"What is a CAN LIST?"
Can list: (n.) a list of things one wants to do within in a year
"How is it different from a BUCKET LIST?"
I'm glad you asked! A bucket list is made up of what you want to do before you die and often include "wild," damn-near unattainable things. They are dreams rarely realized, because you can always prolong putting them into practice. A can list allows you a year.
"What sort of things should I add to my can list?"
1. Whatever is achievable
2. Whatever is affordable
3. Whatever tickles your pickle (For instance, if you like to travel, you can add "See the Grand Canyon.")
4. Whatever you haven't done before
5. Whatever you have done but want to do again (When was the last time you held a rollie-polie?)
"What sort of things should I NOT put on my can list?"
1. Responsibilities (It's not a to-do list. Don't bother giving yourself tasks like "Alphabetize my CD collection.")
2. Negatives (Avoid things like "Quit smoking" or "Lose 30 pounds." It's not a list of resolutions. In fact, I think can lists should replace resolutions!)
3. Endangerment (I realize I have "Punch someone in the face" on my list. I will ask before I do so. If you give a frat boy enough draught beer, he will be more than willing to let you punch him in the face. Don't, however, try things like "Rape an Asian" or "Set a cop car on fire" for obvious reasons.)
"What if I don't finish it?"
Balls of fire will rain from the sky, the earth's plates will shift, and you will peril in the rapture. You'll pee your pants, whilst others point and laugh. The internet will be permanently down. Your cell phone will be lost among the fiery pits of the underworld.
Fret not, my friends. The point is to focus on what's available NOW. If you don't get everything done in a year, I suppose you could tack it on to next year's list.
"How did you come up with this list?"
I didn't.
It's not exactly a new idea. People have compromised what they really wanted to do since the dawn of mankind. One early Neanderthal inscribed on a cave wall long ago, "I sure would like to hug that saber-toothed tiger, but I better not." We put our wants on the back-burner all the time. Thus humans have been listing what will ultimately become fantasies for centuries (probably).
"In order to get what you want, you must do something you've never done."
I know a girl. Some call her "Schpaz." We will call her "Sherbet." She is a peach. I guess that makes her peach sherbet. She felt as though she hadn't really done anything with her life. So Sherbet was the first to make a list, and has since then recruited three life-seekers. She went to Italy, got a tattoo and built a house for Habitat for Humanity, among other things. I'm really glad she came into my life, because she motivates me to try new things.
