July 29th, 2011...
A Moment to Rest, Think and Prepare
The last few weeks have been an absolute blur. If I haven't been on a plane travelling in-between Australian cities, I've found myself standing in front of a room full of people talking about my journey of 100things. Hotels have become a second home and whether I'm talking to a school assembly of 1,500 kids (as I did on Tuesday) or whether I'm talking to a room full of financial planners, I find that it's these people that mean the most to me at that moment in time.
Although admittedly it's been a hectic period of giving motivational talks (at times I forget what month it is!) I have to say that it's periods like this that allow to me gauge where I'm at with my trip.
Hear me out; last year when I spoke to groups, I'd start by making a few jokes and trying to connect with an audience through laughter (I love this!). After showing a few videos highlighting some of the more colorful items that I've achieved from my list, I would then go into the back story of what I'm doing and within the hour the crowd would know everything there was to know about me. Admittedly these talks were always entertaining and feedback has always been fantastic but of late (and unbeknownst to me) the talk is changing. It now reflects the fact that this trip is not about just me anymore, and although still entertaining, there's a message that I'm now grasping more and more by the day and thankfully I'm now relaying this on stage.
After speaking at Redbank Plains High School on Tuesday morning, I had one of those moments of perspective that allows/prompts you to think in directions that previously you were't able to. Addressing a group of 1,500 kids at the end of a long assembly that involved the same old speeches that we all remember our principals and sports coaches making when we were back at school, I was introduced to the tiring kids as "the last speaker" before they went off to start their first class of the day. With everyone watching with crossed arms and an attitude of 'here we go again', I began my talk with a quick video of me obtaining my Guinness World Record by crushing 24 eggs with my big toes in 30 seconds. This of course got their attention, but where as I used to simply maintain this pace with laughter and funny pictures, I then went onto the speak about the concept of dreaming and achieving goals among a myriad of other things now that I now delve into during a talk. To cut a long story short, as i spoke I noticed something that I don't think I'll ever forget; 1,500 kids who previously saw me only as a person prolonging an arduous assembly, were now all leaning forward in silence, listening with intent to every word that I said. These kids, in the space of 5 minutes, had become completely engaged. The funny thing was that the kids weren't the only ones staring up in interest, so too were the teachers. It was incredible to witness. The talk of course soon ended and before long the kids were back into their classrooms.
What's the moral of this story? Well by the end of the day when I finally made it back to my hotel room to catch up on emails, I found that my inbox was full. Opening it up to check out what I'd received, I was blown away to see that hundreds of the kids present at the talk that morning had sent me emails. What were the emails about?
Well each one was in point form, it was a list of dreams and goals that each kid had written down and sent to me. They had sent me their lists! For the first time in their lives they'd considered the possibilities of dreaming. I'm still going through the emails right now and replying to every one is a task that although long is so rewarding, but more so than ever I can feel the potential benefits from this journey.
As I said, this journey is no longer about me, it's about everyone. Everyone has a list, you just have to take the time to consider it!
I can't wait for this to grow.
100 Things… What's on your list?
July 27th, 2011…
Number 18- Hit a Hole in One!
Ok, this is getting ridiculous! This morning at 6am I stood on the 17th tee at the immaculate Palm Meadows Golf Course, armed with a 6 iron and a bottomless bucket of gold balls- my aim; to hit a hole in one.
Up to this point I've hit a total of 4,300 balls on various courses around the planet with the last attempt seeing me land a ball in the hole before it immediately bounced out, I was certain today was going to be the day.
In hindsight, the fact that my first shot tricked along the ground before stopping just 10 metres from where I stood, should have have been an indicator that things might not go my way today, but it was only after hitting a further 499 shots and obtaining one of the biggest blisters ever recorded on my left hand (insert joke here), that I accepted that my hole in one dream is still unfulfilled
A big thanks of course to Matty the Golf Pro and Mark the most generous Golf Course General Manager in quite possibly the world (I still feel bad for putting so many dents in the green!), who without, this day would not have been possible. I should also thank Tony from Professional Investment Services who has now endured two 6am tee-off times as he supports me on this mission.
It wasn't so funny, it would be quite heart-breaking- Number 18- Hit a Hole in One; (still) incomplete!
