Why I'm Doing This

The moment I heard about the Day Zero Project I knew it was something I wanted to do.

For one thing, if you couldn't gather from the title of this blog, I am in love with lists. I make them for everything - at work, for the grocery store, errands I want to run on weekends, vacation preparation, etc. Excel spreadsheets almost make me giddy. Therefore, it seems natural that I would be attracted to a project that is fundamentally a really, really long list.

It goes beyond that, though. I am looking for a sense of empowerment. How often in life do we say, "Oh, if I had more time I would do that" or "Someday I'm going to do this." We mentally collect ideas of all the things we'll do "someday," but then we never actually do them. I decided that it's finally time to start doing them. In 2008 I completed the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer - I walked 39.3 miles in 2 days, and raised $3,000 for breast cancer research and support. The feeling of empowerment and accomplishment was incredible. I'm want to re-create that feeling, but in my day-to-day life.

Some of the items on my list are significant projects (like taking the GMAT), and some of them are small. But, they all represent things that I want to do, and in some way I feel will help to make me a slightly better (or at least more interesting) person.

I chose September 22 as my start date because it is September Equinox - the first day of fall. It seemed appropriate to start this journey at the beginning of a new season.

I can't wait to begin!

What Is the Day Zero Project?

The Mission:
Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.

The Criteria:
Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on my part).

Why 1001 Days? 
Many people have created lists in the past - frequently simple goals such as New Year's resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organising and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.

Some common goal setting tips:
1. Be decisive. Know exactly what you want, why you want it, and how you plan to achieve it.

2. Stay Focussed. Any goal requires sustained focus from beginning to end. Constantly evaluate your progress.

3. Welcome Failure. Frequently, very little is learned from a venture that did not experience failure in some form. Failure presents the opportunity to learn and makes the success more worthy.

4. Write down your goals. It clarifies your thinking and reinforces your commitment.

5. Keep your goals in sight. Review them frequently, and ensure that they are always at the forefront of your thinking.


More information can be found at the Day Zero Project website.