One of the podcasts I’m really into right now is Happier hosted by best-selling author Gretchen Rubin and her sister Elizabeth Craft. In the latest episode, the co-hosts encourage listeners to come up with a list of 20 things to accomplish in 2020. They say that research shows people who create concrete goals are 50 percent more likely to feel confident they will achieve their goals and 32 percent more likely to feel in control of their lives. Sounds good to me!
This list took a lot longer to put together than I expected, but I’m quite happy with the results. Some items are easy to accomplish, and I just need to make it a priority to get them done. Other things on the list may make your jaw drop. You have been warned. And of course, I’ve included a lot of writing projects. I think this list not only reflects my goals but also tells you a little bit more about me.
So, without further ado–I present to you my 20 for 2020 list.
- Get a Real ID card.
- Read 20 books THAT I ALREADY OWN.
- Shed and keep off 15 lbs. (maybe more)
- Relearn how to swim and finally face my anxiety about participating in water activities (boat rides,
water slides, etc.). - Learn how to apply eye makeup.
- Find a workout routine that I enjoy and willing to stick with for a decent and reasonable amount of time.
- Attend a major writing conference.
- Research my latest book idea and have an outline in place by the end of the year.
- Learn the basics of Twitter and Instagram.
- Purchase and hang up more artwork around the house.
- Watch Frozen (yes, I’ve never seen it. I know, shocker!)
- Start (and keep) a journal.
- Have dinner at Zahav in Philadelphia
- Walk every day.
- Plan something special for my 50th birthday (in 2021, baby!)
- Find opportunities to make someone else’s life easier, and then do it.
- Write more blog posts.
- Enter a few writing contests.
- Improve my networking skills.
- Say yes to new experiences.
So, what is on your 20 for 2020 list? I’d love to see it!
Laura intfen
January 10, 2020 at 6:47 am (5 years ago)The holistic nature of this list shows how thoughtful you were putting it together. As I head out on vacation next week you have inspired me to sit on the beach and create mine. Number one on my list will be to read your blogs. Thank you for sharing yourself so freely.
Elisa Heisman
January 10, 2020 at 8:27 am (5 years ago)Enjoy vacation. I would love to see your list as well. Love you!
Karen
January 10, 2020 at 12:13 am (5 years ago)That’s a great list! I think I want to do one for myself. Several of your ‘to-dos’ would be on my list as well. And I’ve never seen Frozen either.
Elisa Heisman
January 10, 2020 at 8:30 am (5 years ago)WOW! I thought I was the only person on the planet who never saw that movie. I would love to see your list.
Minette Riordan
January 9, 2020 at 10:08 pm (5 years ago)Love your list of 20 for 2020. I am inspired to make a list 🙂 I love Gretchen Rubin’s work. I appreciated the honesty, humor and intentionality of the things on your list – a few of these could go on my list too!
Elisa Heisman
January 10, 2020 at 8:31 am (5 years ago)Thank you. You totally should make a list. I love lists and because this one took a lot of thought and time, it is one that I will likely enjoy going through.
Carrie A Tripp
January 9, 2020 at 10:06 pm (5 years ago)I”ve never heard of writing a 20 things list. I’m very curious what percentage of items on the list typically get completed by individuals doing this. You have some very worthy goals this year!
Elisa Heisman
January 9, 2020 at 10:08 pm (5 years ago)Thank you, Carrie! I never heard of it either until I listened to the podcast this morning. People come up with some cool ideas. I have to remember to print my list out so I can start to cross things off (which of course is the best part :))