Project 40
Posted by: whomovedmygroove on: July 11, 2009
On February 12, 2011, a mere 580 days away, I’ll turn 40 years old.
WOW! Where did the time go?
I don’t know why I thought I lived in a magical time warp all these years. Everyone else was getting older, but I would stay 25 thank you very much and keep the change. Unless you’re a character on Lost, life just doesn’t work that way. I’m still 25 in my head, but the bathroom mirror, oh my, the bathroom mirror betrays me. I meant to do a 40 things by 40 list when I turned 30, but kept putting it off, and well yes, click your heels together three times, and here we are!
So, I’ve been thinking… cramming tons of knowledge into my brain before a test got me through college, why wouldn’t the same logic apply here? I have 580 days to remake myself into the person I want to show the world. That’s plenty of time, isn’t it?
Thus Project 40 is underway. Each week I’ll choose three goals focusing on Mind, Body, Spirit. At the end of the week, I’ll report progress and set three new goals. Each goal will be a stepping stone toward achieving the Big List and thus, the best turn-of-decade-day EVER!
Because I’m running a wee bit short on time, I’m going to condense my 40 by 40 list into 20 by 40. No reason to set myself up for failure, so I’ll acknowledge my limits at the start. There are just some things that take more than 580 days. I’ll put those on my 50 by 50 list.
In no particular order, the Big List of 20 is unveiled:
1. Take a vacation with my husband to celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary.
2. Write and self-publish a book.
3. Run two marathons – one local/one in an interesting location.
4. Road trip with a friend.
5. Finally, join the church we’ve been attending.
6. Fit back into my size 8 clothes that are taunting me from the back of the closet.
7. Take a college course.
8. Volunteer at the local hospital.
9. Learn CPR
10. Start a writing club at the local library.
11. Read and discuss one book a week.
12. Learn how to sew.
13. Write a letter to every person I love telling them how much I care about them.
14. Clean and purge the basement. Organize and simplify each room of the house.
15. Have my business cards redesigned to reflect current information.
16. Develop a business website.
17. Join a running club.
18. Finish my daughter’s scrapbook. Organize and catalog a ridiculous amount of family photos.
19. Very actively pursue meaningful paid work.
20. Visit New York City/Washington DC
Now, for this week’s mini goals:
Mind:
Call Red Cross and enroll in CPR class.
Body:
Walk outside from 6:30-7:00 a.m. and attempt the 30-day shred 3xdays per week.
Spirit:
Actively pray or have quiet time every morning for 120 seconds.
Of course, every journey in life is more fun with a friend, so if you’re thinking of making some changes, come along with me! I’ll even invite you to celebrate your success at my birthday bash. I’d love to hear your goals and cheer your progress. We have 580 days to get where we want to go starting now!
4 Responses to "Project 40"
July 20, 2009 at 4:00 pm
Hey young-un! I turned 40 last year. It’s great to have goals ahead of time rather than sitting there on your 40th birthday wondering WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED! One day you’re making out like a crazy person in your early 20s and the next you’re a mom who wears appalling clothing out in public (me, not you…)
July 12, 2009 at 12:04 pm
Wow! Sending many good thoughts & wishes your way…
I did something similar in the year after my husband’s death. Once I came to a point where I was in any way functional (after many months), I decided to use my grieving time as an opportunity to experience a number of things I had never had the time to concentrate on before.
I chose one a month for a period of time:
Health – began yoga, meditation
Volunteer – worked a marathon, etc
Animals – began volunteering in a shelter (led to a new career & life)
Arts – went to some poetry slams & avant garde presentations
Travel – went on a motorcycle trip w/a biker group to NM
I’m so glad you are doing this out of joy rather than out of grief. I had never considered before that horrible turning point in my life that any of what you write about was even remotely possible.
You’re a very wise lady.
- Karen Z
July 11, 2009 at 11:43 pm
I would love to get started with you! There are a ton of things I would like to do over the next couple of years too!
As far as #4 – let’s see if we can get that going!
I’ll have to come up with my list of 20 – I’ll work on that this week while on vacation.
September 14, 2009 at 8:04 pm
Oh! I love this idea. Maybe I can join you with the losing of the weight. I too have clothes in my closet tormenting me. Can’t wait to follow your progress!