We are the challengers
Today we begin the Ten Year Self-Improvement Challenge (TYSIC), with more than 200 people – in theory, at least – taking on a personal goal, bound by the cast-iron commitment of an impulsive comment scribbled on a blog. The sheer number of comments and the enthusiasm shown made me tremendously pleased with life. Of course, when we get to 2020 we’ll see how many of these noble pledges have been met; how many fallen by the website. But it’s a good start.
There were a few obvious patterns to the resolutions. An intriguing number of people are keen to get into either writing or stand-up comedy. These are fields where I can offer a tiny amount of guidance, so for these people, I’m going to do occasional blogs focused on them. Then, there are challengers with all sorts of other career aspirations, which include darts pro, librarian, cake-maker, underwear designer, actor, BBC commissioner, and a lot of vaguer promises to get a better job.
Quite a few people are looking for romance, or hoping to progress from romance to marriage and kids. Several want to travel to specific places, including at least two who plan to set foot in every continent, and should surely team up and go together. A number have vowed to learn an instrument, or write songs. And then there are some delightfully bizarre challenges which don’t fit into any category.
On a more philosophical note, a significant number of people followed my ‘optimism’ lead and are setting out to become more confident, less scared of conversation, less self-critical, happier with themselves, and so on. I wish these people even more success than everyone else. And kudos to the two or three who said that even writing a comment on the blog represented the first step towards that.
The whole idea of this venture – as with the 24-hour shows – is that by mutual encouragement we proceed towards these aims together, a bit like an Online Weight Watchers without the sinister advertising, and with me. So, soon there will be an online community (currently being designed by the web-wizard Linzy) where you can log in and describe your progress as often as possible. For now, I hope people will keep writing comments on their own and each other’s efforts.
So: it begins. This week, i.e. before next Thursday, I challenge everyone to take one step towards their TYSIC. It could be a bold, reckless gesture; it could be something tiny. It could take you most of the way to your ultimate aim, or just be a tip-toe in its vague direction. But do something. And comment about it. And we’ll see where we are a week from now.
Good luck everyone. Below, I’ve picked out some of the many challenges people have set. This is only a small sample, designed to give a sense of the varied nature of the goals (and a few which just made me laugh). It’s enough to whet anyone’s appetite, I think. I think this could be quite cool.
Go!!
Catherine I will be 63 in ten years. I am a divorced mother of three. I am back in college (again). I am majoring in Spanish. My goal is to be finished before the alimony runs out, start a career that will support me in the manner I’ve always dreamed of, and to live in another country (Europe or South America). This is what I want to do when I grow up.
Alice The hardest acrobatic move I could ever do was a full twisting straight front somersault. Last time I did it was 6 years ago. Gave up for no reason other than cowardice. Must perform it one more time before I really am too old to do it.
Jenny I will write a song and it will be a good song. You’ll like it. And I won’t let it be used in a car advert. Or have the introduction played over and over again on Countryfile so that you can’t bear to listen to it anymore.
Sharee To remarry my longsuffering hubby in a skinny frock on a beach in Raro (which was my goal for my upcoming 10th anniversary FAIL)
Jamie I would like to meet ten people who have inspired me most in my life so far. To make it more doable (Challenge like) I’ll set up a points system e.g. 5 points if I meet them briefly, 10 if I have a conversation with them, and 20 if I spend more than fifteen minutes talking to them. I need to work on the actual list of people, but there are a few people I know I could probably learn a lot from talking to. The point thing is also good if I were to die in the middle of the challenge…
Kai Last October my Aunt died of Necrotizing Fasciitis (a flesh-eating virus) and she really shouldn’t have when she’d seen the doctor twice in perfectly adequate time for them to have treated it. Since then I’ve been trying to do something about raising awareness of the disease. Here’s to spreading the word and, hopefully, forcing Doctors to pay some attention when the symptoms are presented to them!
Toni Run three marathons (Dublin, London, San Francisco). Get a tattoo. See a Shakespeare play in the Globe Theatre. Build a skyscraper. Study at Harvard Business School.
Rachael I also want to own 3 goats, which I plan to name Tilly, Tom and Tiny.
Louise Visit Tokyo and Rome. Learn to drive. Stop being so nervous around boys.
Jenny Oh, and to have worked in the Dungeons at some point (not some dodgy sexy dungeons thing, just like the ones in York where they all dress as centurions)
Dan Newman Record 1,000 songs in the decade.
Georgina Design, make and sell my own underwear. (IMPORTANT.)
Steph Oh and I also want to be able to appreciate Hazel Irvine. At the moment it’s pretty grim, I genuinely dislike her.
Emilee Do something mental that I never thought I could ever do in a million years. This is going to require some thought.
Anna Lowman I want to go to the Ashes with my Dad, watch some basketball with my big bro and take in, well, the entire London Olympics with my mum.
Madnad I have been promising myself that I will learn Welsh. I even downloaded all the lessons and put them on my iPod. I did nothing with them after the first lesson.
Anna My goal, silly as it sounds, is to learn and make and decorate cakes, with a view to setting up my own business. As extra motivation to succeed- Mark, I promise that, if you want, I will make Baby Watson’s first birthday cake for you. So that gives me, what, 363 days to become proficient? I can do that!
Megan To get on Radio 4 in any way (except maybe in some scandalous news story involving a murderous rampage or horrifying affair with John Prescott).
BeckyMarsh My main goal is to become a politician and change lives…
Toni I also think I’m too old to have never been abroad (apart from a package holiday when I was too young to remember) so I’m going to do that too! I don’t know where but I’ll take suggestions
Max I want to circle Iceland with my bike.
sharanBEANS In 10 years I will be living in Paris, married to a French man with one adorable bi-lingual baby.
Dunc Venture, on foot, to the river at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, AZ (in case there is any confusion over which one I mean); drive from Mongolia to Britain in the Mongol Rally; watch Back To The Future 2 on the day it is set.
Sheri I will begin the extreme challenge of becoming a librarian. This forum is just the place to push me into it.
Simon Run the entire length of the Central Line; grow some facial hair.
