The List
The list, what is this book about? We all harbor dreams, with some lingering on the backburner, and others, too audacious to voice. What if the key to realizing these aspirations were as simple as wielding a pencil and jotting them down on a piece of paper?
The List: Shout Your Dreams Out Loud to Make Them Come True, By Yuval Abramovitz, 2014, 432 pages.
Chronicle and summary of “The List”:
The summary is organized into broader sections, allowing for a more reader-friendly experience. Here’s the breakdown:
- Part 1: Introduction to Yuval Abramovitz and his journey (Chapters 1 to 8)
- Part 2: Exploring the practice of list-making and proclaiming goals (Chapters 9 to 35)
- Part 3: A comprehensive guide on creating effective lists (Chapters 36 to 46)
- Part 4: Transforming aspirations into reality (Chapters 47 to 64)
- Part 5: Debunking the notion that financial constraints hinder progress (Chapters 65 to 72)
Part 1: Presentation of Yuval Abramovitz and his story
1 – The list that saved me
Yuval Abramovitz, a 16-year-old working in a restaurant, faced a life-altering accident, slipping on a hazardous puddle. Despite grim doctor predictions of permanent paralysis, Yuval, inspired during his recovery, created a list of dreams. Over 18 months, defying medical expectations, he fully recovered. Yuval attributes his healing to the power of his dream list, which fueled his determination.
2 – The best gift I ever received
Whenever Yuval shared his accident story, he consistently faced reactions of pity, astonishment, and compassion. Surprisingly, he viewed his recovery period as a valuable gift. Unlike many who realize life’s significance later in life, often when facing health challenges, Yuval recognized its importance during his teenage years. After regaining the use of his legs, he pledged to pursue all his dreams, even the seemingly unattainable ones.
3 – Who am I?
At the time of the initial publication of The List, Yuval was a 37-year-old father of two living in Israel. With 20 years of experience in Israeli media, he had successfully published best-sellers and featured in television series. Notably, he had fulfilled his dreams of having lunch with Bruce Willis and Juliette Binoche, along with interviewing renowned figures like Leonardo DiCaprio and Meryl Streep. His resounding message is that if he can turn his dreams into reality, anyone can!
4 – I’m a dream worker
For quite a while, Yuval felt uneasy when people inquired about his profession. His responses were typically vague, reflecting whatever he happened to be engaged in at the moment. However, Yuval now confidently states that his primary occupation is bringing his dreams to life. The ongoing list of dreams he compiles is his sole and genuine source of motivation. Every job he takes on is a means to achieve one of the numerous dreams outlined in his lists.
5 – The letter I sent myself
While organizing his garage one day, Yuval stumbled upon a box containing numerous letters. Each letter had been written by a guest who attended his 30th birthday celebration. Yuval had asked each guest to jot down a list of dreams they aimed to achieve in the upcoming year. Regrettably, he had forgotten about the letters.
Despite missing the deadline, Yuval sent the letters back to each party guest. As he revisited his own letter, he realized that he had managed to fulfill all of his dreams…almost. There was one aspect he fell short on: maintaining a consistent gym routine. This prompted him to ponder: How could he accomplish seemingly challenging ambitions, like landing a role in a play, while simultaneously struggling with a simple task such as going to the gym once a week?
6 – Fantasies do come true
Eran, an entrepreneur Yuval encountered through his blog, “The List,” faced financial hardships two years ago. Eran and his wife Lia were burdened with debt, navigating break-ups, and handling financial responsibilities for their children from previous relationships.
Rather than succumbing to a defeatist mindset, resigning to the idea of working harder just to stay afloat, Eran and Lia opted to transform their daily lives. Despite being a novice in new technology, Eran enrolled in evening classes to learn mobile application development. After months of effort, he successfully launched his application, Sound Touch, which has now been downloaded over 2 million times.
Presently, Eran and Lia sustain their lifestyle through the app’s revenue. They’ve managed to clear their debts and enjoy the flexibility to prioritize each other and their family.
