How I did it: As a mom, it took me a few years to get the trick or treat thing togethr. The first time I tried to take them, my son wanted to be a mutant ninja turtle, but when I put the costume on him he started to cry. So we just went to the park that day.We've gone every year for about the last 5 years. The key is to start the costumes early, I'm talking like November 1st early. Then we discuss the pros and cons of different costum… Read how I did it…
How I did it: I've known about the Richard Wright bench since it was dedicated circa 2002, close to 10 years ago. It's just that i *never* go into Fort Gren Park. Then yesterday I had a meeting nearby and I had to walk around the park to get there. Yesterday in NYC there was a suprise snow storm, so I never made it to the meeting.When I came home and was warming up under a cover with some hot chocolate I was thinking too bad I didn't get a c… Read how I did it…
How I did it: The 90s was the glorious days of publishing, I remember going to book signings where you’d have to stand in line for more than an hour to have a book signed. I remember lines that were so long they’d snake around book stores, out of the door and down the street. Oh the good ole days! Remembering all this, I made a goal that I would attend a mega book signing of a favorite author. I was thinking Stephen King, Dean Kootz, … Read how I did it…
How I did it: There have been dozens of times when I went to the library-particularly when I lived near a HUGE library--that I could go there, randomly pluck a book off the shelf and stay up the entire night reading. But now 15-20 years later I live near a much smaller library with a limited selection. Further, I’m much more selective with my reading so I spend a lot of time researching books and putting them onto various lists according to… Read how I did it…
How I did it: In my life I've accomplished alot of things, but I don't give myself credit for the TIME and ENERGY that I put into them. I have a degree from a top school, but it doesn't feel like it because I was not conscioius of the effort I put into getting the degree while I was earning it. I've often called myself lazy because I would take a nap in the afternoon. Well that's because-as I discovered-I work 13 hour days. If I didn'… Read how I did it…
How I did it: Earlier this year I kept a problem/solution journal here on 43T and I discovered that on a few days I lacked the motivation to do some rather tedious chores.But you know what, I did those thigs anyway because I had to. Motivation comes and goes. Routine and having a schedul and working with energy levels (ie don't start something that is emotionally wrenching when you're dead tired at 10 pm, instead do it when you're fresh and b… Read how I did it…
How I did it: Recently I started to memorize passages of popular self help books and one day I imagined myelf on the stage giving a motivational speech--to myself. It was an awesome day dream! By memorizing these passages I have a little motivational guru inside of me 24 hours a day, seven days a week. When I need a cheerleader or guidance, she's there. Read how I did it…
How I did it: The north star is what travelers used to use to guide them on a journey. To follow my North Star, I kind of looked at what I was doing and solidified it. I want to write so I made sure I put things into my schedule that would make me a better writer which includes lots and lots of reading of good stuff. CNN, Business Week etc. I guess this goal actually is a subset of my “Create Daily Rituals to Help Me Accomp… Read how I did it…
How I did it: Before I had children, I had very few rituals. I did the usual, go to work and school and I'd go to the gym four or so times a week. That was all pretty steady. The rest of my life was a chaotic mess. Laundry piled up. I never had food to cook for dinner. I didn’t feel on top of my game.Then I had children.Laundry HAD to be done at least once a week and folded or else there' d be drama in the morning. Be… Read how I did it…
How I did it: I'm counting this as "done" for now, however, the mix of things I'm doing now, may change over time. Here's the truth, I'm a frustrated writer who has made more money over the years doing clerical work than writing. I guess you could say writing is my "career," but I don't feel comfortable with that as I haven't made much money at it. Yet I don't want to say I'm a clerk either, though I enjoy administrative work… Read how I did it…
How I did it: When I first signed up for 43 things in 2007 I was excited and I came fairly regularly. I didn't however interact with anyone or give very many cheers. Still I thought it was GREAT! And I was thrilled to be a member.Then in the subsequent years I would come back maybe once a month or so.In 2011, I came back with a vengance. I think I've been visiting everyday since February 8th or so. I keep coming back becaus… Read how I did it…
How I did it: I once (actually more than once) had a job where I was unhappy because of the people. I think the last situation I left might have been avoided if I'd spoken up as soon as they started pushing me around! There was a lot of sniping, negative editorliazing and insults from management--and no positive encouragement whatsoever. Even the pay was bad. I kept my mouth shut and tried to ignore the flare ups. I was so… Read how I did it…
How I did it: After 5 months of thinking I might have to have the ednometiral biopsy done and 22 days after confirming with the doctor that I MUST have it done. I went in and finally did it today. There was just one moment when I was like "NO!" It was when the doctor snapped on her plastic gloves and asked "what's your pain threshold?" And it was as painful as I thought it would be, but no worse. The procedure itself to… Read how I did it…
How I did it: I actually did not set out to accomplish this goal. Rather I wanted to make sure I worked on on the wii for 4 days a week. What happened is that one day in February I got up in the morning, turned on my computer, saw a gossipy story about a celebrity. I then read that story, then another, before I knew it 15 minutes had gone by and I was so mad at myself as I could have used that time to excercise. So for the month … Read how I did it…
How I did it: I've been afraid of mistakes from a young child, all through college and my entire professional life. I made this a goal probably based on my last job. It was one of those places where you were reprimanded harshlly for making mistakes, but guess what everyone always made them. Over and over, every day. You heard the word, "mistake," "mistake," "mistake" all day long. People were defending their 'mistakes" and … Read how I did it…
How I did it: Well, considering the world we live in, it's not too difficult to identify problems. This is why I had to face this particular demon as I have a problem phobia. And sho 'nuf as I completed this assignment, I had at least one problem a day to write about. Sometimes two,three or four. If I didn't write on a particular day that didn't mean I didn't have a problem, it's just that I ran out of time.The ma… Read how I did it…
How I did it: I realized that I had several other goals that will end my worries.I've challenged myself to "make a problem solving blue print". If I have a blue print for problems, why worry?! I have another action goal to "take one step at a time." As long as I'm moving forward why worry, unless of course I fear that I'm going to make a mistake. And I've got that covered as well with the "fear no mistake" goal.So I'm kissing my worries good bye! Read how I did it…
How I did it: I've been a member of 43Things for close to 4 years. When I first signed up in Nov '07, I was on quite a bit, however, I didn't cheer other people. It was a solitary pursuit. For the last three years or so, I've checked in periodically once or twice a month, then I left a job and this became my job making sure I had listed all of my goals past and present. I'm cheering others, I challenged myself, I'm writi… Read how I did it…
How I did it: I live in a city so walking is not an issue. However structuring my thoughts while I walk is. If left to my own devises, I might brood or obsess about something. So here’s what I do, before I start out on a walk, I decide on what I’d like to think about. If I have an interview coming up I might take some sample questions to practice mentally. If I have an exam, I’ll take a study sheet with me to look at while waiti… Read how I did it…
How I did it: I put this on my list awhile ago thinking I'd work on a political campaign or something like that. Then I signed up to volunteer for this one day community event which was hosted by a local elected official and a university. The event was today. During the event the elected official came around and shook each volunteer’s hands and I realized it--I had reached one of my 43things goals! Read how I did it…
