Mighty Summit

Events

Last year, after the Broad Summit, the organizers got on the phone to talk about whether we wanted to do it again. We all had a great time, but of course it was a lot of work. Even though the event was a success none of us were sure we wanted to re-up.

We got to talking about why, because it didn’t make much sense, until we realized there had been no real intention behind the Broad Summit. We mostly just wanted to see if we could do it. Personally, I wanted to check “organize a retreat” off my Mighty Life List, provide a fun weekend for girls who have given each other lots of support through the years, and find out whether we could plan something on that scale without losing our shirts in the process (first-year events tend to lose money). Once the event was over, the general feeling among the organizers was sort of, “Check. Did it.”

We realized that if we were going to do the Summit again, we needed a stronger reason. At the time, my new emphasis was on my Mighty Life List — building my site around it, making my living from living my dreams, helping other people start thinking the same way. So we decided to change the name to Mighty Summit, and use the event as a way to encourage attendees to dream bigger.

We wanted to make the concept of goals explicit in the event to make it more meaningful for everyone. Boy did it ever.

This year, we asked attendees to write life lists and made sure everyone had copies of all the lists before they arrived. On the first day, I said that I’d had an amazing outpouring of support from all of you when I first posted my list. Many of you asked how you could help, offered to let me stay with you while I traveled, or to loan me something I needed to make my dreams go.

That experience made me realize how often our grandest dreams are someone else’s day to day life. You want to write a book? I’m a publisher! You want to go on a cruise? I’m the publicity director for a cruise line! At the Summit, we asked everyone to talk to one another about their lists, and see where we could help each other. Everyone got started on the little stuff right away.

Danielle taught Laura to knit.

Helen Jane taught us how to saber open a champagne bottle with a knife. (Holy crap, that is easy, you guys. Margaret made a video, so go watch and try it with a $5 bottle of Cava. You will feel superhuman.)

And lots of us posed for Karen‘s 1,000 portraits project.

On the third day, after we’d had a chance to get to know one another, we did a group meditation on our life lists over lunch. We asked everyone to choose five things they thought they could accomplish in the next year, and choose one area where they needed help.

We asked for little things, like help learning to use our cameras.

And huge things, like help starting foundations.

We had a chance to be vulnerable with each other.

To offer our own talents, and to lift each other up.

We talked about how all boats rise together in the tide, and what we could do to make that tide a little stronger.

As for me, I went into this year wondering if I wanted to do the Mighty Summit at all, and came out of it planning for next year before we’d even hugged everyone goodbye.

I made some great new friends, and learned a little bit about how powerful it can be to ask for help. And now I think it’s time to ask for help from all of you.

I will always love the intimacy of the Summit, but for me the Life List concept is much bigger than 14-room hotel. For a long time, I’ve been wanting a place for all of us to share our lists and help each other cross things off, but I’ve been a little perfectionist about it (imagine!), and needing things “just so” is keeping me from doing anything at all. Here are the three things I’m committing to:

1. Starting a real community.

I want: A place on Facebook where we can all start talking about what’s going on with our lists. What’s on them, what we need help with, how we can find each other geographically and start planning meetups.

I need help with: Advice on the best way to do this. I’m kind of stumbly with Facebook to say the least.

2. Giving everyone a simple way to track their Life Lists.

I want: A Facebook app that would give us an easy way to write our lists, cross things off, and link out to the info we’ve posted online — just like I do with my own list. I have some really specific ideas of how I want it to look and what I want it to do.

I need help with: The contact info for a smart app developer who has done this kind of thing with Facebook before.

3. A space for everyone.

I want: Sometime in the next year or so, I’d like to have a campout/meetup/conference open to everyone where we do the same kinds of things we do at the Summit, but on a larger, more-inclusive scale. The downside will be no free massages, the upside will be that everyone will be there.

I need help with: Getting you there. You should come.

Published

146 thoughts on “Mighty Summit”

  1. Instead of Facebook or Ning, you might look into using BuddyPress, it’s kind of a WordPress-based alternative to Ning. My understanding is that you can build the type of community you are talking about with a few clicks.

