Author Stephen King, politician Dan Quayle, humorist P. J. O'Rourke, rocker Joan Jett, coach Bill Cowher, former baseball player Cal Ripken, Jr., television host Bill O'Reilly, singer Patti Smith a few other assorted personalities were asked by Newsweek to name three things on their "to do before you die" lists. Besides being celebs, the common thread for the grouping is that they are all middle age baby boomers--not a bad time to be thinking about what things you want to do before it's too late to do them (whether by death or other incapacitation). »more»

When Jos Mart, the hero of Cuban independence, named the things that every man ought to do before he dies, he reportedly said: "Plant a tree, write a book, have a son." »more»

One of the most common line items on a "Before I Die" list (which we call "LifePlans" at LifeTwo) is international travel. »more»

Three good tips from author John Strelecky at Boomer Cafe.

Step #1. Avoid the Vacuum. Instead of saying “I’m going to retire and quit working,” say “I’m going to retire and start doing [fill in the blank with your interest]." Nature abhors a vacuum so don't create one by eliminating as big as your job without having a plan to fill the void. »more»

LifeTwo had the opportunity to ask Jeanne Stawiecki about her incredible midlife adventure: climbing the tallest peak on each continent (the "seven summits") and running a marathon on each continent. Yes -- that includes Antarctica. Jeanne will be the first woman in the world to accomplish this seven continent summiting / marathon feat.

She will also be the first woman in the world to run a marathon on each continent in one year, the oldest woman in the world to reach the seven summits, and quite possibly the oldest woman to summit Everest.

What makes Jeanne's story even more amazing: she was a regular person (just like you and us) before starting out in middle age to do something extraordinary.

Jeanne Stawiecki at the summit of Australia’s Kosciusko in 2006 »more»

Happy Thanksgiving.

We hope that you have an enjoyable Thanksgiving holiday week-end, even if you live in a country that does not celebrate it.

Thanksgiving is a time of family gettogethers. This is a great opportunity for all of us to reflect on aspects of our lives that we would like to improve. If, God forbid, this was to be your last Thanksgiving, what regrets would you have with regard to any particular family member or situation? This is the year that you should commit yourself to fixing that. »more»

Here is something you can do that is certain to improve your life. Guaranteed.

Pick something that causes you discomfort--for example speaking in public--and conquer it. Yes, that's right, make a commitment to end it right now. Regardless of what it is, make the commitment as you read this. If you really believe that you can do it then the rest is easy. »more»

I have blogged about the benefits of having a "life list" (aka a written list of things you want to do before you die). We've reviewed books on the subject here in LifeTwo and will be focusing on the life list concept more in the future but for now I have a simple list of about 40 or so things I want to do someday written out on an Excel spreadsheet. »more»

One of the more common items on "Before I Die" lists is the writing of a book.++ Of course people want to do more than just write one, they want it published as well. But how does one go about writing and publishing? Self-publishing is the answer for most of us. »more»

We've written extensively about making a list of the 100 things you want to do before you die. It's an exercise recommended both for people having a midlife crisis and for those just wanting to get the most out of life. »more»