Let’s get started with some goal-setting. In May, I turned 40. After hyperventilating for 15 minutes and eating some chocolate, I did what I did when I turned 30 – I made a Master To-Do List for the next decade. My list includes places I want to travel to and things I want to do. A couple examples on my updated list: — travel to Ireland; spend more quality time with my nieces and nephews; start this blog (check!), and buy a house. Basically, it’s a list of my passions and dreams, and it gives me purpose. When I have one of those days when I wonder what the meaning of life is or want to eat my body weight in ice cream, I look at my list and remind myself of where I want to be.

With the list I had during my thirties, it was nice to check off my accomplishments each year. One of the biggest goals I accomplished during that time was finding my birth parents, something that has only enriched my life. I usually checked the list twice a year – around my birthday and New Year’s, and it’s easier to make life-altering decisions when you’ve already decided on your goals. By regularly checking your Master To-Do List, you can track your progress and make decisions about where to spend your time, money and energy.

So what would you put on your Master To-Do List? Where would you like to go? What do you want to do, learn, or buy? This is your chance to put those dreams on paper and make them come true.

Happy Organizing!