To do lists can be an incredible way to help yourself get things done – including getting to retirement. However, have you ever considered managing your life according to a “to be” list. Let’s take a look at the differences and why a “to be” list could be a powerful unlock for the life you want to be living.
“To Do” Lists Help You Achieve Goals
I love a to do list. Making it helps me feel a sense of control and crossing things off give me a sense of accomplishments.
And, these positive emotions are warranted. Research has shown that to-do lists can be effective tools for enhancing productivity and managing time. Studies suggest that writing down tasks helps clear the mind, reduces stress, and improves focus and performance.
Effective to-do lists typically include prioritization of tasks, realistic goal-setting, and flexibility to accommodate changes. Additionally, combining to-do lists with other productivity strategies, such as time blocking and regular review, can further enhance their effectiveness.
Think about the types of things you put on a “to do” list: buy milk, build a presentation for next Tuesday’s meeting, wash the car, water the lawn, call your brother on his birthday, etc… A “to do” list focuses on specific tasks and activities that need to be completed, often within a set time frame.
Do you have a monthly financial to do list?
Your monthly financial to do list might include paying bills, checking balances, and planning for your future goals. Checking in on your plans using a tool like the NewRetirement Planner can improve your financial profile as well as your peace of mind.
If You Like “To Do” Lists, a “To Be” List Might Be Even Better
A “to do” list features meaningful tasks, but they don’t necessarily ensure that you’ll live the fulfilling life you’ll want to look back on without regrets.
However, a “to be” list centers on personal qualities and character traits one aspires to develop. It is introspective and long-term, guiding personal growth by fostering attributes like patience, resilience, kindness, or creativity.
Here are a few examples of the types of questions you might ask yourself when creating a “to be” list:
Who do I want to be today?
How do I want to feel today?
What do I want to give today?
What do I want to receive today?
A “to be” list shapes the overarching vision of who one wants to become, ensuring that actions taken are aligned with deeper personal values and aspirations. Together, they balance doing with being, leading to more holistic and meaningful progress.
Your “To Be” List: Who Are You Trying to Impress?
Yes, social media is an unhealthy time sink. However, you occasionally come across something inspiring. I recently saw a good post that said:
The only people you should try to impress is your 8 year old version of yourself and your 88 year old version of yourself.
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This struck me as an excellent frame with which to build my “to be” list. Who did my 8 year old self want me to be? And, who will my 88 year old self be proud to look back upon?
You at 8: Are you someone your 8 year old self would like and admire? Are you someone they would want to be?
Looking back, I think my 8 year old self wanted a life that was vital, adventurous, and full of love and community. I am doing okay – not perfect – on those ideals. A younger version of yourself represents innocence, curiosity, and genuine joy without the layer of societal and social influence. By considering what would make your 8-year-old self proud, you ensure that you remain true to your authentic interests and maintain a sense of wonder and enthusiasm in your life.
You at 88: What would your 88-year-old self think about your choices throughout life? Imagining how they will look back upon your life can help you reflect on the choices and experiences that will bring a sense of fulfillment, pride, and contentment. This older version of yourself represents wisdom, long-term perspective, and the ultimate understanding of what truly matters in life. By considering what your 88-year-old self would value, you prioritize decisions that contribute to a meaningful and fulfilling life, focusing on relationships, legacy, and inner peace.
How Do You Want to Feel?
A to do list is a list of accomplishments. And, those accomplishments might make you feel a certain way, but that isn’t necessarily the goal of the “to do” list. A “to be” list is the place where you can set a goal for how you want to feel: Brave? Peaceful? Content? Accomplished? Secure?
Make a “to be” list to help you ensure you feel the way you want to feel. You will still want to mark off tasks from your “to do” list and those activities may be related to money, relationships, career, leisure, or anything, but it is important to try to remember how you want to feel about what you are doing.
Who Do You Want To Be?
A to be list is a good way of reminding yourself of your values and to think about how your values impact how you spend your time, with whom, and to what end.
It can focus you and help you prioritize what is on your to do list so that you are engaging with what is really important to you. Explore 87 questions to help you understand your financial values.
How Does Your To Be List Impact Your Financial Plans?
It is possible that nothing would change in terms of your financial and other future plans if you create a “to be” list. However, it is likely that you would make slightly or very different choices about your money.
Make a new scenario in the NewRetirement Planner and edit your baseline plan in light of your “to be” list. See what’s possible!
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