Write a Life List
It’s surprisingly difficult to create and sustain any real change in our lives despite the resolutions we set each January and the large amount of money we spend on self help books. I fnd that the traditional approach to goal setting can be a little bit of a downer since it often focuses on the least favorable aspects of one’s life and includes imperatives like “lose 15 pounds,” exercise more,” or “get a better job,” which aren’t particularly inspiring!
When I sat down earlier this month to think about where I’m at, where I’m going, and what I want to accomplish in the remainder of the year, I couldn’t remember any of the resolutions I had set in January and couldn’t even find where I had written them down! I’m sure I made no strides at achieving those goals, whatever they were!
Inject A Lot More Fun into Goal Setting
I decided to mix up the process by adding goals for things I enjoy, instead of focusing only on things I’m looking to improve, and by creating a life list. Finally!
Here are just a few of the items on my list:
- Reach a comfortable proficiency at speaking in Spanish
- Take a hot air balloon ride
- Attend TED
- Hear Bill Clinton speak live
If you’re not convinced that this is more fun than traditional goal setting, just check out the videos on a recent bucket list update from Sean Ogle at Location 180.
How to Create a Life List
Take your time when creating your list. If you’re anything like me, writing it in one sitting would leave out a lot of things that I just couldn’t remember! Consider keeping your list somewhere accessible so you can update it as you think about it. I’ve created a note on my Blackberry, but I’m sure there are lots of ways to accomplish this.
I won’t belabor this point since many other bloggers have done a great job of putting together resources to help create life lists. Below are two of my favorites on the subject:
- How to Write a Life List, By Chris Gillebeau ~ This post inspired me to think big and to focus the right mix of types of goals. It also has some great links to others who have published their lists!
- 10 Tips for Creating a Useful Bucket List, By Sean Ogle ~ This is a very practical how to post for creating your list. Also check out Sean’s list.
Leave me a comment, and let me know your thoughts! Have you always had a life list or just decided to create one?
I’d love to hear from you…
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
I recently started a list… as in just a few weeks ago. It definitely contains the “not so fun” items, but there are several fun items on the list.
I think there is something to writing them down. Once I wrote “learn Arabic”, I bought Rosetta Stone for Arabic. I had been thinking about learning the language for months, but never did anything about it. But once I wrote it down, action became so much easier. I’m not sure why writing it down works for me, but I am now enjoying the process of learning a new language!
Now that hot air balloon ride… I happen to live just miles from where the largest ballooning event on Earth takes place… maybe come visit one year? I’ve never been up in one either, but have always thought it would be fun.
I think making the list public (even if to just a few friends) increases your odds of doing more things on your list. And not just because one might feel like, “I now have to do this since I posted it to the world…”, but rather other folks might want the same thing and some things are just more fun to do with friends! I had no idea you would like to take a ride in a hot air balloon. I’d love to have you visit sometime and floating over Albuquerque is something we could do fairly easily. Another example is that I mentioned visiting Peru to a friend, he said on his “list” is hiking the Inca Trail, I had no idea this was something he wanted in life and we are now trying to plan a trip… all because of being open about things we would like to do in this lifetime.
Hmm… I think I might start asking friends, “What are a few things you want to do in your life?”
Funny timing! It sounds like we started our lists at roughly the same time… I’m glad to hear that it’s working out well for you too. I’m looking forward to checking some things off and to adding some more to it.
We’re definitely going to have to talk more about doing this balloon ride together in ABQ! I love that idea! You’re absolutely right that writing about it and talking about it makes a big difference! It does for me too. Thanks for the great comment!
What a wonderful, inspiring post! I think that when I meet people, I will say “what do you want to do with your life?” instead of “what do you do for a living?” for the ice breaker.
We all know those are completely different answers!
1. Escape from Cubicle Nation
2. Live in Italy for more than 6 months
3. See Pearl Jam live.
4. Be a healthier Susan.
**wipes hands** That’s a pretty good lookin’ list!
Thanks, Susan! I like the idea of asking “what do you want to do with your life?” It’s definitely a better conversation starter too…
P.S. – I’m certain that you will Escape from Cubicle Nation… You are well on your way! :)
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