ISSUE 101: a successful list
Yesterday I posted a list of the themes of the month: my goals, events, plans, to-do’s, ideas (this idea is not original, I didn’t invent it) and it’s something I’ve been doing in 2022 that actually makes a huge difference in my life, and I’m here to tell you why.
1: When you have a list of things you have to do, it’s kind of unpleasant. Even if I technically want to do those things and even feel blessed to do those things, it simply gives me anxiety. When I make a list of things I have to get done and then mix in fun ideas to incorporate into the month, events or activities I’m looking forward to, and even some foods I love… the list is suddenly a script for a fun little movie. Or a beautiful art project.
You’re suddenly a creative director, not a lifeless robot running from task to task.
2: Get a thrill out of trying out new habits. I have been doing a 20-second ice-cold shower 4-5 times a week and I’m actually super proud of myself, considering I take showers at the hottest temperature possible and permanently live wrapped in a heating pad. Honestly, I hate it so much that it gives me a thrill.
I’ve started to feel absolutely demonic (in a hot, sexy way) when I do it because I get the most stunning adrenaline rush paired with sustained energy afterwords. Plus, I feel pretty much invincible after.
Instead of convincing yourself it’s going to be super fun, say f*ck it, and do it because it sucks so bad but feels so good after. Then it’s kind of a joke. But then? You’ll actually start to like it.
3: But also, remember that as the creative director of your life you have the power to write down things that are actually important to you. I used to start every month with a goal list that looked like this: “No sugar this month read 10 books, sleep 8-9 hours every night.” and it was just so lame. Not only was it rooted in an eating disorder (ha) but it was boring and not actually important to me. For some reason I felt like going off of added sugar for a whole month would be life-changing. And the thing is that it probably would, genuinely feel really nice. It might actually be life-changing. But it wasn’t actually something that I wanted, it was just something I thought I had to do. The funniest part was that I didn’t even eat that much candy, have stomach aches, etc. I would then move forward with my life, forget the goal (BECAUSE IT’S NOT ACTUALLY IMPORTANT TO ME & I DIDN’T NEED IT), and move on throughout the month happily enjoying some m&m’s here and there. Which I never regret, because m&m’s are awesome.
You don’t have to wake up at 6 am because you feel like you “should”. You don’t have to cut added sugar to change your health, just cut back a bit or replace it with a more nutritious alternative. Do you need to read 10 books or finish two that you’ve been neglecting?
You don’t have to put down anything unless you genuinely crave the results— now that’s intention!
Ex: I hate the cold showers but I want the reward you get from taking them. This means that I want the cold showers, so badly that I won’t forget I made the goal in the first place. Get it?
Because here’s the thing: making a list can be sexy if you respect the process. No garbage monthly lists, okay guys? Life is too short!
Create your own guide! My digital calendar club is available now and has a printable calendar, a vibe list for you to create inspired by these tips, a discount and more!
xx, Chloe
Here’s the song recc from my boyfriend Nick: