I admit it; I have done my fair share of touting the benefits of having a to-do list. A to-be list is equally important, especially in our crazy, fast-paced, got-to-have-it-now existence. Think about it. What would our lives look like, if we started using a to-be list, every day?Would any of the following qualify to be on ours? Your grandest dreams are doomed to fail, just as your naysayers predict, but only if you live your life based on lies and half-truths about who you truly are. Acknowledging and living the truths about your beliefs, values, strengths, weakness, talent, skills and experience help to build your self-confidence and empowers you to starve off the negativity naysayers spew at you.
Be punctual. It might be funny to talk about "anytime is Trinidad time", and it may be acceptable on the leisure circuit. However, it does not order well for our careers or general life image, if our habit of being late, precedes us. That smile at our late arrivals may be a smile that hides displeasure and confirmation that we are undependable and not serious.
Be courteous. What does it cost to be courteous to people we encounter during our day - a fellow motorist, a pedestrian, the elderly, a mother hurrying to catch the bus with her young children? Couldn't we afford a few seconds, two minutes, and a seat?
Be gentle. A reputation for being hard-nosed, rough, impatient and demanding is not a badge of honour. Let's soften that image and cultivate a gentleness that moves us to respond differently in tense situations.
Be optimistic. Unexpected problems can stop us in our tracks and slap us to the ground. A little cheerful hopefulness, grounded in faith that God will supply our needs and the sustaining love of friends and family takes us over the river of shame, blame and despair.
Be flexible. Who isn't happy when everything goes as planned? Best-laid plans though, sometimes go awry. We stand a better change of weathering such contingencies, when we are flexible.
Be professional. Professionalism cuts a better picture and elicits a civil and speedier response, whether we are selling or buying a product or service, handling inquiries or complaints.
Be organised. Despite our protests or attempts at excuses, a disorganized home, cluttered office and dishevelled look tell an unflattering story about us. It only takes a few minutes to ensure that our environment and our image send a positive message about us.
Be a good listener. We may hear every word someone says, but if we don't listen, really listen, we could miss the essence, the pain or the passion that may be wrapped up in their words.
Be silent. It's a noisy world. External noise (environmental, phone, media...) is easier to shut out than the internal noise created by raging thoughts, anger, overwhelm anxiety and bitterness that mask and drown out the still small voice of reason, wisdom, warning and guidance. We could take a few minutes every day to bask in silence for our own sanity and clarity.
Be fair. All is not fair in love and war. However, but for our peace of mind, we should be fair in our daily dealings with friend and foe alike, by being liberal with our gratitude and praise and miserly with our criticisms.
Be honest. Whatever the situation, we should refuse to be entangled in a web of lies. We could lose friends, alienate people and destroy our careers, when we engage in even the mildest level of dishonesty.
We are not perfect but we can improve ourselves. A short to-be list can revolutionise our lives: inspire a fresh perspective on life and people and spark a completely new mind-set toward situations we encounter. It can raise our visibility on the job, revive faltering relationships and re-shape how we manage distractions and problems. Are you game to try a to-be list? What will you write on it?