Earlier this week, David Cain of Raptitude.com posted a great comprehensive guide to creating a life checklist. As soon as I saw it, my template brain started firing synapses. With David’s permission, I’ve created a Life Checklist Template to compliment his post. This is for those of you that prefer simplicity – if you want full-on-snazzy-life-list-social-sharing-web-2.0-glory, you’ll probably like 43things.com better. Or use both!
Here is a short summary of David’s life checklist tips:
- Make all the items clear, check-off-able things: There should be a specific moment when you can say “YES! I did it!” without question. Beware of “one chance only” goals, like “run the 2010 Boston marathon.”
- Make sure each item has real, personal significance, and isn’t just “This would be kinda neat.” Ask “What specifically do I want to do?” Remember, this list *is* your life.
- Be audacious, but not unrealistic. Dream big, but consider the amount of time and money each goal will require. Add small items too.
- Avoid goals that depend on luck or other people’s co-operation. Don’t necessarily omit items just because you’ve already done them.
Two other great sites to visit for inspiration:
In an effort to join in the fun, I started a life list too. I don’t feel I’ve reached my creative “dream big” peak yet, but it’s a start!
Click here (or below) to preview and use the template:
As always, if you like the template, please share and give it a rating!
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This is very cool of you Jenny. Thanks for the shout-out and thanks for doing up such an attractive spreadsheet. I hope a lot of people are making their lists right now. Google Docs is awesome.
And a great list! Pearl Jam put on the best show I’ve ever seen when they came to my hometown. I’d love to see them in a foreign city.
David – Thank YOU for creating such a comprehensive guide in the first place! I’ve really enjoyed reading others’ life lists this week (and reflecting on my own).
As for Pearl Jam, I’m obsessed. I’ve seen them five times (which I’m sure pales in comparison to other fans) – but definitely seeing them play in a foreign city would be awesome. Here’s to 2010 when they tour for the new album!
Great list and tips to make your own! I don’t look to the future enough. It’s a constant reminder I need to have to gain long-term happiness.
This is awesome! I gave it 5 stars for sure!!
Hi Jenny,
Loved the simplicity and power of your template.
If it’s ok with you, would love to put it on my web-site under “Free Resources”, obviously acknowledging u as the source.
thx
Rajeev.
ha – i see your list has caught the attention of us all!
i have on my agenda to complete the personal development template and couldn’t help but want to provide you this reference!
http://www.robertsturmanstudio.com/image/tid/216
Robert is a photographer i met at a benefit he was exhibiting at over at yogaglo last wkd and whoa – you have to see these prints in real life – esp those that were hanging from the ceiling – absolutely beautiful!
sounds like india is very much in yr future
Hi Jenny. I came over here to this post from Rebecca’s (Modite) post on September goals. I like your template here on life goals and it makes me think about composing and incorporating monthly goals, yearly goals, and life goals on the same spreadsheet. Also I like how you separated your blogroll into different categories. Good luck to you on your goals!
Really enjoyed reading this and I agree!! Maybe I should actually write down the “life goals” I have in my head, that way they can’t change!!
It sounds like a bucket list in action. Way to go.
You are such a giver. Every time I come over to your site, I get something really great and useful.
Thank you.
Awesome – yet another plan to put into action – I’m getting a ton of great information from you lately – once again the model of efficiency and productivity. Thanks for this!
SO impressed with the templates you’ve been providing lately, Jenny. You’re really stepping into your role for career development at Google and I’m excited to see and hear more. I’ve used the budget template and am going to use this one too. Not to mention, I’m such a big fan of Google docs (and Google of course too).
Thanks so much for all the great feedback everyone! You’ll have to send me links (or post in the comments) to your life checklists when you make them.
I had a lot of fun doing mine; it’s cool because I find myself thinking of new things to add every day, or scheming about how to check something fun off. It’s an exciting way to look at the world!
Have a great day!
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Jenny, You're such an inspiration! I have been trying a bunch of different ways to organize my life goals in a simple, uncluttered way, and your resources and template delivered in a big way. It's great for those hectic, unproductive moments when you need something material to get you back on track. Thanks!
Wow – thank you so much Angela! I'm so happy to hear that the templates are
. Best of luck getting (and staying) organized! And
working out for you
with everything on your life checklist, of course