    I’ve used WordPress for 3 years; let me know if there’s anything I can do to help, should you decide to try BuddyPress.

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  2. I’m married to a very dashing app developer who lives for doing number two. Whoa, that came out SO SUPER WRONG. SO WRONG SO WRONG. I meant that he lives for building apps….which was number two on your list. Okay, I’m going to stop typing.

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  3. I am adding “attend large scale life list summit-type gathering” to my list. Can’t wait to check it off! And wherever this quick community formation happens, I’ll be there. Thank you!

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  4. As if I wasn’t already enamored enough with you and with this idea.

    I can’t offer you help with either of the first two at this juncture–Facebook confuses and scares me. But #3? I’ll be there.

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  5. I certainly don’t know the first thing about facebook pages or building apps, but I do know how to get on an airplane and meet up with some folk. You name the place. I’ll be there. If it’s going to be Greece, I’m gonna need fair warning 🙂

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  6. Maggie Mason, you’re such an inspiration.

    I’m totally stoked about brainstorming for getting us non-blogging folks involved.

    I can’t wait to participate.

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  7. I love the Life List community idea but hope you’ll give a second thought to Facebook, a place that I don’t enjoy and won’t use. But many others might, which I totally get.

    I will do my best to join in on the retreat, however. And offer my pretty terrific backyard in the meantime.

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  8. I can see how wanting to do “quick and dirty” might make Facebook seem appealing to get started. But it’s really, really *not* the Mighty brand.

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  10. Yes! The life list has been transformative for me. It is becoming shoddy and worn because I bring it with me everywhere as I reminder that I am on a mission. I would love a community and retreat.

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  11. Hi longtime reader, first time poster. EEK. However, reading your needs on Facebook and Community, I’m was thinking if you aren’t tied to Facebook you could do much of want you want to do with WordPress/Buddypress which will let you build the community and find some great multi-user plugins to control and allow people to do their lists. I know with Buddypress you can have each user have a blog and assign plugins for the group which would allow users to build that going forward.

    I have extensive experience with WordPress/ Plugins and have built some with Buddypress.

    Just a thought. Then you can connect Facebook to the community and build both and use the promotion abilities. Just a thought.

    Good luck and hope you do a conference. Would love to attend.

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  12. I’m SO EXCITED about all of this — the tech stuff because it will make it easier to be more accountable and the bigger conference because that means alumni can go as well! How can I help? I’m pretty good with a glue gun…

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  13. I don’t know about facebook apps, but there are iphone and android apps that would allow you to connect with your friends to share life lists.

    Also, there is mylifelist.org whose whole purpose is to facilitate the sharing of life lists in ways that seem similar to your vision. 🙂

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  14. Whole Foods sells ostrich eggs. They’re massive. And beautiful. And every time my children see them they want to talk about them. I have no idea how to cook them but we’re going to figure it out. That’s why this life list is so awesome – I’m doing things I’ve always wanted and others I never knew I could!

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  15. I absolutely love that you are doing this. I wrote my life list last year and was shocked to realize I have already crossed about half a dozen things off without even “trying.” It made me realize what an influence it had on me just to live a different way altogether. In fact, my husband and I started a non-profit as a result of dreaming big (and me writing my list was a part of that), the charity was picked up on national news and our lives continue to change drastically as a result.

    A group of women I get together with are reading Art & Fear and L’Engle’s book about art (Walking on Water) and a whole bunch of these uber-talented women are doing creative projects (think: intimidating) as part of our get-together next month.

    I was seriously thinking of making my life-list (and how I am living it out) my “art project”. It has been so creative, forced me way outside of my fears, and actually changed how I live life and am raising my kids.

    Reading this just inspired me even more. Thank you so much for being such a positive catalyst. I love the direction you are going with this. I appreciate so much how you are encouraging women to partner in this.

    It’s beautiful.

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  16. There is an online place, but not on facebook (though I think you can link it to facebook?). It’s called 43 Things (http://www.43things.com/). It doesn’t have the same weight as a ‘life list’, but it is a place where you can check things off your list that you’ve done, cheer others on and see what everyone else is doing. Maybe that’s a good place to start, so you can see how it works and what not?