Jackie My aim is not to lose weight, eat less or exercise more. It is to accept me as I am.
Misha As it stands I can’t make phonecalls unless I’m in a very specifically ballsy frame of mind. I’m going to become more outgoing.
Richard There are loads of things I’d like to achieve in the next ten years but I think the best way of summing them up would be to able to pour olive oil made from olives that I’ve grown myself over a salad. This will mean that I’ll have jacked in my current, soul-destroying office job, moved overseas to sunnier climes, and enjoyed a simpler life working in the outdoors.
Erin I’d like to be less reserved. Leaving this comment is my big first step.
Cat I’d love to eventually work with birds/
Georgina PS Not sell my OWN underwear. Make underwear and sell it. Obviously.
Bill Okay. Over the next ten years, regardless of life circumstances, I am going to release six albums of original music which I will write and record and each will be at least one hour long.
Kate And a thought for everyone, courtesy of Samuel Beckett: “Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.” I’m assuming I’ll fail in the process of doing this, but I’d like to fail better, then try again.
Posted by Knox on May 6, 2011
God – so many goals. Makes it feel a lot easier to imagine reaching my own, with so many other people working at it too. Good work, Watson, once again!
Posted by Tim on March 18, 2010
I’ve written a couple pages for the play I want to write. I’d really like to write for radio, so I’m going to listen to radio drama and try to get some thoughts together. We’ve a brand new baby boy in the house so it might not give me much time to do much. Sleep is the main priority at the moment but I’ll try to….ZZzzzzzzzz
Posted by speckl on March 15, 2010
Hi Mark,
OK, I know I am a couple of weeks late on getting my TYSICs in, but in the grand 10 year scheme of things, its a bit like turning up five minutes late to a 24-hour show. Obviously the best seats are taken, but that doesn’t stop the fun.
So, there are lots of challenges I plan to complete over the next ten years – from the fairly achievable (I’d like to complete a Masters), to the ultimate pipe-dream (I want to put on a diy-style arts festival). And in the very short-term, I want to buy and regularly use a bike, as I make a pretty crap (& unfit) climate activist without one.
However, the one I thought would be most prescient, albeit most tediously earnest, is the challenge that over the next ten years I will get my carbon usage genuinely under control, rather than just continuing to think and talk about the importance of doing so.
The first step for me is to complete my 10:10 commitment. To aid this self-improvement, I am planning to keep a kind of carbon diary on my user page on EnviroWiki (User:speckl). Already this month I’ve driven to North Wales. Not a great start. A CATE start, if anything. But, as they say, recording is the first step to recovery…
By arriving late, I’ve also managed to miss a bit of the admin. Where are the TYSIC updates supposed to be added – on this blog, or on the fan forum?
Becky x
Posted by Gilly on March 11, 2010
*and by degree I mean 2 – undergrad and grad
Posted by DougR on March 9, 2010
So, update time on the challenge which, as I failed to actually post it here originally, is to perform a sell out piano recital on the 4th March 2020, where I will premiere a solo piece written/inspired by this project. As I can’t play any instrument whatsoever, this requires me to either learn the piano to concert level standard or to become amazing at the dark arts of marketing and advertising. They both have their attractions.
The first step was to move my keyboard from my bedroom where its role was as an expensive shelf for any washing which I couldn’t actually be bothered to put away, for which read “all my washing”, into a more prominent place in my living room. While this might not actually make me do any piano practice, seeing it on a daily basis should make me feel at least a tad guilty about not doing it. And as I have quite a small flat I definitely won’t be able to ignore it.
Originally I planned on placing it in front of my wall of CDs, so that I would be able to look at the spines while playing and be suitably inspired, but unfortunately that plan came to an abrupt end when the power cable proved to not be long enough, a problem I managed to solve by putting it Somewhere Else. I am as resourceful as a TV survival expert. This may turn out to be a blessing in disguise as the CD which would have been in the centre of my vision if I’d put it where I wanted to was my copy of The Best of Ant and Dec (Don’t judge me! I have other CDs! It’s not representative of my entire collection!) which may not be the best of inspirations. Although having said that, Lets Get Ready to Fumble is currently a pretty accurate description of my skills…
Posted by Dan Newman on March 9, 2010
Oh, yes, and also making a bit of progress on the Welsh. Me and the other half are learning together, and enjoying it. Hoorah.
Posted by Dan Newman on March 9, 2010
I’ve made little steps in the last few days on a few of my tasks.
I almost bought a ring to propose to my other half. I didn’t. That’s not the most exciting story, I know.
I had feedback from my supervisors on one of my chapters for my thesis. They said that it showed the most improvement they had ever seen between first and second draft, and that it showed I was on the way to doing a properly scholarly thesis. And I was pleased with it anyway. So that one’s good.
I’ve written/recorded about a dozen songs. Probably on about thirty odd for the year now. I haven’t worked out required run rates for my 1,000 songs this decade yet, so not sure if I’m behind or ahead.
I’ve taken a new stance on tackling my panic. Trying to laugh at it, rather than get scared. I’m hoping that helps me to stop caring. Mixed results so far, but I’m determined not to just give it up right away, as I have done before when things haven’t worked immedeatly on the panic.
That’s my progress this week. I do feel like I’m cheating a bit with ten bits, makes it rather easy to claim improvement somewhere along the line. Even by accident. But there we go.
Posted by Bill on March 9, 2010
I do hope this isn’t cheating but I wrote and recorded 47 songs last month ( http://fawm.org/fawmers/morti/ ) and during this week I’ve picked the tracks from those that will go on the first album. I’ve also started looking into singing lessons to improve my vocal performance a little and I’ll start figuring out what needs re-recording next week.
Good to keep in touch. As I say, my goal has changed somewhat in that the number of albums will be between 6 and 10 (I’ll aim for ten but allow myself to fall short) and I’ve decided to remove the 60 minute rule because it’s stupid. Generally a 55 minute album with no filler is better than padding it out, I have recently learned.
Posted by Mossyrock on March 8, 2010
So I’m always late to this type of thing. In ten years, expect me to be late in updating you. I would put that as a goal, but I have so many more things to think about.
