The Mission:
Complete 101 (in my case, 95) 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.
I’ll start this list on January 9, 2009. My end date will be my 43rd birthday on October 7, 2011.
Italics denote works in progress.
If it’s crossed out, that means it’s done.
FAMILY
- Set aside same time each week for each kid for coffee, bookstore or library, or other hanging out.
- Have lunch with Jim at least once/week.
- Add another family vacation, even if it’s a long weekend and/or in Illinois.
HEALTH AND FITNESS
- Get weight down to XXX and stay there.
- Gradually integrate gym time to this schedule: 5 mornings/week for cardio, 2 eves/week for weights.
- Get dental work done.
- Gradually reduce meat consumption to 2x/week.
- Eat breakfast every day.
- Take a meditation class.
- Take a yoga class.
- Decide on bodywork protocol; schedule appointments for once/month.
- Get physical, blood work, and stress test.
- Tweak supplementation regimen and keep taking them every day.
- See a dermatologist.
- Try Wii Strength and Yoga exercises.
ART
- Knit a sweater.
- Knit a pair of stripey socks.
- Knit a hat with cables in it.
- Finish MQM’s blanket.
- Own a Nikon DSLR camera (preferably the D90, but the D60 or D80 will do)
- Check out a recommended work of fiction on the 15th of each month; read it.
- More music, less NPR.
- Make a list of 100 films to watch, then watch them
- Go to Chicago at least once to see a band.
- Eventually assume editorial or other duties at Smile Politely
- Make another zine + CD for friends.
FINANCIAL
- Finish paying orthodontist.
- Pay off two credit cards in full.
- Pay off car loan.
- Refinance house.
- Assume more responsibility for online banking.
- Make and adhere to bill payment schedule.
- Up savings by 5% when possible.
- Get taxes filed by 1 March in 2009, 2010, and 2011.
GARDEN
- Grow sweet potatoes.
- Grow garlic.
- Plant strawberries.
- Plant blueberries.
- Plant two fruit trees on the premises.
- Develop and implement front yard landscaping plans.
FOOD
- Learn how to make yogurt.
- Learn how to work with a sourdough starter.
- Try a recipe from Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone each week.
- Clean out spice cabinet and replenish all old spices, vinegars, and oils.
- Develop new system for recipes and other kitchen filing. Cards? Handwritten in notebooks?
- Learn how to make pasta.
- Become better-educated about wine.
FRIENDS
- Write one letter every weekend.
- Update, completely, contacts list in iPhone.
- Send 50 birthday cards and gifts.
PERSONAL BUSINESS
- Donate all clothing that doesn’t fit and won’t at XXX pounds.
- Learn how to polish and buff shoes.
- Develop new skin care regimen befitting a woman in her 40s.
- Wear sunscreen every day.
- Establish and maintain personal filing system (not for bills, but for other stuff).
- Scan 250 old photos and post to Flickr.
- Get a manicure.
- Get a pedicure.
HOUSE
- Research and purchase new toaster.
- Paint downstairs bathroom.
- Paint basement.
- Do room switch with Jim.
- Move my former desk upstairs to Cody’s room.
- Re-do kitchen floor.
- Purchase and install new kitchen sink fixture.
- Develop basic chore and maintenance schedule with other family members.
- Keep the bird feeders full.
- Hang all framed photos.
- Redesign backyard plan to incorporate chickens once again.
WORK
- Help produce Market documentary for 2009 season.
- Develop and enforce policies and procedures.
- Develop internal Market advisory group.
- Hire Market assistant.
- Take Excel class.
- Take Adobe class.
- Develop City food policy recommendations, in case anyone decides they want some someday.
- Be a core founder of a C-U local food network.
- Receive a significant raise and/or promotion.
ETC
- Road trip to Kent at least twice.
- Road trip to MPLS at least once and visit as many old haunts as possible.
- Visit Market in Madison.
- Road trip to Grinnell, IA.
- Term out from Common Ground BoD in 2010.
- Help develop neighborhood cooperative networks, especially gardening, seed saving, and cooking/preserving.
- Make significant (for me) donation to WILL.
- Make significant (for me) donation to the Eastern Illinois Foodbank.
- Make significant (for me) donation to The Land Connection.
- Buy 4 additional shares in Common Ground.
- Subscribe to Gastronomica.
- Write down bird sightings in a little notebook.
- Acquire a pair of season tickets to U of I men’s basketball games.
- Attend one U of I football game.
- Spend a whole day in the U of I undergrad library.
- Continue to read about and research the history of American public markets.
- Learn how to run all the electronics in the house instead of having the kids/spouse do it.
