Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Wish me Luck!

Okay, so I've always hated New Year's resolutions. It seems so overwhelming to set a goal (or a couple goals) that you resolve to finish by the end of the year. So why not make it even more difficult and do 101 goals?? A couple of my gal pals have taken this plunge and it really seems like a great idea. 101 things to do in 1001 days. Here's the deets:

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.

So...here are my tasks that I pledge to finish at the end of my 1001 days:
1. Finish my 101 list (hey...we gotta start somewhere)
2. Turn 30 & love it
3. Finish putting together my wedding albums
4. Start the baby-making process
5. Draft a will
6. Vote in as many elections as possible
7. Learn CPR
8. Get Lasik
9. Get my teeth straightened
10. Get a physical
11. Learn Espanol
12. Take golf lessons
13. Paint the interior of the house
14. Paint the exterior of the house
15. Install landscape lighting
16. Install hardwood floors
17. Renovate the kitchen (new appliances, etc.)
18. Buy a new washer/dryer
19. Finish other decorating projects
20. Teach Riley to swim
21. Learn to wakeboard
22. Get a raise/promotion
23. Take the Mensa test (just for fun)
24. Switch to compact fluorescent lightbulbs
25. Use cloth grocery bags
26. Buy a Gucci purse
27. Host a holiday family dinner
28. Take a cooking class
29. Travel to Asia
30. Travel to Europe
31. Snail mail birthday cards
32. Get boudoir photos taken
33. Play in the snow
34. Call Mom & Dad at least once a week
35. Clean out the closets a la Tim Gunn's Guide to Style
36. Go to a museum
37. Take a photography class
38. Read a non-fiction book
39. Read a fiction book
40. Blog once a week
41. Attend my 10-year high school reunion
42. Attend a non-UT sporting event
43. Start working out regularly
44. Go to the theatre
45. Join a professional organization
46. Buy a piece of artwork
47. Buy all new underwear
48. Try a new restaurant each month
49. Donate my hair to Locks of Love
50. Donate $1001 to charity
51. Adopt a second dog
52. Watch the entire list: AFI's 100 Years...100 Movies
53. Go skydiving
54. Learn to drive a stick shift
55. Take a yoga/pilates class
56. Get new family photos taken
57. Bake bread from scratch
58. Visit a new state in the U.S.
59. Participate in a charity event
60. Fill the iPod and buy a new one
61. Drink a Guiness
62. Go to the dentist every 6 months
63. Sign up to be a bone marrow donor
64. Go to Mount Bonnell
65. Buy something from Tiffany's
66. Get a drastic haircut
67. Learn to knit and knit scarf
68. Go on a romantic weekend getaway
69. Run a mile without stopping
70. Go to the dermatologist for a skin check
71. Fly first class
72. Buy wine rack and fill it up
73. Ride on the Harley
74. Finish buying all our wedding china
75. Stand/swim in an ocean
76. Go to a movie solo
77. Have a spa day
78. Ride in a helicopter
79. Watch the entire Sopranos series
80. Go to the Kentucky Derby
81. Contribute to a Wikipedia article
82. Update passport to married name
83. Get Riley neutered
84. Go camping
85. Try 20 new beers
86. Visit a winery
87. Get concealed handgun license
88. 72 hours = no computer/internet
89. Complete a 26 Things project
90. Win $10 off a single lottery ticket
91. Make lasagna from scratch
92. Go to comedy club
93. Watch the entire Godfather saga
94. Plant a tree
95. Go fishing & catch something
96. Take salsa lessons
97. Ride a roller coaster
98. Watch a new movie each month
99. Frame my diploma
100. Blog about all 101 goals
101. Celebrate that it's all done!

If anyone would like to start their own 101 in 1001, check out Day Zero for tips & info.