Tag Archive for: benefits of list making

Fulfilling Dreams With a List

A dream may be to visit a winery in Italy for example, or to write a book. Even if this seems difficult at first, there are always options like checking out a plot generator, for example, to start the writing process off. We all have to start somewhere. Another dream could be to own a fabulous apartment, hold a koala…these are all things on my “life list.” You know, the things you want to do before you die — some people call it a bucket list.

I think having goals is essential to living a happy life…that way you always have something to look forward to and work towards. My love of lists of all kinds lead me to MyLifeList.org, where you can record all of your life dreams and wishes. It’s a social media site for goal-oriented people. Soon there will be a magazine called “Achiever” to go along with it.

I’ve been fortunate enough to get to know the CEO Bill Starr and COO Shelagh Braley — they are seriously fabulous people and so motivated to make people’s lives more enriched. Shelagh is this month’s featured list producer: smart, successful and a list nerd!

Q: Why do you call yourself a compulsive list producer?

A: My company, My Life List, is totally based on lists for success in creating your major life experiences. How do you achieve any goals without making a list and a definitive plan? My Life List is based on the concept that if you write down your dreams and engage others to support you, they become achievable goals. Read more

How Do You Do It All?

I’m a big Sarah Jessica Parker fan — since the days of Carrie Bradshaw in “Sex and that City.” Her latest film, “I Don’t Know How She Does It” tells the story of a working mother who aspires to do it all!

I don’t even have kids yet and I know exactly how her character feels!  Trying to keep it all together at work and at home can leave you overwhelmed and frustrated. But as Sarah Jessica’s character has found — making a to-do list (even if they are in your head) will help you to prioritize and get more done. It will also help to keep you focused and save you time and money.

When you’re running on empty try to remember:

1. It’s OK to not be perfect all the time (this coming from a perfectionist!)

2. Give yourself a break! You are juggling your life, your family’s lives and all your responsibilities at work. Take some time out for yourself to recharge and do whatever you want to do. Even if that means watching the Golden Girls and eating popcorn!

3. Ask for help.  No one will think less of you if you reach out for a little assistance. Two heads are better than one — most of the time.

4. Just say no. Of course you want to help with the bake sale and take the lead on a project at work — but if you can’t do it all, then don’t. It’s OK to say that you can’t pile one more thing onto your plate right now. If that means taking a hiatus from your book club — then so be it!

What’s your secret for juggling your work, family life, hobbies and social lives?

Yay! I Won a Blogging Contest

One day I’m just a list-making nerd and the next day I’m the winner of a blogging award because of my compulsive habit! Yay!

I wish I would have known I was in the running sooner or else I would have asked you all to vote for me. But I only found out that I was nominated for the “CBS New York’s Most Valuable Blogger Awards,” the day after the voting ended!

But it turns out — it didn’t matter!  I won the editor’s choice for “New York’s Most Valuable Blog” in the “everything else” category.

Oh — and I think I get a prize along with this prestigious title.  I’m not sure what it is yet — but I’m hoping its something in the “A Christmas Story” leg lamp variety!

It’s a great time to say thank you to everyone reading this — for checking back day after day for my checklists and lists. Thank you from the bottom of my little blogging heart!

Back to Work Checklist

You know it’s “back to school” time when Target is selling Halloween decorations! So as the kiddies head off to class this week — it’s time to get back to work yourself! Summer months are slow and laid back in any industry. The news happens year round so I guess we’re a bit exempt from this rule –but nevertheless things still start to ease during the summer.

Here’s a checklist for taking that “fresh start” back to school attitude with you to the office today:

1. Get Inspired: Sometimes this is a tough one especially when you’ve been doing the same job for years. But I know you can do it! Check out the competition, read some industry magazines, google some interesting stuff, talk to your colleagues and get amped up about the next best thing! If that doesn’t work – do something you love and hopefully the ideas will soon follow. Read more

Get Ready for 30 Days of List Writing

I don’t need an excuse to make a list. I make a list about just about anything. But in September for 30 days straight someone will tell me what lists to make! I’ve joined a challenge called “30 Days of Lists” and I think it will be a lot of fun! It starts on September 1st and you’re still able to pre-register.

Every day for 30 days a list prompt will be sent out and participants can make their list however way they’d like. It can be high-tech or low-tech, simple or complicated, colorful or black and white. Then everyone shares them. The prompts will range from celebrity crushes to bucket lists. By the end of the month you’ll have a snapshot of what’s going on in your life right now.

There will also be contests and tutorials about lots of fun things like photography and crafts. I’m even participating by organizing a tutorial about “How to Make an Effective Pros and Cons List.”

Hope you’ll join me for lots of list making!