Creating your Ultimate ‘To Do’ List Before You Die
I’ve always been a fan of lists and I know many other successful people share this notion. What better list can you create than a list for your most memorable and exciting life? I call this my “BIG Life List”. This is pretty easy and encompasses everything I want to do, have or become before I die.
Now the hard part is sitting down and just jotting down the list but before you get there let me start with my own list.
Right here on this blog, I have a running list of the experiences I want to achieve (as you can see on the right) but my personal BIG list extends beyond what I’ve posted. Here are a few examples from my list (aside from what you see on the right):
Do:
- Host Saturday Night Live
- Fly my own plane
- Stand up comedy at a club
- Dance the Haka with the All Blacks in New Zealand
- Taste a 100+ year old Bordeaux
- Dance all night in Ibiza
- Leave $10,000,000+ to meaningful charities in my lifetime
Have:
- Own a fully restored MGA
- Name engraved on Stanley Cup as an owner of the Washington Capitals (Ted, I’m in. Ugh what a heartbreaking loss this year in the playoffs)
- Create my own liquor brand
- Create a charitable foundation to educate young entrepreneurs
- My own vineyard and produce award-winning wines
Be:
- A semi-professional beach volleyball player
- Financially independent
- Part of an IPO as an insider
- In the Olympics
- NY-Times Best-selling Author
- Live to be a vibrant and healthy 127-year old
Most of my own BIG List is centered around “DO” but that’s just me personally. Yours is unique to you. Right now my list spans 97 items and it keeps growing. I believe in one afternoon you could get at least 25-50 items on your own list. The first few are easy but then you really have to dig into what would make you happy? What excited you as a kid?
What have you always wanted to do?
What have you always wanted to be?
What have you always wanted to see?
What have you always wanted to have?
Just don’t get bogged down in what other people will think. Don’t put something on your list that doesn’t excite you or put it there because you think you’re supposed to. Hey – if you don’t want to save the whales – screw ‘em. Don’t put it on your list.
Keep thinking without putting conditions & restrictions on your list. It doesn’t matter if you think it’s dumb or couldn’t really happen or think others will laugh at you. So what? Go with your heart and just get it down. There’s no harm in writing it down even if it doesn’t happen – that’s how some of my improbably ones have been accomplished that I’ll tell you about in a moment as we move on to how you start having fun and checking off items…
How do you get your big list completed?
1. Write it down. Yes, writing it down is the first step and I absolutely guarantee you if you did nothing else but write 50-100 items in your BIG List you’d be surprised at how many actually got done after 1 year without you ever looking at them again. I don’t look at my Big list everyday – it’s not that necessary but I do certain things to make sure I can check them off.
Fact is, as I was writing this post I went back over my own list again and was amazed to see that 2 things on my list were in the process of getting accomplished in the next 3 weeks (as of this writing). One was kiteboarding at Necker Island and at the same time lunch with Sir Richard Branson. I’m heading to Necker Island in a few weeks and I’ll definitely try kiteboarding on the island – plus I’ll be there with Richard for several days so lunch is inevitable. Pretty cool!
Just the mere fact of writing it down and releasing it into the Universe gives you an advantage that circumstances might be set into motion to start conspiring to work for you. (Hey, that’s my belief anyway!) 
Quick example, I’ve previously written down I wanted to be a semi-pro beach volleyball player. I really didn’t think it would happen but I figured it wouldn’t hurt to write it down. Well, now I’d technically be considered Pro. You can check out the details back on this post.
In that same vein – here’s another one…Do I really think I’ll be in the Olympics? I dunno. Probably not – but there’s a tiny shot. Who knows? My publicist mentioned to me the other day he was friends with the former publicist for the U.S. Bobsled & Skeleton Federation. I don’t know how many people are waiting in line to go 80mph headfirst down an icy track so who knows if I’d get a tryout. Maybe – maybe not. But if I didn’t throw it out there to the Universe and right it down I know I wouldn’t hear the faint knocking on the door of opportunity.
