TYSIC time
This appeared yesterday:
Could you do a blog about the TYSIC? I update mine every few months, but I haven’t seen it mentioned in a blog for quite a while now.. Thinking about it, one of the main reasons I put on a show at the fringe this year was because I put it as a challenge in my TYSIC, so it would be great to see how other people are getting on with their stuff!
It’s true that I have neglected the TYSIC for a long time; or rather not the tasks themselves, but the writing-them-up. In case you’ve come to the blog fairly recently, the Ten Year Self Improvement Challenge was a thing I set up where I challenged myself to try and do various large things (become an optimist, reduce drinking, play the drums) but over the enormously long time-scale of this blog, ten years. For a while I and a considerable number of other people were posting regular updates on a sub-site kindly set up by Watsonians, and there were some amazing efforts.
Of late I’ve failed to keep up with writing up my own stuff or even reading others’, but now that the iPod Challenge is finally over (more on this very soon), I think it is time to return to this other early project. If you have or had a TYSIC, even if you haven’t made much progress with it, why not write something on the TYSIC site (somebody more organised will post the link below) and I will pledge to do the same over the next few days, and then we will decide upon the next collective step towards our various goals. I wouldn’t worry about the fact this has lulled for so long: the whole point of the ten-year timeline is to focus everyone on the very very long game, because real self-improvement isn’t achieved in a flash, no matter what some books might suggest. In fact it’s almost good that some of us haven’t done much recently. It would suggest we were getting cocky if we started achieving things too quickly. As it is, we are pacing ourselves very nicely. Like a runner patiently plodding on behind the shadow of the leader. Ready to pounce. Fox-like.
But do write something. Ta.
Posted by Josh (the magnificent one) on August 28, 2011
I’ve got a guitar for my birthday, this will help enormously when trying to achieve TYSIC number 2: Learn to play the guitar.
I tried to do this without one, put it was tricky clicky.
The other two… I forget,
Posted by EmT on August 27, 2011
My TYSIC was to be fit enough to trek to Annapurna base camp in Nepal. I became fit enough, I went, I trekked and I conquered while only suffering with a mild case of altitude sickness. It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life and Nepal, out of the many countries I have visited is by far my favourite. It’s chaotic, friendly, beautiful and enchanting. Even the dusty and quite frankly crazy Kathmandu. I recommend it to anyone really. I should probably get a job at the Nepalese tourist board.
So I am done I guess, a bit early really. I am thinking of what my next challenge/s shall be. I have a few in mind such as move out from under my parents feet (again) and regain my sense of independance. Also to stop letting things and what other people think worry me quite so much.
Posted by Lydia on August 26, 2011
Thanks amycool
And I’m not sure lol. It’s probably more than that now, though I doubt it’s by much. I think they make the incorrect assumption that all absent dads actually pay for stuff that is necessary for the survival of their children.
Posted by Misha on August 26, 2011
can’t get on the tysic site for various dull reasons at present. But to update, i am teching in edinburgh and moving to london in a week. Woo!
Posted by Tom Beasley on August 25, 2011
One of my original TYSICs was to write and perform stand-up comedy. I think I deleted it from my list in a fit of “ohforfuck’ssakethat’ssilly”, but it turns out that it wasn’t silly. I now perform stand-up pretty much every week at a local open mic night.
Posted by Rachael on August 25, 2011
My progress is more slow than steady but I will try to think of something to write up.
Posted by Corey on August 25, 2011
WIth a bit of luck in September I may be going to Hong Kong where I can do the highest bungee jump in the world which is one of my goals in the TYSIC. Fingers crossed that a mate of mine is working over there so I can crash at his hotel…..if not it won’t be happening……yet.
Posted by amycool on August 25, 2011
Lydia – signed. I wonder who worked out that you can live on so little?
Posted by Amy B on August 25, 2011
WATSON. I need to give you twenty quid but you buggered off rather fast so I never got the chance. Can we arrange this? I’m in Edinburgh til Monday so can give it to you in person if possible, or paypal or something if it’s easier. Can you tweet me or email or something please? Thanks. And great show by the way!
