No Opportunities Wasted

The biggest risk in life is not taking one. So as Phil Keoghan says “ditch your excuses and capture the moment”.

In order to capture the moment, you have to be there or create an opportunity to allow you to do the things you want to.

What have you always wanted to do? When you are 80 years old, sitting on your deck with your grandchildren and they ask you “do you have any regrets in life?” – wouldn't it be fabulous to say “none what so ever!”

According to Phil Keoghan there are three steps to achieving everything you want to in life:

1. Think
2. Write it Down
3. Then Do.

After Phil's near death experience and reflecting on the importance of seizing the day, Phil decided to approach his life anew. With a reinvigorated ethic he wrote a ‘List for Life': a tick-box of things he wanted to do before he died.

What is it that you want to do before you leave this earth? Be selfish and put aside some time to explore your soul and really think about what it is you want from this life.

If it helps, take yourself off to a place that you find relaxing (the beach, your garden, top of a hill, your favourite bean bag…) and let your mind be free.

Take something to record your list on. What ever you are comfortable with – it could be a writing pad, journal, computer, electronic whiteboard, post it notes, a piece of A3 paper or the brown paper bag your fast-food take-aways came in.

Your list is your own personal list, it doesn't matter what your friends or family may say. In fact, you don't have to show it to anyone. Although, sharing your list can make it feel more real and even make you feel more accountable for achieving the items on your list.

Your list can include experiences, activities, purchases, dreams, goals etc. If you don't know where to start, have a look at Phil Keoghan's website for ideas. People have shared their ‘List for Life' with Phil and published it on www.noopportunitywasted.com .

Phil says remember “once you've made your own ‘List for Life', don't be hesitant to change it, add to it, adapt it: It should be a fluid and dynamic document. It should evolve as you grow.”

‘No Opportunity Wasted' is about learning how to live while you still have the chance, about letting go of the handrails, taking off your tie (and maybe taking off a lot more, while you're at it), and swerving off that predictable road you've been following for years - onto a strange and bumpy path that just might, with a bit of luck, get you lost. It is about taking the time to enjoy experiences you've denied yourself. It's also about sharing experiences with other people you know and connecting with people you don't know - beginning with yourself.

Life is a gift, so what's stopping you from doing what you want to do? Get out there and give it a go!

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