One Hundred and One
A few weeks ago, I shot a gun for the very first time. The seconds that lead to the moment I pulled the trigger was nerve-wracking. In my head, I was thinking about the different ways shooting a gun, or even just being at a shooting range, can go horribly wrong. There was obviously no backing out now. I closed my eyes, imagined I was playing Counter Strike, and pulled the trigger. BANG! That first shot I fired at the target was amazing. The exhilarating feeling of power that rushes through your body. All that tension escaping with the fired bullet. Just amazing.
The Day Zero Project
My intention is not to promote violence. In my head, I carry a mental checklist of things and experiences to do before life ends. I can finally cross off firing a gun from that list! Unfortunately, I am a forgetful person and usually need lists to help me keep track of things. I recently stumbled upon a challenge called the Day Zero Project. Simply said, it is a website that allows you to create a list of 101 things you want to do in the next 1001 days. The project's creator, Michael Green expands on the Day Zero Project a little bit more:
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).
Why 1001 Days? Many people have created lists in the past – frequently simple challenges such as New Year’s resolutions or a ‘Bucket List‘. 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, study semesters, or outdoor activities.
Last night, I created my own Day Zero Project. Here are a few of the things I want to do before July 31st, 2013.
- Study abroad
- Get my driver's license
- Cook a three course meal
- Improve my Bahasa Indonesia
- Buy my own domain
- Complete 3 pull-ups
- ...and the list goes on
One additional rule that I am setting for myself is that once I have completed my list (I am currently at 50 goals), I will not allow myself to edit or delete any of the entries. The lesson from this challenge will be to see how many of my goals I have accomplished, or failed.
Join me with this challenge. Create your own list at Day Zero Project, and then share your list.