What Is a Bucket List?
By definition, a bucket list is “a number of experiences or achievements that a person hopes to have or accomplish during their lifetime.” To me, a bucket list is a creative way to list out any goals, dreams, or aspirations I may have – no matter how extreme or unlikely they are. It’s a way to keep me accountable for pursuing those goals, and, in a way, sets a standard for what I want to achieve and the life I want to live.
Why Is a Bucket List Important?
Having a bucket list has many benefits. It can give you a chance to write out and understand your values, create a list of goals to work towards, keep track of your experiences and milestones, and ultimately grant time to reflect on the past and plan for the future.
Creates an opportunity to understand your values – When you create a list of things you want to do and/or experience in life, it may bring to light what’s important to you. After you’ve started generating a list, look back and see if you can spot any patterns.
Gives you goals to work towards – Having an inventory of desired achievements and experiences creates a pretty good starting point for goal setting. For example, I have ‘touch a pyramid’ on my bucket list. So, you best believe Egypt is on my list of places to visit at some point! Look at your list, pick an item, and start planning your route to achieve it.
Keeps track of experiences & milestones – You may not complete everything on your list, but you may complete one, some, or multiple. Let me tell ya, looking back at crossed-off bucket list items is so satisfying. Not only does it give you a sense of accomplishment, but it also floods you with memories of a time you worked towards accomplishing something meaningful.
Grants time to reflect on the past & plan for the future – Like I said before, looking back on your accomplishments is a great feeling. It can even be motivation for the journey you may be on now or plan to be on next. Let those checked-off items inspire you to start (or continue) your next goal- whatever that may be. However you decide to use your bucket list, let it guide you to a more fulfilled life.
“By recording your dreams and goals on paper, you set in motion the process of becoming the person you most want to be.”
Mark Victore Hansen
How to Create Your Own Bucket List
1. Find a safe place to create & store your list
The first step in creating a bucket list is to figure out where you want to keep it. There are websites like bucketlist.org or bucketlist.net where you can create and store your list while also looking at other people’s lists. However, I think as long as you a) can remember where it is and b) have easy access to it, it could be as simple as a sticky note on your mirror. I started mine back in 2010 and keep it stored in my Reminders app on my phone. Although I know there are better spots to keep it, it has survived multiple phone changes so in my Reminders app it will stay!
Whether it’s on a piece of paper kept on the fridge, a word document saved on your computer, or on your Notes app on your phone, find the best place that works for you!
2. Get inspired & start brainstorming ideas
If you’ve decided to create a bucket list, you probably have some ideas as to what you’re wanting to add to the list at the forefront of your mind. Great! Go ahead and add them. If you find yourself ‘stuck’ create categories (travel, career, finances, personal growth, etc.) and add goals to those categories. You can also ask yourself questions like, if money & fear weren’t an issue, what would I do? Or If I had one month to live how would I want to spend it? Reflect on different areas of your life and come up with ideas that would enhance those areas.
3. Write (type) it out
It’s been said, writing down your goals helps you become more successful by not only creating a written (or typed) commitment, but also helps clarify what you want. One thing to remember when creating your bucket list is that IT. IS. YOURS. Add whatever you want to it no matter how big or small. Keep in mind, that not every entry needs to be something dramatic as sky diving. For example, in high school, I reallllly wanted to eat at the Melting Pot but it was too expensive for a 16-year-old’s casual weekend dinner, so I put it on my bucket list! I’m not sure exactly how long it took me to finally eat at the Melting Pot, but eventually, I did and it was crossed off my list. The point is it’s your list. If you want to add some items you know are easily attainable or predictable? Do It! If you want to add something crazy like walking the tightrope over the Grand Canyon while on a unicycle? Go for it! No one can judge your list, my friend!
4. Always add, never delete
Personally, I think your bucket list should be ongoing. Some would say a bucket list needs to have a certain amount of items or a deadline to hold you accountable, but to me, that’s just too stressful. Like I said before, your bucket list is ongoing. Add to it whenever you think of something worth pursuing no matter how ridiculous it may be.
On the other hand, never ever EVER erase items from your bucket list! Even if it’s been on your list for seven years and it’s not a goal you’re interested in pursuing. Don’t remove it! You added it to the list for a reason- keep it. You never know when an opportunity to cross it off could present itself.
cheers! – sarah
