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As you get older, you may become more self-aware and know what you want from life. There are certain lists that you can continue to make throughout your life to level it up. There are so many lists that you can make in order to make positive changes in your life, know what you want to bring into it and gain some clarity.
BusyB is a stationery brand based in the UK who create carefully designed products that are aimed at making your life simpler and more organised. BusyB offer a huge range of products including: notebooks, planners, to do list pads, recipe planners, gift planner and much more.
Making lists enables you to not only keep organised but allows you to explore different areas of your life. You could even use them as a reflection task to take charge of your life and to know what direction you want the next stage of your life to be.
Here are 8 lists that you should be making to up-level your life:
1. Discomfort List
A discomfort list is activities and things that make you a little uncomfortable and cause you discomfort, but you want to work towards achieving them by challenging yourself.
The best way for you to populate this list is to create a comfort list and a panic list. Your comfort list is activities and things that you are happy and comfortable doing. Your panic list is activities and things that make you anxious and not in exciting or challenging ways; they make you completely panic! It is important that you distinguish from your discomfort and panic otherwise you will end up regressing to your comfort zone. It is about finding the middle ground.
For example, your comfort zone is having a phone call with a friend or relative and your panic list could be video calling a group of people. So, your discomfort list activity could be to have a video call with a loved one. You can take small steps, so it does not become too overwhelming, but also you are succeeding slowly. Your lists could be dramatically different to others even if you feel your discomfort list could seem too easy; do NOT think like that! Challenging yourself regularly with list will help you to build your self-confidence and learn to step outside your comfort zone.
2. Connections List
A connections list is a list of inspiring people you would like to know. This list does not have to be a specific person; it could just be a list of qualities of a person that you would like to come into your life. It could be that you would like to befriend someone in your area who struggles with a chronic illness, or women in your area who run their own businesses. It can be beneficial to connect with others especially to bounce ideas off of, or to have a positive friendship with which can help to improve your confidence.
When you have made the list of people or the qualities that you are looking for, you are putting it out there into the universe. Once you do this, your mind is actively seeking out those people and you will snatch up opportunities when they are presented.
3. Travel List
There is a quote that is shared a lot about there being 3 components of happiness: ‘1. Someone to love. 2. Something to do and 3. Something to look forward to.’ Having something to look forward to really helps me. Planning trips and the anticipation of the trip can be just as exciting as the trip itself.
Writing a list f places you would like to travel to can help you visualise you going to that place. Once you have written down the placed that you would like to travel to, is again putting it into existence. Again, this puts you in the mind set to seek out those opportunities to visit those places.
You can get your To Do Or Not To Do pad from BusyB.
4. Experience List
An experience list is where you write down activities or small weekend trips you want to incorporate into each year. When you revisit your goals quarterly or have a monthly reset (however you choose to evaluate), this is when you have the opportunity to pencil in the activities or mini breaks away that you would like to experience. When you plan out each month and add those experiences, you will always have something to look forward to, no matter how small.
Adding experiences into your life regularly with activities as simple as going to a new workout class can help and prevent you getting into a rut both physically or mentally.
5. Skills To Learn List
You are never too old to learn something new. Learning new skills helps to expand your mind and helps to improve your confidence. Learning new skills in your own time can help you to work towards a particular career. It can be beneficial for you to write down your vision and then research what skills you need to achieve this. It can also be helpful to have your vision or the list of skills you would like to learn written down somewhere visible; for example, in your journal keeps them in your focus. There are many resources you can use to earn new skills such as: books, online courses and platforms like Skillshare.
6. Achievements List
Celebrating your achievements, even the smallest wins, is so important to not only acknowledge how far you have come, but to also motivate you to move forward and achieve more of your goals. It is about giving yourself grace with what you have achieved ad knowing that you did the best that you could. Seeing significant achievements on paper, in a list form, can evoke a more positive attitude about approaching your future tasks and goals. Any accomplishment, no matter how small, activates the reward circuitry in your brain and endorphins are released that give you a feeling of achievement and worth. Dopamine is also released that can energise you, give you a feeling of reward and provide you with the motivation to continue to achieve.
7. Weekly To-Do Lists
Every week, writing down the tasks you would like to get done can help you to start a new week super-organised and you are aware of what you need to achieve. By writing this list before the start of the week, will help you to not only plan your week ahead of time, but you can also start with your tasks straight away on Monday morning instead of writing your to do list first.
Taking time to write to d lists can help you to hold yourself accountable and if you struggle with remembering, writing tasks down can stop you from missing deadlines. Sometimes my brain fog can be really bad and writing tasks or important deadlines down has been a life saver.
Weekly to do lists can enable you to manage your time more efficiently especially if you struggle to balance your time. There is always something motivating about checking off tasks and inspires you to push yourself to complete more tasks. As well as planning tasks you need to complete, planning self-care tasks is so important for your mental wellbeing. This will mean that you will always have self-care time scheduled into each week.