7 – A dream’s building blocks
Six years after penning “The List,” Yuval was exploring Amsterdam when he encountered a plastic painting featuring around twenty typical black and white images of the city in a souvenir store. Wanting similar pictures of Tel Aviv to adorn his apartment, Yuval couldn’t find them in local shops. Driven by necessity, he decided to take matters into his own hands and captured photographs of iconic locations across the city, allowing him to decorate his home.
This experience sparked the idea of establishing a souvenir shop that would celebrate the vibrant city of Tel Aviv.
8 – Life is a game (or: a fateful meeting with an attentive banker)
To launch their souvenir shop, Yuval and his partner needed around 60,000 euros, having only a quarter of that amount. Attempts to secure additional funds from banks faced challenges due to the absence of such a shop in the city and their limited knowledge of the business sector, discouraging the bankers they approached. However, during a stroll through the city, they discovered one more bank they hadn’t approached.
This particular banker appreciated their concept and approved a loan without requiring guarantees, deposits, or down payments, solely based on her belief in their project.
Part 2: About the habit of making lists, and shouting them out to the world
9 – How I found John Amaechi
Fascinated by John Amaechi’s courage as one of the few openly gay basketball players, Yuval decided to reach out to him for an interview. With determination, Yuval delved into the numerous Facebook profiles under John Amaechi’s name, and, after a short time, identified the athlete’s personal account. Initiating contact through social media, Yuval’s courteous approach was met with a positive response from John Amaechi.
In the present era, virtually every public figure, or at least their assistants, can be reached with just a click. A thoughtful, respectful, and unique form of communication can pave the way to connect with almost anyone.
10 – The blog “The list”
In May 2001, eager to explore the potential of his list of dreams, Yuval launched a blog. On this platform, he shared his eight most significant dreams:
- Achieve a “six-pack” of abdominal muscles.
- Be featured in a French television interview about Israel (after learning French).
- Return to college to complete his studies.
- Assist a homeless person in transitioning off the streets.
- Establish an international association to aid underprivileged children.
- Conduct an interview with his role model, Oprah Winfrey.
- Embark on a tour of Australia.
- Sell a television program adapted from The List to producers.
Just like a message in a bottle, these aspirations were posted on the web, seeking support and engagement.
11 – Hanging onto thin air
From the very beginning, Yuval’s blog gained significant traction. Within the first night of its publication, 500 visitors checked out his list of dreams. Just a week later, the blog had already attracted 6,000 visitors, and this number soared to over 50,000 after a month.
12 – The world responds to my list
Motivated by this remarkable surge in visitors, Yuval soon found his inbox flooded with emails from individuals willing to assist him in transforming his dreams into reality. Some shared contact information for individuals associated with Oprah Winfrey. The owner of a gym extended a generous offer of a free 400-day subscription. Additionally, he received numerous emails from Australians offering complimentary accommodation during his visit.
13 – Other gifts I have received thanks to “The list”
In addition to receiving assistance in realizing his dreams, Yuval reaped several other advantages from his blog. He commenced delivering lectures at various Israeli companies and generated additional income through advertisements on his blog. Despite having only visibility to offer on his blog, Yuval recognized its significance and realized that many individuals were willing to provide assistance in return for that visibility or simply out of goodwill.
14 – Dancing along the road to my blog
Like many individuals, you might believe that Yuval’s achievements were due to his fame and extensive network. However, despite having some recognition in Israel as an average journalist or minor theatre actor, he was virtually unknown beyond his home country. Nevertheless, he received an overwhelming amount of assistance from places like Japan, Norway, and the United States. The key to Yuval’s substantial support was not his fame but rather his unique action of vocalizing his dreams.
15 – The world is writing lists
Alongside the multitude of offers and opportunities that came his way, Yuval also received numerous lists from dreamers worldwide. Within the initial weeks of the blog’s launch, it had already inspired numerous individuals. Presently, many of these dreamers have achieved several aspirations they shared in their emails. Notably, Yuval received a list from Palestine, illustrating that dreams can indeed transcend borders.
