101 Adventures in 1001 Days
One year ago today, I began a new journey, creating a list of 101 things I wanted to accomplish in 1001 days. I didn’t set any New Years resolutions, and I didn’t want to do another typical round of 101 Things in 1001 Days. Instead, I wanted to create something different, something that was relevant to my life, that was interesting and inspiring to me. After lots of thought and planning, my 101 Things challenge morphed into the 101 Adventures challenge.
I’m now 365 days into my 101 Adventures in 1001 Days. So far, I’m on track, having completed 28 adventures.
And I’m loving it. This has been so much more rewarding and so much more interesting then doing the 101 Things in 1001 Days in the past.
It’s a time of year when everyone is reflecting on the past year and planning for the next – and I’m no exception. I know a lot of people are thinking about their resolutions for the new year, and I know some of you are thinking about starting the 101 in 1001 challenge.
I’m going to shamelessly plug myself here – I think you should start a 101 Adventures in 1001 Days list instead.
Here’s Why:
It’s Attainable. 101 goals may seem like a lot, but spread out over 1001 days (about 2.75 years) it’s actually pretty reasonable as long as your choose realistic goals. I chose a mix of things for my adventure list, bigger goals like “visit PEI” and “ride in a hot air balloon” interspersed with things like “watch fireworks”, “go tobogganing” and “hike a new trail”. I get the time to complete some of my bigger goals, while also being able to complete lots of smaller goals.
It’s Way More Interesting. Adventures or Things? While technically this is a to do list, I don’t want it to feel like a To Do list ya know? I make plenty of those, filled with everyday, mundane tasks. I don’t need “organize my closet” on my 101 list. But adventures? Mini adventures, big adventures, everyday adventures – way more exciting.
It’s Specific. New Years resolutions are wonderful ways to set goals, but those goals are often open ended – get healthy, loose weight, be kinder. With the 101 challenge, you get specific on that path to being healthy and active – Ride 300km in a year, explore a new trail.
Everyone Loves an Adventure. Come on, don’t you? We tend to think of adventures as big, grand, expensive things – but they don’t have to be. Mini adventures or everyday adventures are perfect for for this kind of goal list, ie. “Visit a new park with the kids”, “have a picnic”, “spend a whole day at the beach”.
It’s Active. By nature, adventure goals require you to get off the couch and out the door. If you’re making a new years resolution to get more active, a 101 Adventure challenge can kick start your by giving you a reason to do something active.
I can also say, without a doubt, the 101 Adventures in 1001 Days has changed the way our family looks at spending our time together. We’re now more likely to choose to do something active and outdoors on a day spent together, which is awesome and creates great memories for us.
Since my last 101 Update in November, I’ve completed three more goals on my list:
#15 Cut our own Christmas tree. Completed in December, this is always a fun afternoon out!
#87 See a professional musical or theatre show. Dave and I have the chance to see The Rocky Horror Picture Show in Stratford in November, and it was fantastic! Hands down, one of the best musicals I’ve seen in a long time.
#97 Take a family bike ride. This was a spur of the moment, let’s just get out and do something, sort of afternoon. Nice to get out on our bikes in December!
Only 73 more adventures to go. But I’m still excited about it and I’m not losing steam, which is better than I can say for my past attempts at New Years resolutions or the 101 Things in 1001 Days challenge. I’m more convinced now than when I started that this was the way to go.
What goals are you planning for 2019 and will you be taking up the 101 Adventures challenge?
Thanks so much for stopping by! I often post about my 101 challenge and my outdoor adventure with the kids with the hashtags #101in1001 #101adventures or #asimplesomething. You can join me on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest. Or, you can follow me on Bloglovin or subscribe via e-mail to be alerted to each new post!