2. Schedule it. This is where a lot of people fall down. It sounds a bit too rigid but for busy entrepreneurs unless you schedule your fun (most of the time) it won’t happen. It sounds a bit counter intuitive doesn’t it? Fun should be spontaneous and free? Well guess what? If you stick to your typical schedule – it’ll never happen because your work will keep expanding to the allotted time you give it. You can always do one more work item and your inbox is never going to be empty.
Think about your vacation for a moment. That’s scheduled and it happens precisely because it is scheduled. The more fun you schedule into your life – the more you’ll get. Or what about when you were a kid – most of us had mandatory fun built into our days with recess, right?
Why isn’t there recess for entrepreneurs?
Now you probably won’t go and play dodge ball this afternoon but you can have your own recess if do something about it yourself. Some of my favorite memories have been things I’ve gone out and not waited for them to fall into my lap.
This might sound a little ‘type A’ (which I’m definitely not) but you have to put fun activities on your calendar or else your fun & entertainment by default becomes vegging in front of the TV or working more. Of course, it’s great to be spontaneous but unless you are completely free of responsibilities you’ll need to make plans. And making plans could be as simple as inviting friends over for a night of games or as wild as running with the bulls in Spain.
Side note: This is one of the many reasons I started Maverick Business Adventures to create that ‘forced’ and scheduled ‘recess’ for entrepreneurs.
3. Recruit Others. It’s tough to get everything on your BIG list done yourself (especially if you’ve really stretched). That’s why it’s important to share with others, who can help you, what’s on your ultimate life list.
But there’s a caveat here. I’d be selective of who I share with. You don’t want a negative, dream-stealing vampire to suck their fangs into your life list. But when you find positive, excited individuals ask them what’s on their “to do” list for life and see if you don’t have a resource or a step in the right direction you can give them. And those same successful people have their own connections and people they know that might get you where you want to be.
Okay so here’s your homework assignment this weekend. Sit down and start your own Ultimate Big Life List and schedule at least 2 items on there. Will you do it?
* Resource for you *
I’ve found a great resource to help you create cool memories for people you care about. It’s called Cloud9Living and it’s an awesome spot to search for experiences around the country (U.S. only at this point.). Everything from thrilling adventures to one-of-a-kind learning events. Even if you don’t know exactly what to get someone – you can pick-up a gift certificate. I gave Cloud9 Gift certs to some of my team members and top affiliates. They have a really cool presentation box that’s worth buying just to see what they do.
I’ve worked out a special deal for InternetLifestyle.com blog readers. Make sure you put in ‘SILVER09′ at check-out for free shipping on any gift certificates you purchase.
May 3rd, 2008 at 3:19 pm
I think that it is so important to make your “Bucket List” when you are young. Writing things down make them real. It makes you strive for the things that are in many peoples lives just a dream.
I know when I made my list about my goals in my business, I achieved all of them, and more.
I have so much that I still want to do. I have a really big Bucket List. I also think sharing them make them happen faster.
Some of mine are:
Spend a month in the Australian Outback on a Sheep Station
Write a Million Dollar Check for Something
Have My Dream Home
Speak at Events all over the Globe
Live to be a happy 100
Help Pregnant single young women become successful business women.
little ones are important too
May 3rd, 2008 at 8:29 pm
After buying and reading products for the last 4 years I have finally started my own internet markeying business because I had a list of things to do this year. It helps I say.
May 3rd, 2008 at 10:05 pm
Thanks for this reminder. Ever since I saw your Big List, I’ve thought I should make one for me. But, I never did it. I plan to make my list this weekend and get the rest of my family to add on so we can work towards everyone’s dreams!
May 4th, 2008 at 2:20 am
Hi Yanik,
Thanks for this timely reminder. My big goal is to relocate. When I have achieved that I know I will be in a position to achieve so many more of my goals.
I currently live in London which offers many great opportunities but, spiritually, I no longer resonate with the place. I’ve identified the two main places where I’d like to divide my time and now I’m working towards manifesting my big goal.