1. Get accepted to my dream uni. I won’t go there, cos I can’t afford it, but just to get accepted is enough.
2. Travel to the U.K.
3. Travel to the Melbourne Comedy Festival every year, just to have as much fun as possible.
4. Become a highly paid accountant to feed my comedy habit.
5. Write and publish a comedy magazine.
6. Continue learning Welsh.
7. This is the impossible dream: Become a comedy manager. Like Token or Karen Koren.
8. Generally love, live and laugh.
That’ll do I think.
Posted by Chris on March 7, 2010
I wonder what we’d be like if we woke up one day with Eddie Izzard’s self-improvement ideas! 43 marathons in as nearly as many days with no running experience.
First episode of 3, if you’ve missed it.
Watch, be inspired, donate if you can.
http://tinyurl.com/marathonman1
After watching this, I don’t think I’ve got an excuse, even if it’s purely personal, to attempt some of my goals.
Posted by Sara on March 6, 2010
Ohhh, I thought we were starting on the 6th. How silly of me.
I, too, intend to become more confident and there are lots of little (and big) things I want to achieve by becoming so. I’ve taken a step towards this over the past couple of months by going out regularly alone to various comedy events, rather than be held back because none of my friends want to go. This has meant many fun nights out, but I have felt rather lonely, and a bit of a plonker being by myself.
I’m going out three nights this week, and my goal is to engage in conversation with the person(s) next to me and hopefully make a friend.
Posted by Emily on March 6, 2010
Ignore my comment below, I’ve moved my blog after just a few hours… this was further procrastination I fear.
Posted by Emily on March 6, 2010
I’ve just set up a blog (link in name) with the first post detailing my main challenges/goals (also mentioned in another comment down below somewhere) and my progress so far. It shall possibly continue to do this on a semi-regular basis. In part I’ve just done it so now my name with a link distinguishes me from the other Emily I’ve noticed has left comments on here. I sort of hope none of you actually go to read it. But then I suppose it’s a rather pointless blog if that happens. Anyway, that’s enough procrastination for me, that goal isn’t going so well so far.
Posted by Heather on March 6, 2010
So I’m two days late (or three, with the time difference…) but I am not going to let that stop me from posting this, since I have come up with a few goals, and like some of the other commenters, this reply is the first step of one of my goals. So here they are:
1. Be less introverted. Both in real life and online. Less reading blog posts and not replying. Less writing up replies/post/emails in my head and then never getting past that stage. More connecting with people. More speaking up. If I feel daring, maybe I’ll even invite my coworkers over for supper!
2. Brush up my language skills. More specifically, bring my French back up to snuff. Maybe spend some time in Montreal when I get back home. In the meantime try to consume more French media, and try to speak more French with my friends (and not just when I’m drunk!). Additionally, try to pick up more Korean in the short-term, and try to improve my German, and possibly my Irish in the years to come.
3. Travel more. Spend a month or more visiting Australia and New Zealand. Visit London again (and actually go on the London Eye this time!). See more of England than just London. Go to France. Visit Saint Gatien des Bois and see the church where my great-times-ten grandfather was baptised.
4. Buy a house.
Gonna leave it there, don’t want to get too carried away. Still, I think I can fit that all in somewhere in the next ten years!
And Mark, since you were talking about people commenting from far-off places I thought I’d mention that I’m from Canada but I’m currently living in South Korea.
Posted by Laura on March 6, 2010
Oooh, who’s the other person wanting to visit all the continents??
Posted by Lally on March 6, 2010
I want to follow and participate in this! I am jumping on the optimism bandwagon, as I have seen my sister really live it–you do tend to move toward what you are looking at apparently. In the past I have given in to depression and anxiety, but have decided that I owe the fact of being alive a better return than that.
I want to be useful and fun, essentially. Happy, healthy, self-supporting, doing good to those I love and putting in a certain amount of volunteer work and contribution. A sweetheart with whom I share a household would be favorite…
Ten years is a big chunk of time. I think I will have to use mini-goals along the way. I am already working on optimism and will report here, although I am historically hermitlike. In the near term (next month over rest of this year) I want to 1. Get and keep a job (looking); 2. Attend and ENJOY my school reunion (July); 3. Add one social activity I do regularly 4. Make and keep a new friend.
Very excited to see the level of participation this has sparked. Thank you, Mark, and best of luck over your coming decade.
Posted by Kai on March 5, 2010
I’m touched that mine’s in there- that alone means a lot. Thanks, lovely. x
Posted by Abida on March 5, 2010
Wow! Everyone’s brilliant! Making a real start…I’ve silently been starting my main goal aswell..I wanted to learn sign language (just cos). My first step? Just simply looking for courses, I’ve done some basic stuff that you can do for free but now is the time to enrol on an actual course.
Good luck all…(I love reading all the comments too)
Posted by Jenny A on March 5, 2010
I’ve taken my step. I’ve entered myself in a talent competition. Had to specify as “other” because they clearly dont value comedy, but I checked and im allowed to do it. *trawls through comedy notbooks* just gotta work on what to say now
Good luck everyone!!
Posted by Amy on March 5, 2010
I’ve done it. I’ve started it.
My goal is to be satisfied, mind body and soul. That has a whole host of sub goals – to get a PhD in Philosophy, to learn to make my own clothes, to get Grade 8 on the saxophone… lots of things. Anyone. I’m doing it. The link is here: http://wp.me/pfUun-i9
Posted by Ruth on March 5, 2010
I am totally inspired by all of you lovely people. Yesterday was a horrific day for me, but after a conversation with a very wise person I’ve realised that the shit situation I find myself in is ripe for opportunity. I’ve woken up with a new lust for life and change today, and reading this blog has only helped with that. Good luck everybody!
Posted by Laura on March 5, 2010
Reading all these lovely comments and ambitions does wonders for my rage issues. They really do help me to move from an almost perpetual state of disgruntlement (at least) to a nice happy place that genuinely makes me feel better about the state of the world.
Thanks, guys!
