My goals were simple when I was young.  Be a starting defender on the soccer team.  Save up the money to buy a cool car.  Talk to women in hopes of a date.  Most goals were relatively short term, and easily achieved or forgotten.

As we get older, setting goals becomes more important in shaping our lives.  We each have a set of goals or a list of things in our mind we want to do in life.  About five years ago, a friend sent me a link about writing goals and discussing with friends.  The objective of the exercise was to vocalize goals, allowing friends to help you achieve them.  Not surprisingly I was the only one in my group to make the list.

I was reminded of this Sunday, as the New York Times had an article about life lists.  These goal lists are the new fad among baby boomers and Generation X’ers alike. It had been a while since I examined mine, so I decided to pull it out.

The current variation of the list is significantly different from its first version.  Simple goals like “build my own computer” and “setup my own website” were quickly completed.  Some goals evolved.  Once “write a novel” was completed, “publish a novel” took its place.  The simple “graduate school” changed into “obtain my masters degree,” and will soon be removed from the list.  Even more difficult goals such as “start my own business” are starting to fall (while Outside the Brain Studio is in its infancy, I have received my first check from it).

I decided it was time to rethink and update my goal/life list.  Since it is easier to achieve goals with the help of those you know (or in this case, possibly don’t), here is my list.

1.  Publish a novel
2.  Visit Prague/Europe
3.  Run for political office
4.  Make a movie (write and direct)
5.  Live outside of WI
6.  Do a 5k run
7.  Drive Route 66
8.  Learn to paint/decorate a room with my own art
9.  Write for a major publication
10. Obtain my masters
And just because 11 is way better then 10…
11. Learn to dance (better)

I invite others to share their lists in the comment section.