source: http://www.awaionline.com
If a genie suddenly appeared and offered to grant you a single wish, what would you say?
Most people answer, “Money!” and name a huge amount. But money is fleeting. And it does nothing for you unless you spend it on something meaningful … which brings you back to square one:
What do you really want?
I get flummoxed deciding what to eat for dinner, let alone figuring out what I want in life. Luckily, a lot of brainstorming comes in handy — especially when prompted by outside ideas. That’s why I’ve compiled this list of things other people want in life.
I’m not saying you should want what somebody else does. But maybe by reading through these varied replies I’ve gleaned from friends and other sources, it’ll stir up some fresh ideas for you.
And while you’re brainstorming, remember that no idea is too big for someone living the writer’s life. You don’t face the same constraints other people deal with. Unlimited income potential and the freedom to work when and where you choose give you enormous freedom. Your biggest hurdle is deciding what you want and then going after it.
So if the question, “What do you want in life?” leaves you stumped, you can at least get your goal-oriented juices flowing by taking a look at the list below.
But before you start, do me a favor. Really read through this list and note the things that you might want. Goal-setting is something that takes focused thought. It’s easy to brush it off and say you’ll do it later, but then chances are good you’ll never get back to it.
Just remember, the payoff could be huge if you really put some effort into this. So here is your idea-generating list of 57 things other people want from life:
Every time an idea for a new goal comes to you, write it down. Don’t filter out anything — especially if your first reaction to it is that it’s impossible.
That’s the beauty of the writer’s life. Virtually nothing is impossible once you’re able to command an income at the touch of a keyboard, anywhere and anytime.
So think big. Think about the kinds of things in life that are most satisfying and rewarding to you, and then break those things down into specifics. For example, maybe being able to provide well for your loved ones is something you find extremely satisfying.
Build on that by asking yourself what you want to provide. Do you want to send your kids to private school? Make enough money so your spouse doesn’t have to work? Treat the grandkids to a week at Disney World? Provide live-in care for an aging parent?
Once you solidify what it is you want, work backwards. Think about what it’ll take to get it. Then think about the kind of time you’re able to invest in pursuit of that goal. Finally, consider what kind of projects would be enjoyable enough to make the pursuit of that goal pleasant.
Your objective here is to find something that pays the bills but also feeds your spirit. If you’re lucky, the same thing will do both.
If your goal includes making more money, changing careers, or making a living from writing, you should really check out the AWAI 2011 Bootcamp. It’s one of the best places to find inspiration for living a goal-focused life (speaking from experience!). Click here for more information.
Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in comments are those of the comment writers alone and does not reflect or represent the views of Victor Duru
If a genie suddenly appeared and offered to grant you a single wish, what would you say?
Most people answer, “Money!” and name a huge amount. But money is fleeting. And it does nothing for you unless you spend it on something meaningful … which brings you back to square one:
What do you really want?
I get flummoxed deciding what to eat for dinner, let alone figuring out what I want in life. Luckily, a lot of brainstorming comes in handy — especially when prompted by outside ideas. That’s why I’ve compiled this list of things other people want in life.
I’m not saying you should want what somebody else does. But maybe by reading through these varied replies I’ve gleaned from friends and other sources, it’ll stir up some fresh ideas for you.
And while you’re brainstorming, remember that no idea is too big for someone living the writer’s life. You don’t face the same constraints other people deal with. Unlimited income potential and the freedom to work when and where you choose give you enormous freedom. Your biggest hurdle is deciding what you want and then going after it.
So if the question, “What do you want in life?” leaves you stumped, you can at least get your goal-oriented juices flowing by taking a look at the list below.
But before you start, do me a favor. Really read through this list and note the things that you might want. Goal-setting is something that takes focused thought. It’s easy to brush it off and say you’ll do it later, but then chances are good you’ll never get back to it.
