Why Everyone Should Have a Life List

I'm not exactly sure how or why it came to be, but I am one of those people that always has a list of things "to-do." At work I have my lists of daily tasks to complete, my long-term projects to complete, and meetings to plan (broken down into specific items to complete). At home I have lists separated into long-term, weekly, and weekend tasks. And lastly but most importantly, saved on my computer in an excel document, I have my Life List. It's all there on one page, my dreams and goals for my entire life.

Now, it may seem that because I am a "list person" having a Life List is natural for me. But want I want to get across is that having a Life List is a must for every person who doesn't want to live their life just going through the motions. For those of you that truly want to live and experience life, you must have a Life List.

That doesn't mean your goals have to include flying a plane, becoming a movie star, moving to Italy, or something extreme like that (but it could if you wanted it to!), but whatever it is that you find significant in your own life, no matter how big or small.

First, start by thinking about what's important to you. Once you realize the things that you have a desire to accomplish you're on your way. Make sure to include every dream that you once had but may have been shot down by someone else. It's amazing how easy it is to give up on something when someone in our lives tells us it's impossible to accomplish.

Second, write down everything you would like to do in your life without thinking about the probability of it occurring. Just write whatever comes to mind and don't stop until you've gotten it all out on paper.

Third, move your items in the order you would like to complete them, or from easy to hardest to complete. Now that you have your list, get started on the first item. Figure out the best way to accomplish this goal, and tell yourself on a daily basis that you are on your way to getting it done. Once you have accomplished your first task move on to your second.

Over time you'll begin to realize that anything is possible, and that the items on your list are attainable. Having the belief that you have the power to control your own life, and your own destiny, may just be the greatest thing you learn in this process.

The younger a person is when they create their life list, the better chance they have at completing it. However, it's never too late to start a Life List. The most important thing to remember is not to listen to people who tell you your dreams aren't going to happen. If you believe what they tell you then you will not be able to accomplish your goals.

By following your dreams and life goals you will be giving yourself your life purpose instead of following what someone else thinks is the right way to live.

Once you have your Life List in place make sure you look at it every single day. You want to be reminded of your goals so that you stay motivated. The hardest part may be getting your dreams down on paper, due to fear of failure. But once you're able to get them out of your head and down on paper, you'll begin to view them as real and attainable. Then it's up to you to make it happen. Don't worry if over time some of your goals change, that's fine. The important thing to remember is that you have control over your life, and anything is possible if you believe it.

Good Luck.