16 – Dreams in movement
With his inbox swelling to 200 messages, Yuval introduced a “Your Lists” section on his blog, extending the same visibility to his visitors as his own list. Despite this, many individuals sending lists were hesitant about making their aspirations public. One skeptic articulated this reluctance through a metaphor: “We all desire a big house with a swimming pool, but why should we shout it from the top of the diving board?”
17 – Why stifle the shout of our dreams?
Trying to comprehend this modesty that seemed perplexing, Yuval delved into the work of Alfred Adler, the pioneer of individual psychology. Adler posited that individuals are ensnared in a mindset that compels them to believe that any collaboration necessitates reciprocation with personal effort. The prevailing notion is that nothing can be acquired without providing something equivalent in return. Moreover, Adler noted that the educational system encourages the suppression of spontaneity in certain social interactions to avoid appearing proud, capricious, or detached from reality. These intertwined observations explain why readers of Yuval’s blog sent him their lists but were hesitant to publish them in the dedicated “Your Lists” section.
18 – The dream pirates
Several readers hesitated to publish their lists, fearing that innovative ideas exposed on the web could be pirated by individuals with more resources, putting them at a disadvantage. Yet, Yuval contends that those harboring such concerns overestimate human audacity. If a project hasn’t materialized, the likelihood of someone preempting it is unrealistic. People tend to gravitate towards what is facile, and replicating existing ideas is much simpler than endeavoring to cultivate innovation in unexplored territories.
19 – Between fear and fervour, fulfilment and failure
A courageous person faces death only once, while a timid one experiences countless deaths. This profound statement, shared by a friend, prompted Yuval to recognize that the most significant shackle on humanity is fear. Regrettably, many individuals withhold their true feelings, and countless couples avoid ending relationships that are destined to fail due to fear. This pattern, driven by fear, becomes ingrained and is passed down to our children. This is evident in the advice we give them, cautioning them against disclosing their birthday wishes before blowing out the candles.
20 – It’s hardly a secret
The majority of our dreams are not particularly unique and could be shared without surprising those around us. Yuval recounts an evening with a friend who had recently turned forty and found herself single. He suggested that she post a status on her Facebook profile, accompanied by her photo. Initially hesitant, after a few drinks, they decided she would send an email to 100 friends, expressing her openness to meeting new people. The result? Four dates followed, leading to a month-long love affair. While it wasn’t a lifelong romance, Yuval’s friend did, at least, meet new people through a simple email.
21 – The virtue of courage
Gradually, the “Your Lists” section of Yuval’s blog began to fill up, and the impact of The List became evident. People started sharing their goals and progress, such as achieving weight loss targets. One dreamer fulfilled his wish of meeting his favorite pop band. A woman shared how she adopted a little girl inspired by the list published on the blog. A young man with Charcot’s disease dreamed on the blog about showcasing his battle, and he even got an article in one of the most visited media on the Israeli web. The blog, “The List,” started working for the benefit of others, not just for Yuval Abramovitz.
22 – The secret of “The list”
While many perceived Yuval’s blog as mere positive thinking, the truth was a bit more intricate. Positive thinking is crucial for overcoming challenges, but regrettably, it alone is not sufficient. The indispensable element for realizing your dreams is taking action!
23 – From a dream to the creator of a start-up
Yuval Abramovitz was not the initial individual to vocalize his dreams; he certainly wasn’t the pioneer in this domain. While not the forerunners, many startup founders typically commence their journey by dreaming up an idea and then articulate it to turn their project into reality. This is especially accurate as, once their ventures gain sustainability, they adeptly amplify the buzz around a technological innovation or a novel application, ensuring its vitality and widespread popularity.
24 – What’s the point?
A few days after unveiling his blog, Yuval found himself confronting numerous inquiries and reservations from his family and friends. Some criticized him, arguing that he was allocating too much time to the blog, considering his existing busy schedule. Others questioned the value of his dreams. Invariably, they all posed the same query to Yuval: “What’s the purpose?” and Yuval consistently responded with a counter-question: “And you? When did you last make a commitment to yourself?”
