Imagine the Possibilities

This blog talks about creating a Life Possibilities List that will become your source of inspiration – to help bring clarity to what you want in your life (Life Plan), to create a daily/weekly/monthly plan, and/or to look to when you need a little push out of boredom.  In the Retirement Transition Process of Reflect, Imagine, Assess, Activate and Refine, this is Imagine!
This Possibilities List is more than just a honey-do task list of cleaning out the basement and going to those places you always wanted to visit, although those things are on it as well.  Years ago while exploring creating a bucket list, I realized a good list is more than the “100 things to do before I die”.  While those things are great to have on the list, this possibilities list should also include elements of who you want to be and skills/talents you want to develop.
There are many “life list” approaches (books/websites) that are quite helpful.  I’m sharing exercises I felt worked best for me – a range of brain stimulating tasks and various sources of inspiration. As you go through these, don’t make excuses to not put something on the list – no buts, or don’t know how’s.  I do know that you will unconsciously filter things that just really have no interest for you. (I just do not want to jump out of a plane, ever. It is not on my list.)  My goal for my first list was 150 items.   My current list has more as I’ve been inspired by others lists.
After you have your list, you can do a few things with it. In my Retirement Transition process, I use it to choose activities that match my Life Vision statement (interests, strengths, values and life domains I want to focus on).  You can use it to look for patterns to create a “big plan” idea that might link multiple possibilities.  Here’s a real example from my Possibilities List: researching and planning trips + African Safari + wildlife spotting + luxury vacation + cross the equator + visit 25 new countries + time with hubby = plan an African Safari trip with Tauck adventures for our 25th anniversary.  You can also use it to create a vision board (visual collage of the life you want to have this year). Or define some grand goals; “50 states by the time I am 50” was a grand goal earlier in my life (completed!).

Best Approaches:
— Mind Mapping JOY – What activities bring you joy today? What makes you lose track of time when you are engaged in it? What do you spend time doing when you can do anything? What activities brought you joy in the past? What old hobbies do you want to re-ignite?

— Resolving Concerns. What activities might help in some of your personal concern areas?
– Activities that will get me physically fit – Do you want to get your body in shape? Change your eating habits? What are some physical pursuits you’ve always thought about trying? Learn to play a sport?
– Activities that will create connection – Do you want to reconnect with friends you might have not had time for? Spend more time with family? Create new friendships?
– Activities that will stimulate my brain/personal development — What have you dreamed about trying/studying? What have people suggested you try?
— Need to work?  Whether for emotional or financial reasons, you might have identified a need to produce an income stream from part-time work. Here’s some ideas for turning interest or expertise into income:
–  Be the Expert (capitalize on your work experience and contacts) – consultant, coach, mentor, adjunct professor, on-line instructor, recruiter, speaker, corporate trainer, professional organization administrator, writer (publish books), create & sell digital downloads/training.

– Small Business Creation for day-to-day needs/services – dog walker, driver, organizer, personal shopper, tax prep, personal concierge, personal chef, business support services, home stager, proof reader, website developer, home companion

– Part-time jobs where time = money – freelance writing, photographer, seasonal work (summer camps, parks, stores), retail in passion area (fashion, home improvement, gardening, cooking, home decor), fitness instructor (yoga, zumba)

– Buy into Franchise/License a Program – independent sales consultant, life coach

–  New Career (require new skills or certification) – performer (musician, actor, comedian), mediator, teacher, health care worker/practitioner, realtor, minister, financial advisor, lawyer

Additional fun brainstorm activities: 

• Go back and look at older journals, older life/bucket lists , older to-do lists (if you have them). What did you like to do, want to do? Or ask family and /or old friends – What did I always want to do?
• Go to the bookstore and select 5 books/magazines on things you’ve never done (check the books for Dummies section). What are they? You might even buy them and explore! If nothing else, what sections in the bookstore did you drift to?
• Who’s lifestyles do you/ have you admired? What about them would you like to replicate in yours? I love A’s food adventurism, K’s devotion to exercise, M’s search for wearable yet trendy fashion, C’s active stay-cation mindset summers.
• If you were to create a TV documentary or TV special or blog, what would it be about?
• List your 5-10 Imaginary Lives. If you could pick 5-10 other lives to live, what would they be? The list is endless – do not be sensible – pick at least 5 that would be fun & exciting. To get you started, here’s some I have seen on other’s lists: screenwriter, tour guide, realtor, sailor, pilot, teacher, mountain climber, kite flyer, lawyer, car racer, B&B owner, bird watcher, chess champion, paid musician, martial arts black belt(er), park ranger, massage therapist, interior designer, health coach, nutritionist, cowboy, golf coach, actor, dancer, architecture buff, knitter, published writer, preacher, photographer, board member, start-up advisor, house restorer, antique dealer, standup comedian, mediator, landscaper, artist, life coach, financial advisor, travel writer, chef, magician, yoga teacher, marathoner, dog trainer, fitness instructor.
• What are the 25 destinations you have always wanted to visit (locally, domestically, internationally), the 25 things you always wanted to learn to do, the 25 things you want to experience (foods to eat, people to meet, events to attend, books to read)
• What is your “metro list” – the total stay-cation/ learn your city list – museums, boutiques, shows, festival, parks, restaurants, neighborhoods, outdoor art, etc.
• Fill in the blanks: Someday I would love to try _________. If money were no object, I would try __________. If I knew I could be successful/competent at it, I would ____________.
• Look at other people’s lists! Steal & reapply. What does it spark for you? Does something make you say “wow, isn’t that cool?”

Some of the ideas that have appeared on Possibilities Lists I have seen (and some from mine!):

So what are the 150 Possibilities on your list?