Calling all list lovers! Those of you who aren't entirely convinced on the magic of lists, hold all judgment until the end of this article.
Lists have a very special place in my heart. They keep me on track, motivated, and feeling accomplished. Also who doesn't love the satisfaction of crossing off something from the long list of obligations and tasks you had to complete? Am I right? Of course I am!
Most people I know, and definitely myself included, have felt like their days were just going from chore to chore, running from one thing to the next, while never actually feeling like anything was accomplished. The constant scrambling, without any real sense of accomplishment can be discouraging. I lose motivation fast if I don’t feel like all the endless work is paying off or has potential to pay off. That is why I find it extremely helpful to have a list of things that I want to complete. It can be a short-term list of chores, or a list of things you hope to do someday.
When a task is complete, take your favorite pen and cross that bad boy off the list. When you look back at all that you did actually complete, there will be a sense of purpose to all the madness endured that day. So in a pathetic way, to feel like my life is organized I resort to a list. Every time I check off a goal that I have been wanting to meet for a while I feel amazing! If you guys haven't already made a list of goals you should definitely try it.
For a more immediate sense of accomplishment, make a small chore list. The items on this list are things that actually need to happen, so you will get results fairly fast. If you don’t get results fast, then you probably need to reevaluate your method of productivity. These lists are simple.
- Write down what needs to happen.
- Make it happen.
- Cross it off.
- Feel amazing.
Hopefully, that isn’t too complicated to understand.
Now is the fun part. THE LIST OF ALL LISTS. A lifetime list.
If you haven't written or thought about a bucket list before, it is quite simple.
1. Start off with simple things that can be fulfilled in the next week. For example, go to that restaurant you have been eyeing up ever since you moved into the area. Maybe finally go to that swing dancing place that everyone has been talking about.
2. Next, think of a few things that you are able to complete within the next year. These things are a bit time consuming and take more of a commitment to complete. These things need preparation and planning. Try training for a run you never thought you would complete, or start saving pocket change to own that new phone you can't stop Googling and staring at as you fall asleep.
3. Finally, pick a few daring things that might seem like impossible now, but with the right timing, you feel like you would definitely complete. This will get you out of your comfort zone and getting you feeling alive. Buying your dream home that you have thought about since you were a kid or hiking the Appalachian Trail from start to finish.
Here is my bucket list for a few ideas. . . . (I am including ones that I have already completed since I originally wrote this in 2014)
Bucket List Idea’s
- save $2001 dollars
- save $3001 dollars
- own a bird
- learn to knit a hat
- get my cartilage pierced
- get a tattoo
- go to all 50 states
- go on a mission trip
- go to Australia
- fly in an airplane
- go one week without social media
- let go of fly lanterns at my wedding
- learn how to ski
- learn how to longboard
- Go to prom
- sell a piece of artwork
- meet my Compassion child
- go on a long term missions trip (1 month+)
- go to all continents
- Donate my hair to Locks of Love
- sleep under the stars
- read the whole Bible
- write a book
- write a song
- drive to the beach by myself
- go to Creation Fest
- sky diving
- hot air balloon ride
- buy my own car
- live in a third world country (30 days or more)
- learn how to drive a manual car
- run a half marathon
- learn Spanish
- get my nose pierced
- Get that crazy hair cut (Pixie Cut)
- get a dread
- Ombre my hair
- become and ordained minister
- start my own business/organization
- shoot a gun
It’s all about getting out of your comfort zone and trying new things. You don't know what the world has to offer if you aren't out there looking. Keep yourself guessing and you will be pleasantly surprised with what you learn about yourself and the world.
Let’s all stay motivated, accomplished and organized.
What do you have on your lists? Let me know in the comments below.