Let me tell you how annoying I am with my lists.Yearly list, start-of-the-year list, my birthday week list, my birthday month list, every month’s bucket list, every week’s bucket list, every day’s to-do list, every Friday’s weekend bucket list, and what not. Am I forgetting anything? Oh yes, restart checklist, restart bucket list, vacation bucket list.
Oh my god, I can’t begin to tell you how much I love making lists.
But why am I telling you this? I want to spill some beans. The more things you add to your list, the more you will accomplish anyway. And by accomplishing, I don’t mean just your goals. I mean experiencing life in many beautiful and different ways. Lists, for me, are like tiny adventures waiting to happen. They encourage me to step out of my comfort zone and seize the day. When I look back at my diaries or journals filled with lists, I see a tapestry of incredible experiences and unforgettable moments.
If I pull out any of my diaries or journals, which have my lists, I can go on and on about them. There are so many amazing, crazy experiences I’ve had in the last ten years of my life in Korea. I jumped into the ocean without knowing how to swim, quite literally. I have climbed some crazy mountains, which I still hate. But thanks to the people who took me and helped me come back safely, I have experienced a crazy number of things. Lists have pushed me to do things I never thought I would or could do. They act as a constant reminder to live life fully.
Wait, I need to open my list to check what I want to write further. But I’ve been to unknown places, travelled solo, written books, been on television, written articles in the press, met some amazing people, and made a lot of memories. None of that would have been possible if I did not make lists. Lists are my way of making sure I don’t let life pass me by.
“Lists turn ordinary days into extraordinary ones and keep the spirit of adventure alive.”
Making lists isn’t just about organization for me; it’s about intention. It’s about making a conscious effort to fill my life with diverse and rich experiences. It’s about setting little challenges and achieving them, one by one. Every item crossed off my list is a proof to living boldly and authentically. So, if you haven’t already, I encourage you to start making your own lists.
Who knows where they might lead you?
Remember, lists are not just about ticking off tasks—they’re about making your journey through life as colourful and fulfilling as possible. So, go ahead, jot down your dreams, your plans, your little whims. You might just find yourself living a life you never imagined.
How Lists Have Changed My Life?
Lists are more than just a productivity tool for me; they are a way to curate a life filled with purpose and excitement.
Here’s how lists have specifically enriched my life:
1. Cultivating New Habits
By listing new habits, I want to adopt, I’ve been able to integrate positive changes into my daily routine. From practicing gratitude to maintaining a consistent dance routine, lists have helped me stay accountable and track my progress.
2. Fuelling Creativity
Lists have sparked my creativity in unexpected ways. By jotting down random ideas, potential projects, or even books I want to write, I’ve found a wellspring of inspiration that keeps my creative juices flowing.
3. Building Relationships
Believe it or not, lists have also helped me build and strengthen relationships. I make lists of people I want to reconnect with, friends I need to check in on, and even new acquaintances I want to get to know better. This intentionality has enriched my social life and fostered deeper connections. And, ofc, not to forget the list of people I love sending out letters every year!
4. Exploring New Places
Whether it’s a list of vegan places to try (Thanks to Gwen for organizing this for me.), hiking trails to explore, or countries to visit, my lists have turned me into an adventurer. They’ve pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and embrace the unknown, leading to countless memorable experiences.
5. Achieving Personal Goals
From professional aspirations to personal dreams, lists have been my roadmap to all what I have achieved so far. By breaking down big goals into manageable steps, I’ve been able to make steady progress and celebrate small victories along the way.
Here are few tips for you to start organizing your life in a better way:
Be Specific: The more detailed your list, the easier it will be to take action. Instead of writing “exercise more,” try “Pole dance every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.”
Prioritize: Not all items on your list will have the same level of importance. Highlight or mark the top three priorities for the day, week, or month to ensure you focus on what matters most. For example, my three top-most priorities today are:
- Publish this blog
- Restart Yoga
- Take a walk in the nature
- Restart Reading!
Keep it Visible: Place your lists where you can see them regularly. Whether it’s on your desk, your phone, or your bathroom mirror, keeping your lists in sight will remind you of your intentions. I KEEP MINE ON NOTION, always!
Review and Reflect: At the end of each day, week, or month, review your lists. Reflect on what you’ve accomplished, what you’ve learned, and what you still want to achieve. This practice will keep you motivated and help you adjust your goals as needed. I do my monthly self-reflections, religiously and I love this the most!
Stay Flexible: Life is unpredictable, and it’s okay if you don’t complete everything on your list. Take it easy and never be too rough on yourself! Add more “Do-Nothing” days and moments to your lists once in a while and see the magic in recharging your mind and soul.
Finally, lists are not just about ticking off tasks—they’re about making your journey through life as colourful and fulfilling as possible.
So, go ahead, jot down your dreams, your plans, your little whims. You might just find yourself living a life you never imagined.
