I turned 39 years old a few weeks ago (woot woot) and, consistent with my Type A personality, I made a goal list of 40 things I want to do before I turn 40. Keep reading to check out the items on my list (and check back often for updates on my progress and the reveal of a couple of “mystery” items).

Before we get into the list, there’s a few things to note.

First, work-life strategy has become such a huge component of my life (and the woman I have become over the last few years) that all of my goals fit into the 5 areas of my Work-Life Success Formula — faith, family (which includes friends), fitness, finances and fulfillment. I didn’t even realize it until after I’d completed most of my list, which goes to show that the formula has really become almost second-nature now. If you’re new here and want to learn more about the elements of the Work-Life Success Formula, you can do so here.

Second, you’ll notice that there are a couple of items on my list that are marked “to be disclosed”. That’s because they’re currently not ripe for sharing. But don’t worry, when the time is right I will reveal them (along with the backstory). 😉

Finally, I will be doing standalone blog posts to detail many of my “40 by 40” adventures. When I do, I’ll add a link to the relevant list item below and, of course, you will be able to find the post in the appropriate category on the blog.

Without further delay, here’s my very own “40 by 40” list (all items that have been accomplished are indicated by a strikethrough):

Faith

1. Take a seminary or theology course
2. Author a women’s devotional series
3. Launch the BreadWomen community!
4. Fast from meat for 40 days
5. Go on a silent retreat with God

Family

6. A getaway with the hubby
7. A weekend away with ELS
8. A weekend with KAS
9. Plan and plant a garden with the family
10. Purge the kids’ baby gear 🙁
11. Draft a will
12. Getaway with my mom
13. Getaway with my dad
14. Start [to be disclosed] with Kevin

Fitness

15. Do another triathlon
16. Complete home fitness studio
17. Take private swim lessons
18. Get body fat percentage to 21-25% (goodbye pandemic pounds)
19. Do an obstacle course race (Completed my first Spartan Race in November 2021.)
20. Try cryotherapy

Finances

21. Pay off remaining student loan debt (Made my last payment on 8/11/22. Woot woot!)
22. Get adequate life insurance coverage
23. Get an accountant / tax advisor

Fulfillment

24. Finally launch my blog — The Work-Life Edit with Alexandra Sampson
25. Take the CFP exam (or a financial planning course)
26. Take a solo vacation
27. Install backyard oasis
28. Second professional photo shoot
29. BreadWomen video series
30. Volunteer with an organization
31. Have an all-day spa experience
32. Donate blood
33. Go to a concert (Update: I went to the Millennium Tour on 10/18/21 with my birthday twin. Great concert! All of the acts were great, but Bow Wow was hands down my favorite of the evening. I also went to the Maverick City Music and Kirk Franklin Kingdom Tour in June 2022.)
34. Complete 40 random acts of kindness
35. Have a private chef dinner at home
36. Learn how to tread water
37. Create master bedroom sanctuary
38. Explore [to be disclosed later]
39. Get an assistant (virtual or in-person)
40. Get a tatoo 😮

That’s it! I’m sure there will be edits to the list, and it’s very likely I won’t accomplish all 40 items. I’m just excited about living out the next year with intention and purpose. Have you done a birthday goal list? What were some of the items you were focused on?