Back in 2011 GMW crashed and I lost a lot of great content (even with a backup grr). The good news was I had compiled a collection of some of the best posts since the beginning of GMW. Sometimes I look back on these posts to see how far I’ve come as a person, how far I’ve taken the side hustle and how far this blog has come. It’s really quite incredible what can happen in just a couple of years.
Below you’ll find one of the very first posts from GMW. I’m talking this was published back in 2010 when I had landed my first job out of college. I was scared shitless, but I knew I was on to something. Enjoy!
The Case for Life Lists and the Best Advice I Ever Got (November 2010)
In the blogosphere it would seem as if everyone and their mom has a life list. You know, a written out list of the things you want to accomplish in your life that many times comes off as on cheesy or self absorbed.
Well, I’m here to tell you that these life lists are neither and that in fact EVERYONE, internet realm or not, has a life list. Sure, you may not want to admit to this for fear of retribution or ridicule for some of the things on your list, but I can guarantee that even you have a set idea of goals you want to accomplish. Maybe you want to run a marathon. Maybe you dream of having a big family. Maybe you want to quit your day job and start a business. Maybe you just want to be the next big circus act, live in an ashram, or be the next Britney Spears. Whatever it is, you have to know that they are YOUR dreams and YOUR life so there’s nothing wrong with writing it down, sharing, or actually checking some of it off.
With me so far? Okay, now find a pen and pencil and answer the following: what are your dreams, goals, aspirations? Don’t let this like fear or cost get in the way of your brainstorming and just write. Afterwards, assess your list and get to work.
If you need some help with motivation or ideas check out these great articles:
Lifelist.org – Great social networking tool that allows you to share and get ideas from others.
Stopping Your Inner Critic – Learn how to tell that nagging voice in your head to shut up.
SuperViva - Another great site for finding life list ideas.
Mighty Girl, Mighty Life List – A fun list from the blogosphere.
A Brief Guide to World Domination – The manifesto that was an internet sensation.
Personal Goal Setting: Find Direction, Live Life Your Way – A wonderful guide from MindTools to get you started.
SMART Goal Setting: A Sure Fire Way to Achieve Your Goals - Figure out how to organize your goals in a timely manner so you can actually achieve them.
7 Ways to Be the Best that You Can Possibly Be – A list of helpful questions to ask yourself when making your life list.
Living the life you always dreamed of doesn’t have to be so difficult. A wise priest once gave me the best advice I have ever heard, “Perseverance is omnipotent.” And you know what? He is right. With a little ambition, relentless perseverance and some elbow grease you can go a long way in this one life that you’ve got.
Amanda’s Life List Check-Off: Go to Ireland
I’d been wanting to go to Ireland for years and in 2010 I finally did it!
Need a little extra help organizing your life list? Check out these great templates!
Grad Meets World Life List Template: Match your goals to your values to create simple action statements. It provides some examples but feel free to use your own!
Life After College Life Checklist: A fabulous template created by one of my favorite personal development bloggers, Jenny Blake.
