A couple of months ago when I realized that I’d be turning 49 on my next birthday (and that would be today, January 1st – Happy Birthday to me!), it also hit me that I’d be celebrating the big 5-0 in just one short year. As I mused on how I might mark that milestone birthday to come, I also started thinking about how I wanted my life to look when I reached 50 and what I might do in the coming year to make that happen. Ideas started flying and goals began to emerge and before I knew it I’d come up with my 49th birthday present to myself…

The 50 by 50 Project is a list of 50 things I want to accomplish in the coming year: things I need to do, things I want to do, things I keep saying I’m going to do but never quite get around to it, things that will make me a better person, things that will get me out of the house more, things that will help me get my house in order.
Some of the things on my list are big, ongoing, and challenging while others are short, sweet, and easily accomplished. Some are serious, others are frivolous. Some are tedious, others are a delight. All are realistic, doable, and life-enhancing.
The intent of the project isn’t to somehow attain perfection by the age of 50 (if that were even possible!); rather, as Peter suggested when I explained the project to him, to hit the ground running when I reach that milestone, happy and healthy and ready for a vibrant, fulfilling life to come.
So without further ado, I present to you…
Ongoing (until complete!)
- Lose 50 pounds.
- Read 50 books for the 2016 Outdo Yourself Reading Challenge.
- Within my 50 books read, include one from each of the 24 categories in the Read Harder Challenge 2016.
- Read and complete the exercises in Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain (book and workbook).
- Create art for a colouring book.
- Purchase 12 (i.e., one per month) items from friends with online shops.
- Promote 12 (i.e., one per month) friends’ online shops on social media.
- Learn to play “Morning Has Broken” on the piano.
Anytime projects
- Make a video of me playing “Morning Has Broken” and upload the video to YouTube.
- Buy and set up a bookshelf in my arts & crafts room.
- Display my art for sale in a public place.
- Organize my internet bookmarks.
- Organize my Flickr albums.
- Reorganize my iTunes music library.
- Make a new $25 contribution to Kiva.
- Sort through clothing; organize/repair/discard/donate as necessary.
- Sort through shoes; organize/repair/discard/donate as necessary.
- Sort through bags and purses; organize/repair/discard/donate as necessary.
- Sort through accessories (scarves, gloves, etc.); organize/repair/discard/donate as necessary.
- Sort through jewellery; organize/repair/discard/donate as necessary.
January/February
- Renew my passport.
- Make a new will.
- Make a financial contribution to the Syrian Refugee Crisis.
- Set up a WEVolunteer profile and find a way to give back to my community.
- Learn to draw ZenGems.
- Visit the Art Gallery of Windsor.
- Host a craft/project night for friends at my house.
Spring
- Work with Peter to plan and set up a vegetable garden.
- Spend an afternoon taking photos of spring blossoms.
- Visit Ojibway Nature Centre and Ojibway Park.
- Take a walk in Jackson Park.
- Host a games night for friends at my house.
Summer
- Complete the training to become a Certified Zentangle Teacher (CZT).
- Have a logo designed.
- Have new business cards designed and printed.
- Create and launch a personal web site.
- Go to the beach and walk barefoot in the sand.
- Visit Uncle Tom’s Cabin Historic Site in Dresden.
- Visit Kingsville.
- Host a backyard barbecue for friends.
Fall
- Publish a colouring book.
- Teach a Zentangle class.
- Create a new design for a Christmas/holiday card.
- Spend an afternoon taking photos of fall foliage.
- Blog daily with NaBloPoMo (November).
Winter
- Send/give Christmas cards to family and friends.
- Find a cat-proof (or at least cat-resistant!) way to decorate the house for the holidays.
- Host a Christmas cookie decorating party for friends at my house.
- Spend an evening touring the city to look at Christmas lights.
- Gather with friends to celebrate New Year’s Eve and my 50th birthday.
Whew!
So how am I going to accomplish it all, you ask? By following my own advice!
