I have a bucket list of ideas and activities that I would like to complete. We all have a bucket list in our minds of “someday I’m going to do that”. Some people actually write down their bucket list and maybe even tape it to the bathroom mirror or they will put it on the refrigerator door with a magnet. I have a summer bucket list and a winter bucket list. The summer bucket list is definitely longer.
What is a bucket list?
A bucket list is a list of activities or things that you would like to accomplish in your life. You want to do the items on your list before you get too old to do them and before you die. It is really simple, take a piece of paper and write down five, or ten, or twenty things. Things that you want to do but, for whatever the reason you can’t do it right now. Maybe age or lack of money, or you need more education, or more experience is needed.
Start simple first.
I understand that actually writing something with a pen or pencil is kind of old school. If you want to put it on your iPhone, tablet, or computer, that will work too. Let me mention here that there is something special about actually physically writing it on paper.
Writing on paper adds a dimension of reality and something tangible you can see and feel that is different than electronic notes. Compare reading an ebook to holding a real book in your hands. The experience is different. It’s got gumption. Now write or type maybe 30 – 50 (or as many as makes you happy) ideas of things you want or wish, hope or desire to do or have in your lifetime. There are no limitations except for your imagination.
Organize your list.
Now you have your list of 100 things, and you can start to organize them into groups. This will make it easy to find them. You might have categories like a summer bucket list or a winter bucket list. Which countries would you travel to? Family vacations, or learn to do this, or acquire this particular skillset and get certified. Example: you want to scuba dive shipwrecks around the world but you have never scuba-dived in your life. Well, then you will need to learn how to scuba dive.
If you are like me, you might have to get in better physical condition before donning a wet suit. That would be quite the sight right now. Picture a seal trying to put on his own skin. If there are easier things in a grouping, put them at the top so you can do that first. This will empower you and give you confidence, and you will feel in control of your future and your destiny.
Take action immediately!
Let’s recap. You created a big, crazy list of outrageous things you want to experience. You organized them into groupings and the easiest things to accomplish are at the top. Now you need to take action immediately by figuring out what you have to do to do the thing. You might need to start a savings account specifically for that. Or sign up for a gym membership and get in better physical shape. Travel? Start researching all the things required to travel like getting a passport, luggage limitations for flying, and what documentation you need with you, and how to keep it safe.
Save the date.
Everything is ready. You have put together a game plan and know what you are going to do and the things you need to execute the plan. Time to look at the calendar and decide how long will it take to save the money, get in shape, orchestrate travel details, and finally the best time of the year to go. Put a great big “X” on the calendar and SAVE THE DATE. Choose the soonest date you think you can and write it on the calendar! Look at your bucket list every day and especially the first/ next item on the list because that is your future. That is YOUR dream! Don’t let anyone steal your dream.
Live Your Dream!
Look at your list every day! Work toward fulfilling the requirements of your next item on the list. Believe that you can do it and that you will do it and in time, you will be smack dab in that place living your dream. You are awesome! If you can dream it, you can live it.
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