25 – When writing is doing
Life unfolds as a series of agreements: marital contracts, divorce settlements, property deeds, bank account openings, loan agreements, and even when purchasing a mobile phone with a service plan. Strangely, the one area where we struggle to engage in an agreement is with ourselves. Despite harboring dreams within, how many of us have taken the initiative to put them down on paper? Speaking of agreements, have you ever established one with yourself? Consider imposing a self-imposed fine for failing to meet personal commitments, with the option to donate the fine to a charity of your choice. This concept is something I’ll soon be proposing through the PAKTE application.
26 – When money doesn’t (necessarily) buy happiness
In May 2014, Yuval crossed paths with a wealthy individual who later became a close friend. This friend generously included Yuval in his global travels, and Yuval soon noticed his friend’s seemingly indifferent demeanor. The friend appeared challenging to impress or astonish, as his wealth granted him access to almost anything he desired. This realization reinforced Yuval’s belief in the significance of maintaining a current list of dreams, ensuring a constant sense of purpose and personal fulfillment through the achievement of objectives.
27 – I will accomplish things, but not until I retire
Similar to many individuals, you might have thought, “I’ll do that when I retire… when I have the time…” However, echoing John Lennon’s lyrics, “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.” Life unfolds in the present moment. Since no one can predict tomorrow, it’s not just important but crucial to actualize your dreams as soon as possible.
28 – Excuse me, kids, what are you focussed on?
Dreams have no age limit, yet children often exhibit remarkable talent in this realm, showcasing their boundless potential. Consequently, it becomes essential for adults to foster and support this aspect. Encourage your children to dream and, with your guidance, they’ll comprehend the significance of setting objectives. Teach them the art of seizing opportunities that come their way.
Undoubtedly, many can recall youthful romantic endeavors that remained unfulfilled, hindered by shyness or a fear of failure.
29 – Black gold
In the movie “The Bucket List,” Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman’s characters, brought together in an oncology ward, make a pact to fulfill their most extravagant dreams before their final moments. Why does it often require a life-altering event for us to initiate meaningful actions?
30 – My personal mentor
Despite encountering numerous professors and finding inspiration in various authors, Yuval’s most significant mentor is not even 10 years old—his daughter, Shira. Shira has the remarkable ability to divert Yuval’s attention from his mobile phone and rekindle his artistic side. In a broader sense, she imparts countless valuable lessons, serving as a perpetual source of inspiration and contemplation for Yuval. While psychological maturity has its benefits, it also brings along barriers and social conventions that can inadvertently act as self-imposed brakes.
31 – What do we lose when we move from childhood to adulthood?
Many of Yuval’s friends see him as a courageous individual, but he understands that it’s not about courage; it’s about daring. In his younger days, Yuval was far less sensible, more impulsive, and prone to taking risks. In the early stages of his career, he wouldn’t hesitate to send a strongly worded email to a delinquent boss regarding employee salaries, ensuring it was copied to a hundred colleagues.
Several years later, that same boss became a notable figure in Israeli media, and surprisingly, Yuval found himself working for him once again. The man even expressed admiration, saying, “I appreciate people who stand up for their rights.”
32 – Find your inner child
In the numerous conferences he conducts, Yuval occasionally encourages his audience to engage in various playful activities, such as:
- Inflating balloons positioned on their seats
- Blowing soap bubbles
- Playing hopscotch with their hands or feet bound together
- Participating in the Birdie dance
The objective is clear: to prompt the audience to laugh, stumble, and, in essence, to revisit the joyful experiences reminiscent of their childhood.
33 – When audacity sends a message
One day, a renowned Israeli businessman recounted to Yuval a courageous incident he encountered during a family lunch at a fast-food restaurant. A young woman boldly introduced herself as a novice public relations officer, expressing her admiration for the businessman’s business. She concluded by inquiring about any potential public relations needs. Without hesitation, the man hired her, captivated by her audacity in approaching him during a family meal. It underscores how daring unites dreamers, invoking the fearless child within them that may have been lost along life’s journey.
34 – Bruce Willis and me
One night in 2010, Yuval attended a press conference in Paris where Bruce Willis was promoting a vodka brand he was invested in. However, Bruce was tired and not very talkative during the event. After a short and uneventful Q&A session, Yuval didn’t have enough material for his article.