A couple of days ago I shared my 2016 Word of the Year which, appropriately enough, is Progress. I also wrote a post for BlogHer (3 Ways to Use Your Blog to Stick to Your Resolutions) which presented the idea of writing a resolution-based blog series to help you achieve your goals through accountability, support, and inspiration.
So that’s what I’m going to do!
Today’s post is the introduction to my new blog series, and going forward I’ll be writing a monthly “Progress Report” post (usually toward the end of each month) with updates on how my 50 by 50 Project is progressing.
And I’d love it if you’d follow along – to keep me accountable, to offer support and encouragement, and to be inspired!
Are you with me?
Please share!

Twitter: WalkerThornton
January 1, 2016
I did something similar for turning 60–though nowhere near as ambitious…and unfinished!
Love your very detail and wide-ranging list.
Walker Thornton recently posted… I choose Desire for 2016. What will you invite into your life?
Twitter: alphabetsalad
January 1, 2016
Thank you, Walker! Here’s hoping I can get through the whole list, LOL!
Laurel Regan recently posted… The 50 by 50 Project
Twitter: CarabelleForbes
January 1, 2016
This is a totally awesome idea! If I were 49, I would totally participate in this. Best wishes! I’ll be sure to follow you and cheer you on!
Twitter: alphabetsalad
January 1, 2016
Thank you so much, Cara!
Laurel Regan recently posted… The 50 by 50 Project
I am passed the age of 50. I would be happy to accomplish five items this year. I can help you with a few on your list and I WILL BE following your progress! Thank you for sharing dear sister!
Chris recently posted… Happy New Year! A Pinched Nerve and Cabbage-Potato Soup
Twitter: alphabetsalad
January 1, 2016
Thank you so much, Chris! It’s ambitious, but hopefully I’ll get through the list!
Laurel Regan recently posted… The 50 by 50 Project
Twitter: AnnMGracefully
January 1, 2016
I love that you are motivated and how you broke down your list! I also really like your word for 2016. I made a bucket list this year but when I turn 50 (in a little over 2 years) I think I will go with your idea. Happy New Year!
PS- “writing out a new will” … getting old is a mixture of morbid and enlightening.
Ann recently posted… 2016 Bucket List
Twitter: alphabetsalad
January 1, 2016
Thank you, Ann! Yes, the will thing is an unfortunately necessary evil, but hopefully balanced out by lots of fun stuff!
Laurel Regan recently posted… The 50 by 50 Project
Love, love, love this! What a wonderful way to get projects done & at the same time enjoy your year.
Twitter: alphabetsalad
January 1, 2016
Thanks, Gwen! I’m looking forward to it!
Laurel Regan recently posted… The 50 by 50 Project
Twitter: RamblinGarden
January 1, 2016
I’m with you! In my case, I would have 63 things to plan. It’s not at all a bad idea. Which reminds me…I haven’t visited Canada since 2008 and I am overdue but – I need a passport. Perhaps #1 will be getting one. The Uncle Tom’s Cabin site (I’ve been to the town in Maine where the book was written, incidentally) interests me.
Alana recently posted… Determination in Action
Twitter: alphabetsalad
January 1, 2016
I went to another site on the Underground Railroad a couple of years ago, and it was very moving. I’m hoping to visit all of the sites in my area (there are several of them), but will start with at least the one this year.
Laurel Regan recently posted… The 50 by 50 Project
Twitter: becky_wtml
January 1, 2016
Organize Flickr and iTunes. You are speaking my language. My iTunes are pretty well organized just because I hate their generic album covers, so I need all the info so I can have the authentic album cover. But Flickr, I’ve got close to 1500 photos and they are basically dumped in a virtual shoebox. Maybe my one project for this year.
Happy Birthday!
Twitter: alphabetsalad
January 1, 2016
Thank you! It feels good to get those things organized, and I’m looking forward to having it done!