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  17. Maggie,
    On facebook, anyone who joins (or “likes”) the group can post on the wall. There is also a Discussions tab, if people prefer to keep a topic of conversation focused. Seems like it would suit your needs. I believe you can also keep these pages public, so people don’t necessarily need to join facebook to see them (but they wouldn’t be able to click through to a facebook member’s profile, depending on that member’s privacy settings.) You go here http://www.facebook.com/pages/create.php to create a facebook page, and here http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=158272844419&v=wall&ref=search has more info. Feel free to email me if I can help any more!

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  18. Maggie, you, and all of the women who attended the summit, are such an inspiration. Just reading the attendee bios on the mightysummit web page inspired me to do more, try more and aim higher. I started writing my life list last April and just finished and published it last month. Number 100 was “Marry [my boyfriend’s name],” and well, he read it and, much to my surprise, 3 weeks later he proposed to me. The simple act of creating and publishing it has already led to so many great things for me. So thank you for that. I created a page on my tumblr for my list, and it can be found here: http://miaelizab.tumblr.com/lifelist

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  19. I’m in! I’m good with Facebook, 43 Things, etc. If you need any help, let me know. You inspired me to write a life list and it’s changed my day to day life for the better! Yay Mighty Girl!

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  20. Never ever commented before but feel so strongly about not doing a Mighty Anything on evil, commercial, SO-NOT-PRIVATE, sketchy facebook that I wanted to say so. It somehow seems totally opposite of the Mighty spirit.

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  22. Another “No Facebook” vote! I would love to be involved with something like this, but gave up Facebook four months ago. There has got to be way to start a community on this site that can bring people together for this.

    The Summit looks like it was amazing – I will definitely be trying the champagne trick!

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  24. I’ve also come to your blog through APW, and have been humming along this week thinking about how I could start a mini-summit here in Denver. And when I have been thinking about this, the more I think about how great it would be to have discussion prompts which could be something like the life lists, but Meg has also posted about some of the important discussions you all had– like, why do so many women undervalue what they are worth, dangit? These discussion topics could be mini assignments or something during the year to lead up to the summit. Anyway, I don’t have anything to offer in terms of your requests, EXCEPT that if you need a contact in Denver to help create and manage a mini-summit here, I can be a contact.

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  26. I think a message board is a way better idea than a FB page – especially since the admin could set each person up with their own “topics” (life lists). There is a very good one (haven’t had it hacked yet, and have been using it for 10+ years) that is a mere $99, and I have the server to host it. Then, could just use FB & Twitter as social media outlets to add info about who has life lists and where, on the message boards. Also, folks could add pix of some of their accomplishments to share and get kudos from others.

    Of course, all sorts of other options open up in my geeky brain when thinking of these Mighty Summit ideas — such as a video site for life list accomplishments, web rings for those who have sites/blogs who want to join in and participate in sharing the fun, an advertising network specifically sponsored by those who sponsor people to complete their life lists, a database of people willing to help (individuals, companies, non-profits, etc.)…..I think the possibilities are endless in today’s social media and networking markets.

    Give me a shout if you’re interested in my assistance!

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  28. You can stay with me for Loy Kratong 2011. Bring friends…or Hank–Thais love adorable children. I live in Bangkok. I was Peace Corps volunteer in Thailand a decade ago and just moved back.
    Life list, check.

    Love, a reader in Thailand

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  30. So incredibly inspiring! I’m going to pretend I was there and pick my five things to work on this year. And I would totally love to come to a summit!

    As for helping you reach your goals here. I’m not a FB programmer/expert, but I am a designer. So if you need help making a logo/graphics for the community, just let me know.

    I also have some experience using/customizing WordPress and maybe something like http://bbpress.org/ would work for a Life List forum?

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  31. Yes! You are amazing, and I would love to be able to be involved!

    Please start a Facebook group and a community website, and open the conference to the public. I think you will be amazed at how many people want to participate. Another idea, one that is doable – make an iphone app for mighty life lists! I’m always thinking of things to add to my life list while I am out and about, and currently am using swissmiss’s teuxdeux iphone app, which has a feature to make a “someday” list. A Life List app would be fun and functional!

