In a couple of weeks, I’ll turn 39 years old. Awesome, right? I’m looking at the
event as an opportunity to reflect, and ultimately, challenge myself to do some
new things before I hit 40 in 2013. As grown-ups, we all fall victim to routines – work,
school, practice, etc. – and I’m no different. So, it’s time to mix it up, and
take some steps to do different things. Challenge myself.
This is where you come in. I need challenges, and I’m
inviting you to submit them to me. I’ll take my favorites, publish them, and
then try to accomplish them while tracking my progress over the next year on this blog. So, email me, send me a Facebook message, a tweet, a letter, with whatever you’ve
got. Feel free to share this blog with others, I'll take submissions from anyone. I’m looking forward to seeing the challenges and hope like hell that more
than 3 of you respond.
In full disclosure, I must say this isn’t an original idea. Most
aren’t. A talented writer I use to work with, Noel Potts, is currently in the
middle of completing her challenges. But, she’s doing a steroids version of it
– 30 challenges in a year for her 30th birthday. Shit. 30? Really? Anyway, please visit her blog
– it’s really inspiring. I respect the hell out of that, but I’m married with
two kids, and already pretty busy. If I try to conquer 40, 30 or 20
challenges, I’ll fail miserably. I’m not even positive I can do 10. But, I’ll
give it a shot.
There are a few things I won’t consider. I won’t
endanger myself or my family, I won’t jeopardize my employment, and although I’d
love to take on a challenge that requires me to travel the world, that’s likely
not happening.
Ready? Go.
ever done a marathon?? That would be an awesome bucket list item before 40... you may have already killed one.
ReplyDeleteHey Mandy - never done a marathon, not even a half. That's a little scary to me!?!
Deletethis is mandy BTW. I remember when I chose my user name several years back, all variations of mandyallbritton were taken. :)
ReplyDeleteJason, How about formally mentoring a student or two in advertising? I have some talented ones you could choose from. ;-) They would love the opportunity to shadow you and observe the ad world with the help of a pro like you. You could help them meet people and make connections. This isn't very risky and perfect for a family guy.
ReplyDeleteJust a thought.... Karen King
Ask the people who work for you, with you, that you report to, your friends, and your families what it is like to be on the other side of you. Ask and then just listen. :)
ReplyDeleteOne more-commit to take your wife on one date a week & create one etched memory with your family &/or kids a month
ReplyDeleteThese are all great, and I'm writing all suggestions down (I have about 30 so far). Keep them coming!
ReplyDeleteLearn 100 words in a language you consider to be extremely difficult. My suggestion would be Japanese.
ReplyDeleteTwo more suggestions: Take a vow of silence for 24 or 48 hours; brew your own beer or wine (I got this one and it's great).
ReplyDeleteOoh,ooh,I got one! I challenge you to file the 1400 bills you said you'd file in the office. Bam!!
ReplyDeleteI wonder if you have a family garden? Does your neighborhood enjoy a community garden? If not, all it takes is a designated plot, the will, and some organization. It's a win/win for so many reasons.
ReplyDelete