100 Things… What's on your list?
July 20th, 2011…You would have thought that completing the half marathon with Mark on Sunday would have allowed us all a bit of a break from exercise, but apparently not. Just two days on from what was such an incredible day, Mark rang me yesterday with one simple question;
"Mate, do you want to do a full marathon with me?"
Now admittedly the marathon that Mark has in mind isn't for a while but it's with a big smile that I can happily say I answered YES to the question which means that at some stage (maybe later this year) we'll be joining forces again!
Of course if anyone wants to join us, please let me know at seb@100things.com.au, and i'll keep you posted with all the info.
Now talking of the half marathon, a few of the girls from The Circle also competed on the weekend and so when I went on for a cheeky interview on Monday, we got to de-brief on the event as well as talk about a few other things that have been happening lately.
100 Things… What's on your list?
July 18th, 2011…
A Moment to Rest, Think and Prepare
The last few weeks have been an absolute blur. If I haven't been on a plane travelling in-between Australian cities, I've found myself standing in front of a room full of people talking about my journey of 100things. Hotels have become a second home and whether I'm talking to a school assembly of 1,500 kids (as I did on Tuesday) or whether I'm talking to a room full of financial planners, I find that it's these people that mean the most to me at that moment in time.
Although admittedly it's been a hectic period of giving motivational talks (at times I forget what month it is!) I have to say that it's periods like this that allow to me gauge where I'm at with my trip.
Hear me out; last year when I spoke to groups, I'd start by making a few jokes and trying to connect with an audience through laughter (I love this!). After showing a few videos highlighting some of the more colorful items that I've achieved from my list, I would then go into the back story of what I'm doing and within the hour the crowd would know everything there was to know about me. Admittedly these talks were always entertaining and feedback has always been fantastic but of late (and unbeknownst to me) the talk is changing. It now reflects the fact that this trip is not about just me anymore, and although still entertaining, there's a message that I'm now grasping more and more by the day and thankfully I'm now relaying this on stage.
After speaking at Redbank Plains High School on Tuesday morning, I had one of those moments of perspective that allows/prompts you to think in directions that previously you were't able to. Addressing a group of 1,500 kids at the end of a long assembly that involved the same old speeches that we all remember our principals and sports coaches making when we were back at school, I was introduced to the tiring kids as "the last speaker" before they went off to start their first class of the day. With everyone watching with crossed arms and an attitude of 'here we go again', I began my talk with a quick video of me obtaining my Guinness World Record by crushing 24 eggs with my big toes in 30 seconds. This of course got their attention, but where as I used to simply maintain this pace with laughter and funny pictures, I then went onto the speak about the concept of dreaming and achieving goals among a myriad of other things now that I now delve into during a talk. To cut a long story short, as i spoke I noticed something that I don't think I'll ever forget; 1,500 kids who previously saw me only as a person prolonging an arduous assembly, were now all leaning forward in silence, listening with intent to every word that I said. These kids, in the space of 5 minutes, had become completely engaged. The funny thing was that the kids weren't the only ones staring up in interest, so too were the teachers. It was incredible to witness. The talk of course soon ended and before long the kids were back into their classrooms.
What's the moral of this story? Well by the end of the day when I finally made it back to my hotel room to catch up on emails, I found that my inbox was full. Opening it up to check out what I'd received, I was blown away to see that hundreds of the kids present at the talk that morning had sent me emails. What were the emails about?
Well each one was in point form, it was a list of dreams and goals that each kid had written down and sent to me. They had sent me their lists! For the first time in their lives they'd considered the possibilities of dreaming. I'm still going through the emails right now and replying to every one is a task that although long is so rewarding, but more so than ever I can feel the potential benefits from this journey.
As I said, this journey is no longer about me, it's about everyone. Everyone has a list, you just have to take the time to consider it!
I can't wait for this to grow.
100 Things… What's on your list?
July 27th, 2011…
Number 18- Hit a Hole in One!
Ok, this is getting ridiculous! This morning at 6am I stood on the 17th tee at the immaculate Palm Meadows Golf Course, armed with a 6 iron and a bottomless bucket of gold balls- my aim; to hit a hole in one.
