A guest piece by Shelagh Braley, Chief Operating Officer of MyLifeList.org

My Life List, the premiere social network for goal achievers, is a free online tool for solidifying your financial plans – and any other significant goals you may dream of.

Members create a life list of things they’ve always wanted to do, act on their goals by making a plan and engaging the network for support, and finally, celebrate their accomplishments by sharing stories, photos and videos to inspire others. This creates a cycle of hope, drive and achievement, by breaking down the process into actionable steps, and creating a secure, positive, unsearchable-by-person web environment.

Once you’ve made a list of your major life goals (or a bucket/life list), you are introduced to other members of the network who either share your goal or have achieved your goal. Then the community works with you to share practical advice, encouragement and resources to help you succeed. Current members have closed out their credit cards, paid off their mortgages, saved for such major purchases as home down payments and cars, taken exotic vacations with cash and more.

These choices have resounding effects on the lives of the achievers, as they no longer fret about payments or feel oversubscribed. They are free to make personal decisions about the work they do, the time they spend, and the priorities they set. Their stress is reduced and overall, they live healthier, more fulfilled lives – which is what everyone wants, isn’t it?

My Life List also convenes these goal-focused gurus off the grid, at an annual event called the Life Listers’ Ball, the only black-tie night of revelry where guests meet inspiring people (just like them) who have raced yachts around the world, climbed the highest mountains, run the most challenging marathons, jumped out of planes, won national dance championships, started their own business ventures and more. The event is designed to expand guests’ concept of what is possible in their own lives.

The 2011 ball, held at Boston’s Seaport Hotel, is Saturday, Feb. 5, from 7 p.m. to midnight. Tickets are $125 per person and the Seaport has offered a room discount with the code MYLIFELIST. Part of the proceeds from the evening benefit Cradles to Crayons, the innovative Boston-based charity that gives emergency supplies to children escaping domestic violence. Go to www.mylifelist.org/ball for tickets or more information.