Posted by Dean on March 5, 2010
After a lot of thinking, mostly detailed over at my blog:
http://blogs.warwick.ac.uk/loved/entry/on_tysic/
I decided to go with the first idea I came up with: to learn piano.
Though just to keep things interesting I’m also trying to
a) get in to watching theatre; and
b) watch a film a month suggested by someone else.
Posted by Tony on March 5, 2010
Ok, well, as Michael Franti once paraphrased, every million miles you have to take a first step. So tomorrow morning, it’s my first 30 mins Japanese audiobook Learn a Language thingummy. I’ll let you know how it goes, or if I decide Welsh is more my thing.
As for Glastonbury, well, i’ve got a tune to record on Sunday. That’ll have to do for now.
Posted by Melinda on March 4, 2010
I’ve been reading this blog since it started and i resolved to join TYSIC, i just didn’t get round to adding my comment. I’m even going to blog about it, but i haven’t yet. My issue is that i keep reading other peoples goals and wanting to steal them (such as making phone calls, it cripples me too. i tend to cry), which isn’t really the point.
I do have the following goals:
1. Learn to drive – this one has the impending date of the 19/3/2011 after a completely ridiculous bet i made on the first date with my boyfriend.
2. Learn to hate myself less.
3. Be a better friend.
4. Be less high maintenance. I think this is actually linked in with the hating myself less.
5. Live overseas for an extended period of time.
Posted by James Walker on March 4, 2010
I’ve kicked off my TYSIC by setting up a blog, which I will no doubt update regularly with how I’m getting on.
People here are welcome to read it.
http://probablyanimprovement.wordpress.com/
Good luck everyone! We can all do it.
Posted by Lisa Brunders on March 4, 2010
I must say I’m really enjoy Mark’s blogs, but also reading all the comments.
I’ve been trying to decide what I’ll do before next thursday.
I’ve already been very motivated by Mark’s previous blogs, to be more positive and to kid myself I’m not tired. Both of which have enabled me to sail through what would normally have been a very bad week for me. Thanks Mark, an excellent start.
Ok, before next Thursday I will have had at least half an hour’s exercise, maybe a walk. A small start to getting fitter, achievable.
Goodnight fellow tysic-ers
Posted by Laurs on March 4, 2010
So, day one is amost over, and today, my first step, was to stop drinking alcohol. Even went to the pub and only drank diet coke. Sounds ridiculous without the context, but if I am going to get fit enough to run a marathon then little steps are going to be needed!
Good luck to everyone else in starting their challenges. I’m looking forward to hearing everyone’s progress.
Posted by Cat :) on March 4, 2010
I have the feeling my first account of moving towards my goal is going to be rather pessimistic. This isn’t to say that my goal is still being progressed towards.
Don’t copy my pessimism Mark! Optimism wasn’t my goal as I am usually quite an optimistic person!
Posted by Marie on March 4, 2010
Well, I still haven’t smoked so goal #1 is on track! w00t!
I’ve looked into joining a public speaking group, and sent them a message asking about the next meeting, so goal #2 is also on track. w00t again!
Good luck to everyone else! I’m really looking forward to seeing how this develops.
We should definitely write a book about this whole experience when (not if) we make it to 2020!!
Posted by Sheri on March 4, 2010
Wow! Everyone this is great. I really hope we stick with it… I like Carey’s idea of a silly goal, as I’ve heard a rumour that my goal (of being a librarian) is serious, as librarians never smile. So my silly goal is to get 1 stranger a year to sing with me in a public place. Seeing as you are all strangers… watch out, I may be coming to a town near you!
Posted by Kirsty on March 4, 2010
You know what? I’m going to add to my goals “overcoming my phobia of cheese”. The thought of even trying to do that makes me anxious… but with 10 years to do it, I can take it reeeeaaaaally slow. On March 4th 2020, I will celebrate with pizza.
Posted by CarlBurktwit on March 4, 2010
Happy Birthday TYSIC!
Enjoyed the first day, looking forward to the next 3649 (Click my name for my progress.)
Ooh, Mark, I mentioned on Twitter about a possible email interview or comment on why you set this up, why you’d encourage people to join etc for a blog I do for my local paper. Just thought it could drum up some more followers (Markettes?).
If not, no problem, if so, I’m on carl_burkitt@hotmail.com
Posted by louise on March 4, 2010
Am I too late to change mine? It’s just that I can’t exactly remember what I put because I was in a zombie like state with flu, and I’ve not had a chance to change them before now
…
So if I’m not too late, I’m going to change my challenges to:
1) Become happy with myself. I know how cheesy that sounds, but my pesimissm and lack of confidence is something I reeeally need to sort out. It’s starting to get in the way of things, and I need to work on it to …
2) have a fun decade. Travel, meet new people, keep playing and writing music, be reckless, see more music and comedy, and just generally do more fun stuff
Hope I’m not too late!
Posted by Magnificent Josh on March 4, 2010
So, re: Giving a Damn
I’ve already started on the road but the next step is giving a damn about things I don’t want to do. I’ve got History Coursework sitting in my Google Docs and I need to get the hell on with it. I also need to start giving a damn about my life, talk to the Head of 6th form about where I need to go from here. Turns out, asking for help is not losing.
Posted by MrMatt on March 4, 2010
I’m all over this challenge. I will endeavour to begin my first step on it tomorrow.
Posted by Jade on March 4, 2010
Hi Mark. I’m really enjoying reading your blogs. Congratulations on the new addition to your family. This whole challenge thing has really inspired me. I wonder if you knew u were inspirational?! Well that’s what I’m challenging myself to do… I want to inspire someone. Whether it be my child (that I’ll hopefully have 1 day), my partner, a friend or a complete stranger, I would love some to achieve something that I had inspired them to do. I would also like to be more out-going- I went on the runaway train at Chessington world of adventures for my 23rd birthday and cried in horror the whole way around…enough said
thank you for inspiring me!
X
Posted by Meg on March 4, 2010
Hmm. I want to set some short-term goals for this, but I’m in the middle of college. I feel like all I can do is continue to turn in my homework and go to class and learn things, which is a pretty boring goal. I guess the other thing I need to do soon is get some sort of summer job or internship that will allow me to earn moneys.