Up to this point I've hit a total of 4,300 balls on various courses around the planet with the last attempt seeing me land a ball in the hole before it immediately bounced out, I was certain today was going to be the day.
In hindsight, the fact that my first shot tricked along the ground before stopping just 10 metres from where I stood, should have have been an indicator that things might not go my way today, but it was only after hitting a further 499 shots and obtaining one of the biggest blisters ever recorded on my left hand (insert joke here), that I accepted that my hole in one dream is still unfulfilled
A big thanks of course to Matty the Golf Pro and Mark the most generous Golf Course General Manager in quite possibly the world (I still feel bad for putting so many dents in the green!), who without, this day would not have been possible. I should also thank Tony from Professional Investment Services who has now endured two 6am tee-off times as he supports me on this mission.
It wasn't so funny, it would be quite heart-breaking- Number 18- Hit a Hole in One; (still) incomplete!
100 Things… What's on your list?
July 20th, 2011…You would have thought that completing the half marathon with Mark on Sunday would have allowed us all a bit of a break from exercise, but apparently not. Just two days on from what was such an incredible day, Mark rang me yesterday with one simple question;
"Mate, do you want to do a full marathon with me?"
Now admittedly the marathon that Mark has in mind isn't for a while but it's with a big smile that I can happily say I answered YES to the question which means that at some stage (maybe later this year) we'll be joining forces again!
Of course if anyone wants to join us, please let me know at seb@100things.com.au, and i'll keep you posted with all the info.
Now talking of the half marathon, a few of the girls from The Circle also competed on the weekend and so when I went on for a cheeky interview on Monday, we got to de-brief on the event as well as talk about a few other things that have been happening lately.
100 Things… What's on your list?
July 18th, 2011…
One of the Best Days of my Life….
Yesterday at 7am on a beautiful but chilly Melbourne morning, a single hooter was sounded, indicating the start of the RunMelbourne half marathon. Moments later 20,000 competitors gathered from all over the world took their first stride on the beautiful 21 km course.
If you've been following the blog of late you'll know that for a man by the Mark Rostoks, this was the beginning of a race that many deemed as impossible for him to complete. The reason being that he is confined to a wheelchair with undiagnosed neurological disorder that's taken away all movement. This however he was about to prove wrong.
To cut a long story short, after meeting Mark at the beginning of the year to chat about our respective 'bucket-lists', Mark told me that a dream of his was to complete a half marathon. Lacking the physical ability by himself to accomplish this goal, I naturally offered my services and one minute later we had an agreement; I would push him for the entire distance of the July 17th Run Melbourne Half Marathon! I am absolutely over the moon to announce that 3 hours, 38 minutes and 42 seconds after starting the race, this dream became a reality for Mark.
On a personal level I don't think I've ever been involved with something so rewarding but this wasn't about me, it was about Mark and after the race he looked at me with a big smile on his face and simply said "That was special". The day couldn't have gone any better.
What's more is that in-between making our initial agreement that we'd enter the race together, a few of Mark's full-time carers also joined the race as well as one of his childhood buddies. As such we were a team of 7 (including Mark) and a massive thank you has to go out to each and everyone of these guys who helped Mark get across the line. Jason, Eban, Dean, Page and Tahnee; you are all legends!
It really was a race that had everything; from sore knees and even a breathing issue with Mark at the 17km marker, to amazing support from other runners and the exhilaration of crossing a busy finish line, I can't wait to release the fully edited race video in the next few days. Simply amazing!
Campaigners
Now of course Mark is one of our epic Campaigners and we're very proud of him, but if you're not sure what a campaigner is please check out a host of them HERE. Basically they're a great bunch of people who've decided to share their list with us and as such have created their own profile page outlining their goals.
Over time the campaigners have grown in numbers such now it seems like we've developed a community of like-minded people, all of whom stay in touch in touch with each other and help each other along.
If you feel like you'd like to join the Campaigner's Page by sharing your list, please get involved by clicking on HERE.
It's an easy 1-step process and all you need to answer is 1 simple question; what's on your list?
