Make yourself a To-Be List: Here’s how

When the pandemic arrived in the U.S. and we all hunkered down at home, it meant we all had to evolve in our day-to-day. For some, it may have even sparked some reflection and inspired us to make some life changes. I’m talking about the kind of changes that grow us as humans.

Then, in the midst of coronavirus, we were quickly faced with a widespread reckoning over systematic bias and racism. This turbulent event spurred further reflection and personal changes—big for some, small for others. And for many of us, these changes are on-going. Experiencing major events that we’ve never lived through before almost forces us to reassess and look at our lives through a different lens.

And now, here we are at that “back to school” time of year when many of us are getting back into our ordinary routines (well, maybe not quite so ordinary this year). But instead of falling back into your regular schedule, try thinking less about what you have to do and instead think about what you want to BE!

You might want to do this once a year, or in my case, I sit down every two to three months and take stock of where I am and who I want to be. Here are some considerations to help you get started with your “To-Be list:”

1. Think about qualities you want to embody. Do you want to be kind, loyal, caring? Instead of only focusing on actions, be mindful about incorporating those qualities in everything you do. For instance, your “To-Do list” may say “make a gratitude list every morning” but your “To-Be list” may say “I want to be a more grateful person.” The latter forces you to think how you can be that in everything you do.
2. Consider your feelings. Think about want you want to feel and what behaviors and actions produce those feelings. If you want to feel more peaceful; you first need to know what brings you peace. Then you can embed those things in your day-to-day and give them greater priority in your life.
3. Be authentic. Remember that this isn’t about being what others want you to be. This is about you figuring out what you NEED to be to show up as your best self. Be true to who you are and let you, BE you.
4. Pass it on and support others. Share your list with others and encourage them to make their own. Support each other and give your friends, family, and colleagues the permission to be too!

Right now, this is my “To-Be list:”

• Be inspired
• Be strong
• Be still
• Be joy

Feel free to share your “To-Be list” in the comments.

It’s important to remember that we are human beings, not human doings. One of my favorite quotes (from an unknown author) is this: “You are a human being. Not a human chasing. Not a human forcing. Not a human rushing.” Right now, you don’t need to do, you can just be.