Several years ago I wrote down a list of experiences to try. They were in an old notebook and just written down off the top of my head. Since then I’ve managed a few of the items, but nothing staggering. Life always got in the way. There was never enough money. You know, the usual excuses. Since starting this site dedicated to finding adventure in the everyday world I’ve kicked up the progress quite a bit and was actually about halfway through my original list. Then I picked up the book No Opportunity Wasted: Creating a List for Life by Phil Keoghan and Warren Berger.
After about seven pages I was torn between reading and putting the book down to write out a new list. Every chapter gave me more ideas. Each time I picked it up there were new ideas and challenges to try. Not to mention the chapter on how to get past those age old excuses.
Can I choose an experience to face my fear? How about shedding my inhibitions? Some of the challenges required me to actually sit and think about how I would go about managing them. Phil encourages small steps for the harder goals. You don’t need to go out and immediately jump off a bridge in bungee jumping. Start slow. Start with the experiences and goals that matter to you.
The book is broken up into eight segments such as “Face Your Fears” and “Rediscover Your Childhood”. Each one offers ideas, stories and even websites to go to for more information to get you into the N.O.W. philosophy of life.
Full of inspiring stories from all walks of life no one could leave this book with an “I can’t” attitude. If they could manage, so can you. The highest praise I can give this book is that it inspired to me to not only dust off my list, but to actually get up and start researching ways to make the time and do them.
Phil Keoghan can be seen every week on his new show No Opportunity Wasted as well on The Amazing Race. For more of Warren Berger’s work check out Wired magazine where he is a longtime contributor.
*Editors note* One of the suggestions in the book is to share your list with as many people as possible so that they can help encourage you or maybe even help you along. To view my list click here. Please feel free to email me with your list!
