Have a to-be list, not a to-do list

To-do lists are great. Who does not love a good to-do list? Ticking off items gives us a sense of accomplishment, making us feel like life is moving forward.

But are things really moving forward in the right direction? Why do so many highly effective people still feel unfulfilled?

The limitation of traditional to-do lists

The reality is, many people spend their days checking off tasks that don’t align with their true values or long-term goals. This often leads to a sense of emptiness, even among those who are otherwise successful. At the end of life, as countless stories tell us, what truly matters is how we showed up—whether we lived in alignment with our values, especially during challenging times.

Embrace the to-be list: A path to high performance

This is where the concept of a to-be list comes in. Instead of just focusing on what you need to do, focus on who you want to be. Challenges will always arise - sometimes from those who love us and want to see us grow, and sometimes from those who trigger our doubts and fears.

Consider these challenges as teachers, guiding you to become the person you truly want to be. Do not wait for external challenges; instead, choose to challenge yourself. Every single day.

A to-be list helps you stretch, raises your ambition, and guides you toward high performance.

For example, today I want to be kind to myself and others, energetic, and positive.

What’s on your to-be list today?

So, what is written on your “to-be list” today? Who do you want to be? By focusing on your to-be list, you align your daily actions with your true values and long-term goals, leading to greater fulfillment and a more meaningful life.

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