How to Write Your 101 in 1001 List

101 goals in 1001 days is a more realistic way of making and keeping resolutions. Learn how to find 101 things for your list.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pen and paper, or computer with a printer

1. Learn about 101 in 1001. The goal is to list 101 goals to be completed in 1001 days, or roughly 2.75 years. Having a longer time to complete the goals makes it more likely that they will get done. Goals should be concrete and definite; lose 25 pounds instead of lose weight, or help 10 strangers instead of be more helpful.

2. Consider areas in your life that you would like to improve in. Bad habits? Health concerns? Career goals? Break your goals into manageable steps. For example, writing a novel may be broken into several goals of "write five chapters." For those hoping to quit smoking, the goals may be separated into time spent smoke-free or as cutting down on the number of cigarettes smoked daily. Being able to see accomplishments will provide encouragement.

3. What do you mean to do, but keep putting off? This could be anything from trying out a new hairstyle to renting a villa in Tuscany. These items are great for your list.

4. What do you want to learn? Pick out several new skills you'd like to master, and add them to your list. Have you always wanted to learn how to play the guitar, or maybe to master the art of feng shui? Now's your chance.

5. If you start to run out of ideas, don't hesitate to ask family members and friends for their input. Alternatively, do an internet search for 101 in 1001 lists that others have posted, and see if they have any list items you could use.

6. Most of your goals should be things you enjoy. Making a list of things that you need to do, but don't want to do, will make it a lot harder to get anything done. This shouldn't be strictly a to-do list. It should be a way to encourage you to achieve your dreams.

7. Print your list, and place it in a place where you will be looking at it often. Read over it once or twice a week, and try to cross off at least one item every few days, especially when you are first starting out. By building this early momentum, it will be easier to finish the list on time without it seeming like too much work.

Tips & Warnings

• Give yourself enough time to write your list. It won't be done in a day or two. Take the opportunity to really consider what you want to change or improve on.
• Be realistic. If you won't be able to afford the month-long visit to Tuscany, for example, don't put it on your list.

[geeknerdiness]

on 3/13/2009 I think the reason why I keep restarting my 1001 things list is my goals aren't concrete enough. I'll be restarting it soon enough... adding to my favorites for reference. 5*

[PhiMcRee]

on 1/21/2009 Great idea! I had never heard of this before.

[kagee]

on 1/19/2009 Great inspiration. Thank you

[hollie1974]

on 1/10/2009 This is really great! TY!

[Scarlett9284]

on 1/6/2009 Great idea! The more detailed the goals, the easier to strive to complete them! 5*