    You go girl! We’ll be right behind you!

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  32. I’d be there! Since my trip to New York, I’ve actually been tackling some of the little things on my list. There’s absolutely no reason why I shouldn’t. Thinking about making cheese this weekend.

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  33. I would love to be a part of this! New item on my life list: Save enough to afford to go to this Summit! A Facebook app would be amazing. So many of my friends are jumping on board with their lists and it would be great to have an easy place to share.

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  34. This is a fantastic idea! You have been a huge inspiration for me. These goals, these life list items, they used to seem so impossible to attain. But you’ve made me realise how simple it all can be. I don’t know if I can help, but I definitely want to be a part of it all.

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  36. I’ve got your back on #3. I am so there, Maggie! I can help you get others there, too. Let’s go Mighty glamping! Or Mighty dude ranching! Or Mighty Ritzing!

    My husband and I have been making ‘big’ lists–goals that feel insurmountable–since we met and every six months or so, when we pull out the tattered list to add another item or two, we’re amazed at how many goals we’re able to cross off. Reading about your Mighty List inspired me to create my own record of the necessary dreams I’ve gathered throughout my life. It feels SO good to have it down on paper. Yes, paper. I’m not a blogger, but am contemplating starting one because Attend a Mighty Summit with Maggie is #47 on my list.

    Just yesterday I spoke with a friend about starting a life list group in our circle of friends (Great minds think alike, Rachel!). The idea of asking for help to reach one’s goals is new and scary to me, but it feels surprisingly empowering. Thank you for the inspiration, Maggie.

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  37. I have had a life list for as long as I can remember. The first one I wrote was in purple pen in my diary when I was in sixth grade. It’s changed over the years, thank god, because some of those things my sixth grade self wanted were silly. But some of it has stayed the same.
    I can’t tell you how glad I am that you are working on a community that will help me dig in and really accomplish the things on my list. It’s time! Thanks for all that you!

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  38. I lack the tech skills to offer assistance with the first two items. However, I’m an event planner and would be happy to help with #3… gratis!

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  39. What a poignant post, thank you for sharing it. I find it hard sometimes to ask for help or even sharing my biggest, dreamiest goals. It’s nice to know that there are people all around us who can and want to help. I hope I’ll be able to attend one of your summits in the future.

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  40. Then pretty please hold the next Summit somewhere in the southeast? My life list has only 11 things on it so far. How sad is that? I’m working on it.

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  41. Cannot help you on the Facebook front. However, I would love to attend a big summit. I would just hope for plenty of notice so we can make travel arrangements.

    What about a community section like Heather did on Dooce?

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  44. Wow! What a weekend that must been! I’m also intrigued to know what Heather said. Maybe a foundation linked to PPD?
    I’m all for #3 and #1 of course, but I’m no help with that one, sorry. Name the date and place, I’ll be there. You’re such an inspiration. I’m adding another one to my Life List: meeting you!

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  45. Thanks to you, I am starting my own blog with my life’s goals and 100 things to do. I realized that in order to reach awesome, I need to be proactive. I have so many goals and aspirations; I just need to act on them! And although you do not know me, you have been a great inspiration to take action by reading about your goals and actually accomplishing them. Thank you, Maggie, for helping me want to do better for me, my family, and my world.

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  47. I too am in the anti-FB camp. I’ve been moving towards deleting my account for a while. I’d be much more likely to use something more private for my life list. My entire family, coworkers, classmates, etc, don’t need to know about some of the things on my list!

    I’d also like to nth mini-Mighty Summits. Living in the midwest as a graduate student, it’s unlikely I’ll make it to any coast anytime soon. But a summit, perhaps in a place like Chicago, I could drive to. And anyone wanting to learn how to juggle, I’d be willing to teach in person 🙂

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  49. Love it….thank you!

    I love facebook, but I do spend a lot of time managing my privacy settings even on individual posts. I think you would reach more people on FB, people who don’t follow you or certain other bloggers, people who had never dreamed of having a life list. But I agree with the other posters that FB does raise some privacy concerns.

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