Good news is that the world seems to be aligning to support my efforts. I mentioned wanting to learn Esperanto, and the next week my history of language class started talking about Esperanto. Then I tweeted about it, and now Esperanto follows me on Twitter. So maybe I’m getting somewhere despite myself.
Posted by Rosie on March 4, 2010
I am as we speak sitting down to write an essay.
Today I got some work done and organised my work-load so I could actually see what needs doing.
I feel good about this.
Taking great self-restraint from getting distracted by my friend George paying Guitar Hero.
Posted by Catherine on March 4, 2010
Got up at 9:45 a.m. to get ready to go to gym. Left a little late, but promised myself I would not complain at workout as I usually do. No moaning, no groaning. Happy to say goal achieved. It usually feels like an eternity of pain, but today it went quickly. I feel good.
My mom told me last night that my new name should be “Procrastination.” She didn’t say it in a fun or good way. Since I had been reading Mark’s blog and all the comments, I laughed. Many “Watsonians” seem to have the same procrastination genetics that I have.
• Anyway, I am cleaning up my apartment, which has needed it for ages (too embarrassed to say how long).
• I’m printing out my Spanish homework for my next chapter before going to class. I will make an A in this class if it kills me. A bit dramatic, but since I am paying my tuition this go round, I want to get the best use out of my tuition dollars (Daddy paid last go round).
• I put away all of the Christmas decorations I got out in December. There weren’t many, but Christmas was a disaster this year and looking at the decorations reminded me of it. But now they are put away. I swear next year will be better even if I have to go spend it with strangers in a strange land.
Adiós, mis amigos de ordenador.
Posted by Rebecca J Payne on March 4, 2010
Hey Kathryn – Paradise Lost is one of those books that I bought and never got around to reading. This time next week let’s both have read it.
We can discuss it here!
Posted by Charlotte on March 4, 2010
I was going to think bit more before commenting but I had to say:
Zoe – WELL DONE! That was an inspiring comment; thank you for submitting it.
I have a few goals:
Lead an entire music workshop, confidently
Get out into the countryside more – I live in the countryside and love it, but I don’t go for walks and appreciate it as I should
Explore a completely new area of the UK by train
Visit every tube, Overground, and London tram stop
End up practising every day
I’d like to be married in 10 yrs’ time, but if not it won’t be the end of the world – I would like to be good wife-material though
Lots of Bible-study related goals, but they’re all smaller, shorter-than-10-years-term goals.
Wishing everybody all the best with their efforts!
Posted by Kathryn on March 4, 2010
I’m still quite scared about this but I have decided that part of getting to university and getting a good degree is reading a bit more. I have a list of about 45 books I need to read before September, so I’m making a start on that.
It’s really good to have encouragement like this and to see people moving forwards with their goals even though we’re only 18 hours in!
This time next week I will have read Paradise Lost. Hopefully. One step at a time…
Posted by Rebecca J Payne on March 4, 2010
Some of these comments are really inspiring. I think this is going to be a great project. Big mental hugs to everyone!
Posted by CarlitoBurktwit (the artist formerly know as CarlittoBurrito) on March 4, 2010
Happy Birthday TYSIC!
Enjoyed the first day, looking forward to the next 3649 (Click my name for my progress.)
Ooh, Mark, I mentioned on Twitter about a possible email interview or comment on why you set this up, why you’d encourage people to join etc for a blog I do for my local paper. Just thought it could drum up some more followers (Markettes?).
If not, no problem, if so, I’m on carl_burkitt@hotmail.com
Posted by Nick on March 4, 2010
I promised to become more optimistic, positive & sociable. To that end I have accepted two invitations to nights out this week, 1 for dinner which sadly fell through (not my fault though) & one for drinks tomorrow.
Posted by Lizzie on March 4, 2010
Well “failing better” sounds right up my street. Ok well I’ve applied to the BBC for work experience – that’s a step forward, right? Now, time to think of other minor progressions to be made…
Posted by hmsdebbie on March 4, 2010
After much thought and reflection (and crying – see previous post about being 47 in 2010) my self improvement goal is to stop trying to self improve. I have more self improvement type books than Bridget Jones ever could have and yet despite wasting about two years of my life reading “How to make friends and influence people”, “Why men marry bitches”, and too many life coaching books to be able to count without taking my socks off (and growing another few pairs of feet) etc. etc., I’m no further on than I was in the year 2000. In fact, it’s probably had a negative effect as I’m so introspective now I can’t pick which coffee to order in Starbucks (or should I go to Costa?) without wondering what my decision says about me.
Therefore, I’m not going to bother doing any self improvement and instead am going to learn to drive.
Posted by “Fail Better” and personal mottos at Luke Alexander on March 4, 2010
[...] a great quote today by a commenter over at Mark Watson’s blog by Samuel Beckett: Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail [...]
Posted by Carey on March 4, 2010
Wow, amazing stuff! Some really brave things like parachuting!
I have decided to also set myself a silly goal to go with my more serious ones – in ten years time I would like to have fulfilled my inexplicable desire to ruffle Boris Johnson’s hair! XD
Posted by Hannah on March 4, 2010
You guys are hugely inspiring and I’m so glad I foolishly added my goals to the mixing pot last week!
Ok, a PhD in ten years and generally procrastinate less. I’m struggling with the second part already
However – my personal tutor has sort of set me a quest to save a coffee shop at uni, so I guess I can practice the non-procrastination thing with making a nuisance of myself to the powers that be on campus
Toni – you HAVE to visit Rome.
Jackie – you sound great, keep it up x
Good luck everyone!
Posted by Anna Lowman on March 4, 2010
I’m glad that the I can keep the whole self-improvement-through reading thing up inbetween sport-attending; this seems to work vaguely well. I’ve started on the former, by the way, having asked on Twitter for improving titles (but not self-help…) Got some great suggestions including, Richard Wiseman, Surely You’re Joking Mr Feynman and, from William Andrews, the Koran.
Posted by Kay on March 4, 2010
I’m a bit late to the party.
