I can’t say I thought of this on my own. I came across a blog post that Holly Jahangiri, who I interviewed at the link on her name, wrote back in 2008 titled 100 Good Things About Me. On that post she said she felt it would be easy to write 100 things about herself but wanted to see if she could go the “good” route. She’s actually added to it and thus is now at 102 things.
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I don’t think it’s all that easy. Well, let me rephrase that to say I don’t think it’s all that easy for most people to do. One of the hardest things for people to do is introspection, which is the process of looking into one’s self to see what you’re made of. In my case, I decided I wanted to chronicle 100 things that, when I was done, would give a picture as to how I became the person I am today.
Frankly it’s a scary process in a way because it takes going back to that thing about vulnerability that I mentioned and had the video to in my dreams post. There’s the phrase out there that says “you can’t know where you’re going until you know where you came from.”
Well, that’s not totally true because there are some people who work hard to forget their past that make it. Most successful people will tell you that there was something in their past that drove them to be better, to become successful and rich and all that other stuff. Almost on one said “my past didn’t influence me at all; I just happened to become rich by happenstance.” Some people have become successful by luck, by being in the right place at the right time, but it’s rare.
I’ve never been afraid to examine who I am or my background. I have some regrets in my life but very few. I like to think that when all is said and done I’ve always tried to do my best, to treat people right, to tell them up front what I was thinking and doing, and never intentionally set out to hurt anyone’s feelings unless they deserved it. Perfection; it ain’t me.
So I sat down and came up with 100 things about myself, and much of it is in chronological order. I was truthful with myself because, well, why lie to myself right? And I decided to share it with you.
But not quite in this post. See, when I was done with it, the sucker came in at almost 5,000 words; ouch! Now, if you’re someone who cares to read it, then you can read the list here, which is on a hidden page that I’m sharing with you. Most of my friends don’t know this stuff; well, not a significant portion of it anyway. At some point I’ll pop the link onto Facebook for my friends and give them the chance to learn more about me, but my belief is that they won’t care, and that most of you won’t care.
That’s not the overall point. The point is twofold. One, do you have the guts to look at your life and chronicle what’s made you what you are today, and will you like it? Two, are you willing to be vulnerable yourself and think about sharing it in some fashion? I doubt it; I double dog dare you! š
I know Marcus Sheridan says we shouldn’t write about ourselves all that much because no one really cares about us as individuals. Well, who says he’s always right? š Someone go tell him I said this; he’ll get a kick out of it.
And onward we go.
I like it Mitch and I bet you had a lot of fun remembering all that stuff, I thought it read a little bit like an autobiography. Personally I don’t have a problem with introspection at all and being honest with myself, I’m just not so sure all of it is for public consumption haha! It’s brave Mitch, kudos to you.
Roz, it turned out to be more interesting than fun because a lot of it is stuff that I’d put way deep into the personal archives. For instance, I hadn’t realized just how little actually schooling I had before I went to college; shocking.
I agree with you, Mitch. It is better to know personal mistakes and vulnerabilities and accept the facts. I am not afraid to face my demons, but I have found a lot of difficulties to deal with those, that’s why I try to concentrate on things that I am doing well.
Nothing wrong with that Carl but do you think you could sit down and do something like this? Would you try?
Honestly, I have had a lot of brainstorming after I read this article. For few things definitely I know that I can find a solution and probably there is only one thing that I am afraid to face for very long time, this is my biggest weakness and probably the time have already pass and I’ve made my right choice. Let’s say that this fear doesn’t really matter and does not worth dealing with it, but for the rest, I can easily do my homework.
Carl, it’s interesting because most of us go through life pretty carefree and yet there are those few times when things went badly that we don’t want to reflect on and thus it gets difficult. I certainly have had some of those but I acknowledge them and move on from there. At least I made you think; I don’t believe that’s a bad thing.
Hi Mitch!
