently complete, but I wanted to go ahead and post it so that I can have some sense of accoutability for the dailies on the list.

101 Things In 1001 Days
(Alternately Entitled: Things to Do Before I'm 30)

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.

* * *

1. Make a habit of daily Bible reading

2. Tell Hubby I love him every day

3. Record one happy thought every day

4. Save $1 every day

5. Complete Project 365

6. Exercise every day (pushups and crunches at least)

7. Find a place to practice kata and use it 3 times a week

8. Call Mom once a week

9. Write a letter once a month

10. Post a life update to the blog once a week

11. Participate regularly in the Saturday Photo Hunt

12. Make time for a date night once a month

13. Read one book each month

14. Try something new every month

15. Try 2 new recipes every month

16. Go to the movies once a month

17. Print one photo each month for display

18. Drink only water for one month

19. Complete a 26 Things scavenger hunt

20. Learn to knit

21. Learn to bake bread

22. Become fluent in sign language

23. Learn to play the piano

24. Get down to 150 pounds

25. Get down to 140 pounds

26. Get down to 130 pounds

27. Get down to 125 pounds

28. Stop biting my nails

29. Get a manicure done January 19, 2008

30. Get a massage

31. Donate hair to Locks of Love or Pantene Beautiful Lengths

32. Donate blood

33. Get a passport

34. Travel outside of the United States

35. Go to the Grand Canyon

36. Go to the San Diego Zoo

37. Get a second car

38. Go to a comedy show

39. Get my teaching licensure

40. Find a job teaching in a school system

41. Go rock climbing

42. Create and print a calendar of my own photos for 2009

43. Watch all episodes of Smallville

44. Watch all of the movies on AFI's 100 Greatest Love Stories of All Time list

45. Send birthday cards to close family members

46. Celebrate our tenth anniversary in style

47. Beat Guitar Hero 3 on easy mode

48. Get a World of Warcraft character to level 70

49. Replace our TV

50. Visit 10 states I've never been to before (Nevada 3/08)

51. Take a picture of the Statue of Liberty

52. Take a picture of the Golden Gate Bridge

53. Go to Las Vegas (done 3/8/08-3/9/08)

54. Take a picture of the St Louis Arch

55. Go to an art gallery

56. Go to a museum

57. Get up early just to watch the sunrise

58. Go to Mount Rushmore

59. Go to Yellowstone National Park

60. Take a picture of Old Faithful

61. Take a picture of the Hollywood sign

62. Get a picture of myself standing at Four Corners

63. Visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial

64. Go to the Empire State Building

65. Go to a restauant just to eat dessert

66. See an opera

67. Learn to identify the constellations

68. Learn to play chess

69. Open a savings account

70. Sing karaoke - in public!

71. Take a ballroom dancing class

72. Travel by train

73. Travel by boat

74. Bake a turkey

75. Buy a bikini and feel great wearing it

76. Make a quilt

77. Learn to swim - and retain the knowledge this time

78. set up a 401K

79. Read all of the books on MLA's 30 Books Every Adult Should Read Before They Die list

80. See the Hoover Dam (done 3/9/08)