Later that evening, Yuval spoke to the public relations officer of the Israeli importer of the vodka brand. He invited Yuval to join the team, including Bruce Willis, for dinner at a restaurant. During the dinner, Yuval was brave enough to secure an exclusive interview with Bruce Willis.
35 – Helping is great
In our education, we often learn the idea of being self-sufficient and not asking for help. But why do we stick to this? Yuval breaks this norm by sharing his dreams online, challenging the idea of not bothering others. He realized that most people are willing to help if we just ask and are ready to help in return.
Part 3: Guide to making a good list
36 – Ready for your list? Take it away!
The list isn’t just hasty notes on paper. It demands careful consideration, time to settle, and specificity. Keep in mind, this list serves as a commitment between you and yourself.
37 – Ready? Let’s go!
Take a blank sheet and jot down every dream that comes to mind. Aim for a hundred dreams, tasks, and goals you want to achieve. Don’t get sidetracked by thoughts like “That’s impossible,” “I don’t have time,” or “It’s too expensive.” Allow your heart and mind to fill the pages. Keep going until you reach 100.
38 – What I have learned about achieving dreams
The challenge with self-help books and well-being workshops is that people often start with enthusiasm but gradually return to their old routines after a few weeks. This time, be firm with yourself. Select a point from your list, research how to achieve it if needed, and reach out to 10 friends for support via text or call. Making a commitment to others adds extra motivation.
39 – Forget about it. It’s been done before! (That’s just it – it hasn’t been done before!)
Due to The List, Yuval received numerous testimonials from individuals aspiring to grow artistically but found it challenging to reach out to publishing houses, producers, or directors. Many believe that countless others are already reaching out, making it seem unproductive. Contrarily, only a few hundred people actually take this bold step. Interestingly, a considerable number of those who succeed are part of this courageous minority.
40 – Where was I wrong on the way to realising my dreams?
Considering the success Yuval Abramovitz talks about, one might assume he’s been exceptionally lucky, making it seem impossible to compare one’s own success. However, the reality is that for each of Yuval’s achievements, there were hundreds of unsuccessful attempts.
Yuval didn’t achieve his goals because he was luckier than others; it’s because he dedicated all his energy to his objectives, even if sometimes he directed that energy the wrong way. In one attempt to secure an interview with Oprah Winfrey, Yuval faced a particularly embarrassing failure. Alongside letters to people close to Oprah (as mentioned in Chapter 12), Yuval created a video addressing his idol. Unfortunately, his awkward conclusion, “Yuval Abramovitz – Oprah Winfrey: the love story soon to hit your TV screen,” turned him into the subject of a gossip column with the headline: “Yuval Abramovitz harasses Hollywood.” Despite this embarrassing episode, Yuval continued to successfully carry out various other projects.
41 – Be daring and cheeky (not too much, not too little)
When seeking assistance to reach a goal, it’s crucial to approach it correctly because the first impression is irreplaceable. Having an effective pitch, being precise, and expressing our motivation for pursuing the dream are essential. If needed, we can also highlight how the other party stands to benefit from supporting us.
42 – The importance of managing your time and expressing yourself clearly
In our increasingly busy lives, it’s natural to desire a fulfilling life. Maintaining a list of dreams can become time-consuming, either due to the multitude of dreams or poorly formulated ones that take longer than anticipated.
Therefore, it’s crucial to articulate your dreams precisely and efficiently manage the time dedicated to them. Pursuing your dreams shouldn’t mean neglecting other crucial aspects of life, such as family, work, or passions.
43 – The challenge: Weighing your words
The following two lists perfectly illustrate the difference between a vague, time-consuming list and a coherent list
| List 1 | List 2 |
| Find love | Go on two dates per week to increase my chances of finding love |
| Lose 10 kilos | Dispose of all sweets and biscuits at home and commit to running at least twice a week |
| Become a Fashion Designer | Dedicate time to researching fashion schools and enroll in entrance exams |
44 – Narrowing your list
Having realized the significance of being careful with your words, revisit the list of 100 dreams you created earlier. Take some time to systematically rewrite your dreams.