Posted by Lydia on August 25, 2011
Me again.
I feel a little bit silly doing this, but I am going to be completely off topic for a moment.
There is an online petition going on right now in order to attempt to prevent disability living allowance from being cut from families. Despite what the government say, it is vital, since having a child with any kind of disability means a lot of extra expense. As usual, the people losing most because of this cut is low income families. My brother’s autistic, and since my mum was on her own and couldn’t work because of needing to look after him, we wouldn’t have been able to get by without it. We lived on £50 a week or something ridiculous before we had it. The new benefit is loads less money and will make life for already struggling families even harder. It’s a pile of shit, basically.
The website says this much more eloquently than me –
https://submissions.epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/915
It really takes two seconds to sign. Sorry to be annoying, but I know that people on here are nice and therefore more likely to care.
Thanks x
Posted by Lydia on August 25, 2011
Thanks Suzanne. You are lovely
You should definitely start doing TYSIC. Setting up one could be a TYSIC in itself so you’d have immediate progress!
Well done everyone. I think we’re all doing pretty well actually. I love reading what everyone is up to.
I have come to the conclusion that my TYSICs are probably going to change a lot over time, since this will all still be happening when I’ve actually finished university. Which is quite an odd thought.
Posted by Suzanne aka Senior Watsonian on August 25, 2011
WOW, LisaD has gone global!!! BRILLIANT!!!
Just look what you … and your followers … are achieving, Mr Mark Watson!!!
FAN-bloody-TASTIC!!!
Well done and good luck to EVERYONE!!!
Posted by Nuala on August 25, 2011
Everyone seems to be doing brilliantly! This must make you feel very optimistic, Mark, to know that you have inspired so many.
Posted by Laura-B on August 25, 2011
My TYSIC was to visit every continent, as I realised I’d only ever been to Europe properly. I’m doing alright so far!
This year, I travelled down the east coast of North America, and spent two weeks in Tanzania. So two continents visited already! I’m in the process of booking flights to Thailand for next year, so Asia will be my third.
Posted by Nuala on August 25, 2011
Thanks Suzanne!
Posted by LisaD on August 25, 2011
Whoops! Posting an update on the forum is one of those things I keep meaning to do. (Fellow writer TYSIC-ers, am I the only one who finds writing more often means getting to the end of the day feeling like I’m out of words?) Good news this week though: I am now the playwright-in-residence for the Boston Actors’ theater!
Posted by Suzanne aka Senior Watsonian on August 25, 2011
ChrisP … many congrats and every success in your new job!!! (Your news and views slipped in after Jen’s comment and before my contribution!!!) Sometimes life decides on your direction when you’re looking the other way … but the fact that yours is fun and exciting and you’re happy sounds pretty good to me!!! Long may it continue …
I’ve just remembered why I didn’t start TYSIC immediately … I went into timid, worrying, loss of confidence mode at the thought of such a public declaration of intent!!! It’s just so easy to say No and then miss out, however, in future I’m going to be a Yes woman instead!!!
I must accept that TYSIC is not your usual private set of New Year Resolutions, it’s a set of unusual public New Decade Resolutions … and online … so it’s a bit scary but it’s time I became bold and brave before it’s too late!!!
Posted by Jen on August 25, 2011
Awww lovely comment Suzanne – hope you enjoy your break with your daughter…keep us informed on your TYSIC and progress n thanks again for football updates!Jx
Posted by Suzanne aka Senior Watsonian on August 24, 2011
Advance warning, this could be a loooong post so here goes …
Footie update first: Despite team finger crossing, Bristol City decided to concentrate on the League this season by conceding a single goal defeat to Swindon.
Thanks to Jen (yesterday) and Hannah Q for the link to TYSIC which I’ll be using asap.
