Chapter 1: The Concept of a Challenge List

You’ve likely heard of a bucket list, but have you considered a challenge list? This innovative idea was introduced to me by my lecturer in Employability, Creativity, and Personal Development. He drew inspiration from Richard Branson’s 65 challenges and crafted his own list, which you can explore here. I found his approach intriguing and highly recommend checking out his insights on Fahri Karakas.

This concept resonates with me, and I encourage everyone to try it out. It’s a fantastic way to prioritize self-care and step away from the daily grind we often find ourselves trapped in. It allows for the establishment of creative goals and encourages thoughtful reflection.

Chapter 2: My 21 Challenges for Turning 21

Here’s a glimpse into my personal challenge list for my 21st year:

1. Write 210 articles on Medium.
2. Read 21 books (a monumental task for someone who rarely reads!).
3. Connect with 21 professionals on LinkedIn from my placement year.
4. Curate a list of 21 desert island discs.
5. Aim to earn £21,000.
6. Create 21 origami pieces.
7. Visit friends I haven’t seen, 21 times.
8. Achieve a 2:1 grade in my second year of studies.
9. Cook 21 new dishes that I’ve never tried before.
10. Learn 21 new skills.
11. Explore 21 new locations, whether within the UK or abroad.
12. Train to run a 5K in under 21 minutes.
13. Write a letter to my future self at age 42.
14. Journal for 21 minutes, 3–4 times a week.
15. Dedicate 21 minutes to listening to music and discovering new tunes.
16. Learn a new language spoken by at least 210 million people.
17. Watch 21 films that have long been on my to-watch list.
18. Experiment with 21 different avenues for passive income or e-commerce.
19. Send 21 birthday cards to people I wouldn’t typically reach out to.
20. Sell 21 items I no longer need.
21. Reflect on this list and create a new one for my 22nd year.

Your Turn

As suggested in Fahri’s article, I encourage you to embark on this journey. Crafting a list like this prompts deep self-reflection and helps identify personal motivations, providing you with a checklist of aspirations to guide your future. Let your creativity flow and strive to achieve these goals!