Lists, Lists and More Lists

Do you make lists? Do you like lists? Short lists? Long lists? Best lists? Worst lists? Wait lists? People lists? Places lists? Things to Do lists? Client lists? Achievement lists? Target employer lists? Networking lists? Do you keep them handy? Have you ever been on a list? All types, varieties and kinds of lists exist, especially today with technology making it so easy to create, post and broadcast lists within seconds of your fingertip hitting the send button.

For example, when you were in school, perhaps you were on the Perfect Attendance List? Maybe you were on the Honor Roll List? Or the Best-Dressed or Worst-Dressed List? Were you on the Scholarship Winner List? Then on to college or vocational school, maybe you were on the Dean's List or Honor's List? In the workplace, maybe your employer has some sort of special list? As a job hunter, maybe you make lots of lists? Or perhaps you participate in organizations that create lists? In today's world, there seems to be a list for just about everything imaginable.

Throughout my academic and professional life, my name has shown up on any number of lists, most of them good ones to be on, and for that, I am truly honored and grateful. I can also tell you that the list my statistics professor posted outside his door in undergraduate...well, I would have much preferred not to be on that list with a large red F parked next to my name. It was embarrassing and humiliating, to say the least, but there it was for all the world to see -- the list!

Fast forward to more recently when a client-turned-friend emailed me and wanted to know how I got on the list which happened to be a list I didn't even know I was on. I told her the truth -- I have absolutely no idea. So, if you 're on the list, does that make you any more worthy than the person not on the list? Does that mean that the person, place, or thing not on the list isn't valuable or important or of significance? Of course not! What it means is that someone, somewhere, created a list of something using particular criteria deemed necessary and/or appropriate to qualify for the list that year, that month, that day, that hour, that moment.

So, the next time you see another list printed, posted, blogged, or tweeted, maybe your name, or place, or thing will show up on it, and maybe it won't. And maybe you prefer that, and maybe you don't. And if you're on the list, let's hope that's a wonderful thing for you, and if you're not on the list, don't think there's something wrong with you. As it goes in the world of lists, there will undoubtedly be another one created later today, tomorrow, or the day after that. Lists, lists, and more lists...

posted by: billiesucher

Comments

[Jennifer]

I love this post! I use lists for every aspect of my life and I prefer handwritten lists, none of the electronic stuff...I tried it and it didn't work out.

I have never been on a list personally but my company has and it's a great feeling (if it's a good one). There are plenty that I wish we were on, but I agree...doesn't mean anything is wrong with you.

Thanks for this...fun one to read!

[billiesucher]

Jennifer, I love to make handwritten lists, too. Thanks for your remarks and keep making those lists!:)Best!
- Billie Sucher

[Russ]

I make lists all the time. 2 different type of people. People who make lists and people who dont. I make many lists. I should even make a list of all the lists I create. It is crazy but offers a sense of accomplishment when you cross items off a list.

[Jacob Share]

I end my day by making a handwritten list of my goals for the next day. Part of it is for organizational purposes - of course - but part of it is just because it's nice to use a pen once in a while. The sound of a fountain pen swath is a favorite of mine.

[billiesucher]

Russ....thanks for your comment...I absolutely agree..."I should make a list of all the lists I create!" Such fun!
- Billie

Jacob...thanks for your thoughts & also, for your words about the fountain pen. I used to write with one and I always thought it was so special...guess I should track it down! Thank you!:)
- Billie

[Anastasia from Moscow]

Hello, my name is Anastasia, I am a russian girl from Moscow and I like this site very much.
Hallo mein Name ist Anastasia, ich bin eine Russin aus Moskau und finde diese Seite super geil.

Liebe Grüße Anastasia
Greetings from Anastasia