101:1001

The Mission:
Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days. My 1001 days began on January 1, 2009, and will end on September 29, 2011.

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.

I'll share with you a sampling of my 101 things...
Open an IRA in my name.
Bake a baguette from scratch.
Grow my own basil and use it in a meal.
Take my children to Disney World.
Become Autumn Bruckman, RN.
Travel to San Antonio with my husband.
Spend one month caffeine- and alcohol-free.
Back up digital photos and music on external hard drive.
Experiment with false eyelashes.
Put a piano in my home, space permitting.
Save at least $20 from every paycheck.
Go to Fayetteville for a Razorbacks football game.
Complete Rosetta Stone French lessons, Volume 1.
Donate blood 3 times.
Run three miles in 30 minutes or less.
Sing karaoke in public.
Go to a bed & breakfast with girlfriends.
File taxes before April 1.
Make homemade marshmallows.
Read the complete Harry Potter series.
Take a self-defense class.
Ride in a train.
Go bowling and score higher than 120.
Purchase a digital camera for myself.
Take dance lessons with my husband.
Give Hailey her own bedroom...DONE ALREADY!!!
Change wedding band setting or get current bands sautered.
Undergo electrolysis under arms.
Use my neti pot every day for one week.
Have a 10 year wedding anniversary photo shoot at the Olmsted Falls covered bridge.
Sign Noah up for gymnastics or baseball.
Learn to play bass guitar.