Amycool, I’m looking forward to seeing the challenges and progress of others and follow everyone’s example asap. As the most Senior on here, I guess I’ve probably ‘done’ my 100 books but, having recently joined a book club, have paid more attention to those I’ve read more recently … both good and bad IMHO … It’s been really good to expand my range of authors and genres …
WOW, Megan … congrats on your running, sure it’s made you feel good in mind and body!!! I KNOW Mark can give you great advice on speech making … right, Mark??? LOL!!! I totally empathise with your lethargy/inertia comments BUT tonight I’ve decided to write a lot on here … so I’m not being as inert as usual!!! The fact that you’re even in a position to consider doing a PhD means you have loads of talent, plus running, plus ambitions to be on Radio 4 means you have BAGS of talent AND ambition … go get it, gal!!!
Many congrats, Lydia on your A level resutls and place at UEA. I’m sure that just being at uni will give you the extra bit of confidence you need to show your work to your nearest and dearest and they’ll be so proud of you … don’t deny them!!!
Nuala, well done on stepping back into the wider world of work again. Being a full time mum is very fulfilling and you can now bring that experience into your new job … a mix of excitement and terror sounds just about right … best of luck, bet you’ll be brilliant halfway into the first five minutes!
Hey, Phill … all this TYSIC talk has made me resolve to take the first steps asap … When I first heard about it, I decided to get on board but am still buying my ticket … at least you’ve already made a start!!! LOL!!!
Jen, you’re an inspiration … will endeavour to follow your example asap … see you in there … Snr, x
Posted by ChrisP on August 24, 2011
I’ve been offeered a job! Very pleased, starting mid September. Life still lacks direction but for thr time being it’s fun and exciting and I’m happy.
Posted by Jen on August 24, 2011
I’m definitely aiming to be more confident n stop worrying so much – I’ll go places rather than wish I had – my family n friends have seen this for sure – my poor mum n sister especially,they get dragged all over the place!More effort needed in my other aims though!Jx ps nice to hear the progress of others – well done!
Posted by Phill on August 24, 2011
Something written sir. To be honest I’d forgotten to update the TYSIC in a long time, so this is a good reminder!
Posted by Nuala on August 24, 2011
I haven’t been on the tysic site, but was inspired enough at the beginning of the year to try and get a job this year, having been a full time mother for 12yrs. Having been turned down a fair few times, I start my new job next month! Am excited and terrified in equal measure.
I love this blog.
Posted by Hannah Q on August 24, 2011
I haven’t updated mine for ages. I’ll get right on it.
Here is the link, if anyone needed it: http://markwatsonfans.com/tysic/
Posted by Lydia on August 24, 2011
I wrote on the site last week, after I got my A level results. I got into UEA (to start next year) to do English literature and creative writing. Getting onto the course involved sending off creative writing (the first time I have ever showed anyone anything. It was bloody terrifying), so I’ve sort of done two of my things. Though I still can’t show things that I’ve written to my friends, despite being ordered to do so. This will be an issue when I come to do the course and have to show people things that I have written all the time, but I’m not thinking too much about that just yet.
Posted by Megan on August 24, 2011
How timely, as I was just thinking about writing Mr Watson an email about this to thank him.
My own Ten Year Self-Improvement Challenges have not really progressed so much, but, nonetheless, the TYSIC was, actually, a really good kick in the arse to do some thing a bit more interesting with my life. (Perhaps the death of Jack Layton has revved this up even further.)
In general, I’ve just been challenging myself more: I’ve run two half-marathons (plus a 15K). I will be making a speech at a wedding in ten days*. I have started travelling to countries where I don’t speak the language. I am (slightly) less lazy/lethargic at the end of my work days and don’t spend every evening mindless watching television or trolling the internet. This is a big deal, because inertia is my worst enemy and I’d been stuck in a rut for a long time.
I’m not sure now that I want to do a PhD, but I still want to be on Radio 4 at least once. So I will need more kicks in the arse and a lot of luck. And a talent injection, possibly.
* If you have any advice on this, I would be seriously grateful.
Posted by amycool on August 24, 2011
I’m slowly plugging away at mine, although lack of money is hampering many of my goals. Luckily, the library means I can get through my list of 100 books without spending a penny. I think my whole attitude has changed since beginning it. I put down trying new foods because I had so many phobias and now I’m relatively relaxed about trying things. I also put down going to more gigs and shows and if I had the money, I’d go to loads now as I don’t get so anxious about them.
So yes, slow and steady but definitely progressing.