This is about the time of year when I start realizing that the year is almost over, and I realize that I haven’t reached any of the goals that I had set for myself way back in January.
But, this year it’s okay because lots of things have changed for me in the past 10 months, the biggest one coming to the realization that it’s time for me to stop stalling, stop making other people happy and do what comes the most natural to me, yet with tasks that still challenge me. I’ve needed something to really give me that kick in the pants and to in some way force me to get started with my long term goals.
Although, I have had a 30 by 30 list for a while now, I have decided to take on the 101 in 1001 challenge. This way, I am able to break down my goals into more manageable parts and I also have about 2.75 years to complete all 101 tasks, which is allowing me to think really big.
The goals that I have in plan for myself are lofty, and scary. When I mentioned that I am ready for a change, that it is time for me to devote my energy into a career that fulfills and makes me happy. If you take a look through my list, you will see that a good portion of it is dedicated to “Business and Career.”
I’ve had a love for photography for as long as I can remember. But, photography wasn’t something that my mother encouraged when I was younger. She thought it was a waste of money to take photos, then develop the film. She pushed me towards math and science and after a long road of entering college with a declared degree of electrical engineering, graduating with a degree in industrial design, getting a job in web development and then starting and running and web design company…
I’ve finally garnered the courage to seriously pursue a career in photography. Specifically in food & product photography, and possibly also venture into some portrait photography. I’m also working on producing videos, which will allow me to revisit my love for storytelling and film, something that I loved while in school.
So, I’m publicly stating this so that you (my readers & friends) can help keep me on track and not let me waiver, because the photography field is a tough one to break into and I know that it’s going to be rough going sometimes.
Here are the details of the project, from the Day Zero website:
The Challenge:
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 your part).
It took a while, but I finally finished writing up my 101 by 1001 list. And if you’re able to make it all the way through the crazy long list, there may be a fun surprise for you.
And I hope this list may inspire some of you to join me in creating your own lists. It’s going to be an exciting and fun 1001 days!
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{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
#28 is heinous!
#52: oh yeah!!
#66: ewww, take pepto bismol with you
#74: I’m in!
Great list! Sounds like 1001 days of fun!!
28 is heinous
But I used to be a morning person, so it’s about time I get back to a routine that’s natural for me – haha, fingers crossed!
52 – will need some recommendations from you!
74 – will let you know when I decide to go to one
Wow. What an amazing list. Very well thought out… and truthfully, a little daunting for me, but great inspiration!!! So glad to have “met” you this year through the blogs.
My goals right now seem so short sighted & immediate. Getting Healthy Aperture headed in the right direction is all consuming. Maybe once it spreads it’s wings, I’ll be able to follow suit from you brilliance!
Thanks Regan – I’m so glad to have “met’ you too!
It took me a while to sit down and write this list out, it is a very daunting task, but I felt like it was time for me to do it so that I have goals set for myself.
Healthy Aperture looks amazing! There are some great photos up there already!
I’m going to do those 50 questions also, I think a list like this is a good idea!
Maybe I should start my own…
I think you should! Making lists is a great way (at least for me) to stay on track.
I’ve always wanted to make a list and just never got around to it. I’m bookmarking this page so I don’t forget—I’ll probably come back to it several times to remember and eventually do it but I will do it! I’ll be 30 in 4ish months, oh man so weird, so 30 in 30 wouldn’t work well for me unless the goals aren’t all that unrealistic in the short time frame. Maybe 35 in 35 is a better list? I don’t know. Are you not doing the 30 Day Photography challenge? I didn’t see it on your photography website–I’m so behind myself.
P.S. Your new photography website is beautiful! And I love the little flying piggy
Haha, yeah the 30 by 30 wasn’t working for well for me because the end date always seemed “so far away” – I’m hoping this list will help me actually get some things accomplished.
I got so far behind in the 30 Day Photo Challenge. We had a few straight days of cloudiness over here and I lost my motivation. The husband has been bugging me to get back on track, so I’ll see what I can do with these last few days
I’m kind of hoping I can find the motivation to just kick out quite a few over the course of several days. Just to give the different topics a try for my own experience.
What a great list, Melissa! I am so with you on all of your “Always Learning” items. I’ve been wanting to take a class with Ray Roman FOREVER (well, at least since I discovered him)! And Helene and Penny go without saying.
#72 – The pizza at Antico is AMAZING! Go during off-peak hours, so you don’t have to sprint for a seat.
#89 – Ahem…That would make a lovely #100 for me! I’m a size 8.
Thanks for sharing your list. This has given me the little nudge that I need to seriously start thinking about and writing down my own goals. Just the other day, I was thinking about how I need to develop a vision board.
When I finally find the courage to actually take a Ray Roman workshop, I’ll let you know! I think I’m just too intimidated right now
Plus, my videography skills need some work before I feel ready for one of his classes – ha!
Good luck with your list and vision board! I’ve found it refreshing to take some time and to sit down and work on goal setting.
P.S. We need to get together and catch up sometime soon! Maybe over cupcakes?
Let’s definitely plan to meet up together soon! I’m always down for cupcakes or breakfast food…Yum!
Let me know about the Ray Roman workshop. I guess I should actually test out my video capabilities on my DSLR first so that I know where the switch is. LOL.
I can help you with 77 and possibly 62, I’ll let you know about that one =)
holy crap, that’s a long list.
i like it! i might put together a list after i turn thirty haha