Introducing My Goddard List
Over the months that I have been writing this blog, I have made it clear that there are really only three things that I want to do with my life. Those three things are write, race, and accomplish the goals on my Goddard list. I’ve written fairly extensively on the first two items, but have been rather vague about the third. That ends today.
First, I suppose I should explain what a Goddard List is. It is the same thing that others refer to as a “Life List” or a “Bucket List.” In simple terms, it’s a list of items I want to accomplish before I die. But why do I call it a “Goddard List” you might ask. That’s a fair question. Let me explain.
The first time I came across the idea of keeping a list of things I want to accomplish in life was while reading an article in Outside magazine about John Goddard. The article introduced Goddard to me and explained how as a 15-year old boy, Goddard made a list of 127 things that he wanted to accomplish in his life. I was impressed with Goddard’s mindset (not to mention his list) and the way he made his life all about accomplishing his goals. Until then, I thought I was goal oriented, but I was nowhere near as goal oriented as Goddard. I set out to change that by creating my own Goddard List.
I made an initial list and as I accomplished goals, I deleted them from the list. I didn’t really think this part through. It didn’t dawn on me at the time that I would want to keep a record of the things I had accomplished. Oh well, live and learn. Now I’m old enough and wise enough to know just to cross through the goals when they are accomplished.
I had planned on publishing my Goddard List some time ago, but for some reason I was hesitant to do it. I’m not sure why. Maybe it felt too personal or something. I don’t know. Whatever the reason, I kept putting it off until now. However, I’m glad I finally published the list (Click here to see my Goddard List). Putting it out there for all the world to see has rekindled my desire to get busy accomplishing the goals I’ve set for myself. Too often I get caught up with other things. But if accomplishing the goals on my Goddard List is going to be one of my three priorities in life, then I need to take it more seriously and commit more time to it.
If you haven’t created a Life List of your own, I encourage you to do so. It is a great exercise in determining what in life is really important to you. You actually may be surprised by what you come up with. Having a Life List is also really helpful when you lose your way in life and you need something to give you direction. Your Life List will help you get back on track and will serve as a constant reminder of what you are trying to do with your life.
If you need some encouragement and motivation, take a look at John Goddard’s website. Look at the goals he set for himself. Impressive, aren’t they? But remember, those are his goals. Your goals do not have to be the same or even similar to his. Perhaps your goals pale in comparison to Goddard’s. Maybe your goals make you feel weak or boring. I understand. That’s exactly how I felt when I first sat down to make my list. But don’t worry. You’re not trying to be another John Goddard. You are trying to be the very best you that you can be. Set goals for yourself that are important to you. Run your own race, not somebody elses.
Also, don’t feel that you have to include absolutely everything on your initial list. Include what you want to include. You can change/add/delete goals tomorrow or next week or next year. This is your list. There are no rules except the rules you decide on. Your list is there to serve you.
Good luck putting together your own Goddard List. Really thinking about what you want out of life is a great experience. But it’s only the begining. Remember, once you have your goals down on paper, it’s time to get busy accomplishing them. Which goal are you going to work on first? Whatever it is, good luck and have a great time.