100 thing about me perhaps it would be a hard task to me.and wonder you defined.in my view every person know to self that what am i?,how am i?and one thing that which you described that the people who get success by luck is very rare ,i am agree with this .so i think you are a hardworking person.i like it.
I’m not sure of everything you said Anshul except for the part about my being hardworking, and I certainly try.
I tried to think of 100 things that describe me and it is definitely not an easy job. Not that I am afraid of looking into my past and facing the mistakes I have done, but it is somehow difficult and unusual to speak about yourself. Unfortunately the list has only 7 entries now.
Only 7 Mirko? lol I could come up with 7 things about myself from today and it’s not even 3:30 yet. lol No, it’s not easy, which is why I put it out there. At least you gave it a shot.
I doubt that I can generate the patience and the enthusiasm that you have shown Mitch. It was a fascinating experience learning about you though!
Thanks Rummuser. Anything there particularly surprise you?
By now you should know that nothing about you surprises me. Your bowling skills had me in a tizzy for a while because bowling here is when you bowl a cricket ball. Your sexapade and subsequent education resonated with my own experience as a teenager. You really do not want to know about it though I will just add that it was a pleasant experience.
LOL! That’s funny and no, I probably don’t want to know.
Thanks for sharing Mitch. I really enjoyed reading this article.
I agree with you here, it is far easier to accept reality than hide in a lie, love the way you write here, very interesting to read so thank you for sharing this.
Thanks Brook. Did I convince you to give it a try?
Hey Mitch, quite an interesting read that was. I’m not sure though that I would be able to do justice to my list. I mean I wouldn’t lie to myself but I’d rather not put in something that I really regret. So it is highly possible that I may leave out a few details. Like you said it isn’t everyone’s cup of tea to make that list and then go out and share it with the world. Kudos to you. As for me when I make that list truthfully, not leaving anything out, I’ll let you know. š
Good deal Thomas, but no one said you had to share it if you felt uncomfortable. The main thing is to see if you can do it for yourself and then if there’s anything there that you can learn about yourself that might help explain who you are and if there’s anything you’d like to change based on that. Glad you enjoyed what you saw here.
Hi Mitch, well if you ask me to remember 100 things about me I would easily do so but I would not rather like to make them public because I believe people will never see the good you did but they will always see the bad side. I don’t have many people close to me and I would not like to risk the ones I have. As for you I am glad that you are courageous enough, keep it up, am happy for you.
Thanks Megan, but as I told Thomas you’re under no obligation to share anything you don’t want to share. It’s more of a project for yourself to see both how honest you can be with yourself and how you chronicle your life. Go for it. š
Its very interesting to read your post..
Its true mitch getting success by luck is very rare.we must do hard work and give 100% to achieve success..After read your post i am thinking about myself hope i will get atleast 10 good things about me..thanks for sharing this motivational post..
No problem Katherin; I hope you endeavor to give it a shot.
I’m guessing it must have taken some effort to put it all down. I mean going that far back and remembering things in the order that they happened is a task. Also, I love the idea you are trying to put across here. Introspection often helps us to change and understand ourselves more than any amount of therapy can. I’m going to sit down and give it a try. Thanks for sharing this, Mitch.
No problem Henry; thanks for reading it. Actually, the first 76 points were pretty easy to do; good thing I type fast, as that took me about 25 minutes. Those last 24 I had to think about… okay, I had to think about 22 of them because I knew the two I was going to end with. It was therapeutic and I actually learned a lot about myself, as it’s something I’d never quite thought of to that degree and in that order. I loved the challenge; I hope someone else decides to take it up as well and at least writes about the process they went through.
I read your list and started penning mine. But I guess this cannot be an impulsive thing. I need to introspect and then put down events that shaped my life. Thanks for sharing Mitch. I’m sure a lot of people will be inspired to know more about themselves after reading this post.
