I chose EXPERIENCE for many reasons. In previous years, I have made a list of goals and benchmarks I “really want to” attain in the coming year, only to “misplace” it, either accidentally or on purpose, until the following New Year and realize that I failed miserably at many, if not all, of those goals in the year.
My wife came across this site on the Today show and the idea actually spoke to both of us. I instantly knew EXPERIENCE was my word. I spend too much time obsessing about a failed career-path, failed health-path, failed this or failed that, that I am missing the most important things in my life; my son, my wife, and the basic EXPERIENCE of life.
In 2014, I pledge to markedly decrease the time I spend on fruitless obsession, and markedly increase the time I spend on fruitful obsession. I pledge to EXPERIENCE my 18 month old son, as he learns new things and tries new things everyday, every hour, even every minute. I pledge to EXPERIENCE my wife, who has given so much to this family unit. I pledge to EXPERIENCE my friends and my extended family. I pledge to EXPERIENCE new places this year (at least 3) with my wife and son. I pledge to EXPERIENCE more outdoor activities this year, such as hiking, canoeing/kayaking, and swimming.
In short, I will no longer be consumed by trivial things and begin to EXPERIENCE the things in life that are so much more important. After all, what is the point in going through life, if you do not EXPERIENCE all of it.