In the process of updating my 36 things list and making a new 37 things list, and talking about these a bit too much with friends and colleagues, I realised a few things:

1. some things are always going to be easier to accomplish if you tell people

e.g. last year I had an item on my list “learn to cook a roast”

When I shared this with some friends, two of them sent me their tried and tested roast recipes and I’ve since made a roast 2 – 3 times. Shall I count the first, very bland attempt?

Also, lesson for me – learn to accept help from people

2. you need to have a mix of easy and stretch goals

Both years I aimed to have a mix of big goals like “write a book” (by the way, it’s done – I’m in the midst of the boring bits now, like getting quotes to get the cover designed, put on Kindle, etc.) and small goals like “go for a massage once a month”.

It’s important for me (and I’m guessing for you) to FEEL victorious, and the smaller goals get the momentum moving very nicely. It’s as easy as booking the first one and then at each massage, booking the next.

3. focus is vital for success

When I teach my goal-setting (or goal-getting ) courses, I often talk about how writing things down solidifies things in your mind and gets you focussed.

This is so true.

Sometimes you’re not aware of how important something is to you til you write/ type it.

One item on both years’ lists is to do a certain number of random acts of kindness.

It’s very important to me to leave the world a better place and make a difference.

And so by writing it down, I’m consciously seeking out ways to bring a smile, a laugh, a word of encouragement to others.

If someone says x, I’m listening with normal ears, but also with my “random acts of kindness” ears and maybe they’ll get a little note from me, or a little gift, or a link to an inspiring article.

Coaching challenge

1. Do you have a list? It may not be anywhere near your birthday but that’s no reason to not have a list of 5 – 10 big and small things you want to do over the next 6 months, or year.

2. Do you need to ask for help?

3. Get an accountability partner or hire me as your coach

I am passionate about life lists in a big way.

This was way before bucket lists became popular a few years ago.

I just love the idea of living life FULL and enriching your experience by tapping into all the little and not-so-little things you’ve always wanted to do.

Recently I spoke about life lists and dreaming big and some people said that they didn’t do life lists for a couple of reasons which I’ll talk about here.

Maybe you can relate to some of them and this article is meant just for you?

1. The idea of writing a list makes me freeze up

No problem. You’re not a linear thinker. Use a mind map format or just start doodling and see what emerges.

Or you could start with a vision board.

2. Writing a list stops me from thinking big because I get stuck in the mundane

That’s okay. Go with the flow. At some point while you’re writing a laundry list of littles, you’ll cross over into the dreaming zone. It’s around 10 – 15 minutes for me.

Try it and see where you go.

3. What if I’m setting myself up for failure?

This is a big one. Have you ever heard the saying, “reach for the moon and you’ll touch the stars”?

That’s my philosophy.

It’s in the reaching that the magic happens.

4. I struggle to set realistic goals

Add things to your list that are really teeny-tiny and super achievable and once you’ve built up a track record of reaching them, start stretching.

5. What if I get disappointed?

I can’t promise you that won’t happen but I can promise you that you’ll be much more disappointed if you never try anything and live with regrets.

Have I convinced you yet?

Do you have new questions for me? Post in the comments.

P.S. The things on my life list include places to see, things to do, things to accomplish, fun things to try, etc.