New 100 Thing Challenge

Oh yeah, you read that right. A brand spanking new 100 Thing Challenge. Here's what I am going to do for 2010. It would be awesome to have you join me.

100 Hours - I am going to take 100 hours (about a 4-day weekend) to reflect, plan, and prepare for the new 100 Thing Challenge. What I have found is this. When I have a good idea on a Friday and still think it is good when I go to sleep on Monday night, it likely is worth pursuing. If the idea fizzles over the weekend, I work on dreaming up another idea. Not always, but in general it takes about 100 hours of reflection to make a good decision. Take too much time to think, though, and you'll never actually get anything done.

100 Days - Instead of a year, the new 100 Thing Challenge is going to last for 100 days (about 3 months). What I have found is this. Habits really are not formed in 3-4 weeks, as some people say. But live a certain way for a fourth of the year, and you'll see if the life change you are pursuing is 1. possible and 2. desirable.

100 Things - I still believe that American-style consumerism is the main bad habit holding back average folk in the U.S. from a productive and meaningful life. (If you doubt me, first check the status of your savings account and then check the status of your garage.) The new 100 Thing Challenge will be more flexible at this point. Some people need to live with 100 personal possessions for 100 days in order to prove to themselves that life can be great without an abundance of stuff. Others need to break their addiction to over-spending by only buying 100 things total in 100 days (which is way harder than you think). Personally, I am going to try to refine my 100 things list and also not buy more than 100 things. I am sure other people will think up other ways related to "100" to challenge American-style consumerism. Please share your ideas!

100 People - This is where the rubber hits the road, and it's also the main reason I am extending my 100 Thing Challenge. The original 100 Thing Challenge confirmed for me beyond a shadow of a doubt that American-style consumerism does nothing more than keep people stuck in stuff. But I ended my 100 Thing Challenge year wanting to do more with this knowledge. It struck me; with my new-found freedom from consumerism, I want to focus my energies on helping people I care about. There are about 6.5 billion people in the world and, last time I checked, all of us need help. I think it's reasonable to prioritize 100 of those people. So I am going to be intentional about it; think about it; make time for people. When my days on earth are done (or even while I'm still ticking) I don't want to impress others with my possessions, instead I want people to be impressed by other people - who in small ways or large - I helped be better.

Bonus 100 - I am going to add $100 a month to my $10,000 Challenge fund. One of the ironies of American-style consumerism is that the less financially responsible we are, the more we tend to buy stuff. Our system of consumerism thrives on irresponsibility. My feeling is that there are two things we must do to avoid becoming a slave to consumerism: 1. put our faith in something bigger than stuff (e.g. God) and 2. keep as much of our money as possible out of the cash registers at stores. I want to redouble my efforts to put my money to good use, so I am creating this extra little discipline of savings.

I really hope you will join me in the new 100 Thing Challenge. One of the things I've remained firm on is that the 100 Thing Challenge is flexible. People have done it in different ways. The main thing is to do something in order to resist American-style consumerism and create a more meaningful life. You'll love it. And so will everyone around you.

Comments

[Charley]

Great ideas, Dave, for the new year. I've decided to do the 100 thing challenge for 2010, for the full 365 Days. I'm still busily assembling my list and packing away the items that didn't make it. Hopefully I'll post my list in a couple of days.

I've noticed that nearly 80% of my list is clothing because I live in an extreme 4 season climate, and I also have to dress in business attire for work. So, it's taking me a bit to try to lower that percentage.

I really like the idea that you're expanding the 100 idea beyond the consumerist angle. Concentrating on our stuff is a bit introspective, and some of your other ideas are concentrating more on reaching out to the community. This is really why we are here, to share our gifts and help one another out.

I look forward to reading about your progress.

- Charley

[guynameddave]

Thanks Charley. Looks like you've got some great things going on yourself. Look forward to hearing more.

[Baran]

It's been a few months since I came across the 100 Thing Challenge. I've already gotten rid of 200 things. I'm still not under 100 but I keep selling stuff.

[Joanne]

I love your idea of taking on this challenge in 100 days. I'm more motivated than ever now! Just before the new year started I sold off 137 books that were sitting around collecting dust, emptying a whole lotta space in the bookcases! Today I will attack the closet! Thank you for the inspiration.

[Bloomagain.wordpress.com]

You are already reaching at least one out of the hundred here-- Blogs just like this one have inspired me to go on a journey of my own towards a more meaningful, personalized life. I look forward to the progress that can be made with each waking day. Thanks for getting the message out there, it does make a difference.

