Life list

I've hesitated to post this list. This kind of list always felt like a "New Year's Resolution" to me...all too often a waste of energy because there isn't any follow-through. Before you call me a cynic - I'm a big fan of us all having our own "New Year" based on our birthday as opposed to some arbitrary "New Year". I'm also a fan of making personal commitments throughout the year when you are so moved to make one, as opposed to feeling obligated to make one because "everyone is doing it".

Ok, that got off topic. You'll see something new on my site now. A Life List. Something that includes all the hopes and dreams I have for my remaining years...some are incredibly minor and even silly. Some are big, bold and on the edge of unrealistic, however I have hope they will all be crossed off someday! I expect to update it from time to time...

I hesitated to post it, because then I have to act on it. I have to hold myself accountable because it is "out there". But you know what? I need that. I need to be accountable for my dreams coming true...because in the end, that's up to me, right?

Here are some guidelines I found helpful when writing out my life list: imagine yourself actually going through with it, including all the legwork. Imagine as many physical details of the experience as possible. If the thought doesn't fill you with enthusiasm, if it doesn't make your soul grin, it doesn't belong on the list. Would you honestly enjoy reading the entire works of Shakespeare? In reality, few would, and few do.

Newton suggests using the SMART principle in making a life list.

S is for making your goals specific. Instead of saying you want to be healthy, for instance, choose a clear objective that will help you reach that goal, such as making a special effort to eat fruits and vegetables every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

M is for making your goals measurable. This serves as a yardstick for results. For example, in aiming for a Mount Everest climb, you'd know you succeeded when you reached the top of the mountain. Or in the goal to become 20 pounds lighter, you'd know you had met your objective when you shed that weight.

A is for making your goals attainable. This is the principle about being realistic. Yet it's also important to choose an objective that is not too easy. If it's too easy, you may lose interest in the goal. If it's too hard, you may give up before you even get started. "Little tiny goals -- taking it step by step to reach a larger goal -- is always a good idea," says Newton.

R is for making goals relevant to you. Some people may yearn to climb Mount Everest or complete a triathlon. Others may be more interested in staying at the world's fanciest five-star hotel or soaking in the mud and waters of the Dead Sea. The goal "has to mean something to you, or the person won't be as motivated to stick with it," says Newton.

T is for time-bound. Make sure goals don't linger forever. Success is more likely when you have an idea when to accomplish the goal and plan baby steps according to the deadline.