Having a 'To Do' list is the traditional hallmark for time management and efficiency at home and at work. Workshops on time management tout the importance of keeping and updating one's 'To Do' list. Check off all your accomplishments to remind yourself how well you are doing, the workshop presenters intone.

We are human beings. Notice the word -'beings.' Unfortunately, the word 'being' has been obliterated from our consciousness. Thus, we have become a culture of human 'doings.' If I do this or that, I will have something to feel good about that will make me happy. However, external success creates little internal gratification, thus, one needs to do bigger and better things to feel good.

Doing and being are the two essentials of human existence. Your 'being' is your boundless, timeless spirit self. Your 'doing' is your expression of your nature within your activities. 'Being' is your unique identity. 'Doing' is how you navigate life's vicissitudes in the density of the linear earth plane. Using only a 'To Do' list gives the impression that 'Doing' is the only important and significant aspect of one's life. Abraham Lincoln has been quoted as saying, "Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be." This statement clearly denounces the notion that in order to be happy one needs 'to do' or accomplish something.

What if you created a 'To Be.' list each day and for long-term? Ponder that question for a moment. Are you drawing a blank? Are you thinking, there is no value in considering a 'to be' list. You might be thinking, 'If I do what I am supposed to do and all that I want to do that is what life is about.'

What would be on your list? How would you like to be? What would you like to bring to yourself and others? What would you like to contribute? What emotional and spiritual growth would you like to create?

You can create the most health and vitality when you are connected to your 'being' identity with what you are doing. Conversely, those who are completely disconnected from their natural being eventually experience illnesses, dis-ease and exhaustion. This fact makes a clear point, that being and doing are equally important to create and maintain a fulfilling and meaningful life.

The best time to set your intentions for your 'To be' list is when you can be alone with no interruptions. For example: Your 'To Be' list might include:

• I will be patient with my children when they are learning a new skill.
• I will be grateful for all that I create - positive, negative and neutral.
• I will be grateful for the negative things I create because I can learn from them as much as I enjoy the positive things I create.
• I will avoid playing victim.
• I will empower myself and be responsible.
• I will hold myself to a high standard.
• I will enjoy myself as an amazing and talented person.
• I will commit to contributing fully.

You can begin your day anew right now. For the remainder of this day, what would you like to be? Not just what you want to do, but what do you want to be. This is the first moment of the rest of your life - start anew.

Dorothy M. Neddermeyer, PhD, Life Coach - Certified Hypnosis Practitioner, Author and Speaker. Dr. Dorothy connects people to principles that resonate in the deepest part of their being. She brings awareness to concepts not typically obvious to one's daily thoughts and feelings. http://www.drdorothy.net