Wish list is not just wishful thinking...

You know, life is full of crossroads. Every single day we encounter them. Every single day we make choices that either enhance our life or not. I came across these interesting questions today...

1. If I knew I couldn't fail, what would I do that I am not doing now?

2. If I didn't have to do it perfectly, what would I do?

3. If I wasn't worried about money, what job would I do?

4. If I could live anywhere, where would I want to live?

5. If I was willing to give up past regrets, how different would my life be starting now?

6. If I wasn't so worried about outcomes, how would my life be different today?

There's no reason that we can't have what we want out of life. Sometimes I get caught up in wishful thinking. If only I had the money/time/courage, I could do this or this or this. *sigh* And then I move on and forget about it. Shame on me.

What if we instead realized that you can do what you want and have what you want, if you just used a little creativity to find a way to get to it?

There's nothing wrong with tweaking your wish list to form it into something you actually CAN get/accomplish. If you allow your wish list to be flexible you won't ever have to give up on it.

For instance: What if my wish was to 'travel the world.' That's a pretty tall order. Couldn't I narrow it down to "By the year _____ I'd like to have travelled to Brazil."

Setting clear goals and specifically defining your wishes can help you accomplish them. And maybe along the line I realize that I'd rather go to Rome then Brazil. That's okay- cause my wishes are flexible.

And at the end of my life, when I look back, I won't say "I never got to travel the world." I will instead say "What great memories I have of my wonderful trip to Brazil. I'm glad I made that opportunity happen for me."

What else can you do to ensure that your wishlist becomes a reality? Surround yourself with friends and family that either share those same goals or support you and encourage you in accomplishing them.

It's amazing how much positive reinforcement and total backing from friends and family can boost that "I believe I can do this" factor. Just like it's amazing how one negative comment can plant that tiny seed of self doubt.

Lastly, remember that life is not always a picnic. You're going to stumble, you're going to make poor choices, things are going to be hard, and you're going to feel like giving up on your wish list. But don't.

What defines a successful person is how they handle lifes frustrations and whether or not they get back on the horse and keep trying. They don't dwell on the possibility that things may not go the way they want them to. They are aware of that fact but they don't let that stop them from going for it and giving their all.

So when you look at those questions above...take some time to really give more than a one word answer and you will uncover some very powerful information. This one exercise could help you open your eyes to a whole new world of possibilities.

And remember you're never too old and it's never too late to re-evaluate what you want out of life and then find a way to go out and get it.