How A List Changed My Life

When I submitted my first top 10 list to TopTenz.net in the Spring of 2008, I would never have guessed how much of an impact it was going to have on my life.

I remember, I wrote the list first. At some point after that I had the idea that maybe someone would publish it on their website, so I googled top 10 lists. I remember sending it in prepared for a “no,” but hoping for a “yes” – an attitude that has served me very well throughout both my personal and professional life.

A month after my first list was published at TopTenz, I had started my very first blog. TopTenz also led to writing jobs for other websites. In fact, if it wasn’t for TopTenz (and the site owner Mr. TopTenzMaster), I probably would still be working primarily offline- either as a writer, trainer, and project manager or as the manager of someone else’s business. A few years (and several blogs and writing gigs) later, Langara’s Self Employment Program guided me through the process of starting my own business (a program where I am currently an instructor) and I went back to school (night classes while starting my own business, glad that is over!).

So if you are thinking about learning a new skill, gaining a new customer, starting a new venture, or getting your writing published- if you want to fulfill a lifelong dream – just ask yourself “what’s the worst thing that could happen?”

As Woody Allen says, “80% of success is showing up.” Moving out of your comfort zone, asking for something, throwing your coat in the ring, taking the plunge (oh so many cliches) – doing something – can be a life-changer.