New 100 Things Facebook Group
Lastly today, it seems that with the growing support of the journey, I've had to start an official 100 Things Facebook Page. The page itself is updated daily with pics, videos and status updates and so if you'd like to stay in touch, please do so by clicking on the direct link below and the clicking the LIKE button. Go on; you know you want to!
All your support keeps this journey ticking along so thank you in advance!
For now it's back home for a long stretch and a hot bath but before I go I just want to say one more thing; Mark, well done mate! You're an absolute champion!
100Things… What's on your list?
July 14th, 2011…
Number 4- Raise $100,000 for Camp Quality
In between editing the 100things book and trying to organize to tick off a few items in Africa next month, days at the moment are spent in front of the computer madly typing away. The good news from this of course is that the book is taking shape beautifully and it looks like we'll be volunteering in an orphanage before we know it!
Aside to all this, activity with 100things has been great recently and it's with a massive smile that I can officially announce that we have hit the $20,000 mark today with a flurry of donations yesterday!
To wind back the clock a few years, the original goal of item number 4 was to raise just $10,000 for Camp Quality but with the unexpected support that 100things immediately developed it was clear that we'd have to raise it; why not hey?
Anyway I'd like to extend a huge pat on the back for everyone who has donated, whether it was yesterday or anytime since we've started; it means a lot and your money is already in the amazing hands of Camp Quality who right now are bringing smiles to kids suffering from cancer.
I think that's all I'd like to focus on today as it really is special. Of course anyone can donate at anytime via the online donate button HERE!
100Things… What's on your list?
July 13th, 2011…
Half Marathon this Sunday with Mark Rostoks
I'm not going to lie to you; I couldn't be more excited about this Sunday's half marathon. Twenty-one kilometers of Melbourne's toughest roads (maybe a slight exaggeration) is quite the consideration specially in light of the fact that the furthest I've ever run before in 10 km. This though is only part of this weekend's challenge.
This feeling of nervousness and excitement that inside me right now is something I'm more used to feeling in anticipation of ticking off one of my own items but completing the 21k circuit this weekend is not something from my list, instead it's an item on Mark Rostok's list.
Mark Rostoks is a man that I met at the beginning of the year and when he told me that he also had a list of things that he wanted to do before he died, it seemed only fit that we meet up. Mark's list in incredible but what's made it even more impressive is that in everyday of his life Mark is confined to a wheel chair. This you'd think would be quite the obstacle but apparently not; and so when Mark told me that one of his items was to complete a half marathon, I wondered if I could help out in any way.
With an undiagnosed neurological disorder, Mark is effectively powerless to move any part of his body and as such I sit here only 4 days out from the half marathon that Mark and I have now both entered with an agreement that I will try and push him over the finish line! I can't wait and more importantly Mark will be achieving something that others may have thought was impossible! I'm just glad to be a part of it.
A long time ago this 100 Things journey turned from something about personal achievement into something that was clearly more about the community. Over time I've found that there's an important message in all of this and one that shows people that anything is possible; Mark is testament to this.
Seeing as Number 4 from my list is to raise $100,000 for Camp Quality, we're also accepting any donations that you're willing to throw our way in support of what promises to be one of the best days of both of our lives. If you are feeling supportive of our upcoming challenge, please feel free to donate online by clicking on the smiley face below. All donation are secure and 100% will go towards kids and families affected by cancer.
Race Attire
Without a team kit of any sort, it's thanks to the generous people of OnTheGo that we now have race-singlets to wear!
Having recently received an email from the company owner, Mick, who wanted to reach out and help, I've now got 10 brand-spanking new singlets ready to make their debut in Melbourne. Quite simply, they are awesome, and I'd like to thank On The Go for the gesture. It's people like this that allow this trip to continue on in the way that it does and having spoken to Mick a fair bit since, it's obvious that everyone has a list; Mick's is to emulate Sir Richard Branson's success and one day own a airline!
Why not hey?
Check out their website HERE
Become a Campaigner!
For those curious to hear more about this Campaigner business, please feel free to look at all of our Campaigners HERE or if you're thinking about joining up as a campaigner yourself (like Mark has) and setting up your own profile page, check out the Easy 1-step guide HERE.
For now, it's off for a practice run. Today's goal is 10 km!