Firstly, eliminate or modify any blatantly unrealistic points. For instance, did you dream of winning an Oscar without any background in acting? Such a dream may seem unrealistic. Instead, consider starting with Drama classes, and through a series of achievable objectives, you may eventually reach the goal of winning an Oscar.
Secondly, concentrate on the dreams that truly matter to you. If, for example, you wrote down “volunteering” just because it sounds good, but you acknowledge that you lack the time or energy, it might be wise to let go of that particular dream.
45 – The lives of others
Move on to the third step, which involves eliminating from your list all the goals over which you have no control. We cannot dictate the actions and decisions of others. Including such external factors in our wish lists only leads to disappointment and setbacks.
46 – What’s the score?
Once you have your ultimate list, assign a reasonable deadline to each dream. While we can’t predict the future with certainty, it’s advisable to set around a dozen objectives to accomplish within a maximum of two years. Long-term goals often encounter numerous uncertainties and frustrations.
Part 4: Realising our dreams
47 – How to start realising your list
To embark on fulfilling your dreams, start with the one that holds the most significance, the one you’re eager to achieve before all others, and take action! Initiate the process by setting the initial gears in motion that will bring you closer to realizing this dream. If you have multiple concurrent dreams that can be pursued simultaneously, feel free to work on several of them at once.
48 – Needed: a distributor
Act as the ambassadors of your own success. Don’t hesitate to announce your dreams on social media. The more people connected to your list, the higher your chances of achieving success.
49 – Behaviour rules for the day after
Now that your list is out there, it’s time to take a moment. Recharge your energy, gear up with your shield, and equip your symbolic earplugs. Be prepared, because for every person delighted to assist you, you may encounter 3 or 4 energy drainers attempting to discourage you.
50 – Avoid toxic people
Toxic individuals may not harbor malicious intentions; they are often skeptical and pessimistic. These individuals might be colleagues, friends, or even your partner. While you may not be able to completely remove toxic people from your life, you can choose not to share details about your projects and their progress with them. Instead, spend time with those whose success inspires you—people driven by action, whose eyes light up when discussing their projects.
51 – Why the obsession with lists?
Many question Yuval about why he expends so much energy pursuing his dreams instead of simply enjoying what he already has. His response remains consistent: he also relishes moments of leisure and savoring life. However, there’s a unique satisfaction in the sense of accomplishment. The accumulation of success forms the foundation for our future dreams.
52 –Types of list writers
Here are four types of list writers who unfortunately sabotage their dreams:
- The Scribblers: They jot down 5 or 6 objectives and then decide they have no other dreams.
- The Doubters: They sin against themselves, convinced that their list won’t bring them anything and isn’t worth the effort.
- The Self-Brainwashers: They limit themselves, cutting their own wings before they even spread them, saying things like, “I don’t have any dreams” or “I have no chance of succeeding.”
- The Constant Correctors: The opposite of the scribblers, they keep editing and revising endlessly, writing pages until they reach a state of paranoid precision.
53 – Remain flexible
As dynamic beings, our opinions change over time, and it’s perfectly fine to let go of some dreams we once had. Have you observed that certain items on your list no longer excite you? Refresh your list as often as needed, just like updating applications on your smartphone.
54 – How can a contract be flexible?
Creating a list is a commitment, similar to signing a contract, but it’s essentially a private agreement and should be approached with the spirit of a game. In the words of Yuval Abramovitz, “The list is my life’s game. It’s my special Monopoly and checkers, with my own rules that I’ve come up with on my own, to guide me towards a personal victory.”
55 – Don’t say “No”, say “Yes”
While compiling your list, you’ll likely engage with various individuals, reach out to different contacts, and attempt to connect with people who can assist you in advancing. It’s also possible that individuals will approach you with a similar intent. In such cases, always respond affirmatively to these relationships, whether they originate from social media or connections through a friend of a friend. Embracing these opportunities can broaden your horizons and potentially open new doors for you.
