A few weeks ago I turned 39. I’ve never really enjoyed my birthday, probably because it comes so soon after Christmas. But now I have to add in the fact that getting older isn’t as fun as it was when I was a kid. Now it means I’m one year closer to middle age (not there yet!) and paying for my kids’ college tuition.

[Before I go any further I want to thank my friends and family for all the birthday wishes. Sorry I was a grump and accepted them only out of obligation. I’ll try to enjoy myself next year.]

I’m a big fan of goals, but I’ve never really had a bucket list…just vague dreams and cool stuff I wanted to do. It’s probably something I should do this year, but instead I’m focused on having an amazing year full of life and adventure! Just before my birthday I got the idea to create a list of 40 things to do before I turn 40. Why? Because I want to be intentional in my life. This is a great mechanism to ensure that if I say my family is important to me, I’m backing it up with specific actions. The same for my health and my professional life.

I already had some ideas in mind when I sat down to write my list (in Excel, I’m a nerd). The first 20 or so came out easy. I struggled to get to 30, then got stuck. I revised a few, added some more and got to 40. Then I realized some were probably not going to happen, so I moved them to a holding area and I was back to 30. Then I decided to have some wildcards, where I’d have some flexibility to add unique opportunities that pop up during the year (or to insert a long-shot from the holding area, which now stands at 15 items). But 10 wildcards was too many, so I limited it to five and then came up with the final five.

Tonight I broke them into three lists: Family and Social, Business and Personal Development, & Fitness and Adventure. Details below (in random order):

Family and Social

• 1) Daddy/Daughter Getaway

My daughter Anna and I started taking an annual weekend trip a few summers ago…I really look forward to this and I know she does too! This year we may end up surfing in Cocoa Beach if she gets her wish.


• 2) Father/Son Event

I want to start a similar tradition with my son, Ian. Going to a monster truck rally may suffice…boys are easier in that regard!

• 3) Teach Ian to ride a bike

The biking bug bit me hard last year and I have some big events planned for 2013 (see below). But one of the biggies is getting my son on his bike. He’s frozen with fear, but I know he’ll love it once he figures it out.

• 4) Get gloves and play catch with Anna and Ian

I grew up playing baseball, and loved playing catch with my brother and sister, neighborhood kids, my father and even my mom! This will get us outside, active and together.

• 5) Host a party

I’m a bit of an introvert so I have no idea how this will manifest itself, but I’m up to the challenge.

• 6) Have a getaway weekend with Heather

Heather is my wife of 16+ years. She is an amazing mother, and probably 10 times better than me at parenting. But she deserves a break and we need to have an escape together. It’ll be good for our marriage, which is good for the kids (even if they don’t want us to go!).

• 7) Start recycling

I’m amazed at how much trash we generate. Time to be smarter here and get the kids involved…I made some coin with cans in my youth!

• 8) Have a family service project

This could get partially combined with the recycling efforts. I want us to pick a cause and do something to support it on a sustained basis instead of a one time deal.

• 9) Visit a museum or attend a symphony/play/opera

A little culture for the uncultured.

• 10) Family Vacation

Normally this consists of visiting family, which is nice. But Disney’s been on the short list for several years. Maybe we won’t visit the mouse, but we need to do something and enjoy ourselves together.

• 11) Read the entire Bible

I’ve read through it completely twice since I became a Christian 10 years ago. But I’ve been inconsistent the last few years and need to sharpen my faith.

• 12) 12 Dates with My Wife

As much as the weekend getaway is important, regular date nights are probably more important. The kids aren’t quite old enough to leave at home alone yet, and this is something we’ve failed to do enough of.

• 13) Visit Congress or AL Legislature

Partly because I’m a political junkie with dreams (nightmares?) of the White House, but also because I’m actually involved in the legislative process now as a school board member in my hometown. I’m not Mr. Smith, but it’s important to be involved in the process.

Business and Personal Development

• 14) Publish first book

I started my book in 2010, but it’s been derailed a few times…mostly because I want it to be good enough to be proud of instead of just popping it out. This is the year! The last 10% is the hardest part, but that’s all that’s left.

• 15) Produce 10 products (ebooks, audio programs, etc.)

