101 in 1001: 2010 edition

Maybe it's my obsession with lists. Maybe it's the gratification from crossing items off my lists. Maybe it's the fact that I get an idea one minute and forget it the next, so I have to write down everything. Regardless, a few years ago I got the idea to do a 101 in 1001 list for myself and I couldn't say no. I remember reading several different ones around the Internet, but I'm pretty sure I got the original idea from the lovely Melissa Jill. If you've never heard of a 101 in 1001, it's simply a list of 101 goals that you compile and (hopefully) complete within a total of 1001 days. 

I only completed about 35 goals on the list I created back then, which ended on May 28, 2010, but it was such a great way to account for the things I wanted to accomplish. Having a relatively short time frame also kept me thinking about my goals. I learned a lot the first time around, though. With my first list, some goals spanned the entire 1001 days and I got bored, got too busy, or forgot they were in progress--they weren't easy to measure. Like most people, I also included goals that didn't interest me later or couldn't be completed for some reason. 

This time around, I want to make sure all my goals are measurable and/or within a reasonable time frame so I'm motivated to complete them. For some goals, I chose to complete them in one or two months with the hope that I'll create habits and continue them on my own. Also, some goals overlap so I can try to build habits into a weekly routine, like using our elliptical three times a week and practicing yoga twice a week. You'll notice I haven't completed my list... on purpose. I've left room for my life and goals to evolve and change, and I will revisit this list and revise as needed. 

If you're inspired to create your own 101 in 1001 list, send me a link so I can read it. Use this cool tool to calculate your time frame.

Maybe you can help with some of my goals, and I can help with yours!  

Start:  November 1, 2010

End:    July 29, 2013

1. Sew myself a purse
2. Sew myself an apron  //  Completed 2.20.11
3. Sew a new duvet cover and coordinating curtains for our room
4. Sew a new duvet cover and coordinating curtains for the guest room
5. Sew myself an article of clothing
6. Paint a canvas  //  Completed 5.29.11
7. Stock an organizer full of cards and gift certificates for easy sending
8. Sort through basement and storage area with Dan
9. Donate or free-cycle unwanted things
10. Hire a cleaning person
11. Travel Europe with Dan
12. Vacation at our honeymoon resort in Jamaica
13. Take a road trip with Dan and take pictures along the way
14. Put a bun in the oven
15. Put together an inspiration notebook of my style/decor preferences
16. Work with Erin Loechner on a home/landscaping revamp plan (it's official now, Erin!)
17. Build a shed onto the back of our house
18. Build a retaining wall and fire pit in the back yard  
19. Revamp landscaping and ambiance around the house and patio
20. Plant a garden in our back yard
21. Buy new living room couch(es)
22. Revamp living room
23. Reupholster our current sectional couch so it can go in the basement
24. Decorate our entryway
25. Revamp the guest bathroom
26. Revamp the first floor bathroom
27. Build a new dining room table with Dan to seat 4-10 people
28. Replace kitchen linoleum with tile or wood floors
29. Install a tiled back-splash along the sink and stove walls
30. Take self-portraits of Dan and I every month starting January ’11
31. Have a professional take pictures of Dan and I
32. Read the entire Bible
33. Join a church community group
34. Practice yoga twice a week for two months
35. Use elliptical three times a week for two months
36. Have a neighbor over for dinner
37. Have another neighbor over for dinner
38. Have a full day of rest and recreation once a week for two months
39. Recharge by not working on my business two days a week for two months
40. Take a media fast for two weekends each year
41. Plan our meals each week for a month
42. Find a recipe organizer I like and fill it with my favorite recipes
43. Sell our 3G iPhones  //  Completed 11.24.10
    
44. Build a tree house on the farm with Dan
45. Find a cause that speaks to me and donate to it regularly
    
46. Create collection of greeting cards
47. Create wedding stationery collections
48. Create collection of various announcements
49. Update our entire website for 2011
50. Add client project stories to [develop] section
51. Add client project stories to [design] section
52. Draft an editorial calendar for blogging and test for two months
53. Update Facebook biz page with new images and custom landing
54. Create maternity/first year collections for 2011
55. Create brochure of our photography products (printed and/or digital)
56. Read two books a year that will help my business
57. Revisit Bakery Half-Dozen class materials and finish homework
58. Buy the Canon 24-70L lens when it’s updated (or lens with similar range) 
59. Sell our remaining non-L lenses  
60. Have a client appreciation party
61. Register our business as an LLC  //  Completed 11.10.10
    
62. Revise client surveys and work-flow to gain more information before/after projects
63. Get kraft chipboard, screen-printed business cards made
64. Improve our business product packaging
65. Make or buy better curtains to hang in our showroom
66. Replace showroom carpet with wood floor to match entryway
67. Collaborate with another small business in the area to plan an event or offer
68. Develop client welcome kit
69. Find appropriate thank you gift for referrals
70. Plan a photography project and collect images over a two month time period
    
71. Fill up this list with all 101 goals