Thanks for reading it David. Introspection isn’t easy to those who aren’t used to doing it. I’ve spent a lot of time thinking; I’d be a trillionaire if I got paid just for that. lol
Hey Mitch, I too believe in the same thing that we should not live with regrets. I don’t care who thinks what about me. I just know that if my people are true to me then they will be around no matter what they come to know and the ones who are not loyal enough will not be there anyways. So I am definitely going to jot down 100 things about me, don’t know whether will be able to complete the list or not but will sure give it a try.
Good deal Carlos; you never know what you might discover about yourself during the quest. š
You know Mitch, you come across as a decent enough guy who I’d like to have a bear or two with. Thanks for giving me some cool stuff to read every day. It’s much appreciated. Take care.
I hope you meant “beer” rather than “bear”, although I don’t drink so you’d have to have the beer while I have fun with my diet soda. Thanks for that; I try. š
Very nice š I just finished reading it. š
Cool; you going to try it?
Wow Mitch! How do you do this? Every single time, you give me food for thought. Every single time, I take away something new. The lesson that I learned today is that I need to know and understand myself. Thank you Mitch for giving me lessons for life.
No problem Jannet and I’m honored by your words. It’s these things we do for ourselves that not only help us but others later down the line; at least I feel that way.
Interesting read! I think you have spent time over the years understanding yourself and so you can jot down stuff like this and be courageous enough to share it with the world. As for me, I might write it down but I don’t know if I would put it out there for public viewing. But even then it would be a good exercise to learn and write about myself.
Paul, it would be an interesting thing to do, and like I’ve told others you don’t have to share anything with anyone. As for those 100 things, while it might seem courageous there’s probably another 100 things that I’d never tell the world because it’s none of their business. It’s not a tell-all book or even a full autobiography; no mention of anything truly embarrassing, though I’ve had few of those days in my life thank goodness. Heck, I was kind of reminded by someone who didn’t know about it of something in my life that I won’t do based on my own criteria that’s actually kind of a life changer on a daily basis that I didn’t write down; that’s how it happens.
Still, 100 things captures a lot about each of us, even if it still leaves gaps. I hope you give it a shot.
I think this is a good example on how you would know yourself better by writing things up upon yourself. I read the list you have and it seems surprising and enjoyed reading them all. : )
Thanks Jason; you thinking about trying it yourself?
Hey Mitch. Whooop! i love a challenge. I think what you did is awesome! And you’re very, very right. Most of the time we don’t have the gut to look within let alone share it, vulnerably even. I will be reading it little by little (i have to do my hair today and finish work) I’m a bit indisposed. But as usual I wanted to stop by and enjoy your refreshing honesty. Love it! Lata
Thanks Mys. You know, it’s hit me that I could actually do another 100 items but that would mess with the point of the experiment. I’ve proven I’m not scared to look within myself and that I’m not scared to share it either. And I hope that it all helps to make me a better person, or at least a more consistent person.
I am just off to read the list!
It is such a beautiful, beautiful post that I wonder why you don’t publish it right here!
5000 words or not, people who don’t want to read will not even read 500 words (LOL!)
It is tough to come up with so much about yourself. Holly has always told me that I should come up with a list like that but I never find the motivation (or energy) to do it!
A lot to learn about you from that list and yes, very nicely compiled.
Thanks Hajra. I didn’t put them both together because I thought it was more important to share the message of why I did it more than sharing the 100 items, although I didn’t want to be a hypocrite and not share them. I’m surprised so many people have viewed the list, and something that’s throwing me off is that the list has had 3 times more pageviews than the post, especially since the list can only be accessed via the post. Well, that’s not quite true, but I can’t believe 3 times more people would come through the search engines, which is the only other way to get there. It’s strange but there you go.
A good point you make here Mitch! Whenever I meet a group of new people at a seminar or wherever, one of the usual activities is to introduce yourself and then give the crowd some more details about who you are. More often than not, people are stumped when it comes to letting others know who they are and what they do. And this, I believe, happens because very few people know who they are. We can speak about the world and its ways but very few of us have the time to know ourselves and understand the core of our being. Thanks for sharing this.
