Wish list

This exercise shows what you really want once "realistic" filters are out of the way. It takes about 15 minutes.

1. Remove every limit. Imagine there are no limits on age, money, situation, personality or other people. Anything goes, from a private jet to becoming a squirrel.
2. Write 10 wishes. List the first 10 things you want. Don't judge or edit them.
3. Compare in pairs. Compare wish 1 with wish 2 and keep the one you want more. Compare that winner with wish 3, then with wish 4, and so on to the end of the list. The last one standing is your number one.
4. Repeat without the winner. Go back to the top of the list and run the comparisons again, skipping your number one. The new winner is your number two.
5. Repeat once more. Skip both winners and run it again to find your number three.
6. Reflect. Your top three are a good indication of what you really want. Ask yourself what each one gives you, such as freedom, safety, connection or meaning. Then ask what small, realistic step would move you toward that today.