We are all familiar with the term ‘Bucket List’, derived from the expression ‘To Kick the Bucket’. It’s that long list of personal ‘must-do’s’ before we pop off this mortal coil. For some the list may be getting longer, and for others it is rapidly getting smaller. Some people go solely for travel experiences, whilst others are all about the adrenaline fix. I recently crossed buying a property in Spain off my Bucket List, so that I can live the lifestyle I have been working towards for many years.
Personally, I think it’s a good idea to consider a wide variety of goals for your Bucket List. Spend some time thinking about what you really want to get out of life, so that when the time comes there are no regrets. Most importantly, whatever goals you have, you need to write them down!
“Write down your goals, make plans to achieve them, and work on your plans every single day” – Brian Tracy
Research shows time and time again that by writing down your goals, you are much more likely to achieve them. The problem is, most people don’t really bother to do so, and instead, they drift through their existence somewhat aimlessly, wondering why their life lacks purpose.
Here are some reasons to get that pen and paper out and think about YOUR Bucket List:
- It forces you to gain clarity on what you really want;
- It motivates you to take action;
- It provides a method of filtering out what’s important and what isn’t;
- It helps you see and celebrate your progress;
- It’s a continuous reminder of your aspirations.
What’s on YOUR list?
So, if you are feeling motivated to get cracking on your Bucket List, but maybe need a bit of inspiration on what goals you might like to achieve, then here are some great suggestions:
Face Your Fears
Whether you are an adrenaline junkie or not, we all fear something. Whether it’s jumping out of a plane, driving really fast in a sports car, giving a speech in public or holding a tarantula, exposing ourselves to what ordinarily would have us running for the hills helps us to develop and grow as a person. Imagine the elation, and overwhelming sense of achievement that conquering a fear would bring you! Go for it, and challenge yourself to think outside the box!
For me, it was doing a fire walk in the pitch black on my own, jumping out of a plane at 11,000 feet and abseiling down a tall building (not all on the same day.) I still have the bungie jump to do!
It’s a Big World Out There
Travel is an important life experience. It expands our horizons in many ways, stimulates our senses, boosts our intellect, and makes us happy. Here are some suggestions for great destinations:
- Visit one of the world’s many ancient (and not so ancient) wonders – the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Colosseum, the Taj Mahal, the Empire State Building, Angkor Wat … the list goes on and on!
- Do a major hike/climb such as Snowdon, Macchu Pichu, Kilimanjaro, or a mountain that would challenge you physically, or that you find particularly beautiful.
- Go on Safari, be at one with the wild, and hunt (with your camera!) for the ‘Big Five’ – the lion, African elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino. I was lucky enough to do this a few years back and it was a fantastic experience.
- Find beauty in relatively undisturbed regions of the world like Alaska, Antarctica, Iceland, and Greenland – seeing the Aurora Borealis must be magical.
- Locate paradise, and go remote – perhaps you dream of somewhere with white sand beaches and palm trees, where the only sound is the rush of the ocean.
One of my most special trips was riding a Harley Davidson across Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco and along California’s iconic Highway One. These are memories I will have forever.
Own or Experience Something Wonderful
There must be a ton of things that you wanted as a kid. Cars, boats, planes helicopters, horses, houses. Go back to that 10 year old you once were, and ask them what they really want, money no object. Then find a way to make that dream come true!
For me, it was to drive a bright red Ferrari. It was on my bucket list for ages. I then got a chance to drive one and sadly, I was very underwhelmed! So definitely try before you buy, as dreams are not always what you think they’ll be!
A Big Event
Events are often some of the most memorable experiences that we will have in our lifetime. They are something that we keep treasuring, and reminiscing about time and time again. An event can be pretty much anything: seeing your favourite band, a theatre trip, even taking part in a gameshow! But if you want something truly memorable, consider Mardi Gras, Glastonbury, or maybe The London Marathon!
Not a major event for me, but watching England play Rugby at Twickenham was on my list. I was lucky enough to achieve this in 2019, and saw them draw 38-38 in a fantastic match.
Give Back
Sometimes it’s easy to forget that there are many people who are less fortunate than us. Therefore, wherever you may be, do consider doing a service project or volunteer opportunity — or something similar. It will make a positive impact on your community, you may develop relevant job skills, you can explore other interests, make new friends, and enhance your knowledge. And it will make you feel like you’re making a difference. Every little helps, so you could try doing a sponsored run for charity, donating blood, foster an animal, or join in a beach clean up.
I think I am a bit too selfish at times so not many of these on my list, but I did love helping out a rescue centre for badgers and other wildlife. As a thanks, I got to visit the centre and spend time with their group of orphaned badger cubs, which was amazing.
Learn Something New
I am a big believer in personal development and making the time to expand your skills. Getting involved in a new activity or hobby is also a great way to meet new people, and network. Remember, knowledge is power, and also the cornerstone of influence and reputation. So, why not learn a new language, an IT skill, a new sport, or maybe even an instrument.
I still have learning Spanish on my list, so hopefully the apartment in Spain will help me achieve this one.
Did I miss anything? I’d love to know your suggestions for creating a Bucket List! If you haven’t started one yet, what are waiting for? Take action today, and start making your dreams come true!
