I’m a big list fan. I have had a list of life goals for the past 20 years or so. I’ve added to it, hid it from myself for a decade or so and in general let it direct me when feeling rudderless.
One thing I feel is important with any life-goal list is the ability to come to terms with what’s on it and where you are in life. I am nearly 40 years old and for some, that is mid life (for me, it’s 40% life if I have my ways). I know a lot more now than I did at 20 when I first made a list and it shows by what is no longer on my list.
Crossed off, with a black felt pen so they are barely readable (not to be confused with the items earning a light strikethrough as being completed) are the likes of:
- Overland Across Cuba
- Drive to Tierra del Fuego
- Learn to play harmonica
Why have these items been removed? They just aren’t relevant to me any more. I used to keep items on the list and vow to never remove them, they are sacred. I obviously placed them on the list in moments of great lucidity. They are ME!
Not really. I was younger when I put some things on the list (you should see the first version, made 20 years ago when all I wanted was adrenalin coursing through my veins). I learned Cuba is not as big and with as many good dirt pistes as I’d like. I learned that the humidity and river crossings in South America were not my cup of tea for such a long journey. And the harmonica? I was probably drunk when I listed that.
While many things are at the heart of what I love to do with my time and who I am, such as raise my daughter well, photograph wolves in Yellowstone or learn Spanish, as time goes on some things just don’t do it for me any more.
Items don’t come off the list easily, just to make sure whims aren’t at play. But after a year of staring at the same item, uncrossed, do I really want to do what my 20 year old self says I should? And 20 years from now, will I listen to my 40 year old self?
What about you? Do you revisit a list of life goals and remove items? Or do they stay there for all eternity?
Lastly, in case you’re curious, here’s my current life goal list. Can to share yours? Who knows, I might be able to help with something you have listed!
Great thoughts, Peter. And a great list, as well. I’ve had some things rattling around in my skull that sounded like they belonged on just such a list. I think you’ve inspired me to put a pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard?) and actually start a proper list. Will report back when I do…
Glad to be a source of inspiration. And the cool part is if you find out lists aren’t your thing, you can start a fire with it.
Peter, You have inspired to update mine, I’ve had a long running google doc with items that I intend to complete, so here it is. https://docs.google.com/View?id=dc4hdd9k_6hk9cc9fb
Nice list Patrick! When you visit, I might be able to steal a double kayak for a couple of nights and we have plenty of places around here to camp. Hell, we have a whole damn trail up the Puget Sound and back, with a number of stops right here on Whibdey. http://www.americantrails.org/nationalrecreationtrails/trailNRT/Cascadia-WA.html
Sounds like a plan, looks like i’ll be around for about 12 days or so.
Good thoughts, Peter. I agree. There are things that were important to me when I was younger that aren’t any more. We’re always growing, changing, evolving as human beings and so our priorities and interests are too. I think if your “to do” list is exactly the same at age 40 as it was at age 20, there’s something seriously wrong. Unless of course, you only have one item on your list, like “Be happy.” That one can stay unchanged. :-)