Nope, No Way...Well, Maybe. New Times Call for an Absolute No Makeover.

By Erika Fehrenbach Prell

Whether you call it this or not, you have an Absolute No List. These are the things you will no way, no how, never ever do. When you first start creating your Absolute No List, it might start with things like skydiving or going back to school or scuba diving. Nothing wrong with those, lol, as skydiving has made my list, too. But, I want to challenge you to dig deep, be brave and bold and tap into your priorities and guiding life principles. The Absolute No List is an awesome Best Life tool to help guide you on your journey to your best life.

Before you start, I want to push you just a little bit more to make your Absolute No List even better. To say we have been living in challenging times since the start of the pandemic is a huge understatement. Here’s the thing about hard times, DreamChaser, it can be a place of getting stronger and building your resiliency muscle. Choosing to find the blessing in the stressing and being a victor rather than a victim will serve you well. 

Ready for the push to be better as you make your Absolute No List? You are a different person than you were before the pandemic. You may have changes in your priorities, your career, your family, your health, your dreams, your views...all of these, a combination of these, or other things not listed. As the world starts to unfold anew from the pandemic, you have the unique opportunity for a do-over in many areas of your life. As you write (yes, write) your Absolute No List, take into consideration all that you have learned from this pandemic. Here are a few examples from lessons I have learned for inspiration (permission given to use them or modify as needed):

-Time is precious and a limited commodity that requires and deserves protection. Before saying yes to something that takes my time, I will make sure it aligns with my priorities and is a Best Yes. If not, bless and release.

-I will no longer take for granted small, everyday things like going shopping, visiting friends and family freely, going out to eat, or toilet paper. Practicing gratitude for the small things helps me keep this perspective.

-I will not waste opportunities to tell someone I love them, hug them, or spend time with them.

-Tomorrow is not guaranteed. Make the most of every moment.

-Spending time with my kids like snuggling on the couch watching America’s Got Talent, reading a book together, playing catch outside, going for a bike ride, or playing a video game is more important than laundry or cleaning. No one ever looks back and regrets dusting or vacuuming.

-The world needs more kindness. I will start the ripple by always being kind.

-I will intentionally work to remove never from my vocabulary as this word is too limiting. My thoughts on a subject may change in the future, even in regards to skydiving.

Now, it’s YOUR turn, DreamChaser, to curate your Absolute No List! 

1. Grab a piece of paper, your journal, or open the notes app on your phone. 
   
2. Write the numbers 1 through 20. Why 20, you ask? Naturally, your first few responses will be easy and superficial  like “I will never go scuba diving with sharks”; as you record these, you free up your mind to dig for deeper and more meaningful responses. 
   
3. Spend about 10 to 15 minutes on this activity initially. Do not overthink your answer, just perform a brain dump. You can go back later and revise.
   
4. Keep your Absolute No List in a prominent place. Review your list daily to keep it fresh in your mind and help guide you throughout your day.
   
5. Revise as life requires.
   

You should find the Absolute No List to be a crazy simple, fun, and effective strategy to intentionally guide you on your best life path. Shine on!

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