27 before 27: FAIL

Seeing as my birthday is in less than a month, I've been thinking a lot about my 27 before 27: FAIL. Maybe I shouldn't be so hard on myself? I suppose FAIL is a harsh word when it comes to a self-improvement to-do list, isn't it? Then maybe "eh" is a more appropriate adjective for my efforts, as I only crossed off a few things (three) on my "27 New Things" list, including arranging an employee art show at work, reading and discussing a book with friends, and giving up online shopping for an entire month (I'm officially on month two, if you can imagine).

To be honest, I'm pretty happy with myself for doing ANY of the things on my list. Though three measly things ain't impressive and though the three things weren't exactly extraordinary, they were new to me and I appreciated the experiences. So, despite my calling the project a "FAIL," it was sort of, kind of, maybe a little bit of a success, and I plan on doing it again this year (we'll see how I fair with an ADDITIONAL new thing on my list. HA!).

But, in case you're interested in giving the project a whirl for yourself, I thought it best to lay out a few pointers so that y'all have better luck than I did.

What I learned from my "eh" efforts:

1. Writing things down made me want to do them. A list created this compulsion to cross things off.

2. Making a list helps me remember things IF that list is in plain sight. 27 things are a lot to remember, so refresher glances are a good idea. Looking back, I should probably have hung a copy in my cubicle.

3. Time friggin' flies. Putting things off will eventually result in some things not getting done. In my case, it resulted in 24 things not getting done. A sad but true story.

4. Though this list shouldn't consist of only "easy" things to accomplish, it's good not to get in over your head either. Too many classes and trips cost money AND time, so be realistic. Also, beware of those new things that might involve another person's involvement/participation. As I realized, it was hard enough getting myself to commit, let alone another person.

5. No new experience is too small. Even if an item sounds silly, write it down. You first thought of it because you want to check it off your life's to-do list.

6. Have fun with it. The minute something feels like a chore or, worse yet like work, that's the minute you stop caring. Don't hold yourself too strictly to your list to the point of ONLY doing things on your list, for that would defeat the point of the project--to bask in life's vast possibilities.


That's all, folks! Go see what you think of my new and improved "28 before 28" list :)