Creating a bucket list is the first step to accomplishing your dreams. If you don’t like the idea of a bucket list because you associate it with dying, being old, or even setting unrealistic goals, you can call it whatever you like but call it something and write it down. You’ll be amazed at how much you can achieve if you dream about the possibilities and set measurable goals. I create a bucket list every year and it’s been a highly successful way to achieve more than I ever imagined possible. The more unrealistic we are with our dreams and goals, the more we are able to achieve. When creating a bucket list, however, it’s important to keep these simple suggestions in mind. You may want to create multiple bucket lists for your interests if they get too long. You could create an extreme adventure bucket list, a travel bucket list, a family bucket list, or whatever fits you; just get writing.
What Not to Do When Creating a Bucket List
1. Don’t set too many unachievable goals that you quit before you really get started. If all of your goals are difficult to accomplish, your list isn’t going to be very effective. Make some items easy and less time/cost consuming. As you start checking things of your list, you will be surprised how much momentum you can gain, making it easier to accomplish some of the ones that require more effort.
2. Don’t do it because you have to; do it because it motivates you to dream and envision the best life possible for you and your family. Creating a list isn’t a contest, unless you want it to be. Don’t make it hard work. Have fun. The whole idea of this is to start making steps to do the things you want to do with your life. So don’t stress about it.
3. Don’t miss out on spontaneity because you have a list item to tick off. You can always go back to it if something better comes up.
4. Don’t write your list all at once. This isn’t an easy list to write. You may get to 20 or 30 things, and start drawing a blank. Don’t get discouraged, just take some time off before you come back to it. This is an evolving process. Many people will never have a completed list because it will constantly be evolving. Whenever you think of something, write it down and add it.
5. Don’t focus on only one area of your life. Usually when people start their lists, the vast majority of the first things they write down are things related to travel. Obviously, I’m no exception to this rule. There’s nothing wrong with that, but try and expand into other aspects of your life. Hobbies, finances, mental health, fitness, relationships, and activities are all great things to consider when building a list, regardless if it’s a list for a year or a lifetime. Similarly, if you have a purpose for the locations you want to travel, you can make your trip that much more fulfilling.
6. Don’t limit yourself to your own imagination. Read other people’s bucket lists. You may not want to accomplish the same items as others, but they will provide motivation and insight into possible items.
7. Don’t get in a “someday” mindset. Include something you can do today or this week. Each day has 86400 seconds. Accomplish something today. There are plenty of things you can do right now that you have always said you wanted to do, but just never made the time to start. Well now is that time.
8. Don’t only set broad goals. It’s great that you want to go to Australia; add it to your list, but don’t forget the smaller items while you’re there like rubbing your toes in the sand or building a sand castle on Bondi Beach. Set both broad and targeted goals to leave room for unexpected adventures.
9. Don’t ever give up. If you truly want something badly enough, you can make it a reality. Go after your dreams. Push the limits. And live your best life.
As always Lesley, right on point!!