I remember when Zandria first wrote about her 101 things in 1001 days project. It pops into my head every so often as one of those things I’d like to do myself. One of these days. Down the road. When I have time. After (insert random event here) happens. Tomorrow. Someday.
The other day she had a post that said she had been at this for fourteen months so far. And I thought to myself, “Damn. It sure is taking me awhile to get started.” I decided to finally get off my ass and try to make my own list already. It was finally time. Or maybe I just realized that, as my life gets more and more hectic, I have to just start making time for things.
I was too overwhelmed to start my own list from scratch - so I started with Zandria’s exact list copied into an excel spreadsheet. (Do you think she would have noticed if I had just kept it that way?) I knew there were a lot of items on her list that I wanted to keep on my own. So, I just started by deleting the ones that wouldn’t work for me. I first removed with the ones that were not much of a challenge (I start conversations with random strangers every time I’m in line at Target) and then removed the ones that didn’t really fit my life. As I started doing those two things…the ideas started flooding through my head and before I knew it I had my own list.
I went into this trying to keep two motivating factors in mind: (1) Strive to become a better version of myself and (2) Branch out of my comfort zone a little bit. I decided to make groups of 10 - each with a different focus. I did this to keep myself from doing 50 things in one vein. I wanted a well-rounded list. I made one group of monthly challenges so I’d have some months that I could focus on one task for the entire month. Some of the items will be done in a few minutes, others might take several months. I ended up deleting and reorganizing and rephrasing several times over before I finally thought, “Okay. I’m done.” I think there are still a handful of items from Zandria’s list - but surprisingly it’s mostly mine now.
I feel like making this list was as much of an exercise in introspection as it will be to complete the list. I really thought a lot about what little things I’d like to force myself to do and try in my life. I’m hoping some of these items sponsor big changes in my life, but even if they don’t? The list will still be done. I’m very excited to have this in the background of my life. It gives me a bit of focus in what feels like has become quite an unfocused existence.
I hope when I’m 14 months in, I’ll have as much crossed off as Zandria did.
I decided to publish the list as a separate entry so I can go back to cross things off (like Zandria does) when I complete an item and hopefully link to the entry I mention it on. If you are motivated to do a similar list, I would love to see your final edition. Especially now that I have my own so I can’t steal from you as blatantly as I did Zandria.
Oh, wow! This is awesome! Do you know what’s been JUST ABOUT as fun as working my way through my list? Hearing from people who tell me that they’ve been inspired to make one of their own. Very, very cool. I look forward to reading your updates and cheering you on.
Holy bejesus. This is a good idea. Scary as hell….but a good idea. I may try this. I have been thinking lately of doing one of those “would love to do before dying” lists things, but then thought that was kinda morbid. So this may be more my scale.
WOW! There’s no way I’d ever get around to making a list like that, nevermind doing it! Good for you!
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I love this idea. Only 90% because I’ve had major writers block lately, but also because I love writing about ways to improve myself (and, duh also just loving was to improve myself). So I think I’ll try one of my own. I never talk to strangers, so that might stay on my original list (conversely, though, I aways try to bake my own stuff, just ask JS as he’s had to suffer through it).
Nice challenge. And great list, too. Good luck to all!
Um… is it sad that I have the need to scratch my list and kindof start over? In reality, I think my list has alterations that will be needed, and I may swipe some of your ideas. Don’t worry, I’ll let you know when I stop being lazy and actually update my list.
Also? I like that you’ll write about each item and then even be smart enough to link back to it. (this is when I look in the mirror and say to myself “Really now? you couldn’t think of that on your own? pitiful!”)
Oh wow I would love to do something like that. Imagine the sense of accomplishment when you’re done!
This is a fabulous idea. I would love to do this as well. I’m just about done with school; graduating in June, and I’m looking for new things to challenge myself. This would be perfect. Thank you for sharing.
[...] Zoot created her own 101 Things list this week and gave me credit for inspiring her. You can see her list [...]