I've been procrastinating. I've wanted to start my list of '100 Things' and just never seem to get around to it. So I thought maybe if I wrote about it, that would get the ball a'rolling.
One of the best and most encouraging newsletters I've ever come across is from Don Kern, director of the Grand Rapids Marathon. I think you can sign up to receive it by clicking the link and going to the bottom of the page (https://www.grandrapidsmarathon.com/). It was well worth the registration fee alone when I ran in their event a few years ago. I still look forward to it each week.
In the 12/7/23 edition was this:
100 Things
I keep a "Life List" of (at least) 100 things to do, see, places to visit, experiences to have. It's been a guiding principle for many years now.
Things get checked off the list. (It's in a spreadsheet in my computer.) But somehow it never gets any shorter. Again--hanging out with the wrong people. Innocent conversation over a cup of coffee or a beer with other adventurous friends will turn into a half dozen things being added to the list.
A friend who decided to sell his business and figure out something else to do brought this back to the front of my mind. What to figure out where to go next? This is the way to go.
Start a list. Things you want to do. Places to go. People to meet. Experiences to have. Don't stop until you get 100 things on the list. There's a great reason for the number. If you think of only a couple things, or 10 things, it's like throwing only on towel in the washing machine. It's off balance. Putting 100 things on the list makes you search your brain for those things you really want.
It might take a couple days. It's worth the time. Something on your list will pop out at you. You'll sign up for a trip. Book an event. Buy a ticket. You're on your way. With all of those things on your list, you'll find one item supports another. You'll check off a couple things at a time.
You're a runner. You know about setting goals. The List is a great way to start your goals for the next years to come.
Man, I NEED to do that! I actually suck at setting goals. I'm also not very adventurous. I mean, a good day is, like, not leaving the living room (or having to brush my teeth). Yet I understand this makes me not a very interesting person, or a good spouse, parent, grandpa, or all-around member of society.
It's kinda hard for me because I don't really like to travel, I have no desire to meet-my-heroes (because I know I'd be disappointed), and I'm just not overly impressed by much of anything. Yes, I'm 'that' guy. Sorry.
Anyway, let's give it a shot though... 100 things I'd like to do, see, places to visit, people to meet, experiences to have... I'm just going to start, and maybe add to it later...
- Continue running as long as I can walk
- At least one marathon a year for another 20 years
- Write a book
- Learn a foreign language
- I'd like for Jane to see the Grand Canyon (and be with her)
- Meh, it might be interesting to spend some time with former presidents Obama and Bush (W)
- I want to ride in a vehicle my grand kids are driving (legally)
- See my kids when their kids graduate high school/college
- See my grand kids graduate high school/college
- Get a hug around the neck from my grand kids
- I'd like to see my wife laugh a million times over
- I'd like to eat a really good filet mignon again
- Hang out on the beach with the wife several more times
- Have a really nice stereo again
- Become a spiritual director/guide
- Start a retreat center
There, I've got something down. Hopefully now that I've written it my brain will begin clicking and I can someday reach 100. We'll see.
So, what about you? How soon before you begin your list? How many items can you think of off the top of your head?
And... go!
No comments:
Post a Comment