Last year, or rather the beginning of 2009, I focused on building character. For 2010, I thought it’d be rather fitting to focus on projects for three reasons:
- My work in not-for-profit fundraising has made me even more curious about the idea behind spare change.
- I have way too many projects on the go. I’ll elaborate in a bit.
- There is nothing more inspiring than to see the projects — that so many people invest their time, sweat, and energy (money as well) into — come alive. It is their dream.
Before I mention my own projects what I really wanted to do was shed light on a few projects that I’ve stumbled across. The following projects that I’ve dug up on Kickstarter are really worth so much more attention than mine. Some need more support than others but I think they offer something to people that is refreshing and it is generally nice to see someone in the world throw themselves into a dream that is not so conventional.
Gaming
Project: The Gentlemen of the South Sandwiche Islands
As a kid growing up in the 80s, the best thing about that time was the balanced pull between the physical board game and the video/computer game. I was definitely drawn to video and computer games of the time but I’d always pick up a board game and take it to my parents hoping that they’d play round or two with me.
With the increasing attention paid towards the iPod, iPhone and whatever tablet computer that successfully captivates the market attention, I think board games gradually (and have already in some cases) migrated over to the digital interface. That said, I do love the physical board game and the attention paid towards the art and crafting of the game itself (i mean, who didn’t love Mouse Trap?); and the unique gaming experience is worth taking into consideration.
I think we can’t count out the board game just yet.
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Hiking
Project: Walking 1800 Miles Across New Zealand
I am an avid hiker so I just had to add this because as much as I love road trips, the idea of hiking across a tremendous distance is very appealing (if I only had the time off…). Why not live vicariously eh? Simon Cook (aka. Cookie) has made a number of hiking films in the past and I’m astounded by the amount of work involved although seeing this hike makes it seem more like fun than work.
Supporting Cookie and Nicky in their adventure across New Zealand just seems like something fun, and more fun will always make the world better.
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Creativity
Project: Dear Mr. Watterson
Just like Joel Schroeder who’s spearheading this project to capture and document the impact of Bill Watterson’s Calvin and Hobbes on the world, I too can remember the time when I would be drawn into the world of Calvin and Hobbes every weekend during piano lessons. My piano teacher was a huge fan and as a result, while my sister would be attending to her lesson, I’d be sitting back reading away.
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So I have a tendency to focus on a gazillion ideas which usually means that anything I want to do tends to progress … at the pace of …uh … sloth. At work, we’re now encouraged to focus on a pretty specific goal for the year. In a sense, I wanted to apply that same idea on my personal projects. I narrowed it down to three:
1. The annual one little cog overhaul
Considering the timing of courses and potential trips, I may not actually complete this until Spring 2010. I figure getting this done in time, just as the weather becomes suitable for hiking, would be quite ideal.
2. Spice up Operation ThrowYourDesk
This is a project that I have continued to work on for some time and dedicate to the survivors and victims of micro-management, as well as those who struggle to stay optimistic on a day-to-day basis under oppressive or poor management.
We throw stuff that’s on the desk, but never the desk itself. Why?
Nay, ’tis not at all a revolution — it’s merely a learning process.
Ideally, this should get some updates by summer but we’ll see.
3. Mashing up Road tripping and Design Experiments
You might already know I love road trips, but what I love just as equally is the expression of the love for road tripping in creative fanatical ways. I’ve already been tinkering around but I have more ideas on the whiteboard that I’d like to play with. This is my last priority but any spare moment that I have, I’d love to dive into this sandbox. I’ve already been queuing up ideas and you might have already noticed it over on Posterous.
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Projects don’t necessarily need to be outwardly focused to make for a better 2010. I think a project itself out of interest or passion can do great things in the world. What’s your own project for 2010? And is there one that you’d want to support?
Tell people about it and spread the word.
Photo credit: alancleaver_2000