56 – Allow yourself to be selfish (not too much, not too little)
A common justification people give for not achieving their dreams is prioritizing their family. While dedicating time to family needs can indeed postpone the realization of one’s dreams, it’s essential to recognize that your family can be part of your journey and support you in accomplishing your goals. If we neglect our own aspirations, can we expect our family to prioritize them for us without prompting? It’s unlikely they will do so enough to fulfill our list of dreams.
57 – The power of the mirror of words
The list is more than a personal contract; it mirrors your personality. A well-crafted list has the potential to influence your attitude positively. Therefore, don’t hesitate to include behaviors you wish to change, like “Control my temper.”
58 – Life’s speed bumps
Certainly, merely creating a list and having unwavering motivation doesn’t guarantee the universe will open its doors and lay out a red carpet for you. Life will throw unforeseen obstacles your way. To avoid becoming disheartened, it’s crucial to preserve your energy and motivation, even during the most challenging times. Periodically, ask yourself, “Is everything truly as dire as it seems?”
59 – The little notepad
Starting from the age of 16, Yuval has maintained a notepad on his bedside table where he records five positive things that occurred during the day. These could be as simple as enjoying a good meal at a restaurant, finding inspiration in a book, or feeling a pleasant autumn breeze—mundane occurrences that happen to everyone, even on their toughest days. This practice not only helps him find something positive in each day but, more importantly, allows him to go to bed with a positive mindset conducive to restful sleep, making it easier for him to pursue his dreams the next day.
60 – List of acknowledgements
If we’re honest, we’ll likely agree with Yuval when he asserts that “We love to criticize; it’s indeed one of our favorite pastimes.” However, amidst our tendencies to criticize and complain, do we remember to express gratitude enough?
Take a moment to pause your thoughts about your list of dreams and instead create a new list (yes, another one!): a list of acknowledgments. Jot down all the significant things and events in your life, from the small to the grandiose, for which you would like to say “Thank You.”
61 – The second list that saved me
When Yuval Abramovitz was 34, he faced a tough situation while traveling in Norway. His souvenir shops in Israel were in trouble because one of his associates had messed with the accounts and disappeared with a lot of money. Instead of getting overwhelmed, Yuval decided to make a list titled “State of Emergency”:
- Personally call each supplier and explain the situation.
- Send a summary email to each supplier after the phone conversation.
- Seek advice from a lawyer.
- Explore the idea of a loan with his bank to cover the shortfall.
- Consult with friends who are business owners.
- Ask close friends for a loan.
He shared this list on social media, and, as usual, received valuable advice from bankers and lawyers, along with a lot of support as he worked his way back up.
62 – Larger than life lists
When you check your first list (Chapter 37), you might notice that many of your dreams are like “ultimate goals.” Even if you’ve likely removed them from your second list (Chapter 46), these dreams are still important. You can’t do everything at once, but it’s a good idea to jot down these dreams on lists that don’t have a deadline. Make as many lists as your imagination allows. For instance, you can make a list of movies you want to watch, meals you’d like to try, or even extreme challenges you want to face. These are dreams you hope to achieve someday. Gradually, they might find their place on your main list that you’re planning over the next two years.
63 – Your finalised list
Now that you have your main list and lots of theme-based lists, spend some time reading through them. Then, make sure to revise them according to the instructions in the earlier chapters. After that, update your lists 2 to 4 times a year. Also, keep a record of all the lists you’ve completed in a book so you can see the progress you’ve made. This way, you’ll have a record of all the things you’ve achieved.
64 – The list party
In Chapter 5, Yuval shares about his birthday party where he had guests write lists, and later, he sent those lists back to them. It’s a simple and enjoyable idea you can try too. Who knows, among your family and friends, you might discover some have dreams similar to yours, and you can work on them together!
Part 5: Why financial means are not holding you back
65 – The biggest obstacle? Ourselves
Yuval really wanted to write “The List” for a while, but he kept telling himself that nobody would care about this type of book, no publishing house would want it, and people might think he’s too full of himself. Then, one day, he pushed past those doubts and asked people for help through crowdfunding to make his book happen.
66 – The gold mine is filled with small nuggets
The title of this chapter is like the rule of websites where lots of people help out. Just like always, Yuval told everyone about his dream, put his campaign on social media, and got 107% of the money he needed in just 3 days.