No problem David and I’m glad you checked it out. Your words are timely because I was talking to someone tonight at a networking event and, with some of this fresh in my mind, I had more things to talk about with them than the standard boring stuff. š
Great list, Mitch. I bet you learned a lot by compiling all of those experiences. Number 24 got to me, for some reason — I guess it was the image of you hiding out in the library by yourself. It sounds as though you’ve excelled in a lot of different areas. (Although I’m still trying to picture you singing German opera, and it just isn’t happening.)
How old were you in that photo? I’m guessing six.
LOL! Charles, you should have heard me mangling that German, though the teacher thought my voice was great; takes all kinds. lol I was 5 in that picture, having just graduated kindergarten, of all things. And that was an interesting time and I think being an only child helped me a lot because I never felt like I was missing out on anything except continual harassment. That and I loved to read.
Wonderful post, I think you had a pretty amazing life thus far. Your time spent in Japan seems very interesting and maybe would work as a novel or short story. This is also a great technique on forming the skelton of a biography or a novel and I apreciate you sharing it with us. Cool stuff!
Thanks Andy. Truthfully, I was so young that there are things that come to me when I’m not expecting them to and some of them are hard to pin down dates. That’s the thing about being really young; you remember stuff but not always the sequence they ran in. Still, it was an interesting challenge.
Wow, Mitch – that is some list! I tried to do one of these a few years ago when I had a different (more personal) blog and only got to about the first 20 or 30! I still have the list somewhere and try to add to it for my own amusement, but it’s very difficult. And I’m actually a very introspective person, always have been.
I also learnt to read at age 3, my mother taught me quite a while before I went to school. That said, by the time I was there I was so shy (and often ill and in hospital) that I didn’t really make much headway.
Your list was a very interesting read – as another of your commenters said, more like an autobiography but then I know you writing style by now and that was expected. š
There’s no way I’d put anything like this (I mean, my version of it) in my current blog as I’m keeping quite a lot of myself out of it. That’s how I’m managing to keep the blog going, it was the personal stuff in the previous blog that eventually made me delete it. I feel the need to keep much more to myself than I used to. But good on you for your courage – as usual – to do this. š
Thanks Val; I wondered if you’d be one who would give it a shot or not. As I told someone else, when I was creating the list it was, and still is, very true and real. And yet, I know other stuff about me that I didn’t reveal or write, and if I so chose I could probably come up with another 100, of which maybe half I’d feel like sharing. The other half would stay in the vault forever. lol
Hey Mitch, quite an interesting read that was. Iām not sure though that I would be able to do justice to my list.
You could always give it a shot to see how far you could get; you might surprise yourself.
Hi Mitch, thanks for sharing this interesting post. Searching for the answer about who we are is a very tedious task. First of all, we need to start by asking ourselves what are we here for.
Marcus is wrong.
In the end, caring about another person is the only reason to keep reading, and it’s their words – their own PERSONAL and unique perspective – that give us reason to care.
No, no one really wants to read a daily journal of one’s most mundane moments. But there’s a happy medium between “I woke up. I brushed my teeth. I went to work. I had lunch at Denny’s. I went back to work. I went home and ate a TV dinner while watching Criminal Minds. I went to bed. Too bad I didn’t have the energy to read. Or to brush my teeth again,” and a boring, dry, business or academic treatise. Someone sharing, anecdotally, WHY they think, feel, or believe what they do. It’s that personal connection – that being human – that makes the writing worth the effort of reading.
Thanks Mustafa. Yeah, I think the internal linking part is something not all that many bloggers know about. I talk about it all the time here, but I’m just getting people to know I’m around… and I’ve been here a long time. lol
Holly, you have a wonderful way of saying things. š I like stories that people tell about themselves and their experiences; I find it interesting. But a daily report… that might drive me nuts after a while.