40 Before 40 - Septemeber Update

My birthday is on the 8th of January, so I’ll be posting my 40 Before 40 updates on the 8th of each month. Here’s the September update:

Only four months remain, and this experiment is getting interesting. Since I started I have at least three friends who have been inspired by the concept to create their own lists (something that I never intended to happen but I consider an incredible honor). My wife turned 40 a couple of days ago and earned the title “Cougar” for a few months until I catch up with her again. But better than that is how she proudly owns “Club 40” as her own now. I hope I handle it as well as she has.

But the list has also become a burden. The self-imposed pressure to get things done before the deadline is motivating at times, but it also wears me out. I find myself wondering if I’m simply checking things off of a list or really enjoying them. I may have bitten off more than can be done, but in the end I think I’ll still be happy for the effort. It has been a much more intentional year than the prior 39. Now for the update…

For the original list and more info about each item, go to WoosleyCoaching.com/40

Newly Completed

3) Teach Ian to ride a bike

Finally! Today after several marathons of Minecraft, I got the boy to go outside and attempt once again to ride his bike. I pumped up his very flat tires, gave him my old helmet (he has a large cranium), and we set off for the grass field across from the house. After a successful first ride and spectacular crash–he jumped up and declared himself okay–we continued a few practice runs before getting on the street. It wasn’t pretty and it wasn’t perfect, but he did manage to complete a loop around our cul-de-sac. He’ll need a lot of practice before we can cruise the neighborhood together, but at least he’s pedaling now!

Completed

2) Father/Son Event

July 5th – Our planned father-son trip to Missouri to visit my parents and grandparents fell through, so we had to find something else to do over the holiday weekend. Since the trip is re-scheduled for a few weeks from now, we decided keep it simple and go see Man of Steel and pig out on sushi (and we did, including some with Pop Rocks on it). It was a great guys-only day with my little buddy!

14) Publish first book

June 13th – That was the day I submitted the final version to the printer. What an amazing and strange moment…almost exactly three years since I first outlined the book, it was finished. Get your copy of Conquering the Entrepreneur’s Kryptonite: Simple Strategic Planning for You and Your Business today at Amazon.com and check out the book website, ConquerYourKryptonite.com.

36) Wildcard #1: Attempt a Half Marathon

May 19th – I really wanted to do a full blog post just about the half marathon (I probably will soon), but I let the book take priority. But lets focus on the goal, and the key word is “attempt” so I completed the goal at the start of the race. Then I conquered the Marine Corps Historic Half Marathon in just over two hours and forty minutes. I may not be fast, but I beat my 2:45:00 bonus goal!

After the Half Marathon — Jessica Brown, Jody Berkey, Steve Berkey and me after the race

18) Finish office

May 12th – The office is done! In a frenzied weekend, I finished all of the painting, hanging blinds and curtains, and moved in the basic furniture (including some of the goodies I got at IKEA!). There are still some finishing touches to make in terms of decorating and organizing, but the office is functional and I love working in my own space. It was perfect for finishing up the book.

13) Visit Congress or AL Legislature

April 24th – It took a few months of rescheduling but I finally got to Montgomery! It was quite an experience seeing how government works (or doesn’t, depending on the day and the topic). Such an honor to represent my city and school system, as well as all of the public school systems in Alabama. Met with several legislators and was even recognized from the floor of the House!

26) Complete first 5K race

March 9th – The Gator Hustle 5K in 33:36 minutes.

32) Complete a fast

March 30th – No soft drinks for 40 days before Easter.

Making Meaningful Progress

1) Daddy/Daughter Getaway

No change. Sadly with summer coming to a close, this item may have to be adapted. I travel a lot but do my best to spend time with the kids. This is about having specific time with my daughter (now a teenager…how did that happen?). Looking at a Saturday adventure of some kind.

4) Get gloves and play catch with Anna and Ian

No change. This summer has been hot and busy. Autumn is a much more friendly time for baseball, right?

7) Start recycling

No change. Good intentions gone bad. Need to clean up the overflowing bins in the garage and re-kickstart this one.

9) Visit a museum or attend a symphony/play/opera

No change. Two words: Alice Cooper. I’m going to call this a cultural event and let it count. Plus it makes my wife happy and will be a ton of fun! Just have to wait until November.

11) Read the entire Bible

I’m now in the midst of Jeremiah, on page 818 of the 1339 pages in my Bible. That’s 61.1% completed. I’m still a bit behind, but looking forward to the coming chapters and getting into the New Testament.

12) 12 Dates with My Wife

Got another date in the books, just after my last update. Halfway there and looking forward to strong finish.

15) Produce 10 products (ebooks, audio programs, etc.)

Writing a book was number one and still an amazing feat. The Kindle version was number two. (Both are available on Amazon.com). And today I can add the third…the audiobook! It has been submitted to Amazon, iTunes, and Audible and should be available in the next week or two. Whew! Now to work on some non-CtEK products!

21) Consistently wake up between 5-6 am

Only four days in the past 40 before 6 am. I really stink at this one, but I get a lot of work done at night!

24) Make 100 blog posts

This post makes 24 since the beginning of the year…it’s not looking good. I have plenty to write about, it just gets buried under other priorities (the audiobook was a monster!). New strategy coming soon.

25) Ride a Century (100 mile single bike event)

I’m scheduled to ride the JDRF Nashville charity ride in September (WoosleyCoaching.com/jdrf. On August 25th I met up with eight other riders to do 75 miles on the Chief Ladiga/Silver Comet trails (a Rails-to-Trails project between Alabama and Georgia. In spite of a minor crash at the state line 13 miles into the day (“it’s just a flesh wound”), I managed to set a new personal daily distance record AND conquered some hilly terrain. Nashville won’t be easy, but I know I can do it!

27) Drive a race car

No change. Still waiting for new dates to be scheduled at the local track.

28) Complete second Spartan race

No change. Spartan Race still scheduled so I must be doing it.

31) BMI 25 or less

Started the year at about 27, and I’m now at 25.4. The last three or four pounds to get there are just teasing me. But whether it’s my weight or my BMI, it’s just a number. I feel better and my clothes fit better, so I’m still winning.
< li>33) Record 2M steps in 2013

August started well and I had a few very big days, but I also had some down time when I wasn’t feeling well. If I had been competing for a second half marathon like my friends, my totals would be better. I’m now 21 days behind the needed pace to get to two million steps. I may have to commit to a half marathon in December to make it! Through yesterday I’ve completed 1,294,614 steps.

35) Ride over 1200 miles

Added another 172.9 miles in the past month. My total for the year is now 665.95. With the JDRF Century and training, I should log 1200 without issue.

38) Wildcard #3: Make My Military Shadowbox

No change. I did find a box with a lot of my old stuff in it!

39) Wildcard #4: Headline a Conference

The formal announcement is coming any day now….I’ve attended a lot of conferences over the past few years. I’ve even spoken at a few. But now I have the opportunity to share the stage with some great friends at a place that is very special to me and my recent history. Mark your calendars for October 11th and plan to be in Franklin, TN. Details coming soon!

No Update to Report (Yet!)