Words matter. Not just with facts, but they matter in how they motivate or discourage us. For example, what comes to mind when you hear the phrase “To-Do List”?
Depending on your personality, the phrase might motivate you. For others hearing the words “To-Do List” create dread because you associate it with chores or things you have “to-do.” Depending on our mood, others might react differently to the phrase on different days. No matter our response, since words matter, we can make the phrase more motivational.
Motivation begins by replacing the word “do” in the “To-Do List” to “want,” making it our “To-Want List.” Here’s an example from my life:
I often have multiple projects and goals I’m pursuing—plans to include exercise, professional certifications, hobbies, and more. I’ll not list each of them because the amount can look overwhelming; on some days, the combinations of all my goals do begin to feel like too much, but it’s not. However, when I start to feel overwhelmed, I know it’s time to shift my focus by turning my “To-Do List” into my “To-Want List.”
Specifically, one of my goals is to become a better chef on the grill. This goal is one that I don’t actively pursue like other goals but still exists. Therefore, when I need a physical and mental break from more serious pursuits, it’s time for a change. My change in focus becomes my “To-Want List” by studying, obtaining accessories, and trying new grill recipes. As a result, recently, to my wife and I’s surprise, we had delicious calzones and pizza cooked on the grill.
Taking the time to temporarily let go of other goals, I was able to refresh and renew myself to accomplish other life pursuits.
Returning to the idea of a “To-Do List” versus a “To-Want List,” ask yourself: Do I want to pursue my goals or not? If the answer is “no” to any of them, then reconsider keeping them. Sure, we all have things we don’t want to do, including items on our “To-Do List.” Nevertheless, there should be items you wish to complete on your “To-Do List.” You might have to dig deep to remember why some goals are essential to you. But recognizing their importance will motivate you to complete both the things you want to ignore and the goals you want to accomplish.
See, when everything on your list is something you want “To-Do,” either short-term or long-term, you’ll be motivated to pursue each goal. Furthermore, your items on your “To-Do List” can also serve as motivation and even relaxation from the more massive and more challenging goals you’re pursuing. All you have to do is shift your mindset from focusing on your “To-Do List” items to the “To-Want List” goals. Again, words matter, but not just in solid understandings, but in motivational approaches too.
