Now's as good a time as any to start over

Anytime is a good time to reboot your life. However, after more than a year of limited activities and skepticism, now might be the perfect time to explore different possibilities. Call it your 2021 Reboot. Reset your goals and priorities, then celebrate! You don’t need hats, noise makers or a huge party. But recognize your goals and acknowledge the changes with a personal ceremony.

Before digging any deeper, here’s a disclaimer: Over the years, I’ve used many books and systems to structure my life. I can state unequivocally that each effort has fizzled out. My most effective tool is making a list. For some of my lists, I’ve checked a few items, lost the list in files, drawers or piles of papers only to discover it days, weeks, months or even years later. HOWEVER, when I’ve reviewed the items, I’ve found that I completed them without seeing the list. Somehow, just the act of making the list keeps the goal in my mind and I eventually accomplish my goal.

Creating your list is an easy but deliberate process that is best done slowly using the old fashion pen and paper. Because you want as many items on the list as long as possible, take a few days and add items as you think of them. Answer these two questions:

  • What have you always wanted to do but haven’t done yet?
  • What are you afraid of doing but are willing to try?

Write down everything you’ve ever thought about doing. After you’ve created an extensive list, select your top 20 Wishes: the ones you most want to accomplish. These items go above and beyond your everyday living tasks. Your selections should include new activities that involve learning different skills and/or doing things you’ve never done before. Include activities that involve your obligations at work only if you’re exploring an innovative way to do the task.

Somehow, just the act of making the list keeps the goal in my mind 

The second question requires you to dare yourself to go beyond your boundaries and try something different. The idea comes from Lu Ann Cahn’s book, I Dare Me, in which she does something different every day for a year. It’s not necessary to go that far. But something different each week or month is definitely doable. These activities need not be huge; your items could include tasting new foods, venturing into different social situations, giving up a habit or a day to a new place.

Once you have your list, create a loose timeline for accomplishing each item. It can take days, weeks, months, or years. Just try to track your items. It’s probably best to place your list where you can be reminded you of what you want to do.

You’ve started your 2021 Reboot. Celebrate!

But there’s more. After you complete one of your 20 Wishes, delete it and put on a new item. The change creates endless 20 Wishes lists with varying outcomes. Most importantly, you have a lifetime of challenges as well as your own roadmap to lifelong learning doing what you want to do. Remember, any time is a good time to reboot your life.

Happy 2021 Reboot and best wishes as you complete each of your wishes and challenges! 

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