Looking Out For List Number One

You know those things you want to do someday?dancer, but if the presence of a "belly" is a
Here is my partial list:requirement, then after 3 kids, I've got that one
Learn to speak Spanish, write a book, Take bellycovered. In fact the last time I took a dance class
dancing lessons, complete a baby scrapbook for eachwas ballet when I was 7. So, to say I am a beginner,
of my three children, read the stack of books by myis an understatement. On top of that, when my
bed, help my daughter with her knitting and so muchdaughter saw me watching a belly dancing "how-to"
more. My list continues, indefinitely.dvd, and trying to practice some of the "moves," she
You know those things you do every day? Here'ssuggested that I stop it immediately. This gives you
my partial list:an idea of my natural talent.
Be wife, mommy, daughter, sister, coach, trainer andLuckily, list number one does not care about what
friend, answer emails, exercise, manage pets, call thepeople think or whether things make sense. I forged
plumber, call the phone company, buy more dogahead with my strategy. I made a note on a
food, change the light-bulb, pay the bills, manage theparticular day to find a class and sign up. Each time I
family calendar and so much more. This list goes oncame across that note and didn't have time to do it,
indefinitely, too.I moved it forward to the next day, the next week
And, if I am not careful, these two lists shall neverand yes, the next month. It took 3 months, but
meet. List number one will forever be dominated byfinally there was a day in which I was able to take
the hands-on-hips glare of self-important list numberthe time to find and sign up for a class. That set the
two. And list number two does have a point. She iswheels in motion. I found someone to stay with the
filled with the items that MUST get done. Her taskskids, purchased a beginners skirt and set of finger
concern "real" issues such as getting food on thecymbals and blocked out those Wednesday classes in
table, running a business, getting the kids to violin andmy calendar.
ballet, making doctor's appointments, putting the kidsAs soon as I make lunches for the kids, start dinner
to bed at night and getting them up in the morning,and get my little one in the tub, I'm going to practice
on TIME.my moves!
List number one has none of these serious issues toCOACH ME QUICK TIPS FOR LIST NUMBER ONE:
offer. All she has is her commitment to balance, love,1. Identify one item that you have wanted to do,
fun, creativity and living life to the fullest. List numbertake care of, learn about or research, for some time.
one does have a secret though. She knows how2. What is the first step on that project?
important she is. Unlike list number two, she doesn't3. When can you take that step? Next week, next
need to prove herself. She just patiently waits formonth or after the New Year? Whenever it is, just
her opportunity to shine. So how do we let ourput it in your calendar. If you use an electronic
number one list shine when days, weeks and monthscalendar, you can always move it forward digitally. If
fly by, filled with the concerns of list number two.you use a handwritten calendar, write it on a post-it
Well, I have recently implemented a strategy. I haveso that it can be moved forward if needed.
begun to put my list one items in my calendar. I4. Allow list number one to shine!
started with belly dancing lessons. No, I am not a