Clement Chee

List. How important it is for us to list down what we need to do in life. Be it your dreams, your tasks, your shopping groceries, important dates, meetings and the list goes on.

I am not too sure if all successful people use lists in their lives but I know most business owners have at least one secretaries to help them remembers important tasks, dates and meetings. It simply tells me how important it is to have a list or at least someone reminds you of the lists of matters you need to deal with.

Here is why a list is so important in our lives:

• Our lists pretty much determine our life and priority.
• Our lists gives us that sense of identity and that sense of achievement.
• Our lists tell us how we have spent our life and how much time we have left.

I know a friend of mine has a habit of writing his dream on a paper, which is his dream list. The dream list will grow over time but I find it is a good way to keep your dream intact so that you can be focused with what you want to achieve.

Coming to an end of each year, we tend to start thinking about what we want to achieve the following year. We write down what we called the ‘New Year Resolution’ and the next time we really look at it is the end of next year. It is when you actually take action to achieve your dreams one by one that attract your dreams bit by bit to your life. This is the difference that makes the difference.

Let me bring your attention to the 10 characteristics of a list. I am sure when you understand what a list does better, you will be able to have more reasons for you to use list in your life.

1. Write down a list regarding everything you lead and manage.
2. Write list of those things you need to do, then do them, one by one.
3. Write down the list of follow up things you need to do.
4. Put the most important one at the top. Not everything urgent is important.
5. Do first things first, last thing last.
6. Write down your vision list – for this year, for the next 10 years and for your life.
7. Write down your goals for the day, this week and next year.
8. Write down your plan and strategy.
9. Tick them off as your do.
10. List is simple, but amazingly powerful.

I have a friend who came to me and poured out everything she is going through in life. Her responsibilities and burdens in her life seem to be so unbearable. She looks exhausted. When I heard her stories, I have no idea how to help her but just by being a very good listener.

Do you have the same experience? You have debts you have not paid. You have a bunch of friends who need your attention and time. Your have your responsibilities in other areas of your life. Overwhelmed by the circumstances, you just feel like throwing everything away and escape. Does that sound familiar?

When that happens to you, I believe the power of list will become more and more visible to you. I am not saying your problems will disappear immediately but when you have lists on your hand, you will learn to deal with your problems one by one and bit by bit. Tick them off as you have done them and before you know it, you have made a major difference to your problems and matters in life.

Happy listing!