I’ve been called the list guy.
I’m sure there are at least 7 reasons why.
Most of the time that’s not a bad thing. Sometimes I’m sure it is. One guy wrote recently — “What’s with all the lists? Don’t you know how to write without them?”
Whatever! But, I’m okay with that. Seriously. There are other blogs out there that don’t use lists. Some that do. And, I’ve been told I’ve encouraged some that do to use the lists they do. (So, what’s that about? Crazy.)
I don’t use lists in every post. I didn’t this one, but lists sometimes help me make a complex issue simpler.
I start my day with lists. I process using lists. I often think in lists. I counsel people with lists — steps to think through — options — thoughts — in lists. It works for me.
And, thankfully, it seems to have worked for this blog. I have a lot of blog posts beginning with “7” in the title and my blog traffic isn’t too shabby. I could give you a list of reasons I’m thankful for that.
But, I need to be honest. Lists aren’t everything.
Lists — in and of themselves — aren’t the solution.
There. You heard it from “the list guy”.
And, I can promise you this: Here’s one thing a list won’t solve.
It won’t solve your problem if all you do is read a list.
Period.
Reading a list won’t fix a broken marriage. It won’t improve your leadership. It can’t cause you to lose weight. You won’t be a better parent simply by reading another list.
I could give you a whole list of reasons why. Probably 7, 10 or 12 reasons why.
If you ignore doing the right things — list or no list — it’s not going to work.
You can make all the lists you want. Read every list out there. There are a few on this blog. I think some of them are pretty good. But one thing I know for sure:
You can’t succeed at what you don’t begin.
Ideas don’t lead to success. Making lists doesn’t lead to success. Reading lists won’t produce success. They may help. But, actions lead to success. Taking positive steps forward — that leads to success.
Do nothing and you get no results. If you don’t work the list — the list is of no value.
The very best list can’t solve the problem of inactivity.
Do you need a list to understand this post? Be honest.
