Making a List, Checking it Twice

As we are halfway through the halfway mark of 2021, we may begin to feel our spirits shift. Did we set goals? Did you accomplish them? Are we on the path to success? The more we think about what NEEDS to be done, the more we take away from what we have ALREADY accomplished. We must find the balance of what we want, while appreciating that where we are right now is exactly where we had wanted to be at some point in our lifetime. If you are feeling somewhat overwhelmed, stagnate, or unsure, try this listing technique to help find the balance of where you are going vs. where you came from.

First, get a piece of paper and a pencil. Yes, actually write this down.

Create 4 sections. For example; accomplishments, wants, travel, finances. You may want to add health, family, career, etc. Anything that you want to see changes in, these will be your "big umbrella.

Within these sections, create 2 columns numbered 1-3.

For reference:

Accomplishments

1. 1.

2. 2.

3. 3.

Wants

1. 1.

2. 2.

3. 3.

Travel

1. 1.

2. 2.

3. 3.

Finances

1. 1.

2. 2.

3. 3.

Once you have this skeleton outline, now comes the fun part! On the left hand side, list 3 things that you have ALREADY COMPLETED in each section. At number 1, list something you completed this week. At number 2, list something you completed within the last year. On number 3, list something that took you several (about 5-10) years to complete.

Now take a deep breath. Look at how much you have already accomplished!

Now, when you are ready, on the right hand side, create your to-do list. At number 1, list something you can complete this week. At number 2, list something you complete within the year. On number 3, list something that will take you 5-10 years to complete. Try to be specific if you can.

For reference:

Accomplishments

1. Cleaned Dreser 1. Read for 15 minutes each night

2. Promoted within Career 2. Teach a new grade level

3. College Degrees 3. Obtain PhD or go to Med School

Wants

1. New Books 1. Get hair done

2. Sold Home 2. Purchase a Tesla ( haha if you know me )

3. Purchased Home 3. Farm Animals or Kids ( pretty much the same thing, right?)

Travel

1. Discovered New Brunch Spot 1. Sedona

2. Back Home 2. Hawaii

3. Out of the Country 3. Spain

Finances

1. Increased Stocks 1. Add to my HYS

2. Have $100K Saved 2. Rent out new home

3. Paid off Debts 3. Have $500K Saved

You should have a completed list at this point. Once you have your list completed, check off the items or cross out what you have already done. That's right, you have half of your list completed already! You have worked hard, set goals, and should be proud of yourself. What once seemed impossible or far fetched, you were able to accomplish it! Enjoy these moments of reflection.

Put your list somewhere you will see it every day. Remember how far your came, you really don't have far to go!