You can get your daily list pad from BusyB here.
8. Five Year Dream List
‘Most people overestimate what they can do in one year and underestimate what they can do in ten.’
When you think about a 5 year plan/dream list, it can be really intimidating. You are not writing a list of goals and dreams that are set in stone. You can change them as you will change and grow as the months and years pass. Writing your dreams, vision and goals can help you gain clarity as to what you really want from life. The 5 year list can be beneficial because you may say you’ll achieve something in a year, but realistically it could actually take 5 years.
Instead of a list, you could make a mind map. Place ‘5 Year Plan’, or if you prefer a shorter timescale, in the middle of a piece of paper. You can then list all the areas of your life and then think about what you want to be or what you want to have in those areas. Placing the list, mind map or vision board in a visible place, so that you can see it regularly, will ensure that you are able to redirect yourself to your goals.
What lists do you make in your life? What list do you want to try from this post? I’d love to hear in the comments.
This is such a good idea! I usually make a to do list, but those other lists are so good to do too! Thanks for the inspo!
xoxo Annaleid
http://www.actuallyanna.com
Thank you for reading and commenting.
I love lists! I usually make them to keep organized on a daily/weekly timeframe. These lists are ones I’ve never really thought of. The discomfort list is a really interesting idea and I feel like I have a list of skills I’d like to learn, but have never actually written it down. I should do that! Thanks for the inspiration 🙂
Definitely lists worth writing. Thank you for reading and commenting.
ooh I love this post. I am such a list person and I love the idea of creating lists for different things. Love the idea of a discomfort list!
Rosie
Can you link your blog so I can read? Definitely give the discomfort lists a go!
I’m definitely a list person and couldn’t get by without them. I’m never heard of a discomfort list but that love that idea! It would provide so much perspective
Definitely give it a go. It is a great thing to work on. Thank you for reading and commenting.
I have several lists that I use including lists of books I need to read (with publisher dates) and different blog related activities. I also create lists for shopping etc but I’ve never really thought about a discomfort or panic list. Thanks for enlightening me!
Thank you for reading and commenting. Definitely give them a go! Can you link your blog?
I have never been someone who makes list, but now I am inspired. A discomfort list sounds like such a great idea!
I love this Lauren, so many helpful lists to attempt and BusyB stationery looks great for list creation! I also like to write a gratitude list at the end of each day, it always helps me to get more perspective especially on really tough days xx
Thank you for reading and commenting. That is great you have some useful list ideas to make! If you like BusyB I have a giveaway over on my Instagram xx
I already do the weekly list and skills to learn list. The 5 year dream list is something I’ve never done, but sounds like a great idea!
Thank you for reading and commenting. Give it a go!
I love the sound of these lists! I’m known for a weekly to do list but I’ve not heard of the discomfort list and the connections list before so I’ll have to give them a go!
I have always been a list-lover, but aside from to-do lists, grocery lists, and packing lists – I don’t really make them as often for other topics. I’ll have to consider that because it sounds like it could be incredibly helpful!
It can be a great way to refocus yourself to work towards goals. Thank you for reading and commenting.
I love this, especially the comfort list vs panic list idea. I’m always trying to find new ways to grow and push my limits so this is a great idea.
Good luck if you make those lists. It is great to set targets and goals to develop and grow. Thank you for reading and commenting.
I absolutely love this! I am such a list maker so this is perfect for me. I think the discomfort list would be really helpful. It’s hard for me to get out of my comfort zone, but I think having a discomfort list would make it a little easier. Thanks so much for sharing these amazing list ideas!
I love lists! I deffo love your ideas about making an accomplishment list and a travel list too xx
They are definitely beneficial to grow and develop and refocus yourself to your dreams and goals. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Love the idea of some of these lists! I think a discomfort list is brilliant as it really boosts us to step out of our comfort zones!
Thank you for reading and commenting.
Ok I LOVE this so much. Thank you for sharing 😌❤️
I love these ideas! I love making lists but they always end up being to-do list or grocery lists, so there is plenty to try out! I never thought about a discomfort list, but it sounds like a great place to start and work on getting out of your comfort zone! x
I love this! I think a list I need to make is people who make me feel positive, and people that bring down my mood- and who I need to avoid 🙂 thank you for sharing this idea x
I’ll admit that I use to-do lists nearly every day of my life! I have daily, weekly, monthly and even quarterly to-do lists to try and keep me on tracked and organised. But I never thought about creating lists like the discomfort list or connections or even achievements lists! Its gave me a few ideas for sure and I’m sure this means I’ll be creating a few more lists in the future too!
I love the sound of a discomfort list it sounds really interesting and really great for growth! A travel list is something I already have and really love x
Thank you for reading and commenting x
Yes! I am the queen of lists and have been using most of the different types that you listed. That being said, I’ve never considered making a connections list before. That’s one that I am definitely going to sit down and put together sooner rather than later. Like, maybe this weekend 😉
I love making lists! They are such a great way to organize your life and set yourself goals! I’ve started writing three things down each morning that I want to achieve/complete that day and it’s very fulfilling!
