Finding a job is one thing — and an important thing, to be sure. But unless we spend the time and energy to figure out what we really want to be doing, we’re going to land right back where we are now: frustrated, restless, lost, and unhappy. This is where we talk about how we can uncover the things we most want to do with our lives. Click here for past posts.
They’re all the rage these days, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t incredibly useful when you’re trying to figure out what you want to do with your life.
Yep, I’m talking about life lists.
What’s a life list?
Simply put, a life list is a, well, list of a bunch of things you want to do before you die. Sometimes called “bucket lists,” these lists contain everything from “taste 50 rums” (one of Karen Walrond’s items) to “visit every country in the world” (one of Chris Gillebeau’s items).
Exactly how to go about it varies depending on who you’re talking to. Some people swear by 100 items, or 77 items, or “as many as you want.” Personally, I like using 100 as a goal, both because it’s a nice round number and because stretching for a longer list than we might initially come up with can help uncover things that really are important to us.
Two, two kinds of useful!
Whenever I read someone’s life list, I immediately learn things about them — what’s important to them, what they value, what they care about. Writing your own list can have the same effect, showing you themes and connections you might not have noticed otherwise.
But life lists are more than intellectual. When you have a life list, it’s a hell of a lot easier to start doing or planning for some of the things you really, passionately want to do in your life. And bringing into your life the things you really want to be doing — no matter the state of your career planning — is going to increase your happiness, unleash your creativity, and give you reasons to go after big dreams.
Are you game?
I’ll be honest — I’ve never sat down to write my own. But I’m pledging, here in public, to do just that, and I’ll post it over at Holy Longing. I’d love to hear what’s on yours!
A few comments about comments
The whole question of being unhappy in academia — no matter what stage you’re in — can feel fraught. If you’d like to comment but are feeling shy about “being out there,” feel free to make up a persona or comment anonymously. You can also email me directly.
First-time commenters are always moderated (because you wouldn’t believe the spam I get), so if your comment doesn’t show up immediately, hang tight! Chances are, I’m not right on my email.
And most of all, let’s all practice compassion for ourselves and others in this difficult time and space.
Finding a job is one thing — and an important thing, to be sure. But unless we spend the time and energy to figure out what we really want to be doing, we’re going to land right back where we are now: frustrated, restless, lost, and unhappy. This is where we talk about how we can uncover the things we most want to do with our lives. Click here for past posts.
They’re all the rage these days, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t incredibly useful when you’re trying to figure out what you want to do with your life.
Yep, I’m talking about life lists.
What’s a life list?
Simply put, a life list is a, well, list of a bunch of things you want to do before you die. Sometimes called “bucket lists,” these lists contain everything from “taste 50 rums” (one of Karen Walrond’s items) to “visit every country in the world” (one of Chris Gillebeau’s items).
Exactly how to go about it varies depending on who you’re talking to. Some people swear by 100 items, or 77 items, or “as many as you want.” Personally, I like using 100 as a goal, both because it’s a nice round number and because stretching for a longer list than we might initially come up with can help uncover things that really are important to us.
Two, two kinds of useful!
Whenever I read someone’s life list, I immediately learn things about them — what’s important to them, what they value, what they care about. Writing your own list can have the same effect, showing you themes and connections you might not have noticed otherwise.
But life lists are more than intellectual. When you have a life list, it’s a hell of a lot easier to start doing or planning for some of the things you really, passionately want to do in your life. And bringing into your life the things you really want to be doing — no matter the state of your career planning — is going to increase your happiness, unleash your creativity, and give you reasons to go after big dreams.
Are you game?
I’ll be honest — I’ve never sat down to write my own. But I’m ple
Finding a job is one thing — and an important thing, to be sure. But unless we spend the time and energy to figure out what we really want to be doing, we’re going to land right back where we are now: frustrated, restless, lost, and unhappy. This is where we talk about how we can uncover the things we most want to do with our lives. Click here for past posts.
They’re all the rage these days, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t incredibly useful when you’re trying to figure out what you want to do with your life.
Yep, I’m talking about life lists.
What’s a life list?
Simply put, a life list is a, well, list of a bunch of things you want to do before you die. Sometimes called “bucket lists,” these lists contain everything from “taste 50 rums” (one of Karen Walrond’s items) to “visit every country in the world” (one of Chris Gillebeau’s items).
Exactly how to go about it varies depending on who you’re talking to. Some people swear by 100 items, or 77 items, or “as many as you want.” Personally, I like using 100 as a goal, both because it’s a nice round number and because stretching for a longer list than we might initially come up with can help uncover things that really are important to us.
Two, two kinds of useful!
Whenever I read someone’s life list, I immediately learn things about them — what’s important to them, what they value, what they care about. Writing your own list can have the same effect, showing you themes and connections you might not have noticed otherwise.
But life lists are more than intellectual. When you have a life list, it’s a hell of a lot easier to start doing or planning for some of the things you really, passionately want to do in your life. And bringing into your life the things you really want to be doing — no matter the state of your career planning — is going to increase your happiness, unleash your creativity, and give you reasons to go after big dreams.
Are you game?
I’ll be honest — I’ve never sat down to write my own. But I’m pledging, here in public, to do just that, and I’ll post it over at Holy Longing. I’d love to hear what’s on yours!
A few comments about comments
The whole question of being unhappy in academia — no matter what stage you’re in — can feel fraught. If you’d like to comment but are feeling shy about “being out there,” feel free to make up a persona or comment anonymously. You can also email me directly.
First-time commenters are always moderated (because you wouldn’t believe the spam I get), so if your comment doesn’t show up immediately, hang tight! Chances are, I’m not right on my email.
And most of all, let’s all practice compassion for ourselves and others in this difficult time and space.
dging, here in public, to do just that, and I’ll post it over at Holy Longing. I’d love to hear what’s on yours!
A few comments about comments
The whole question of being unhappy in academia — no matter what stage you’re in — can feel fraught. If you’d like to comment but are feeling shy about “being out there,” feel free to make up a persona or comment anonymously. You can also email me directly.
First-time commenters are always moderated (because you wouldn’t believe the spam I get), so if your comment doesn’t show up immediately, hang tight! Chances are, I’m not right on my email.
And most of all, let’s all practice compassion for ourselves and others in this difficult time and space.
Leave a Reply