Just remember, the payoff could be huge if you really put some effort into this. So here is your idea-generating list of 57 things other people want from life:
Material Things
- Big house
- Nice car
- Fashionable clothes
- Plenty of money for dining out
- A big enough budget for luxury travel
- Thin friends
- An attractive spouse
Self-Confidence Things
- To neither look nor feel fat
- To eat whatever you want without gaining weight
- To hold your own in a political conversation
- To learn to dance without looking stupid
- To be attractive as you age
- To be the life of the party, at least once
- To know what you want and have the confidence to go after it
Adventurous Things
- Visit every continent
- Speak a foreign language — fluently
- Learn how to take professional photographs
- Go scuba diving, cliff diving, or skydiving
- Live in a beautiful, serene place
- Volunteer in a disaster zone
- Go to a major sports championship, like Wimbledon
- Pilot a plane
- Spend New Year’s in New York City
Spiritual/Emotional Things
- Have at least one true best friend
- Feel relief from social judgment
- Reconcile with an enemy
- Be remembered in a positive way after death
- Know that you made a difference in someone else’s life
- Feel important to others
- Know yourself and feel centered
- Live each day without regret
- Quiet self-limiting thoughts
Career-Related Things
- Reach a fabled level of success that makes you untouchable
- Create a positive work/life balance
- Feel as capable as others think you are
- Be more productive with each minute of the day
- Be recognized as talented or even brilliant
- Pursue your calling while supporting your family financially
- Publish a book
- Make enough money to care for aging parents
- Write a screenplay that gets picked up as a movie
Lifestyle Things
- Start every morning with a leisurely cup of coffee instead of a rushed, chugged one
- Travel the country in an RV
- Have satisfying, regular sex
- Not be afraid of intimacy
- Have many children and grandchildren
- Stay married to the same person
- Find meaningful work
- Find the best piece of pie, ever
- Give your dog a really happy life
Health Things
- Grow old without losing your mind or control of your body
- Recover from a painful or debilitating disease
- Not die from a painful or debilitating disease
- Have plenty of energy to enjoy each day
- Age gracefully, without wrinkles and without going bald
- Find a way to enjoy exercise
- Finish a marathon or an ironman triathlon
Every time an idea for a new goal comes to you, write it down. Don’t filter out anything — especially if your first reaction to it is that it’s impossible.
That’s the beauty of the writer’s life. Virtually nothing is impossible once you’re able to command an income at the touch of a keyboard, anywhere and anytime.
So think big. Think about the kinds of things in life that are most satisfying and rewarding to you, and then break those things down into specifics. For example, maybe being able to provide well for your loved ones is something you find extremely satisfying.
Build on that by asking yourself what you want to provide. Do you want to send your kids to private school? Make enough money so your spouse doesn’t have to work? Treat the grandkids to a week at Disney World? Provide live-in care for an aging parent?
Once you solidify what it is you want, work backwards. Think about what it’ll take to get it. Then think about the kind of time you’re able to invest in pursuit of that goal. Finally, consider what kind of projects would be enjoyable enough to make the pursuit of that goal pleasant.
Your objective here is to find something that pays the bills but also feeds your spirit. If you’re lucky, the same thing will do both.
If your goal includes making more money, changing careers, or making a living from writing, you should really check out the AWAI 2011 Bootcamp. It’s one of the best places to find inspiration for living a goal-focused life (speaking from experience!). Click here for more information.
Save $300 on Your Bootcamp 2016 Registration
If you’re serious about taking your copywriting success to the next level, AWAI’s Fasttrack to Copywriting Success Bootcamp and Job Fair is the one event you need to attend to give your copywriting career the kickstart you’ve been looking for. And right now, you can save $300 when you register by August 31st. Reserve your seat today.Published: August 8, 2011
11 Responses to “57 Things Other People Want From Life”
Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in comments are those of the comment writers alone and does not reflect or represent the views of Victor Duru
1. Survival, life extension
2. Enjoyment of food and beverage
3. freedom from fear, pain and danger
4. Sexual companionship
5. comfortable living conditions
6. to be superior. winning, keep up with your peer group
7. care and protection of loved ones
8. Social approval
Everything else is either a learned want or a variation of the above.
Excellent points. I think everything I had listed can pretty much be linked back to the eight you mentioned ... except maybe adventure. Where would that fit in?
At any rate, a fitting summary. Thanks for sharing.
Mindy
And Scrivener -- sounds like you've found the right place to be. Ruining keyboards and hanging out on the web is what I do everyday, while getting paid! I got here by taking the Six-Figure Program and going to Bootcamp, so I recommend both of those. In the meantime, keep reading articles from experts and you're certain to find your way. And keep me posted, once you do!
When you watch the late night broadcasts of starving countries and other how do you feel?
When you see a homeless person on the street, how do you feel?
Push the sensationalism of the media showing you the glory life away of the few, and focus on your heart, everyone has one, FIND WHAT MAKES YOURS TICK and be kind to everyone....
It doesn't cost you anything to be nice to others everyday!!!!