10 ideas for lists you can write to 10X your life this year. — Alex Mathers

But I’m not always motivated. In fact, I find it incredibly easy to veer off track and forget where I am and why.

Writing a brainstorm list of ideas around a particular question or topic has become one of the most productive things I do, and I do it pretty much every day.

Writing exhaustive lists encourages the bio-machinery at the back of my mind to spit out new ideas that weren’t easy to spot initially.

We already know what we need to know.

List-writing reveals the best of what we know in a beautifully fruitful birthing process.

These are ten lists that help me discern between good ideas, great ideas, and the best ideas.

Some of these lists help you make a single choice out of many options; others to create a range of useful data points, and others to help spur awareness and understanding, which will better help you make firm decisions.

Q) What would I do for the rest of my life if I knew I couldn’t fail that would still allow me to continually develop my full potential?

This question is designed to get you thinking about what kinds of purpose, mission and goals are worth your best time.

Brainstorm several ideas here.

Q) What could I make happen in the next 12-months or less that would have a hugely positive impact on my life, business, and/or the lives of others?

Write your answers, and then, from the list of ideas, choose ONE rock-solid mission that you commit to making a reality within the next year no matter what.

No matter what.

You will make this a significant priority in your life now.

You will remind yourself of this ONE single mission daily, like a soldier with an order from the Field Marshall.

Q) What are all the reasons why I absolutely must complete this mission?

Having an intense and emotional ‘why’ that fuels your actions is vital not only in staying transfixed on your goals, and staying motivated yourself but also in spreading the word to others in a way that draws their support.

Q) What sub-goals would this ONE mission be composed of?

Q) What small steps would these sub-goals be comprised of, and in what rough order would they need to be completed?

Q) What kinds of people could help me attain each sub-goal?

Write down all the professions, companies, job-roles, types of people you need to support your goals.

You can’t do this alone. Do what few do and enlist the help of great people. Most people fail at their goals because

they don’t enlist much help from others, and

they don’t develop connections with enough people.

Build a tribe of at least 150 people who will support you.

Q) Who exactly are the people I need to create relationships with in each of the above categories?

This is where you begin building an extensive set of lists containing real contact names and details of the people you will connect with and share lots of value with.

Use LinkedIn and your current networks, referrals and social media to develop these connections.

It takes a lot of ignored calls and emails, but having a tribe of people supporting you in your mission is invaluable, and will make the difference between it being a pipe-dream and a reality.

Q) What ways can I bring value to my network in a consistent way?

A thriving network that supports you is fueled by your own support and sharing of value.

Connecting people together, sharing articles and being a useful resource will ensure many people in your network will bring value back to you too in ways that will propel you to your goals.

Q) What are some ways I will amplify the likelihood that I will maintain progress towards my mission?

Perhaps some distractions are holding you back.

What skills do you need to learn; books to read, courses to learn, or classes to go to?

What negative beliefs do you need to break-down and reframe that might be holding you back?

Maybe you need a coach to help guide you.

Maybe your work environment doesn’t help get stuff done.

What are some good habits you can incorporate into your day to make progress smoother and more effective?

Q) What are the ways you are sold on yourself, your products, services and ideas?

To make progress in this world, especially when other people are involved, and deals are to be made, I have learned that I must believe in my value in what I have to offer.

Why? Not just to persuade others.

I need to persuade myself.

Listing out the ways I am genuinely sold on myself is vital in motivating me to get my ideas and products out in the world with enthusiasm, in such a way that I support my goals.

How are you genuinely sold on yourself? Why should you be?