Update
Start: April 4, 2008
End: January 1, 2011

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 organizing and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.

My 101:

De-Cluttering/Organizing/Practical
1. Replace pictures in frames around the house
2. Get wedding dress cleaned and boxed
3. Organize the den
4. Get rid of old clothes that I haven’t worn in 1+ year
5. Back up files on the computer(s)
6. Give away three items on Freecycle
7. Take one full carload of stuff to Goodwill
8. Shred old documents and set up a better filing system
9. Have a garage sale
Relationships
10. Get a new address book- update, add anyone I am missing, add birthdays
11. Send out greeting cards to at least 8 people/families each for 4 holidays other than xmas
12. Actually throw our belated housewarming party
13. Send someone a surprise "care package" for no reason
14. Email or call Grams at least 1x per month
15. Make two new friends
16. Celebrate a random anniversary with Paul
17. Have a baby (I have, like, three years, right?)
Giving & Community
18. Volunteer for a charitable organization
19. Make a loan on Kiva.org
20. Donate to a cause
21. Give a 50% tip for service well done.
22. Pay for someone’s meal in the drive-thru behind me.
Going Without
23. Go one month without buying anything Made in China
24. Go one month without eating any fast food
25. Go one week at work without using the Internet for anything non-work related
26. Go one week eating only at home (including no take-out/pick-up), or with food brought from home
27. Go one week without spending any money.
28. Go one weekend (from Friday after work through bedtime Sunday night) without using the computer
29. Go one weekend (from Friday after work through bedtime Sunday night) without watching any TV
Health & Nutrition
30. Weigh the same or less than I did when I got married
31. Shop for fruits & vegetables at farmers market
32. Go for a walk (20 minutes or more) every day for one week
33. Go one month without drinking soda
34. Work out at least 2x per week
35. Go to bed by 10 PM every night for one week
36. Take vitamin every day
37. Try a new fitness class
38. Buy a Weight Watchers cookbook and start cooking better
39. Join a gym
House & Home
40. Make ten new dinner recipes
41. Purchase something from a local crafter/artisan that I would otherwise buy from a mainstream retailer
42. Have the hardwood floors refinished
43. Plant trees and vines in the back of the yard
44. Paint the main level of the house (or get it painted)
45. Put crown molding in the bedrooms
46. Build a headboard for the bed
47. Plant a vegetable garden
48. Buy a new vacuum
49. Buy a new washer and dryer
50. Redecorate the kitchen
51. Complete the landscaping in the backyard
52. Paint the windmill in the backyard
53. Complete an insurance inventory for the house
54. Put a new floor in the kitchen and entryway
Finances
55. Increase savings by $4,000.00
56. Sell something on Ebay
57. Buy some more stock
58. Increase income by $20,000.00
59. Eliminate all consumer debt
60. Increase 401(k) contributions to 15%
61. Create a will
62. Create and stick to a monthly budget
63. Put $5 into said savings for every item I crossed off and then do something fun with it at the end of 1001 days.
64. For every item on the list not completed at the end of the 1001, donate $5 to charity.
Personal/Professional Growth
65. Finish my CEBS credentials
66. Finish PHR designation
67. Start work on my MBA
68. Get promoted
69. Start building a real professional wardrobe
70. Start pursuing my resume writing/critiquing business
The Arts
71. Go to a show at Miller Auditorium
72. Go to 2 concerts per year
73. Go to a touring production of a Broadway musical
74. See a concert in another state
Travel
75. Visit two states I haven't been to before (actually spend time- not just drive through)
76. Travel to a country outside of North America
77. Visit Traverse City
78. Visit Mackinaw Island
79. Go on a road trip
80. Go to Vegas
81. Take a cruise
82. Visit Mom/Dad at least 2x per year
Hobbies/Leisure/Random
83. Go camping
84. Buy a new (used) car
85. Go to a drive-in movie
86. Buy a drink for a stranger
87. Go to a Red Wings game
88. Take a dance class
89. Go to an ethnic cultural festival
90. Buy a case of wine
91. Take a cooking class
92. Take another personal interest/leisure activity class
93. Learn how to mix a signature drink
94. Try ten restaurants that I haven't been to before
95. Go rock indoor climbing
96. Publish a secret I have on www.postsecret.com
97. Register a dollar on wheresgeorge.com
98. Color an entire coloring book
99. Learn origami
100. Go roller skating again
101. Get someone else to do 101 things in 1001 days

1 comment | Tell Me What You Think