In ten years time I will be 31.
Goals
Get a PhD in something related to conservation and biodiversity. I want to help prevent the scary loss of biodiversity in the world.
Start writing a proper blog
Posted by EmmaT on March 4, 2010
Oh yeah, I also meant to say that anyone who is interested in travelling for the first time or has limited experience I would love to help as I have done quite a bit myself and I work in the travel industry (and I could talk about what to do/where I want to go 24/7). I am a member of the forum (Ems). That’s all…
Posted by EmmaT on March 4, 2010
Starting in earnest on my challenge of doing a trek in Nepal (prob Everest Base Camp) by not wimping out of my semi regular long Saturday walk in the Surrey Hills. I have done this in recent weeks because of the nasty weather. Not quite the Himilayas I know, but we do have the highest hill in the South East just down the road – exciting hey?
So my first challenge is to stop being a fair weather trekker!
Posted by Emily on March 4, 2010
I’ve been thinking about this since the first time it was mentioned and I figure as it’s still the first day and as I’ve had the goals in mind before but just not told anyone, I’m still doing the full 10 years. So, I’ll be nearly 31 by then and aside from the already present subconscious wish to be married and have/be thinking about children I will:
1) Learn piano to grade 8 standard, I passed grade 5 a few years back but gave up for no good reason.
2) Eat “normally”. I am currently a very fussy eater, and tend not to eat enough of the few things I do like. I’ve been feebly trying to fix it for years but it’s just so much easier to stay in the safety zone of what I know I like. I do not want any children I have to end up like me so it needs to be fixed for good. On the back of that, be a healthy weight from a healthy diet, though I do not have a target weight as such. I suppose “proof” my normal eating would be to go to a normal restaurant and chose a normal meal from the menu and enjoy it like a normal person would, as opposed to stressing about only being able to go to one or two places and ordering exactly the same thing every time without fail. This will be the biggest/hardest/most rewarding challenge for me.
3) Learn to get work done when I know I’ll regret it if I leave it until the last minute like usual. I’m a compulsive procrastinator, writing this comment has played a small part in procrastination from an essay. Unfortunately my procrastination is not reserved to work that needs to be done, it’s everything, getting up, eating, going to bed, the TYSIC (I’ve been procrastinating even from posting my challenges, hence why I’ve left it until the first day)…
Being at uni, I do not have much access to a piano so until I’ve left in a couple of years I can only really progress that when at home in the holidays. But I will try hard to try some new food in the next week, and I’ll get on with the essay right away! Probably.
Posted by Misha on March 4, 2010
I’m feeling a strange sense of trepidation already.
But in an attempt to acheive my goals I’ve agreed to go to the leavers ball even though most of my close friends are on holiday.
I’ve invited strangers from the fan forum out to see Tim Key for my 18th Birthday.
And practised Mull of Kintyre on the guitar.
Posted by Cathy on March 4, 2010
2 things:
1) get to know my parents better (they are no spring chickens, so I know I need to do this, or regret it)
2) Be a more confident/sociable person – not be so afraid of meeting/spending time with people, and generally embrace the experiences Life presents me with
Posted by Katie on March 4, 2010
In my goal to write a children’s book I have already made my first somewhat expected move and bought a book on it. I avoided “Writing childrens books for dummies” which I’m hoping was a good move. My next step is to read it when it arrives. I have had a quick stab at the first verse of a story but am atruggling to find a rhyme for Marigold…back to the drawing board.
Posted by Paul Tucker on March 4, 2010
I’m a bit late doing this, mainly due to my being terribly disorganised to the extent that I’m not even aware of the date until someone on the internet tells me it. I could make improving my organisation the aim of my ten year challenge, but I think it can be something I sort out as a means to working towards my ultimate goal, which is to be working properly for a national newspaper (or whatever the digital equivalent is in ten years), writing honest and informative news pieces. Without the aid of phone tapping private detectives. Good luck everybody!
Posted by Joelle Stanton on March 4, 2010
I know I’m a little late but I was racking my brains for most of the week to come up with something and I finally have.
1. 100 shows in 10 years whether they be comedy or not. 100 of the things.
2. Visit the major comedy festivals in Australia and then Edinburgh and Montreal.
3. Learn piano (Inspired by Tim Minchin)
4. Learn a different language. Doesn’t have to be fluently just pretty well.
5. Become more confident around people, not hate crowds and learn how to hold a conversation with someone that isn’t my 3 closest friends.
6. Like guys or girls. Not both. I’ll make up my mind hopefully…
They are my 5 goals. Should be interesting to achieve them seeing as I’ll only be 25 in 10 years and I’m doing TEE in that time and then going to uni.
Good luck to everyone else with your goals!
Posted by Matt on March 4, 2010
10 years seems like a very long time away and in that sense, it would be easy to say that you have over 3500 days to reach your goal, it can wait.
On that basis, i think that Mark is right that we should make some progress by next week. I have two challenges, one involves travel the other is focused on ‘Getting out more’. In that respect, i guess I need to get out before next Thursday. This should mean something that wasn’t already in the diary (i.e. football on Saturday).
Leave it with me….
Posted by Clare on March 4, 2010
Sheri – I’m a librarian. It’s great
I’ll be 40 in ten years time. I’d like to have a good amount of published work by then. On librarianship. I have no creative abilities whatsoever.
Posted by Jenn on March 4, 2010
Is it too late to join in???
I am in my final year at University now, therefore will be 31 in 10 years time…. I hope by then to have found a job in the media industry that I enjoy and hoefully will be settling down with a family…
Posted by Lolo on March 4, 2010
I know I am a bit late but I have been reading the blog for the past week or so thinking what a great idea but not really for me. I also know that my challenge is quite a common one but it is something I have always wanted to do and a bit of a boredom fueled tantrum last night convinced me to do it. My 10 year challenge is to write a book, I don’t care if no one but me reads it but I would like to write one for both my own sanity and sense of achievement. The mainreason for this is that I had a baby while at university and since graduating, for various reasons I haven’t been able to work and won’t be able to for the next few years, while I love looking after my daughter I’ve found I need a time when I am something other than mummy so my boyfriend suggested I actually write a book instead of talking about how much I would like to do it. So that is what I am going to do, I get to look after my little one during the day and do something for me at night and if the book is good then happy days, if it is rubbish at least it will have stopped me going mad.
