A good friend taught me about a powerful tool: the “could-do” list.

It’s simple. Make a list of all the things you could do.

This is a useful exercise if you’re considering a career shift or another big change in your life.

Just list all the things you could do.

The problem is, we’re really good at self-editing. We’re exceptionally rational. We have a good idea of what won’t work and why. We know what’s safe and what's certain.

So we keep the could-do list reasonable.

It’s almost amusing. Given the opportunity to dream, with no investment and no accountability, we still hesitate to dance with the near infinite realm of possibility.

Even with just a list.

One that no one ever has to see, except for you.

* * *

Create space to dream. Allow yourself to do it. Remember: you don’t have to follow up with any of it. You don’t have to try any of it. You won’t be judged for not having pursued anything or accomplished anything on that list. That’s not what it’s for.

The point is to explore possibility. It’s to suspend what’s logical, expected, and scripted. You know those choices already.

The could-do list is all about holding a glimpse of what else could be.

H/T Allegra