While the book may be the big one for the year, I also want to produce a lot more content. Some will be free, so be sure to sign up for my newsletter!

• 16) Conduct group coaching course

I’ve taught a lot of people through the years, especially at Free Agent Academy. But I want group coaching to be a strong focus for the year and a cornerstone of my business.

• 17) Conduct first STRATOP

Last year I was certified in the most amazing strategic planning process I’ve ever seen. It’s amazing to see it in process. This year, I’m looking for businesses and organizations in need of a strategic plan. Marketing will be the key.

• 18) Finish office

There’s a great shed in my backyard. It’s got power and walls, but needs paint and flooring. Time to get it finished and move in!

• 19) Establish LLC

In order to take my business to the next level, I need to make it more official. But this will require the proper revenue to make it worthwhile. So is this really a revenue goal?

• 20) Start a podcast

Similar to the products goal above, it’s important to get my voice out there. People have to get to know me to understand the value I have to offer. This will go a long way in doing that.

• 21) Consistently wake up between 5-6 am

My friend Andy Traub just launched a great book called Early to Rise. I’m a night owl, but this will be a positive transformation if I can pull it off!

• 22) Teach a community class (other than FPU)

I’m getting ready to start my 17th FPU class…time to do something new. And there are so many ideas in my head.

• 23) Join/Start Local Mastermind/Networking Group

I have incredible connections all over the internet, but surprisingly few locally. It’s a weakness created from being an introverted road warrior who has spent more than half of the last 10 years traveling. I have one strong possibility with a local friend to be named later. If that doesn’t work out, I start my own!

• 24) Make 100 blog posts

I have to be producing on the blog, and the posts have to be more than what they have been. Starting now.

Fitness and Adventure

• 25) Ride a Century (100 mile single bike event)

Last year I participated in two organized bike rides. One was 45 miles and the other was 30. My eyes are set on the JDRF Nashville Ride this September for my first century. But with some other rides in mind (Bike MS North Alabama, Hotter’N Hell 100, Hot 100) and lots of practice, I may do it more than once!

• 26) Complete first 5K race

I don’t like running. But it’s probably good for me. And the Gator Fest 5K supports my school system, so I’ll be sweating it out on March 9th.

• 27) Drive a race car

Thanks to LivingSocial, this one is bought and paid for. And I get to do it with my wife…I mean she gets to drive a race car, also.

• 28) Complete second Spartan race

November is a long way from now. But after last year, I better start training…now!

• 29) Attend a NASCAR event

I haven’t been to a race in a long time. Talladega, Daytona, Bristol? Hmmmm…

• 30) Take a firearms safety class

The police department in my hometown has occasional classes where we learn about firearms laws and safety, then head to the firing range. Sounds like a great date!

• 31) BMI 25 or less

Okay, BMI may not be the best fitness indicator, but I’m right on the line so it’s a good target. And with all this exercise, I’m bound to lose 10 pounds and get there, right?

• 32) Complete a fast

I want to go fast, so I have the bike and race car. Doing a fast…it’s something new and should be interesting. More research needed.

• 33) Record 2M steps in 2013

They say 10,000 steps a day are needed to be healthy. That would be 3,650,000 steps in 2013. Not going to happen as I sit at a computer all day. But I can do better than my poor average of 2-3000 steps per day. Doubling that seems like a worth step in the right direction.

• 34) Complete the Manitou Springs Incline

It’s been slightly illegal for years (soon to be legal), but definitely a fitness challenge for the hundreds who do it every day. My next trip to Colorado has to include time for the incline!

• 35) Ride over 1200 miles

Those big rides are going to require some serious training. Nothing like putting a number down to serve as a target. I should blow this away if I hit my rides.

So that’s the list (minus the five wildcards and holding pen). Most are fully under my control, though I will allow appropriate substitutions if needed. Thanks for hanging out this far into a very long post. I’ll be setting up an update page to track progress, and I’m sure some of these adventures will be blog worthy.

If you have ideas for additional items, feel free to post below. Or create a list of your own and let me know about it!

Monthly Progress Reports:

• February
• March
• April
• May
• June
• July
• August
• September
• October
• November
• December
• January 2014 – FINAL UPDATE