Back in 2009, while I was taking a break from the working world, I stumbled upon an article related to minimalism, that spoke to me in a profound way. The article suggested that the key to happiness wasn’t in accumulating wealth or material goods, but rather through experiences – new and varied. It was a breath of fresh air and just what I needed to rev-up my engine.
I’ve always been a fan of goals and achievement, whether personally, professionally, or with my dogs…and I’m a self-professed over-achiever. I mean, who doesn’t like to be at the top-tier of a frequent flier program (or hotel rewards program?) – all the perks! Then, in late 2014, I stumbled across a life-changing book: The Happiness of Pursuit: Finding the Quest That Will Bring Purpose to Your Life, By: Chris Guillebeau.
So, I made myself a new goal: visit all 50 states. I recounted my many work trips, family trips from childhood, and of course, the awesome road-trips to numerous dog events since 2007. Cool – this goal is quite achievable – only needing two more states to complete the 50: Maine and Delaware. As luck would have it, I was slated to drive from Colorado to Cape Cod (with dogs in-tow) in the Fall of 2015. I can cross-this off my list, in a few short months! Yeah!
Hold up…now what? I’m going to achieve the goal of visiting all 50 states, and I know the all-too-real “funk” of reaching the goal and then not being motivated to achieve more. In 2016, I will turn 40. Yikes…40! I know I don’t look 40, but still – that’s halfway through life, right? I’ve always loved traveling and experiencing the world, not just the beautiful USA. I’ve visited numerous countries, so why not set a goal based on visiting more unique countries?
And, that’s where #60by50 was born. On that very dreary day in December 2014, after I finished a life-changing book, and committed to myself, and solely for myself the following:
I will visit:
- All 50 States by Fall 2015 and
- 60 unique countries by the time I am 50 years old.
#60by50
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