My list - 1st position

The list isn't done yet, but I thought I'd post it anyway.

The rules:

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 Focused. 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.

The List:

Ending Date: Monday, July 25, 2011

1. Go on a real, serious, Friday night, dinner-and-a-movie type date
2. Read the entire Bible for my own personal spiritual benefit.
3. Read the entire Bible to enhance my understanding of Biblical theology.
4. Read the entire Bible to enhance my understanding of ancient Literary thinking.
5. Read 5 books written before AD 500
6. Watch all 100 movies on the AFI’s Top 100 movies list.
7. Lose 75 lbs.
8. Run 5 days a week for 4 straight weeks.
9. Enter and finish a 5K.
10. Take a seminary-level class.
11. Purchase a new camera.
12. Spend a weekend with only myself and God.
13. Write a commentary on a book of the Bible.
14. Write a Christmas drama I can perform in my church.
15. Create a website I can use to promote whatever ministry I’m doing.
16. Go to Major League Baseball games in 10 different ballparks.
17. Go to an NFL Game.
18. Go to an Ohio State Football Game.
19. Spend $500 on meaningful times with friends.
20. Join a book club.
21. Learn to play a new musical instrument.
22. Buy a video camera.
23. Make a promotional video for an actual ministry to use.
24. Buy a new iPod.
25. Rebuild my dad’s shed.
26. See a movie in IMAX.
27. Ride a rollercoaster. (Don’t laugh. That’s a big deal for me.)
28. Climb to the top of a climbing wall.
29. Translate 10 books of the NT from Greek into English.
30. Purchase a new laptop.
31. Go to an orchestra concert.
32. Go see 3 movies by myself.
33. Finish my Spanish book.
34. Have a complete, in-depth conversation with someone in Spanish.
35. Beat Jeff Sampson in ping-pong.
36. Sing special music in church.
37. Visit a new foreign country.
38. Create a new 101 list for the end of this one.
39. Become a certified lifeguard.
40. Attend a Christian/Baptist conference or convention.
41. Visit 30 of lower 48 states. (Previous visits don’t count.)
42. Be a direct part in at least one person getting saved.
43. Eat 50 chicken wings in one sitting.
44. Play 10 games of different athletic activities in one week.
45. Purchase something that costs $5 or more with only change.
46. Write a letter (with pen and paper and more than one page)
47. Memorize a book of the Bible.
48. Sleep outside under the stars.49. Visit 5 college friends who live at least 2 hours away.
50. Learn to make my own wing sauce.
51. Listen through my entire iTunes library.
52. Buy 5 cd’s I would normally never listen to.
53. Do 100 situps without stopping.
54. Make a list of 101 things I’m thankful for.
55. Read 15 spiritual/Christian life books.
56. Complete a Wikiversity course.
57. Make a scrapbook of something.
58. Complete a sub-100 round of golf.
59. Complete a sub-90 round of golf.
60. Write a 10 page paper on Sweden.
61. Visit 3 war memorials.
62. Take a photo of myself at least once a month.
63. Complete and frame a 500+ piece puzzle.
64. Register 6 dollar bills on www.wheresgeorge.com.
65. Watch all the best picture Oscar nominees before the Awards.
66. Throw a party on the 1001st day.
67. Go one week without pop.
68. Establish a good mentoring relationship.
69. Write your life story in less than a day.
70. Take part in NaNoWriMo.
71. Purchase my own gaming system.
72. Respond to every email in 24 hours for one month.
73. Finish the list.
74. Organize the list.

Other suggestions? Stay tuned as I continue on this journey.

Hey everyone

Hey, everyone.

As today is my 25th birthday, I've decided to do something new, exciting, and different, but I'm really tired. I'll unveil it tomorrow, but suffice it to say, it's an ambitious goal: doing 101 new things in 1001 days. Target end date: June 2011. Check back.

Zach