Lawrence Erekosima, a 31-year-old based in Austin, Texas, has embarked on a personal journey that aims to inspire others to follow their passions and seek out the extraordinary in their lives. The initiative, titled “100 Things Before I Die,” serves as both a bucket list and a storytelling project, documenting Erekosima’s quest to complete 100 unique life experiences. Having completed 14 of these adventures so far, he has shared a range of experiences and lessons learned along the way.
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Erekosima’s background is in marketing and real estate, where he carved out a successful career. However, there was a lingering aspiration that he couldn’t shake off—a desire to create content that would resonate with audiences globally, motivating them to chase their own dreams. He began the project as a way to bridge the gap between personal ambition and action. “The reason I waited was because I wanted everything to be perfect and consistent before I began,” he explained. “Eventually, I realised that was just an excuse. Progress comes from starting, not waiting.”
The project was born from this realisation, with the concept revolving around a list of 100 experiences Erekosima yearned to undertake. About 60 of these items were lifelong dreams, while others were added as new opportunities arose. His adventures have included significant milestones such as climbing the Qixing Mountain Sky Ladder in China, visiting the Great Wall, exploring the Avatar Mountains, and cliff diving in Moab, Utah.
“So far, the plan is to experience spontaneity, making it enjoyable for both me and my audience,” he stated. Erekosima highlighted that some experiences are long-held ambitions, while others come unexpectedly. One of his most memorable moments was celebrating Chinese New Year in China, an experience that profoundly affected him. He described the culture and hospitality as unforgettable, solidifying his interest in returning to the country.
However, not all of Erekosima’s goals have been simple to attain. A particularly demanding adventure took place in Guatemala, where he undertook a hike on an active volcano. “The altitude, steep terrain, and lack of proper hydration made it incredibly difficult,” he recounted. Such challenges pushed him beyond his limits, imparting an essential lesson on the significance of preparation in the face of uncertainty.
Another notable challenge was ascending the Macau Tower, which is recognised as the highest urban climb in the world. Erekosima reflected on the initial feelings of apprehension he experienced before undertaking certain adventures. “I wouldn’t say I was scared, but there are instances on the list that come with uncertainty, mainly due to their scale,” he noted. Nonetheless, once engaged in the activity, he relied on a mix of training and an ability to stay grounded in the present moment.
While audiences may primarily see the spectacular visuals of Erekosima’s adventures, he acknowledges the considerable amount of groundwork that occurs behind the scenes. Prior to each trip, he invests time researching the destination, immersing himself in local cultures, and planning out the key moments he aspires to capture on camera. The intricate process includes travel logistics and extensive editing to effectively narrate each experience.
As the project has progressed, so too has Erekosima’s following. He boasts nearly 280,000 followers on TikTok, with some videos achieving millions of views. Yet, contrary to what one might expect, he finds the greatest satisfaction not in viral fame, but in the personal messages he receives. “The messages that resonate the most are from individuals who tell me they finally booked a trip, signed up for a class, or pursued a dream because they watched the series,” Erekosima shared.
For him, the essence of adventure is not merely about ticking items off a list. Instead, it’s about empowering others to believe in the feasibility of their aspirations. He remarked, “The biggest challenge isn’t the travel or the experiences; it’s convincing yourself to take that first step.” Many individuals harbour dreams or goals they wish to pursue, yet often fall into the trap of waiting for the right moment. “What I’ve learned is that the perfect time rarely arrives,” he concluded, underscoring the necessity of taking initiative.
In sharing his story and achievements, Erekosima continues to carve out a unique place for himself in the realm of inspirational content. By encouraging action and exploration, he not only expands his own horizons but also fosters a community of dreamers eager to seize the day.