100Things… What's on your list?
July 12th, 2011…
New 100 Things Facebook Page
It's been a long time coming but with all the progress and growth that the 100things journey has made over the last year or so it's probably about time I started an official 100things Facebook group! (that was an anticlimax, no?)
Up to this stage I've just been using my personal Facebook page to talk and communicate with everyone following the journey but with growing numbers and a need to tighten up the ship, so to speak, I've created a group specifically for all things 100 things, if that makes sense.
So how do jump on this band-wagon? Easy, just 'Like' the page and you're in!
You can do so by clicking on the button below and by way of some sort of technological wizardry, your own Facebook page will mystically link to the page and you'll have access to all updates etc as well as being able to voice your thoughts (positive I hope!) on the wall itself.
So what will be on the new 100 Things Facebook Group?
Well I'll be updating the page much like I have been doing so with my private account but this will be a lot smarter and will have the addition of events, video links and news on the upcoming book.
For someone as computer un-savvy as myself, I'm treating this swap over as a work in progress but the more people that join up and like the page, the better I've been told! So please feel free to pass on the good news.
For now, it's back to uploading pictures and tweaking the few remaining things so that it looks nice and pretty by the time you check it out.
Stay posted for more exciting news this week.
100things… What's on your list?
July 8th, 2011…
Back On-line!
It's been a week since the last update and for those ready to curse me; I'm sorry, I've been in New Zealand! Now of course I'm not suggesting that New Zealand lacks any form of internet hub but I am saying that whilst staying in Queenstown over the past 6 days I've found almost no time to sit down and type; there is a lot to do here!
Of course the initial reason for my trip came by way of an invite from the lovely folks at Professional Investment Services who asked if I'd like to wrap up their 5-day annual conference with a light-hearted keynote presentation focused on the 100things journey. Naturally I obliged and I'd like to thank everyone present at the presentation for being so lovely. An amazing time and one that has only confirmed for me a recent thought that these talks are developing into something special. I've said it before but I will say it again now; for the first time in my life, I feel useful.
As a side note, this was the first talk I've ever given dressed up as a giant banana. It's a long story and one probably only appreciated by those present at the conference gala dinner which happened the night before the talk, but I am slightly concerned at how much I enjoyed it. Perhaps I'll wear fancy dress for all of my talks from now on?!
Number 8- Olympic Ski Jump
Now one of the more dangerous items on the list would have to be Number 8- Olympic Ski Jump. Now if plummeting down a 90 metre slope to then launch off a steep jump into thin air at speeds more commonly associated with racing cars isn't worrying enough, the fact that I can't even ski certainly heightens the fear associated with this challenge.
This though is the real reason why I have been missing in action for the past week; I've been falling, slipping, sliding and bumping my way down the snowy mountain sides of Queenstown's 2 well-known ski resorts in an effort to learn how to ski. It's been a tough learning curve, physically and somewhat emotionally!
Ironically I do realize that when it comes to attempting the actual ski jump at some stage down the track, the biggest skill i'll need is how to stop, but for now I think learning how to stay upright is a step in the right direction.
It's been a great week and sitting here at Queenstown airport I can confidently say that I can now ski… a little bit.
Bring on the jump!
Number 18- Get a Hole in One
The funny thing about my list is that where as some items pose challenges of a physical or mental nature, others pose a challenge of a spiritual or even emotional nature. With so much variance and no two items being overly similar I'm still trying to decide which the 2 above items will be harder to achieve; attempting an Olympic Ski Jump or Hitting a Hole in One. For some reason I think it may be the latter.
Now to date I've hit 4,300 golf balls from various par 3 holes around the world and still I'm yet to get it! This doesn't mean to say that this item is impossible (I keep meeting people who are very happy to tell me that they themselves have achieved the feat!), but instead tells me that when I do finally land it in the hole, I'll appreciate it so much more.
With this in mind please try not to laugh when you see this latest attempt of a hole in one that took place at Avalon Golf Course last Thursday. Let's just say that you will not get a closer shot without it being called a hole in one. You'll know what I mean when you see this footage.
And just incase you're wondering if that went in or not, here is the same shot in slow motion.
