Finding Success And Happiness By Making Lists

We all need to be organized. We all need tosubcategories. It should include distinctions between
accomplish more and be more productive. We allrealistic and innovative plans of action.
need to make more efficient use of our time. WhatA life list might also include things you are thankful for
to do?and things you have already accomplished which you
That reminds me of a song by OK Go which says,should not take for granted. While it is important that
"What to do? Sweetheart, you'll find mediocre peoplewe have the drive to strive, we should also
do exceptional things all the time." So if mediocrecooperate with our urge to appreciate. Again, that
people can do exceptional things (and you're far frommeans being thankful and not taking things for
mediocre, right?) so can you!granted. Happiness is not found exclusively through
One of the best ways to accomplish great things ishope in the future, but appreciation and respect for
to have a plan of action, and that's where lists comethe positives (the "silver lining," if you will) in the past
in. You make a grocery list, you make a Christmasand present.
list, and you make to-do lists. A casual to-do list is aNow that you have a general outline for your life list,
great start. But to be most prosperous in life, there isexpand upon each topic with a separate page
a more lofty class of lists that beckons us: the life list.explaining in detail. Use a spiral notebook or a folder
The life list is just one way of saying it. You can callon your computer desktop to keep your ideas
it "goal list," "dream list," "plan of action" or whatevertogether in one big group. Stay accountable to
makes your heart go pitter patter. What's importantyourself. Check in with your life list and see if you are
is that you make the list.still striving toward the goals and dreams you had
A life list should include the following things. First of all,when the list was originally made. Feel free to update
it needs to include things you want to accomplish. Putand revise the list, but never cross anything off that
down even your craziest dreams (the sky is the limityou haven't accomplished unless you decide it isn't a
here). Thinking up the impossible has been a miracledesire. Never believe that anything is out of reach or
for inventors and entrepreneurs who transformedthat you're too old to reach for the stars. Believe in
those impossibilities into reality. That can be you.yourself, God, and others; anything is possible with
Remember, seemingly mediocre people can doenough faith.
exceptional things. By the same token, exceptionOne last thing: don't let your life list drag you down.
people like you can do mediocre things. How aboutDon't beat yourself up if you can't accomplish what
being an exceptional person who lives up to the title?you'd like to. Always keep things in perspective and
Now THAT would be great. A life list can help.again, look at the bright side as often as possible. Life
The accomplishments heading of your life list shouldis too short not to.
include both long-term goals and short-term goals