43things.com
When I first started blogging in the summer of 2011, I discovered a website called 43things.com. This site is the largest goal-setting community online. I find this site so inspiring because it reminds me that there are many, many, unique and interesting adventures and learning opportunities to shoot for in my life.
You sign up for an account by listing three goals you have for yourself in the near or distant future. Its probably more effective if the goal is somewhat short term. Although, come to think of it, there are people in this community, I’m sure, who are in their retirement years, and have the time to accomplish long term travel goals, for example.
So, if you want to visit Greece and stay in the hotel that was featured in Mamma Mia, and then travel to a few more countries via a luxury boat, go ahead and put that goal down! Chances are your lofty goals will resonate for at least 5 people and you will provide the idea or extra boost that they need to make this happen for themselves. I love that synergy!!
Top Goals
Whenever I visit, there always seems to be a “learn to play the guitar”, “learn a foreign language” or “lose weight soon”. Its pretty interesting that these three tend to always show up.
Creative Endeavor
I think all of us have this innate desire to have another creative talent such as mastering a musical instrument, but we just never find the time to fit this in. I, personally, would love to sit down at a piano and play a song above the advanced beginner stage (ok, maybe just past the beginner stage 🙂 ). For some reason, our creative endeavors seem to take a back seat to everything else going on in our lives.
They really shouldn’t, because we should be focusing more on the journey and enriching each step of the way, rather than putting something important off until we have “time”. I know, it is so much easier to say this than to actually live it, but we can always try.
Health
Losing weight is not just about looking fashionable and model skinny, it is about staying energized and healthy. The more healthy we are with exercise and food, the more energy we have, and the less extra pounds we have to carry around every day.
I’m not surprised that health is always on the first page at least twice. As a Mom of young little ones, I know that if I do not eat right, my crankiness factor goes up a few notches and my energy level sags – not good when you’re chasing your four year old around the pool. 🙂
Education
Learning a foreign language is always on this list and I think that has to do with two things:
-Our minds need to constantly be nourished. There is a need within all of us to never stop learning and exploring.
-I think we all want to travel more, and lets face it – with another language in hand, you’re more likely to get along with the locals and enjoy a more interesting journey.
Conclusion
Except for the one time, I saw “become a billionaire”, there is much more focus on the above three topics than anything money related. People want to travel, learn, plant flowers, learn new instruments, meditate, fall in love, grow in their faith, learn to whistle and, of course, time travel. 🙂
Whatever your goals are, I think it is very helpful to check in to 43things regularly to remind ourselves what is really important. And to grab some great ideas for future adventures!
Feel free to leave a comment below with your current goals. Would love to hear from you!
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