Posted by Sam on March 4, 2010
I already took some steps to mine before today. Does that make me a bad person?
Posted by Kat on March 4, 2010
Well I had five things I wanted to accomplish, and I have not started on all of them, but I have started a degree in Spanish this year and I had my first classes this week, so I’m on the path of fluency in a way. I’ve also been reading some of my books to get them all clear, but then I bought some other books so that doesn’t really count I suspect.
Posted by Christine on March 4, 2010
Its quite inspiring reading some of these – Vikki, in particular I wish luck, and I hope this works out well for everyone on here.
I haven’t posted before because I’ve been thinking quite hard about this one and I am quite a private person normally. I moved past the idea of obtaining skills/things pretty swiftly – I’ve already written 2.5 books (albeit unpublished), done various scary things involving heights and charities, and got semi-into web designing.
I think what I could do with is learning to appreciate what I have – and in particular, to stop setting myself impossible goals, I often seem to stop trying at something when I realise that I won’t be THE best at it and that is just absurd.
I’m now pregnant with my first child, due June, and my goal is to give my husband, and my little son a wife/mother that they can be proud of and make sure they both know how much they are loved. First step of which, to stop being so self-critical!
Posted by Katie on March 4, 2010
Also Sheri, if you’re English I will put myself forward as a possibly slightly shit librarian mentor. I’ve been librarianing for a few years so I might have an insight or two that would be useful to you!
I’m not xenophobic or anything, it’s just becoming a librarian in America, for example, is a completely different process so I’d be no use at all in that situation.
Posted by Chris on March 4, 2010
Finally it’s March 4th! I can now pick those darts up again, especially as 200+ now expect. If I ever make it to a TV tournament, I’ll add Mark’s site as one of my shirt sponsors, which hopefully will confuse the opponent and the guys at Sky.
Another aim, is to continue with my entertaiment tour, seeing as many acts live whilst it’s still possible. These include comedians, musicians, sport etc… At times, it does feel like I’m touring far more than they are.
I’ve finally decided to maintain a blog, noting both darts stats and entertainment tour. Feels like I’ve cleared over a 1GB of memory from my brain.
Good luck to everyone! And Mark, I hope you get to meet… The Dalai Lama appears on Twitter — and ‘tweets for a better world’ http://bit.ly/9tW1VO
Posted by Simon on March 4, 2010
Fantastic – Mark published two of my challenges!
Now, since I have little to no control over the progress of my second challenge (grow some facial hair), I have decided to focus my attention on the first (run the entire length of the Central Line). Accordingly, I’ve set up a blog which I’d really love you all to read:
http://tuberunner.blogspot.com/
Thanks, and good luck everyone
Posted by clara81 on March 4, 2010
Well, I wasn’t expecting to make such a rapid start to this but…
I thought I ought to look at local schools to see if I could get some classroom experience as a volunteer, when I stumbled across a teaching assistant vacancy. I’m pretty sure I’m not qualified, but an information pack is on it’s way to me anyway! Even if I’m not able to apply, it’ll still give me some better insight into what’s required.
And I also have the Tots TV theme going round my head…
Posted by Louise on March 4, 2010
I got a wee mention
. I like Jackies, its a sensible approach to a self confidence issue. Hopefully everyone achieves their goals, I think the online community to log your process is a great idea.
Posted by Katie on March 4, 2010
Curse you Rachael (and Mark I suppose) – I now have the Tots TV theme tune stuck in my head!
Posted by BeckyMarsh on March 4, 2010
Anna, i have just started teachng myself to decorate cakes. I got the equipment off ebay quite cheap and have been practicing piping ever since, ive been eating a lot of icing which is an added bonus. Next its flowers….i look forward to tracking your progress!
Posted by Bec on March 4, 2010
I love that anna wants to be a cake decorator. I desperately want to do that too
It’s not the goal I set for this challenge, but if I have accomplished that in 10 years I will be severely disappointed.
GOOD LUCK!
Posted by max on March 4, 2010
Yay, one of my challenges made it to the list. I feel all special
I remember someone else wanting to travel through iceland by bike, so I’m not the only weirdo (and looking at the list of challenges, it looks like weirdo is the new normal…)
So, my first short term goal is to cycle 50KM this saturday. That’s the daily pace I’m targetting and so far I’ve done it just once, last month. First step is to do it at least once a week.
Posted by Matthew on March 4, 2010
I want to be a published writer more than anything, and so I’m going to actually complete this book which I’ve been working on since I was 12, and get it published. Got any contacts for me?
Posted by lex on March 4, 2010
Alright. Deeeeeep breath. This is my first wee step.
http://thepurplecardigan.wordpress.com/2010/03/04/one-small-shuffle-for-lex/
Phewf. Now comes the hard part. Scary.
Posted by Jackie on March 4, 2010
Last night, i brushed my teeth with no clothes on and didn’t feel a bit silly when hubby came in. That’s a big step towards liking me! Shoulders up, tummy in!
Posted by Someone on March 4, 2010
Also I love the names Tilly, Tom and Tiny for goats! Do it, Do it! (And maybe get a duck? Go the whole hog… get a barge! They’d get used to it.)
Posted by Zoe on March 4, 2010
I will do this weeks step today. I contacted Mark on Twitter to say that I would need a false name as I felt my situation was too embarrasing.
I am on antidepressants for post natal depression. My challenge is to get myself back and feel like a worthwhile human again.I am trying to fight this on all counts,mind and body.As time moves on I’ll spill more details but I reckon that’s enough for one day.
*Swallows hard and submits comment*
Posted by Me : ) on March 4, 2010
Ok! The first of my goals was travel! And I have been thinking about it long and hard over the last few days, and been shifting my (lack of) finances around, and figuring out some times and places, and I can now confirm…..I have just (this very minute) booked myself a flight to Germany, to visit some friends living out there!
