Last week I asked you to think about your core values, which can provide a framework for creating your long-term vision of the future you desire.  This week let’s take another step towards building your vision.  When I work with coaching clients, I give them a packet of exercises to complete, and they identify themes to help them write a story of what their life will look like 10 to 15 years from now.  And then we start working on how to get there!

Here is one, simple exercise you can work through to start thinking about your vision.  This one is called “27 Things I Want to Do Before I Die.”  Most people simplify this by calling it their bucket list.  Here’s how it works.

1. Grab a stack of post-it notes and find a blank wall where you can work.
2. List a minimum of 27 things you would like to do or experience before you die. Use one post-it note for each item and stick it up on the wall.  When people start this exercise, many of them will list all the different places in the world where they would like to travel.  To help you think more broadly, limit yourself to only five travel-related post-it notes.  If you get stuck, invite others to help you think of ideas.
3. Once you have at least 27 things listed, start arranging the post-it notes into groups of similar activities or experiences. Create a title for each group.  If you did the core values activity last week, notice how your core values align with the themes from your post-it notes.  You’ve just started building a framework for your vision!

This activity also works well when done in groups.  Give everyone in your family a stack of post-it notes and have each of them do the activity for themselves.  Then walk around to look at everyone’s wall and notice where you have similarities and differences.  This could lead to planning some fun experiences as a family!

Wishing you the best!

Amy