May 4th, 2008 at 3:36 am
Hi Yanik,
The title is great ..haha
That’s remind me that life is too short to be missed…
I’d already made my “To do” list within the next one year at least..
Hard tasks but I’ll resist. Sure I can do it alone..
I promise to stay in touch.
Enjoy your weekend
Elitsa
May 4th, 2008 at 4:15 am
Hi Yanik;
Again some damn good food for thought and reminder of
how quickly life passes us all.
I really loved the entrepreneur’s school for young people
and I might add dancing the Hakka with the all Blacks
in New Zealand. Which I visited this winter just gone.
OK….I’ll think of my own.
Enjoy your day
Byron
May 4th, 2008 at 7:34 am
Hi Yanik,
No doubt you’ll have a great time on Neckar Island. That’s on my Ultimate To Do list, too. I have the Neckar Island promotional video on my computer that I watch regularly (downloaded from the site).
I have 2 instances of Neckar Island on my list. One is a romantic visit for just my wife and myself. The other is being able to afford to treat 20 or so of my closest and dearest friends and family members to a wonderful holiday there. The whole island to ourselves!
Did you ever see Sir Richard’s version of The Apprentice some time ago – ‘The Rebel Billionaire’? At the end of it, he and the winner were tied underneath helicopters and ‘flew’ around the island… like Superman! Man, what a buzz! That’s another ‘to do’ on my list!
So whilst you’re there, see if Sir Richard has a helicopter on standby… and see if you and him can do the same.
Have a wonderful time and please share your photos/videos with us.
Mickey
* Mickey – yeah I remember the show! Flying around like superman like that would be pretty damn cool!
May 9th, 2008 at 12:03 am
<p>On of the big todo’s on my list is to start a business book club and do a one on one interview with you. I am in the process of kicking off the book club and I want to use your Moonlighting on the internet book as the first read. I am going to give away an article I am writing reviewing the book and I’m trying to provide some biographical information on you. </p>
<p>The one thing I have noticed through researching you is that everybody who comments on you is a fan. I have been reading your series of articles in The Millionair Blueprints Magazine and I bought your “Moonlighting on the Internet” book last week. I have read the sections on infoprenuring and Affiliate marketing. They are both content rich. </p>
<p>At any rate I have been a professional Business Analyst for the past 10 years working for companies like IBM, UPS and Sage Software working on their web technologies. I have designed the business processes for large web applications such as Returns On the Web, Quantum View Manage, User access sites for UPS and Delta, Global Adviser and many more. I also have my MBA in ecommerce and an undergraduate degree in computer information systems. Most fortune 100 companies would consider me an expert in business analysis and eCommerce and my interviewing skills easily bring in a 6 figure income in my full time job. In my personal time I enjoy dabbling in a few internet businesses, MLM, and ebay. I am also an avid reader despite my ADHD and dyslexia. The book club is intended to be one of my income streams and I would love to be able to sell you book first and offer some strong biographical content on you direct from the horses mouth.</p>
* Kevin – thanks! I’d definitely be up for helping you there. My publisher (Entrepreneur Press) would be able to let you use an excerpt if you wanted. Good luck on everything! *
May 10th, 2008 at 9:55 am
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May 18th, 2008 at 10:55 am
Hey Yanik,
Count me in for the Ibiza party…
That one has been on my list for awhile…
Hope to talk to you soon…
Keep on rocking,
Matt
P.S. I love this blog… it’s one of my favs.
Keep it up!
May 28th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
Yanik,
Just found your site through SU I think. Loving it, and this post jives very well with my own ideas. You’ve just won another subscriber. Continue writing excellent posts, I look forward to them.
Alex
June 7th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
You have some pretty great things on your list Yanik. If you achieve several of them, you will have done great. Thanks for the pep talk. I want to be a fantastic role model and inspiration to my children. That is #1 on my list.
~Lisa
March 26th, 2009 at 8:55 am
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June 14th, 2009 at 10:20 am
Very well said Yanik!
