I've been keeping current with the news, a new president, new changes, etc. Some news agencies have been reporting on the change and President Obama's First 100 Days in office.

This led to me thinking that I've been in survival mode for a while and I needed a push to get me onto the path of productivity. So I'm issuing a 100 Day challenge for anyone who wants to participate. This is a thread to challenge yourself to be productive for the 100 days.

Later I will be listing the projects that I would like to accomplish during the 100 days. (This is an intensive challenge unlike the Fix or the Procrastination thread.)

Again I would like to restate that the challenge is against yourself. This is here for motivational purposes to help support one another. This is a place to offer encouragement and to see the actual work that is accomplished.

Since your life is different from mine it would be wonderful to see some goals and then the different steps needed to accomplish them. We will use today as a planning day and then start, officially, on January 22. The end date will be May 1, 2009, at 11:59 eastern time.

I hope I haven't scared you all away from this challenge. May 1st is going to come regardless if you partake in a challenge or not. I hope to be able to have a wonderful list of accomplishments.

I hope I'll get some support and many takers.

Oh my word do I need this! In the next 90 days or so, my mother and step-father will be moving in with us (temporarily) and then I need to help them find an apartment they can afford on just their SS income. It's not going to be easy.

In the meantime, I feel as if I have let my own life get completely disorganized and out of control. Keep in mind that this is only the way I feel and I'm extremely hard on myself and have very high expectations.

An intensive push is just what I need. I work better under pressure, always have. I too will come up with a list of what I'd like to get accomplished.

Great idea!

Woo Hoo! I have one taker with me. YEAH!

I just made my first list, it has 107 items on it. Not only is it a great place to start, but it's written down and now I can focus my energy on tackling item by item.

I hope others will join us. I think this could be a great organizational tool and motivator as well!

I'm in. This is perfect for me. I'm in the position of starting my life over again--newly divorced, just moved, looking for a job, looking to recapture the joy I had 20+ years ago.

Striving - WOW! 107 things.

KT's Mom - try and look at it as moving on to future joy rather than recapturing something long past. Good luck on your quest!

Groan!

*Whine* Striving, must I? *Whine*

Yes, I guess I should. Maybe this will be what I need to give me that push to get going.

I am sure I will have at least 100 things to do, from going to the bank (procrastinated on that for over a week), to becoming svelt (being procrastinating on that for about 20 years!)

Chef Sam--thanks much for the perspective. I need that so much right now. 20+ years ago was the last I remembered being truly happy so I hope to recapture that feeling of joy. However, I'm a different person, more mature, 8 year old child and what makes me happy now will be different from what made me happy then.

Feedback from objective people is critical to my success in this new chapter of my life.

Now I need to get busy making "the list"--that will help put structure to this new "champter" I'm opening in my life--help me focus!

I like this, Striving. I am in the throws of life decisions as far as my job. I should know by a month from now if I plan to teach again next year. Even though we could use the money, the stress (read: boss) is beginning to affect my health. I've thought of asking for a para job so I will have NO planning, NO school work after hours (like I just finished tonight) and No papers to deal with compared to what I am doing in my sped job now.

This alone could entail several items on my list such as insurance decisions, etc.

Our house is always in a state of remodeling, but I hope that all comes to an end by the end of this summer.

So, this is good for me to do. Are you making a list and planning to do something each day? I AM working on the school plans already, but won't know for sure until another month or so.

Oh how exciting to see so many familiar faces! When I made my list I thought of where I would like to be in so many aspects of my life. How could I get there? Then I started making a list of Projects. Some projects are minor, but just need to be done. Others are much more involved and have, or will have, project pages to accompany them.

My motivation is if everything was caught up what would I do with my time? I "saw" exactly what I want to do with my time so when I lack the will, I can envision those other goals.

KT's Mom: This is an exciting time. I'm sure some of it is unsettling but look at how much control you'll have over yourself and your child. I like ChefSam's twist on the joy too.

Welcome Bless! I right there with you on the svelte issue. WE CAN DO THIS!

Hello ShowMeMo: I wasn't aware of your current work situation. Yes, you need to take care of you and do what's best. I hope the "correct" decision for you is shown and you can follow that lead.

Yes, I have made a list of things that I want to accomplish before May 2. Some projects won't start until March, some I can work on now. I hope to develop the habit of catching the things that I let slip through the cracks, BEFORE they slip through.

EVERYONE please remember it doesn't matter how many projects that you have, don't give up. This thread was meant to help people to meet the challenges in their life.

Here are my projects for today:

1. Make my Projects list!
2. Mail 1 package (write card, wrap gifts, go to the post office)
3. Go to the bank
4. Take DD to new gymnastics class to try out
5. Put gas to the car (DONE)
6. Finish 1 chapter (5 subsections) of document for work
7. Clean out my purse
8. Revise my budget
9. E-mail friend
10. Order medication refill/pick up

That should be a good start!