Trip Prep | 2 weeks out

In the consulting world, we set measurable objectives to define success prior to each and every client engagement. As I wind down on my current project, I’m inclined to define priorities for my next venture. With just 2 weeks until my bon voyage, here are the 12 goals I’ve set for myself across the 12 countries I’m visiting:

1. Go on an aimless jog within the first 2 days in each city to gain perspective and a sense of place
2. See at least 4 sunrises
3. Learn hello and bye, please and thank you, and to count from 1 to 5 in the native language
4. Taste a local cocktail in every country
5. Say ‘yes’ every single day to whatever circumstances come my way
6. Comprehend the history of what I’m seeing before I see it
7. Dare to do all things adventurous in the air, on land and by the sea. This must include this, this and this
8. Post 1 or more entries per city
9. Avoid American chains like Starbucks no matter how much I miss home
10. Be present and ditch my camera, phone and GoPro every once in a while
11. Connect with one new person in each country via social media or e-mail
12. Be a hard target as opposed to a soft target

Learning to count from 1 to 10 for goal 3 seemed liked a stretch, let’s be honest. 1 to 5 will do. Goal 4 is a low-hanging fruit as we say in consulting – the easiest to meet in every country. Cheers to my first Singapore sling, lychee martini and Bali moon cocktail . I’m eager to meet goals 1, 2 and 7 and anxious about fulfilling goal 12. Goal 6 means reading up on tons of temples. Goal 9 will be the toughest in China, India and Dubai where I’ll likely crave my signature Americano. Bring it on.
XO, HUTTON B.