Why I set Goals

Every year, I set 10 goals with one intention: self-improvement.  This is something I started doing the day I left Toronto years ago and it's now become apart of the person I am today.

Goal setting has helped me set a direction for my life and one that I am very proud of.  As a result, I've pushed myself to do things like start my own consulting company, take up rowing, and even learn how to snowboard. My 30 day yoga challenge, paleo, and even all those photography courses and half-marathons we're all once, just goals.

So last year when I was looking ahead to 2013, I pegged it 'the year of change' and set my goals accordingly.

1) Complete a marathon in under 4 hours - ✓(ish)
2) Complete Canada's West Coast Trail - ✓
3) Go to Coachella with my best friends - ✓
4) Go on a yoga retreat
5) 30 Days of Meditation - ✓
6) 30 Days of No Alcohol - ✓
7) Create a stronger body with more healthy muscle mass - ✓
8) Create and actively update a photo blog
9) Find a more value aligned work environment - ✓
10) Move to a place that inspires you - ✓

I decided I wanted to share this because it's something that's had a huge positive impact on me - and who knows, maybe it will inspire you to do the same. All you need is the ability to visualize where you want to be (and a good set of Field Notes).

If you need help along the way - I'd be thrilled to help.

d.

ps - follow along on Instagram - @thedavecoast.

5 Things Every Canadian Should Know About America

I’ve been living in the US for two months now.  Despite the fact that I can still lounge by the pool in October, weeks will pass before I remember I’m in a different country.  Canada and the US are very similar but there are some common misunderstandings that I need to put to rest once and for all.

5.  They say 'out' here like OWT – apparently we say it like – OAT.  Conclusion: we’re both saying it wrong.

4.  Don’t be fooled by all the outlet malls near the Canadian border, America is actually expensive as hell.  This especially applies to rent, phone bills (yes, your cell phone), income tax, and anything blended and marketed as ‘juice’.

3. Their healthcare system is even worse than we think it is.  The next time you see a $76.00 bill in the mail for your monthly MSP payment – count your blessings and stop complaining. 

2.  We may get an unbelievable amount of snow and rain north of the border – but we’ve somehow figured out a way to keep our roads beautiful. This is not the case here where roads and sidewalks are well, bananas to say the least.  (This does not apply to Quebec)

1.  Americans are awesome.  They're direct, forward and always down for a good time. Canucks may have the longstanding reputation as the friendliest people on earth but Americans have a disposition as sunny as their forecasts.  And when it comes down to it, it’s really all about the people anyway.