91.
Do a “101 Things
To Do Before I Die” List
This is a powerful idea. Got it from an article I read on Ted Leonsis, vice – chairman of AOL. A number of
years ago he was on an airplane that looked like it was going to crash. It didn’t, but the brush with death
changed the way he viewed life – and lived it. He decided, as soon as he got off the plane, to live with a
greater sense of passion, purpose and urgency. So he took out a piece of paper and scribbled out a list of
the 101 things he was absolutely committed to doing before he died. Borrowing from his example, I’ve done
the same. It has worked wonders.
It never ceases to amazing me how powerful a practice written goal – setting is. Just ask anyone
who does it on a consistent basis. Leonsis, whose list included everything from starting a family to owning a
professional sports franchise, has accomplished two – thirds of the objectives he wrote down. Clarity clearly
does precede success. And with heightened awareness of what’s most important comes wiser choices.
As for me, I’m still in hot pursuit of my dreams. But so many of the goals on my list have been
achieved, including starting a charity to help disadvantaged children become leaders, watching the sun set
on the tiny Greek island of Santorini and showing my kids Michelangelo’s statue David. And I’m just getting
started. So should you.
He took out a piece of paper
And scribbled out a list of the 101 things
He was absolutely committed to doing
Before he died.