Laurel Regan recently posted… The 50 by 50 Project
Twitter: Texasebeth
January 1, 2016
Love this! I need to do something similar to help me get back on track and accomplish some goals.
Elizabeth recently posted… A Very Merry Pops
Twitter: alphabetsalad
January 1, 2016
Thank you! Good luck!
Laurel Regan recently posted… The 50 by 50 Project
Twitter: KentuckyGal
January 1, 2016
After reading a post of yours last year, I went on a DIY zentangle binge. Since I have never been to a class, you might want to call it ‘doodling’. My daughter wants to color them all in. She’s 12.
LuAnn Braley recently posted… My 2016 New Authors Challenge Sign-Up
Twitter: alphabetsalad
January 1, 2016
Love it! Hope you enjoyed (and your daughter has fun too)!
Laurel Regan recently posted… The 50 by 50 Project
Twitter: kim_today
January 1, 2016
Happy birthday! I am turning 50 in five days and I have a Project 50 List of Activities/Goals that I am going to accomplish in my fiftieth year. I am going to debut my List on January 6. It will be fun to see how we progress toward our goals!
My word for 2016, with my Project 50, is “Try”.
Kim recently posted… A New Run on old Running Grounds
Twitter: alphabetsalad
January 1, 2016
Love it! Right there with you!
Laurel Regan recently posted… The 50 by 50 Project
I am in awe. Bravo. You are very inspiring! I will support and contribute however I can.
Twitter: alphabetsalad
January 1, 2016
Thank you, friend! 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… The 50 by 50 Project
Twitter: parul2411
January 1, 2016
How organized you are and I read this out to VT in the morning. Both of us were so impressed. Linking this to WOTY is wonderful and I wish you progress on all of your goals.
Parul recently posted… Stroke of Midnight in Hong Kong
Twitter: alphabetsalad
January 1, 2016
Thank you so much, Parul! 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… The 50 by 50 Project
Twitter: vidyasury
January 1, 2016
Fantastic! And very inspiring, Laurel! I am going to try and make a list for myself, to. So exciting! Wish you all the best, I am sure you will achieve your goals! Love Morning has broken! Hugs!
Vidya Sury recently posted… My Growing Gratitude Circle #TalesOf2015
Twitter: alphabetsalad
January 2, 2016
Thank you so much, Vidya!
Laurel Regan recently posted… The 50 by 50 Project
Quite a list Lauren! Good way to focus on your wants. All the best.
Twitter: alphabetsalad
January 2, 2016
Thank you!
Laurel Regan recently posted… The 50 by 50 Project
First of all – happy birthday! Second of all – I love these and the fact that they move you forward and are a mix of challenging and fun. I hope you get to accomplish them all this year and can celebrate it all for your 50th xx
Leanne recently posted… the seeing me project – embracing life
Twitter: alphabetsalad
January 2, 2016
Thank you so much, Leanne!
Laurel Regan recently posted… The 50 by 50 Project
Twitter: kohleyedme
January 1, 2016
That’s so nice! Happy 50, Laurel! And wish you a very happy new year as well. May you complete all the items in your list the coming days! 🙂
Shalini recently posted… The Madras Affair: Book Review
Twitter: alphabetsalad
January 2, 2016
Thank you, Shalini!
Laurel Regan recently posted… The 50 by 50 Project
Twitter: ravyne
January 2, 2016
What an amazing project! I will turn 50 in June and had thought about doing something similar last June, but it never came to fruition. I wish you much success in seeing this through. And happy belated birthday!
Twitter: alphabetsalad
January 2, 2016
Thank you very much!
Laurel Regan recently posted… The 50 by 50 Project
Bookmarking and coming back to check this again through the year, Laurel 🙂 Happy birthday and good luck with the 50 🙂
Shailaja Vishwanath recently posted… The Checklists that matter
Twitter: alphabetsalad
January 2, 2016
Thank you so much!
Laurel Regan recently posted… The 50 by 50 Project
Happy Birthday Laurel!! 🙂
Here’s wishing that you complete your 50 by 50 list! It sounds like a fabulous project! 🙂
Twitter: alphabetsalad
January 2, 2016
Thank you so much!
