Interview Of The Week – Heath Tully from Project 183
Above: Heath Tully, founder of Project 183
Tell us what Project 183 is all about, and, why you decided to start such a project?
A good friend of mine mentioned a collection of people on the Internet who have created 101 goals for themselves to complete in 1,001 days. I loved the idea, but decided to put a different angle on it. I made the number of goals 183 (I was born in 1983), and set the deadline to before I turn 30. Project 183 sounded like a pretty catchy name, so that is what I went with.
The main reason for doing it is that I was finding myself spending night after night not doing much besides watching TV or maybe reading a book. There was (and is) so much out there in the world that I want to try, but just never have. So Project 183 was the kick-start I needed to get off the couch and get started.
What goals have you already completed?
I have completed 33 of the 183 goals so far, so I have quite a way to go. Goals done so far include:
- solving the Rubik’s Cube in less than 183 seconds
- abstaining from alcohol for 100 days
- juggling three balls for thirty consecutive minutes
- skydiving
- getting my motorbike license and buying a scooter
- travelling on the entire Melbourne train network in one day
After each goal is achieved, I document how it went on my website – project183.com
Which goals do you think will be the hardest to complete?
Meeting Richard Branson, performing a stand-up comedy routine, and buying a family home will probably be up there as some of the harder ones.
Getting a meaningful tattoo is proving to be difficult as well, as I have spent 12 months unsuccessfully trying to convince my girlfriend that a tattoo would suit me!
Project 183 has inspired others to begin similar projects, plan goals etc. What advice do you have for these people?
Don’t set all really hard goals, otherwise you won’t do any of them. Set some goals that are easy to achieve, but you have just never made time for, like calling your Mum or having a picnic.
And don’t set a goal that you aren’t really interested in achieving. For me, I have no interest in knitting, so I am not going to include a goal of knitting a jumper.
If you can, set up a website so that you can share your list with others, and speak on-line with other people with lists. This way, you can draw motivation from others.
Which celebrities/public figures do you admire? Why?
Anyone who says yes, when everyone else is saying no. As in, anyone who thrives on taking risks and living life.
I really like Gordon Ramsay’s no-nonsense attitude to getting things done, so he is someone I admire at the moment.
What are your hobbies/interests?
My favourite hobby would have to be playing cards. It is not only a great work out for the brain, but it is a great way to catch up with friends.
As for interests, I recently bought a scooter, so I am loving taking it for rides at the moment (although it is getting a bit cold to do it very often). I enjoy reading business books, and am passionate about the AFL.
And Project 183 takes up a bit of my time as well!
You live in Melbourne. Where are your favourite places to shop, eat, drink, and enjoy?
I have only been a few times, but I think my favourite shop is Chapel St Bazaar. It is a store that has an eclectic mix of retro antiques, old clothes, and pretty much anything else you could think of. I could easily spend a few hours in there.
A favourite for a great meal and a drink is MOO (Money Order Office) just off Elizabeth Street. Great settings for an intimate dinner, with a massive wine selection to boot.
As for places to enjoy, I don’t do it often enough, but I really love spending time in the gardens of Melbourne, throwing the frisbee around.
The alleys of the Melbourne CBD are a great place to explore as well.
Above: Heath, and his girlfriend Nat, after completing the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb
