Why do we feel more comfortable with lists?
Because teachers don’t give open ended essay questions to 2nd graders. Because nobody ever tells a girl scout troop to go raise money however they see fit. Thin Mints and Samoas are the tasty, structured proof.
Because the jobs we get early in life are always very structured (ever had a paper route?). Everything is laid out, do this, then do that, then do the other thing. When you’re done, it will look like this. Exactly like this.
It extends beyond childhood. The jobs we get after college are also very structured. Consulting is often nothing but repeating for a new client the same methodology, process or technology that worked for the last client. Lists of what to do and how to do it are everywhere.
Lists aren’t evil. Many times, lists are important, such as in accounting, CPR or the construction of a safe building. But we all want to know that if we check all the right boxes, that we get the A+, admission to the right school, a good review and a 7% annual raise.
Almost everyone is more comfortable with lists. Almost everyone wants people to tell them exactly what to do and exactly what finished looks like.
This is why the people that don’t need lists are so valuable.
Learn to be that type of person. Learn how to take an ambiguous task and figure it out. Learn how to fundraise without Samoas. Learn how to improvise. Learn how to host a conference. Learn how to start a company.
Learn how to do things without lists. You’ll become indispensible.