[guynameddave]

Thanks Bloomagain! It's such a privilege to be a part of other people's lives.

[Minimalist You]

Inspiring blog! I am trying the 100 Thing Challenge, mostly to pare down unnecessary clutter. I would eventually love to try the New 100 Thing Challenge also! Once I have less stuff, I'll be less busy managing my stuff and have more time for other people. A worthy endeavor!

[guynameddave]

Minimalist You - totally worthy endeavor. Keep it going!

[Scott]

Dave...I just heard about your 100 Thing Challenge today and am inspired by your challenge! Most of 2009 was spent removing the mental "need" for "stuff". You have presented a way of figuring out not only how to get rid of things, but how to become a better person in the process. It is a roadmap to becoming "something", not to acquired "some things". God Bless You for this!

[guynameddave]

Thanks a ton Scott. I appreciate it.

[Donna]

Great idea, I love it! I think your ideas about consumerism are so right on. I've made a commitment to myself to reduce my clutter this year, so the 100 thing challenge sounds like a great, fun way to do it.

What's the $10,000 challenge fund about?

[Roxanne]

What an awesome idea! How liberating, to engage detachment to that extent! Very inspiring. I am all about "de-stuffing." You have given me something to think about.

[George]

Okay Dave...
Been working on this for a few years now, even before I'd heard of your challenge. We all need to 'decrappify' and loosed the load. I've discovered elbow room is much nicer than stuff. I've always been pretty good about NOT buying stuff just to buy stuff, but I admit to haunting the local thrifts for things I need (found an expensive German canister vac for $13).
Recently my folks passed away and I had to liquidate their estate. It was hard getting rid of things they kept because they were old school and 'might need it one day'. You reach a point where you become numb to it, just say 'f*** it' and toss stuff. Then you start to become free. My g/f is a hoarder, so that's a challenge I have had some practice on. Elbow room, Dave...it's a glorious thing. Does a collection count as one thing?
Regards, George

[No More Stuff]

Does it count if I download all my CD's to a hard drive and then get rid of all the CD's? If so, I've just gotten rid of 300 items in 1 month.

[Brenda]

I'm in the UK and I've been getting rid of possessions for the last few months because I was feeling weighed down by them, and now I've found this and it's brilliant. I haven't kept a list of what I've got rid of but will start from here on in. Nor will I get sown to 100 items. Part of the problem is I live on my own and do I include stuff like the cooker and kitchen equipment - which you didn't because you have a family. I'm going to start by listing out the stuff I have and see where it leads me.

[no one important]

Stick to the original challenge. This is taking it in an inane direction, and I question if it is just for more publicity since the original media coverage has long since fizzled out. The "higher power" part is especially rubbish.

[guynameddave]

No One Important, first, I bet you are important. Second, thanks for your thoughts. Honestly I'm not sure what will become of the 100TC. Mostly this was an attempt to make it more doable for more people. The media interest hasn't really fizzled out, and even if it had, I wouldn't devise a new challenge for publicity sake. But anyway, I am beginning to think that the 100TC has the foundation and momentum it needs to continue moving along, one way or the other.

[clancydapir8]

i agree this is a great thing to help cleanse and simplify ones life and maybe direct them to something more rewarding whether it be time with family, friends, or the community.but as i continue taking on this challenge i find it troublesome shedding things that are steeped in guilt (like handmade items) and are things i have no pleasure or use for. with that aside i am down to 150+/- items total.this includes bathroom ,kitchen, clothes,etc. and as i continue with this i do feel lighter and less tied to most possessions but i feel it could become a messed up compulsion. good luck to those who try it.

[Ciara Kay]

I like this plan... and I may be forced to take the original 100 things challenge come August... my fiance and I are getting married and moving into a TINY little house... his stuff barely fits, and he has next to nothing compared to me [I admit I'm a hoarder of clothing and art supplies]. So that should be interesting... I know I'll need to cut out some stuff just to get it to fit in the house. =P

[Ingrid]

I like this website. I am doing project 10 pan. It is where you can't buy anymore makeup until you finish 10 products you already have. I have finished eight. That is my small contribution. I have started getting rid of books I no longer use. I use the library more now. I also use Netflix instead of buying DVDs every Tuesday. My little contribution. Definitely not 100 but not consuming as much.