Laurel Regan recently posted… The 50 by 50 Project
Twitter: SucceedatSellin
January 2, 2016
I’m turning 50 in 2017 so you have given me a fabulous idea of what to do and how to go about it. Thank you Laurel! 🙂
Susan Marot recently posted… How to get amazing sales results using bite sized chunks
Twitter: alphabetsalad
January 2, 2016
You are most welcome! 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… The 50 by 50 Project
Twitter: shanayatales
January 2, 2016
Such a wonderful idea, this. Bookmarking it. Will follow along. 🙂
Happy Birthday (belated at this point, I think)
Wishing you lots of love and light in 2016. Have a great year!
Shantala Nayak recently posted… Fitness Goals for 2016 – Quarterly Tracking and Baby Steps
Twitter: alphabetsalad
January 2, 2016
Thank you so much, Shantala! Happy New Year to you! 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… The 50 by 50 Project
Sounds like you a definite and ambitious plan! Wishing you the best and looking forward to hearing about your progress. Hope you had a very happy birthday!
Susan recently posted… Embrace the Changes
Twitter: alphabetsalad
January 4, 2016
Thank you so much, Susan! Happy New Year!
Laurel Regan recently posted… The 50 by 50 Project
Twitter: BatteredHope
January 2, 2016
I have no doubt that you will accomplish it all — good luck and keep us posted.
Carol Graham recently posted… Christmas – Sometimes the Best Laid Plans Take a Twist
Twitter: alphabetsalad
January 4, 2016
Thank you, Carol!
Laurel Regan recently posted… The 50 by 50 Project
Wow! You are on fire woman! I look forward to reading about all of the amazingness that is you! Happy, happy New Year!
Twitter: alphabetsalad
January 4, 2016
Thank you, and Happy New Year to you too! 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… The 50 by 50 Project
Twitter: Joy\'s Book Blog
January 3, 2016
Great project! I love how you’ve organized things by time over the whole year so that it’s not so overwhelming.
Joy Weese Moll recently posted… Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert #ReadAlong
Twitter: alphabetsalad
January 4, 2016
Thanks, Joy! I tried to keep it balanced, so hopefully that will work.
Laurel Regan recently posted… The 50 by 50 Project
Twitter: kaushiva
January 5, 2016
Belated Happy birthday Laurel! What a great idea! Love it and hope you accomplish everything on this list! Looking forward to your website, logo and shop! 🙂
Aditi recently posted… A New Dawn
Twitter: alphabetsalad
January 9, 2016
Thank you so much!
Laurel Regan recently posted… International Blog Delurking Week 2016
Twitter: kaushiva
January 5, 2016
Oh…just struck me…I’m turning 30 this year!!! Inspired from you will make a 30 by 30 project! 😀
Aditi recently posted… A New Dawn
Twitter: alphabetsalad
January 9, 2016
Great idea! Love it!
Laurel Regan recently posted… International Blog Delurking Week 2016
Twitter: CorinneBlogs
January 5, 2016
You always inspire me, Laurel. I have no doubt that you will make this happen! Good luck!
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted… Can I Be Judge Judy For A Day #MondayMusings
Twitter: alphabetsalad
January 9, 2016
Thank you so much, Corinne!
Laurel Regan recently posted… International Blog Delurking Week 2016
Wow laurel! very great and ambitious project, reading your post brought some ideas to improve myself too, all the very best and I look forward to reading your blogposts:)
G Angela recently posted… Birthday of My Dad! & Wedding Anniversary of my Parents !
Twitter: alphabetsalad
January 13, 2016
Thank you – looking forward to what the new year brings!
Laurel Regan recently posted… International Blog Delurking Week 2016
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[…] friend Laurel did this for her 49th birthday year and I loved the idea so much I wanted to copy it. Hopefully having this list will encourage me to […]