New Year’s resolutions are a funny thing. How often do we declare resolutions at the turn of a new year, but then forget them by February? We rarely ever look back at the end of a year to see how we did with our resolutions. So, I decided to change that for myself. Below are my “travel resolutions” that I posted at the beginning of 2009 and in CAPS are my follow-up reactions to how they played out.
In 2009, I am committing to these 10 travel resolutions. I’ve got this funny feeling that if I can achieve even half of them, I know that not only will my experience be improved, but the entire environment along my path will be positively changed!
10. I will explore someplace new. MY FAVORITE NEW PLACE OF 2009 ALONG MY TRAVELS WAS ELKHART LAKE, WISCONSIN. THE BEAUTY AND SERENITY WAS A TERRIFIC SURPRISE. I WAS FORTUNATE TO BE A KEYNOTE SPEAKER FOR A LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE AT THE FABULOUS OSTHOFF RESORT.
9. I will arrive early enough to enjoy a Quiznos breakfast sandwich – the most underrated breakfast item in the airport! THIS MIGHT BE THE ONE I CONSISTENTLY MISSED OUT ON. WE JUST DON’T SLOW DOWN VERY WELL, DO WE?
8. I will not over pack – if I can’t carry it or roll it easily, it’s not coming! THIS CAME IN VERY HANDY ON OUR RECENT FAMILY TRIP TO FLORIDA. NO CHECKED BAGS EVEN WITH 3 KIDS UNDER THE AGE OF 5!
7. I will say hello to the airline employee stationed in the middle of the sea of people gathering for the ticket lines. THIS HAS BECOME A GREAT PRACTICE FOR ME AND REMINDER OF WHAT’S IMPORTANT AS I ENTER THE LINES.
6. I will choose to enjoy my wait in the security line rather than let it suck the life out of me. THIS CERTAINLY WAS TESTED DURING A 24 HOUR TRIP THAT INCLUDED LINES IN COLUMBUS, DULLES AND REAGAN IN DC, AND LA GUARDIA IN NEW YORK.
5. I will look people in the eyes and smile as I make my way through the crowded terminals. I’VE MET SOME AMAZING PEOPLE THIS YEAR ALONG MY TRAVELS. SOME I STILL KEEP IN TOUCH WITH!
4. I will help the person who is struggling to lift their bag into the overhead storage bin. I’LL NEVER FORGET THE WOMAN IN NEW YORK WHO HAD A VERY IMPATIENT LINE BEHIND HER. I WAS HAPPY TO HELP.
3. I will bring a good book to give to someone on my flight who is searching for something to read. I BELIEVE MY UNOFFICIAL TALLY THIS YEAR WAS 24 BOOKS GIVEN TO PEOPLE ALONG MY PATH. THANK YOU TO THE VERY THOUGHTFUL TRAVELER IN JFK RECENTLY WHO GAVE ME “SAME KIND OF DIFFERENT AS ME”. I JUST STARTED IT!
2. I will sit still when the airplane lands and the “ding” sound sends the entire plane into a frenzy. ANOTHER GREAT PRACTICE – AND, I WAS NEVER LATE.
1. I will step back from the baggage claim so that everyone can see the bags and help the person who is struggling to lift their luggage. A GREAT METAPHOR FOR OUR LIVES OUTSIDE OF THE AIRPORT TOO. HOW DO WE WANT TO MOVE THROUGHOUT THE WORLD? WHAT ‘BAGS’ ARE WE TRYING TO CLAIM IN OUR LIVES RIGHT NOW? WHAT KIND OF SPIRIT DO WE WANT TO SHARE WITH OTHERS ALONG OUR PATH?
I LOOK FORWARD TO TRYING TO ‘TRAVEL GRACEFULLY’ IN 2010! I HOPE YOU’LL JOIN THE MOVEMENT.
– Jason Barger is an author, speaker, consultant, and creator of the Step Back from the Baggage Claim movement
Jason Barger spent seven straight days flying 6,458 miles to seven different cities – without leaving the airports the entire time. He studied 10,000 minutes of observations at all four corners of the U.S. and reflected on how our airport experiences can teach us about our lives TODAY. The funny and inspiring stories remind us how to change our daily world in our personal lives, businesses, schools, and faith communities! Join the movement. All four editions of Step Back from the Baggage Claim are motivational books perfect for anyone looking to impact change in their life and work.
