When you think of a bucket list, things like terminal illness, retirement and potentially the dynamic duo that is Morgan Freeman + Jack Nicholson, may come to mind.
Ok, maybe just me for the last one but a bucket list doesn’t have to be created due to being under duress!
I started my first version of a bucket list after a break-up and it didn’t include a list of things I wanted to do before my life ended.
It was more of a list of ideas of things I could do to make me feel better at the time. Things like planning a holiday, finishing Grand Theft Auto 5 story mode, joining the library and watching a stripper (yep- that was on the list!)
It grew into its own thing over the last few years and now includes fun, quirky and sentimental goals in there.
My Top Tips For Starting Your Bucket List
My bucket list is my ultimate to-do list and is the go-to place when I feel stuck, bored or in need of some fun.
Today is the day you should start writing your ultimate bucket list.
Regardless of your current situation, it is never too late to set some goals and start achieving the things you dream of doing
Choose a name
I always think naming your list is the best place to start. You don’t have to call it a bucket list and I have read that people get very antsy about calling it that due to the fact that it’s associated with death.
Think about the nature of your list and your intentions and go with that.
You could call it; The Dream List, Life Goals, The To-Do List of Life, Dream Life List, Amazing Aspirations, Life Achievements – the list is endless! Name your list something that will inspire you to stick to it.
Where and how are you going to keep track?
This is a crucial step as you need to keep your list somewhere you can keep a track of it. It also shows commitment that you are taking the steps to actually fulfil your dreams!
I started my list in my iPad notes back in 2014, which then moved onto a double sided sheet of A4 paper that I kept in my purse.
As my list started to get bigger, I could no longer keep it in my purse so the list was then printed and stored in a folder.
I now keep a digital copy EVERYWHERE (back everything up) so that I have access to it at all time!
There are some apps and websites like bucketlist.org and bucketlist.net out there that you can use to keep track of your list, record new ideas and share it to the world.
One of the places I keep mine is on the Things app on iTunes but productivity apps like Notion and Evernote work well too.
You can also use any word processor or notes app.
But PLEASE, make sure you back it up on an external hard-drive or a cloud like Google drive and Dropbox
How long is it going to be?
There is no set length that your bucket list should be. It can be as long or as short as you want it to be. However, I think it’s a good idea to have at least 20 – 30 items to get you started. These can include short term goals too.
Adding goals that will be quick and easy to complete will give you a sense of achievement and give you the boost you need to complete some long term goals.
Now that my list is starting to get longer (and longer!), it may be a good idea to breakdown your list into smaller lists to help you manage your goals easily.
For me, I break my bucket list into a yearly list. I look at all the things I want to achieve and pick what I want to achieve in the next 12 months.
You can do this too or breakdown your list into a seasonal list, 30 before 30 or This Month bucket lists – pick one that keeps you committed and on track.
Find inspiration
There’s so many AMAZING bucket list resources out there! My absolute favourite has to be Anette at Bucket List Journey. I fell in love with her blog and was also the inspiration behind categorizing my bucket list into sections (hope you don’t mind Annette!)
I was also inspired by Eat Pray Love and Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert*. Cliché I know but it was the trigger that made me realise that I needed to start getting stuff done!
You can find inspiration almost anywhere – TV, Books, Youtube, Instagram, Magazines, Networking – there is so many resources about.
Reflect on what you have already achieved
When writing your list, it can be a bit daunting seeing all the things you haven’t done – yet! Therefore, it’s good when creating or adding things onto your bucket list to remember all the things you have achieved in your life so far. This is a great gratitude exercise that will put you in a positive mental space when tackling your bucket list.
Start writing
Time to let the inspiration flow and writing your list. Your bucket list is a chance to dream big – bigger than you ever have before. Its important that your list reflects you and the experiences that will be meaningful for you.
Don’t exclude things that you might find too hard to achieve or impossible.
The bucket list was designed to expand your mind and push you out of your comfort zone.
Never underestimate what you are capable of! Just because you have giant goals doesn’t mean you are not capable of achieving them.
Look at what you’ve already achieved (see previous step) and then go for it. You are capable of achieving and experiencing all that life has to offer!
Need some help writing your list? Enter your email below and receive a free bucket list workbook that will guide you through different areas of your life and get that list started.
Tell the world!
This is the scary part as this is where it gets real.
Telling friends, family, colleagues and the world means you have opened yourself up for accountability.
You can post your list on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat – anywhere where your friends and family can see it and support you in achieving your goals.
Sharing your list will give you the push you need to get things done and give you the accountability you need. It also gives you a chance to buddy up with someone who wants to do the same things as you.
Partnering up with someone will bring new ideas to the table and will help you connect with likeminded people who will provide a support network when things get tough.
So, what are you waiting for?!
Don’t forget to grab your free workbook in the links above!
I would love to know what you have added onto your list, let us all know in the comments below or slide into my inbox for all things bucket listy!
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