67 – The extension of the project and myself
After asking for help for 60 days, Yuval got more than 10 times the money he needed to publish “The List.” Now, he could think about translating the book into different languages and even spend money on advertising to make it more popular. Yuval went from being scared to really happy about how well the crowd-funding campaign turned out.
68 – Are you interested in crowd-funding? Join the club
Here’s a checklist for crowd-funding:
- Pick the right platform.
- Think about how your project will make people feel.
- Consider what contributors will get in return.
- Get in touch with your chosen platform to get ready for your campaign.
- Clearly explain your dream’s final goal.
- Before you launch, share your project on social media. That’s where I’m at with my motivational app project.
69 – Remove other people’s bias
Whether they’re family or strangers, those we called “toxic” might try to make you change your mind. Usually, they’re doing it out of concern, imagining how they’d feel in your situation. Often, just talking and explaining your perspective is enough for them, even if they don’t fully agree, to understand why your project makes sense.
70 – Does every list have value?
Every list is precious to the person who wrote it, even if it seems small. For those who believe not everyone can achieve their dreams, you should explain that, just like there will always be more workers than business owners, there will always be more dreams left unfulfilled than achieved. Even if not everyone can do something huge, everyone has dreams that can be achieved by making small changes to their habits.
71 – Don’t let your ideas evaporate
“The List” is about Yuval’s story, but you don’t need to have faced a big challenge like a disability to start dreaming. A good list can make a big difference in your life. Write your list now!
72 – My new list (how about that!)
At the end of his book, Yuval Abramovitz shows his list as it is when “The List” is published. Here are a few things on it:
- Share the message of “The List”
- Finally, meet Oprah Winfrey and suggest working together
- Start an organization to bring joy to children in need
- Write a play
The List: Conclusion
Somewhere between telling his life story and offering a personal development method, “The List” has something for everyone. Yuval Abramovitz shares his story passionately and aims to turn it into a method that anyone can use.
The book’s structure, with its short chapters (some just fill a page with an illustration), allows us to grasp the essential message and focus on the method he suggests. Yuval Abramovitz seems to have designed his book as a kind of separate list, outlining steps to help us write our own lists tailored to us.
Of course, sharing a life story in a book involves some storytelling, but too many stories and anecdotes can sometimes make the reading a bit heavy. It’s worth noting there’s also quite a bit of repetition; some chapters feel like a rehash of the previous ones.
Second trigger
Regardless of whether you’re familiar with personal development books or if this is your first one, “The List” offers valuable lessons, especially through Yuval Abramovitz’s inspiring story and how he overcame challenges in his past.
For me, this book was a second motivator. After reading Olivier’s book “Tout le monde n’a pas eu la chance de rater ses études,” which convinced me that there are alternative ways to make a living, “The List” inspired me to take action. I followed the method step by step, only moving forward in the book after completing all the steps from the previous chapters. By the end, I truly felt transformed. I changed how I use social media, and I now openly share my dreams with those around me. Even though I haven’t seen the benefits yet, my relationship with my goals has shifted, and just moving from procrastination to being actively proactive is a victory in itself.
5 benefits of a list of goals:
Having a list of goals provides several advantages. It assists in defining your priorities, ensuring that your focus is on what truly matters. This list helps in steering clear of activities that don’t align with your goals, keeping you on the right path. It acts as a reminder to maintain order and stay organized. Additionally, it enables you to regularly assess your progress. One significant benefit is that a list of goals never forgets, serving as a reliable reference point for your aspirations.
Final thoughts:
“The List” has its strengths. The book, presented as a list of things to do, serves as a genuine call to action. Yuval Abramovitz’s personal story is especially inspiring, and the numerous testimonials he shares demonstrate that this method isn’t just beneficial for the author but can be applied by anyone. The book condenses well-known personal development tools, making them accessible for beginners.
However, it also has its weaknesses. There is considerable redundancy, making the reading feel heavy at times. Some chapters provide little added value and seem to merely fill out the book. Additionally, there are instances of excessive storytelling where it may not be necessary.
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