Nathan's Insights

Last updated August 2025

Definiteness of purpose is the starting point of all achievement –W. Clement Stone

I have had many ‘must do’ experiences in my life which I did and love that I got the chance to experience this amazing world, but you should never be satisfied or think you are done.  You are done when your life is over.  I have more life to experience more places to visit.

These are my bucket list or must do list which is always evolving! I created this more formal online list during August 2014, but I had an informal list in my mind since the early 1990s.  The experiences I have completed are listed here. I’ve been very fortunate to experience so much.  As I get closer to retirement it is also important to consider what this important phase of my life will attempt to achieve, my current thoughts are:

• Travel and cultural experiences – continue traveling with a focus on regional Australia
• Education – complete a university degree, and also learn new skills and acquire new knowledge
• Give back to society – volunteer work, being mentor, helping others

My friends, colleagues and travels usually inspire new ideas, so this list is constantly changing, life is limitless!

1. Attend an Olympics Games (aiming for Brisbane Olympics 2032)
2. Visit Seven Wonders of Modern World
   To Do: Petra, Jordan (Booked for December 2026).
   Done: Taj Mahal, India (2015); Giza Pyramids, Egypt (2009); Colosseum, Italy (2006); Chichen Itza, Mexico (2012); Machu Picchu, Peru (2010); Great Wall of China, China (2006); Christ the Redeemer, Brazil (2009)
3. Attend all four Tennis Grand Slams
   To Do: French Open (aiming for May 2028)
   Done: Wimbledon (June 2009), Australian Open (various years), US Open (August 2019)
4. Visit Greenland for an Artic experience (aiming for June 2028)
5. Visit Norway, Denmark, and Sweden (aiming for June 2028)
6. Float in The Dead Sea (booked for December 2026)
7. Explore the iconic Acropolis in Athens, Greece (aiming December 2026)
8. Explore Far North Queensland (aiming for 2027 or 2029)
9. Visit 100 countries, so far visited 90 countries (aiming for July 2028)
10. Renovate bathroom (aiming for December 2026)
11. See Test Match Cricket in Six Countries (So far Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Sri Lanka, most likely other two are England and India after retired)
12. Retire comfortably and enjoy life (aim is May 2029)
13. Explore my home state’s regions in retirement (starting with Warrnambool, Bendigo, Castlemaine, Mildura, Echuca, Shepparton, Ararat, Swan Hill, Bairnsdale, Wangaratta, Horsham).
14. Undertake and complete a Bachelor of Arts degree (aiming to start in 2028 as I transition to retirement)
15. Get back involved in tennis
16. Improve my health relative to my (for example aim for Body Mass Index close to normal weight)
17. Look to get back in volunteer work (including mentoring).

I continually find new inspirations all the time!