I love love love making weekly and daily to do lists, but the other lists you’ve mentioned also sounds super useful. I really like your idea about discomfort and connections lists as those are areas I often shy away from including on my own to do lists so this might be a good challenge for me. This was a super informative post – thank you!
Thank you for reading and commenting.
These lists are so great! I think it would be beneficial to do at the end of the year, and reflect back on how your year went and what you want to change for the next year. But also being able to see how your preferences, dreams, discomforts, etc. change as you grow would be really eye opening.
Very interesting, unique list ideas! I actually had made a comfort and discomfort list for college since it was going to be my first time living away from home. It was actually harder to make than I thought. Great post!
Thank you for reading and commenting. Can you link your blog?
Oh yes!
Always forget to add that part, thank you!
I love a list!!! These are such great lists to make and a great way to keep on top of your goals and things you are working towards.
Thank you for reading and commenting. Can you link your blog so I can have a read.
Oo, this is a lovely list of lists beyond the normal and ordinary! I am loving the idea of both a discomforts list and an achievements list, as well as a to learn list. I feel like those three would have points in common and help toward creating a five year mind map too.
Thanks for sharing!
I would never have thought about a discomfort list, but it’s definitely something I’d like to prioritise, I’d love to expand my horizons.
I love a to do list, I always add on really small easily achievable things so that I can tick them off and stay motivated.
https://www.teapartyprincess.co.uk/
Good luck with your discomfort list
Nice ideas Lauren! I keep a list of groceries (store cupboard vs. fresh), fashion shopping wishlist (never buy on an impulse) and funnily enough just started a list of homemade salad dressings that have low cal 😀
Making lists is a great way to move forward and to keep organised.
Interesting post! These lists would certainly force you to get thinking and reflecting, and we often don’t do enough of that. Thank you for sharing.
Love a good list! Some great ideas here for looking forward, and aiming higher!!
Thank you. Can you link your blog?
lol I’m at https://craftroomandbeyond.co.uk 🙂
Love this post! I love all of these ideas especially the travel and achievement list! I’ve done a 5-year list before and it was really nice to write down my goals for the future! Thank you for sharing this!
Thank you for reading and commenting.
I regularly make to-do lists. However, I have never heard of the other list types but they do sound intriguing. The discomfort list sounds especially good for identifying what makes you uncomfortable and can help find ways to get out of your comfort zone. I am going to have to give these lists a try as they sound like a great way to improve my life overall.
Oo, anyone who knows me would know just how much I love organisation and making lists! The ‘skills to learn’ and ‘achievements’ lists are my fave, and the ‘discomfort’ list is a great idea x
Thank you for reading and commenting.
What a lovely post. I really need to get more organised and do some more lists 🙂 I’m slacking so much, but these lists are fantastic ideas
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I make weekly to-do lists for my blog, but I would like to work on a 5-year dream list. An experience list would also be fun, especially after this past year! This stationary is super cute, too! Thank you for sharing. 🙂
Thank you for commenting. Can you link your blog?
Thanks for sharing, these lists are great to write 🙂
I love this post! I am a sucker for making lists. I use them for so much, day-to-day things, shopping, gratitude, and anything else that pops into my head. I think it is partly because I just like writing things down in notebooks.
Thank you for the comment. Can you link your blog so I can have a read.
There are some lists like the to-do list, the travel list, and the goals list that I make very often, but then there are others, which I hadn’t considered to make before! I might have to give that connections list a try. Like you said, doesn’t hurt to put it into the universe. Great post xx
Melina | http://www.melinaelisa.com
Thank you for reading and commenting. Xx
LOVE these ideas!! And you have the cutest stationaries for these lists hahah ❤
One of the first suggestions my therapist made (in addition to getting 8 hrs of sleep) was to make lists! It’s a little mind boggling to see how much more productive and on task I’ve been since just jotting things down.
Loving this list, so many ideas for so many more lists!
Great post, xo Bri
Great post! I love the idea of the discomfort and travel lists – I definitely need to try these out. I also made an experience list a couple of years ago and now I’m thinking I should do another one for this year! Thanks for sharing x
Thank you for reading and commenting. X
I love a good list! My weekly shopping list is colour-coded by aisle (so frozen, fresh, fridge etc) which makes my shopping trips so much easier! I never thought about writing a discomfort list, but I love the idea of setting yourself goals to work towards and recognizing that you can get over your discomfort of something. I might have to give it a go! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for reading and commenting. Can you link your blog so I can read ☺️
I’ve not launched my blog yet but I will definitely share once it’s all ready!
Really exciting! Good luck with getting it started.
Thank you!
I’m SWOONING over this blog post! I’m an avid list-maker and never heard of half of these things! I’m definitely loving the idea of Discomfort lists to gradually overcome some anxiety! Great post, Lauren, thank you for sharing!
❤️