My 20 in 2020 List
This essay originally appeared in the Monday morning newsletter on 12/23/19.
Inspired by the best-selling writer Gretchen Rubin, I decided to make a list of 20 things I want to do in 2020. After hearing about someone who had 35 things to do before a 35th birthday, Gretchen, author of The Happiness Project, adopted the idea and added a New Year’s twist.
I loved the idea! And I had so much fun brainstorming 20 things I want to accomplish in the next year. The items on my list range from habits to adopt (like a quarterly cleanout of my apartment) to aspirations (find a cause I’m passionate about and donate time or money) to silly, LITTLE things that I’ve been meaning to do forever (why haven’t I subscribed to a magazine since I’ve moved to Chicago? I used to look forward to getting them in the mail and loved reading them).
As mentioned in a previous newsletter, my approach with anything pertaining to goal setting is to break big things down into smaller, more digestible items. Everything I put on my 2020 list is simple and something I can realistically complete in the next year. The list is also filled with things that will either bring me joy or help me take a step (doesn’t matter how small) toward that ideal version of myself. And because I’ve assigned a deadline, I’m much more likely to complete instead of keeping these things on my perpetual “someday” list.
I wanted to share my list and this idea with you today in case it sparks inspiration for you to create your own 20 in 2020 list. I know I really enjoyed this exercise and hope you do too. Excited to see how many items we can complete in 2020!
My 20 in 2020 List:
- Subscribe to a magazine
- Participate in a running group
- Purchase a set of personalized stationery
- Plan a reunion with college friends for a UF football game
- Alternate a glass of water in between drinks when out
- Use the 1 Second Everyday app to record more memories
- Start using a meat thermometer
- Host something at my apartment (brunch, dinner, happy hour, etc.)
- Participate in a fantasy football league
- Do a quarterly cleanout/decluttering of my apartment
- Read 15 books
- Take a trip with my mom
- Find a dermatologist
- Replace my iPad case to have a working keyboard
- Road trip to Notre Dame for a sporting event
- Run a 5k race
- Donate either time or money to a cause I am passionate about
- Get new bedding
- Master ONE recipe and declare it my “go-to dish”
- Write 52 Monday morning newsletters!