Several years ago, Benjamin and I were introduced to The Wants List (WL) by a dear friend of ours. It’s simple in concept, but meaningful in practice. To create a WL, allow at least five uninterrupted minutes to reflect on what you really want and write it all down. The key is to allow thoughts to flow freely, unhindered. It is not a time to evaluate the wants to determine whether they are reasonable or possible, only to let every single want, from the shallowest of desires to the deepest of dreams, to come to the surface and onto the paper. This exercise is a wonderful tool for practicing mindfulness and allowing honesty with ourselves about our heart’s desires, which are too easily ignored during the rush of the day’s events, or dismissed as too impractical.
Once the items are on the list, the next step is a matter of personal preference. In deciding to act on any particular item on the list, one can proceed by taking full and honest stock of reality in its current state and determine a course of action to achieve the desired result. Some things on the list won’t inspire immediate action. That’s okay. The WL is also an effective measuring tool to determine over time whether one’s life path is on track in accordance with their dreams and desires. By pulling out an old WL and rereading it, it becomes immediately apparent which ones were passing fancies and which ones are deep heart desires. It helps keep the most important hopes and goals in plain sight, serving as a reminder with each revisitation to the list. The best stuff rises to the top.
Benjamin and I have made many WLs over the last 7-8 years since first learning the process. We make them independently for our own personal goals and dreams, and we make them together when visioning for our marriage. It becomes a natural response to the restless feeling that comes with losing focus or direction. Sitting down and making a quick WL helps us refocus on where we’re headed and what we really want to be doing with our lives.
Only a few weeks ago, I came across The Minimalists’ great post about their Must List (ML) [http://www.theminimalists.com/deciding/. The ML is a cousin to the Wants List in that it requires much consideration in developing authentic readings on the desires for greatness hidden deep down inside. However, it requires a much more active response. Making a ML means making a focused commitment to working on each item with discipline and consistency. Whereas the WL acts as a barometer for living over the long haul, from which one may or may not take action, the ML is by its very nature an immediate call to action, requiring moment-by-moment and day-by-day intentionally focused behavior.
After years of WLs, I’m ready to take on an ML. Presently, my ML is a work in progress. Over the years I have acted on many WL items, but those that I never quite got around to working on... today is your day! While I will continue to use the WL as a great assessment tool from time to time, I am ready to launch into a new phase of intentional living: one that requires focused effort and acts of self-discipline each and every day.