WARNING! Another almost totally self-indulgent post. I think it is good to have plans and to make goals. If I didn’t make plans I’d rarely do anything. If I never planned to get up in the morning then I possibly wouldn’t.
The writing of this will inspire me to get off my backside and to do some things I have wanted to do for long time. I also feel that while I am working for myself I should take full advantage of my flexible lifestyle.
It might even inspire you too! Fancy a seat in my rally car?
1. Enter a rally
I am not talking about driving around the New Forest in a Ford Cosworth at 130mph while having directions barked at me in my left ear hole. I am talking more about the sort of rally that takes a couple of weeks and involves travelling through the sort of countries that will never appear in a Thomas Cook holiday brochure.
The one I have my eye on is the Plymouth to Dakar rally (not to be mistaken for the Paris – Dakar!) It usually involves driving a beaten up small car to Africa and selling it at an auction for charity at the finish.
2. Speaking Spanish
I have been trying to learn Spanish for ages now and I can still only order a white coffee or beer.
My attempts have involved studying at language school in Valencia, evening lessons in London and I am about to start some more here in Bristol.
What I need is immersion and I am already thinking that 5 or 6 weeks in December and January will be better spent in a tropically hot Spanish speaking country than freezing my arse off and being depressed under the dark, gray winter skies of England.
3. Climb Kilimanjaro
Africa’s highest peak, Mt Kilimanjaro will be my ultimate trek and something I really want to achieve. I want it so bad that in the week proceeding an attempt I might even train for it a little and not drink beer.
4. Prepare myself for another career
I have been a web nerd for a while now and while I am still enjoying the challenges and freedom I do want to seek a different challenge.
So this will involve either starting a totally new offline business or learning a new skill in which I can gain employment.
I have to be honest with you now, I have never been very good at working for other people and I have walked out of jobs after a day or two. While I am not proud of this I am not going to ignore the fact it could happen again.
So with this in mind, starting a new business is more likely!
Ideas include an activities holiday business or buying an old building somewhere and turning it into a backpacker hostel of sorts, probably somewhere near mountains or something.
Other options I am looking at is the old favourite, teaching English or teaching Adults in a college.
5. Make a difference to those less fortunate
This is the most important one. I want to make a difference to those less fortunate. Not sure what it’s going to be yet but it will involve me giving up a chunk of time to help others, rather than just money. I did the money thing in Cambodia out of guilt after a mix up with charity and I am not very proud of it.
One idea that I have discussed with a charity is to lead a trek for people with disabilities or to at least provide some support on an expedition.
I know it’s become a little trendy to go off to far away exotic places and do something for charity but it’s still better than doing nothing.
This might well be my biggest challenge. I have to confess that I can be a little selfish, particularly with my time, which I know is totally wrong because time is something I’ve had a lot of! Maybe it’s like the rich becoming greedier with more money?
So when we come to the end of 2010 I hope you might just remember my plans and ask me what I have achieved from the list.
I can tell you now that I will only be disappointed with myself if number 5 remains untouched…