Jack Nicholson in 'The Bucket List'
You may remember a 2007 film called 'The Bucket List', starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. This is the story of two men who find themselves with terminal illnesses and who embark on a frantic road trip to get things done before they die.
Like the movie's characters, keeping a bucket list (otherwise known as a Life Wish List) can help you experience all the things you really want.
All you need is paper and pen (or your smart phone) to get your list going. One of the best and easiest ways to keep your Bucket List is to use a spiral notebook. This way, you can keep the list going wherever you are and can review it often.
To get started, think about all the goals you want to achieve.
This includes short-term plans, plans that will take a few years, and ones that will span the course of your life. Record the date you place each item on your list as it will help you begin to actively work toward the goal. You might even want to write the date you achieved your objective as well.
Take a look at a brief example of a Bucket List:
- Take the final training at work to speak more effectively.
- Plan a weekend trip with my brothers in 2023.
- Begin saving $200 monthly in August 2022 for a trip to France in 2024.
- Schedule evenings out with friends at least twice a month.
- Watch the top 100 Movies over the next 2 years.
- Obtain a part time job 3 months every year to bank money for retirement.
- Learn a Martial Art such as Judo or Tae Kwondo.
Consider these points when putting together your own Bucket List
1. Reflect on the kind of life you want.
Do you want to be married, have children, and keep the same job for 20 years? Perhaps you strive to live the simpler life out in the suburbs or on a farm in the country.
2. Consider where you want to live.
Maybe you want to stay in your hometown until you’re 55, then move on to the retirement place of your dreams. Or maybe you wish you could move out of the colder weather and live somewhere with a more temperate climate.
3. Do you want more education or training?
You can avail yourself of the knowledge you’ll need, whether your ultimate goal is to earn more or just to excel at what you do.
4. How good is good enough?
Speaking of excelling, maybe you want to be one of the best sales people at the store or office where you work. Being the best cook in the neighbourhood could be your heart’s deepest desire. Consider what you need to do to achieve your dreams. Then, put your steps to your goal on your Wish List.
5. Make your home your sanctuary.
Maybe it’s time to paint, re-arrange the furniture, or pick up a new piece of furniture to complete your mental image of your dream home. Or more daringly, get a completely new home!
6. Do you dream of a special vacation?
Have you always wanted to go to London to see Buckingham Palace? Perhaps you wish you could cruise the Caribbean for a week. Whatever the destination, your dream vacation should be on your list.
7. Have fun!
Consider activities you want to do just for personal enjoyment. Include plenty of these types of items on your Life Wish List. For example, maybe you want to learn how to paint with watercolours or how to play golf.
Keeping a Bucket List is one of the most self-motivating things you can do. You’ll open your mind to all the things you want to participate in, see, and achieve. Plus, you’ll be consistently compelled to move forward to fulfil your desires and accomplish your goals. Start your Life Wish List today to live the life you truly want.