Turning 50 felt like a milestone that deserved something special, so I set a personal challenge: 50 goals before the big 5-0. Inspired by my friend Justin Jones Fosu's birthday challenges, I created my version—50 by 50. Over the past year, this journey has been eye-opening, and I’m excited to share some of the key moments.
Non-Work Related Travel
Carving out personal travel time was essential in a world where work is always a click away. My goal? Take at least five trips that had nothing to do with work. Here’s what that looked like:
- New York City: I surprised my husband with a trip to visit a friend.
- Portland: It was a dual-purpose visit where I relaxed with a friend after recording a speaker reel.
- Asheville: A weekend with cousins.
- Myrtle Beach: I cheered on my niece at her softball game.
- Ghana: The highlight was commissioning a middle school in Akyremade and being part of the wedding party in a traditional Ghanaian wedding, a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Revisiting Impactful Books:
As someone who reads 40-50 books a year, I rarely reread. But I set out to revisit five impactful books:
- “Five Love Languages” by Gary Chapman*
- “Extreme Ownership” by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin*
- “The ADHD Effect on Marriage” by Melissa Orlov*
- “Tools of Titans” by Tim Ferriss*
- “And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer: A Novella” by Fredrik Backman*
Creating Ideal Days:
Another goal was to craft and live out “ideal days” for my husband and myself.
Expanding Horizons: Food, Music, and More
- New Local Restaurants: Discovering gems like Rosewater, Bida Manda, and Pure Vegan
- Live Music and Plays: From P!nk's concert (x 2!) to “MJ.”
Pushing Personal Boundaries
- Break Dance Class: Despite a shoulder injury (and ongoing physical therapy), I gave it my all.
- Sensory Deprivation Tank: My husband and I enjoyed the experience so much that we now make it a monthly ritual.
Meaningful Contributions
- Personal Letters to Service Workers: I handwrote letters to standout service employees and their managers at Pinehurst Resort, Mookie's New York Deli, Fairfield Inn, and Progressive Water Solutions.
Reading Banned Books
- “The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison
- “Gender Queer: A Memoir” by Maia Kobabe
- “The Push” by Ashley Audrain
- “Crank” by Ellen Hopkins
- ” All Boys Aren't Blue: A Memoir-Manifesto” by George M. Johnson
Giving a Gift to Family
For the rest of the challenge, check out the podcast!
Reflecting and Moving Forward
Each part of my 50-by-50 challenge was intentional. This wasn’t just about checking off 50 goals on a list—it was about creating meaningful experiences that support personal growth and productivity. If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, consider setting your challenges. Small, purposeful goals can spark real transformation.
