Less than 18 Months until I am 40

When the bell struck midnight and 2009 began, I could not stop thinking that this is my last full year in my 30's. I am in no hurry to get older as there are a lot of things I want to do before I am 40 and a few things I want in line before the magic day arrives. I say all this to give context to some of the things I have committed to this year. I normally ignore new years resolutions and all that caper but this was a year to write them down and make change.

Here are my commitments:
1. Fit and Forty: I will get very fit this year. To ensure this I set up a group on Gyminee to gather a few friends and draw out my competitive nature. I like to win so this type of accountability helps me. So far I have worked out every day in 2009 and am tracking my nutrition to the minutia.

2. More Adventure: Last year I committed to doing something fun and adventurous every day. In hindsight that was sort of silly as I ran out of ideas within a few months and felt like I needed to start wearing underpants on my head or regularly streaking in new places. This year I am going to do increase the risk I take when I am on a Motocross bike and continue to ride every weekend. In addition, I am going to race the Baja in a truck this coming November. I am also planning a 6 week motorbike adventure to Central and South America (which I hope to do while I am 40).

3. Write a Book: I have written and published in the past but haven't written a lot recently. This will change this year as I venture out to write a business and leadership book. I will write more about this in the months to come. I will have a co-author and will begin the process of finding the right agent within the next couple of months.

4. Grow a Great Company: Over the last 18 months Brainpark has really found its legs and has a phenomenal team. I am going to run hard and help the team take it to the next level this year. We will get noticed in 2009 and solve informational problems within enterprise and education in a way that surprises many.

5. Be Wild: I will continue to be wild and do unpredictable things without concern. I will make people laugh and enjoy laughing myself. I will not take myself serious and will make sure that anyone who does is mocked. I will attempt not to get arrested in the process.

I think that is a healthy enough list. These are not things I hope to do but things I will do. If there is anything here you catch me on ignoring or missing please hold me accountable by giving me a slap in the head and saying "catch a grip big lad".

Comments

[Mark Dowds]

Thank you. I think competition is good for us all. Just remember how tough I am though...

[Mavis]

A good friend of mine has the right attitude when it comes to age...........his motto....... "You're only 18 once but you can be immature all your life."

Lots of love,
M.

[Ian]

Go for it Dowdsy....great spirit! I'm 19 months behind you and there's no way I'm catching you...unless I take you out at the knees, after all I can be competitive too!