Learn, Then Teach

26. Nature photography. This is my big learning hobby. I take fewer pictures than anyone I know and have literally zero knowledge or skills. But I’m eager to learn and to apply some coaching and behavior science toward my education. Follow me on Instagram.

27. Video document a hike. I researched my destinations by watching a ton of amateur hiking videos. Doing one myself will be a good exercise in making videos.

28. Video document a bike ride. This is also how I researched the mountain biking trails I’m going to. I’ve got my GoPro and mount ready to make my own contribution to the field.

29. Write a “Photography Skill Checklist” and check each skill off. This is how I’m forcing myself to practice. Every time I come across a photo or video concept, I put that concept into a checklist. At the end of the trip I want to have executed at least one example of each concept.

30. Go ketogenic, write the #VanKeto Cookbook. Ketones refer to a marker in your body when you’re burning fat instead of sugar. As I write this, my KetoMojo finger-prick blood testing device says I’m at 2.2, which is good. Can I keep that up on the road?

31. Get my Meditation Teacher Certificate. This is my big coaching-skills project. I’ve just needed some time to finish it.

Connect

32. Meditate with a guru in Sedona. This is my first stop and the town is crawling with gurus of all stripes. I’ll give myself extra points if I can meet an actual cult leader.

33. See Sarah three times. I have it planned so that I get a big solo start, then meet her in Marfa, then fly home for two weeks in the middle, and then have her join at the end for Glacier or Banff. I definitely have a chance to go home for an extra weekend or two in there as well.

34. See old friends in Taos and Albequerque. New Mexico marks the end of the solo portion of my trip. There are lots of friends to see the rest of the way.

35. Organize a college reunion in Grinnell. I often say Grinnell is the best small school in the country and one reason why is that I still keep in touch with my professors. That never happens at a big school.

36. Organize a party in Minneapolis. Lot of friends there and so this has to be a big event.

37. Meet every US-backed coach who works for us. I’ll get to see our certification grader in her home town and then meet our newest coach in person for the first time.

38. Kansas City BBQ. I’ve lived in St. Louis, so I know what that style of BBQ is like. But my friend Connor is promising to show me the best Kansas City has to offer.

39. Organize a Coach Meetup. A lot of the cities I’m in are filled with great coaches. It would be nice to get a few together for a hike or group meditation.

40. Convince someone to go backpacking with me. My most reliable friend for this is carting around two babies. So now I need backup. Are you in?