Month One.

There are many ways of thinking long term about something you value. People often talk about ‘where’ they want to be in five years’ time, or if they can achieve a career dream of promotion and other such success. But how can you actually make those things come true, or something very close to those things? How can you give yourself the best chance of success in achieving goals in the long term?

During the 1st Covid lockdown, I reflected on my life and realised it was not quite where I wished it to be. I had ideas and dreams but hadn’t really done much about them, having been distracted by many things over time. One of the many lessons I learned during the pandemic was to act on the things I value because they are not to be taken for granted. Outdoor activities in the mountains were effectively banned overnight. I had been complacent. I know this is extreme, but we must learn from our experiences in life and make amends to our actions and values.

During quarantine I reflected on how to create a series of goals, and a structure to support them. I disliked the five year approach as it isn’t actually that long in terms of time but it’s too long to be a ‘quick win’ in terms of achievement. I liked the idea of doing something once per month, for months on end. I hit on the idea of One Hundred Month Goals as being something just shy of ten years, but longer than 5. It’s just over 8 years if you’re curious. Enough time to really put some effort into something.

In April 2021 I began my journey. I just finished my twentieth month and it’s been a superb, life enriching path so far. Now I’m going to go ‘live’ with it, not starting from month 20 but guess what…from month One. Again. Why? So I can then say, 100 months from now, that the self-help book I plan to write at the end has been fully blogged, shared on Instagram, and made into several YouTube videos. I’d like for people to see the idea develop in full, and even more if people begin their own 100 month journeys. I will carry on my personal diary and notes from month 20, enjoying a personal celebratory finish in 2029. If I’m still alive and well that is!

So what are my goals?

1: To qualify as a Lowland Leader, Hill and Moorland Leader, re-do my Mountain Leader logbook and then pass Winter Mountain Leader training.

2: To train and assess at least one group of candidates going through one of the above walking schemes.

3: To create a book which combines useful tips to help people achieve their goals alongside lessons learned from days out on the hill.

So there they are, written for all the world to read. Feels pretty vulnerable but I think there’s future strength in that. Let’s see how I get on – I will review this every ten months 🙂