Study. Study. Study.  I will openly admit that my academic life was not a stellar one. I, like most of us, look back at my school career and think “Yeah, I could have done better.” I wasn’t much for studying. I just never felt like focusing on school on my own time. I was far more interested in other things. I was always able to take away enough from the lecture and combine it with my own personal understanding of things to get a passing grade. I truly never had to study in any history or social studies class. I was even pretty safe in science as long as it didn’t have a math component; let’s give a big shout-out for Earth-Space Science! I lay out my academic laziness for all to see for a reason.

We are about to go on a eight-day sailing trip. Amanda will read, drink, swim and relax as we sail around the Virgin Islands and I will be certified to sail. I can sail. I’ve mentioned that before but proving that ability under an eye of an instructor is another story.

I have been reading the American Sailing Association manuals for the last couple of months and taking the tests after each chapter multiple times. A blue marine rope is hanging in my office so I can practice knots in my down time and has led to more than one curious question. I have a box of flashcards in the living room to help me study at night during hockey games. The point I’m making is that I’m taking this seriously because I chose to do it and want to do it well.

I think this concept can be used for anything in your life. I have decided to set a goal and make achieving that goal a priority. You can substitute my sailing goal for a travel goal, an African safari for example. You just have to focus on  making it a priority.  We don’t believe in bucket list here at No Kids, Will Travel, a bucket list is simply a list of things you put off doing. We’re doers, and we can’t wait to do this one!