I am very scared and excited about the idea of travelling alone (for the first time) abroad. But I’m doing it! Yay me!
I seriously doubt I would ever have done it if it wasn’t for this challenge, it was the push I needed, so thank you very much Mark, and everyone else that has joined in, it has given the whole venture a lovely sense of camaraderie. It’s nice to feel a part of something bigger.
I can’t promise to match this effort for each day of the 10 year challenge
) or each week or month at that. But I wil make smaller efforts as often as possible (and at least one big one, each year)
Onwards and upwards (literally this time)
Posted by Someone on March 4, 2010
Woo here we go. All those challenges look pretty inspired. I think this is def pretty much a sequel to ‘… substantially better’.
Am just gonna add to my ‘fear people less’ challenge to also be less self-centred and stuff.. embrace the people?
Also Dunc… my brother did that Mongol Rally last year! He’s got some pretty interesting stories from it (watch out for corrupt police and getting over the border!!) but I think was a good experience over all, so good luck! And everyone obv.
Posted by Rachael on March 4, 2010
The cake business is a great one, I would like to a customer there.
This week I will research goat breeds and make some kind of short list of which one to get. Thats step one.
Posted by Sarah on March 4, 2010
Mark – motivating us all into a positive enough frame of mind to challenge ourselves must be your first (and no small) victory for shining optimism over pessimism?
I’m starting my challenge (basically avoiding being in a bad mood / a fickle grumpy twit) in a really small way (wikipedia!), but it’s a definite start… http://www.tenyeargoodmood.blogspot.com
Good luck everyone – especially Anna with the cake challenge, that’s one we can all get behind…
Posted by Jim on March 4, 2010
Its funny this should appear after a decade of my life went up in smoke within the past month! I’ve split up with my girlfriend/fiance of 9 years and quit my soul destroying job at a high street bank! This is the beginning of my life Part Deux! In 10 years I want to have a job I love, a wife, 2.4 children, a nice house and be happy I’m turning 39! Its a big ask! Bring it on! As a small step in the right direction I’d like to go to sleep before 2am and get up before midday!!
Posted by Nick on March 4, 2010
I love this.
My aim is to be an editor in ten years’ time. The first step on the way has already been taken: I start my first full time journalism job in two weeks after a year and a bit freelancing.
Let’s do these thangs!
P.S. Anna, if you ever need someone to test your creations (i.e. eat them) then I selflessly volunteer.
Posted by Vikki on March 4, 2010
So what will I do today? I will do the same as every day. I will sit at my desk, quietly getting on with very little work and filling the hours with dreams of something better. I will do the same as thousands of others. But on this day, I will also do something different and all of my own. I will will post the pile of letters, cv’s and example articles that I wrote 2 months ago. I I’ll send them in the envelopes I prepared a month ago and with the stamps I bought 2 weeks ago. It has been a slow process. No more excuses. I chose not to pursue my writing because I thought it could only ever be a pipe dream and I am much too sensible for pipe dreams. That life could never happen to me. Now I realise I was right, that would never happen to me, I have to make it be. Day 1 starts here and it may take a week, it may take a decade, either way I’m in…thank you Mark!
Posted by Mark Watson on March 4, 2010
Sure enough, the New Pornographers song is the source of this blog title. I can’t miss the opportunity to mention them here.
Posted by James on March 4, 2010
I’ve come somewhat late to the party having been on holiday for a week and while I could participate in private I know that if I don’t write it down on this blog I’ll give up in a matter of weeks. So in no particular order in the next ten years I’m going to;
• Learn a foreign language (probably Spanish)
• Become very good at a sport (probably mountain biking)
• Get a masters and a job to go with it
• Try to be more outgoing and confident
Posted by Adele on March 4, 2010
My TYSIC was, in 10 years, to get a degree and run a marathon. I set myself a mini challenge (as a bit of a test) last week to get an OU prospectus and get some running shoes – done! Now, the next step is to decide on what I want to study and sign up for the first course, and also run for 1 mile without passing out. This one might be trickier. We’ll see.
Oh, and I will also aim to be less dramatic over the next 10 years too.
Posted by Kate on March 4, 2010
That’s a perfectly-timed call to action! The Autumn courses at Bishopsgate open for registration next Wednesday, so by this time next week, I will have signed up for Bishopsgate Singers. Now I’ve written it here, I have to do it (which may be the secret to this whole project).
Posted by Al Napp on March 4, 2010
Here we go, only 36502 days left
Let’s get cracking
Posted by Richard on March 4, 2010
I would like to do a parachute jump for charity within the next year, and be able to make conversation with someone which I find very difficult. also, be more open with friends and family
Posted by Elizabeth on March 4, 2010
I have already started on the road to mine my posting a blog today. I will have to see whether I will have the confidence to meet one of my heroes this Saturday.
Posted by Al Kennedy on March 4, 2010
True fact: our pub quiz team is called the Challengers of the Unknown. Partly after the line from the fantastic New Pornographers song, partly after the 1960s DC comic of the same name.
Posted by Amy on March 4, 2010
I’ve only just found out about this – can I join in too?
Posted by Benj on March 4, 2010
I guess it makes sense to set a mini-goal or two for the week then, so by next thursday I can sit back and say I’ve achieved something I wanted to.
I’m a bit of a self-help junkie, and in preperation for this project I’ve amassed a number of books, ranging from the fluffy and new agey, to the hard and scientific, which may or may not be useful to me achieving my goal. But there is a lot of quick-hit from reading these sort of books, and reasonably little action. So in the next week I am going to attempt to:
Not buy any more self-help books for this project
Read at least 3 of the books cover to cover
Come up with a list of strategies from said books to employ
Begun practising 3 of the techniques
[Incidentally Mark, if you want a recommendation for a self help book to help with your challenge, coming from the hard and scientific angle, you might want to look into "Learned Optimisim" by Martin Seligman, one of the fathers of positive psychology]
Posted by Anna on March 4, 2010
You’ve listed mine there, now I’ve got no excuse for not taking part. World domination through cake, here I come…