June 14th, 2009 at 12:28 pm
Hi Yanik
For a change I read one of your emails which lead me here. Boy, am I happy! It just made me realise why I’m running non-stop and don’t seem to get anywhere. Forgot all about this. I’m writing my big list right now.
Keep up the good work!
June 14th, 2009 at 4:35 pm
Hi Yanik:
I love what you write about, though rarely take the time to read a lot of it, due to “filling my schedule with work”. Today, your email grabbed my attention! Really got what you said about scheduling fun. But what I wanted to share was how right on you are about writing down the things you want to do, have, and be. And I would add another: the people you want to meet in person.
In 1989 I was 88 pounds in a wheelchair and given less than 2 weeks to live (cancer). I met a man, Maurice O’Callaghan, and he suggested I write a list of each of these 4 things and add “before I die”. Though I thought it was a lame exercise at the time in view of my condition, I did this. Well, 20 years later I am cancer-free, known as The Vitality Doctor (hence not in a wheelchair anymore!), and I have done everything on my lists, and met everyone in person that was on my list of famous actors, speakers, writers, business entreprenuers, etc., and worked and/or played, in some capacity, with many of them. I attribute my present life to those lists and allowing God and the Universe to assist me in making them happen, as well, as taking specific actions myself.
Your email was a very welcome reminder that it is critical right now sit down and create new lists – since I want to join you at the age of – well, I’ll be 127 a long time before you, but who’s counting – in my delicious years well over 100 years of age – filled with vitality of course! Thanks for a great and resourceful blog post, Yanik! I’m going to make an effort to read yours more often! Marilyn
** That’s a great an inspiring story – thank you for sharing that Marilyn. -Y.S. **
June 14th, 2009 at 6:06 pm
I love lists. I have heaps. It’s great coming across an old list and finding how many things I can cross off. It’s a real mood booster. The thing about writing things down to make them a solid request to the universe seems to work, even if you aren’t thinking about it all the time. It works for me.
June 14th, 2009 at 10:18 pm
Yes Yanik Silver just wanted to say your Moonlighting on the Internet fill with so much valueble and helpful infomation..,its been a blessing to me..,
thanks for writing it.
June 15th, 2009 at 2:32 am
[...] Creating your Ultimate ‘To Do’ List Before You Die… [...]
June 15th, 2009 at 7:40 am
Hi Sarah,
I am an Australian travel writer and have done a lot of travel in the Aussie outback.
I might be able to help you with your wish to spend a month on an outback sheep station. Please email me, telling me exactly what you want to do and when.
warm regards,
Graeme Lanham
* Thanks Graeme, I love AU – not sure about a month on sheep station though
But I definitely got other AU things on my list. – Y.S. *
June 15th, 2009 at 3:39 pm
Hey Yanik,
I, too, love the idea of having a “big life list”. Scheduling stuff is definitely important so that you have a certain amount of control over crossing items off, but sharing your list with others is also key.
Yesterday (June 14) was my 35th birthday. My girlfriend and friends all know that I have a fairly extensive list and that I love crossing items off of it.
This year, for my birthday, my girlfriend planned an outing that allowed me to do just that!
I got to go and experience my first ever helicopter ride!
If you’re interested, check out a few pics by clicking my name and scrolling down to item number 14! There are only 3 as I was too busy actually enjoying the scenery to remember to snap very many photos.
Thanks for all your inspiration Yanik!
Paul
July 12th, 2009 at 9:59 pm
[...] list? I know I have been, until recently, when I read this blog post by Yanik Silver entitled ” Creating you Ultimate ’to do’ list before you die” . It reminded me of the movie “Bucket List” but even better, and after I read it it [...]
January 1st, 2010 at 3:54 pm
[...] Creating your Ultimate BIG Life List [...]
January 1st, 2010 at 5:58 pm
Have you seen http://www.TheBuriedLife.com yet? Great concept based on 100 things to do before you die.