Wild and wonderful

Sometimes just having something to look forward to, prepare for and get excited about can help put a little spark into a life that’s teetering on the dull. Easy on the effort – if not so kind on the wallet – is the Cannonball Run (July 6 to 11 in 2014). A convoy of supercars zooms across Europe each year stopping off only to party, refuel and remind you that life is brilliant. You provide the wheels and around Dh38,000; they provide the mayhem (www.cannonballruneurope.co.uk).

For a quicker fix, Skydive Dubai offers a tandem jump (including video footage of it) for first-timers for Dh1,750. Get hooked and everything from solo to formation skydiving is possible. For an even bigger challenge, Alpine Ascents will take you up Everest for around Dh240,000 (www.alpineascents.com), while ExtremeWorld Races offers a phenomenal event called the Austrian Alpine Challenge which takes place from May 18-25, costs under Dh2,000 (excluding flights) and involves more than 200km of running, bike riding, climbing, swimming and even abseiling. Yes, you have to be fit, but as setting yourself a goal goes, it’s unbeatable… even if you do have to pencil this one in for 2014. Or maybe 2015. For more inspiration, see www.bucketlist.org.

Onwards and upwards

If ‘pushing yourself’ means career success, it might be time to sharpen your approach to work and set your sights on a specific goal, be it a pay rise, promotion or, if you really want to flex your business muscles, a takeover. Sandpiper Coaching (www.sandpipercoaching. com) offers career coaching in Dubai and says its staff will work alongside you to help you decide where you want to go, identify