The benefits of having a bucket list and how to get started
An adventurous vacation is always part of my bucket list. Pictured: the Big Island of Hawaii.
If you’ve got ambitions but haven’t figured out how to pursue or fulfill your dreams there’s a very simple trick that can help. Write a list. Better yet, write a bucket list.
A bucket list is a list of experiences, goals, or ambitions that a person hopes to achieve or accomplish in their lifetime, and it can be a powerful tool for motivation, self-discovery, and personal growth.
Not only does working toward the items on your bucket list give you a sense of purpose and direction, but completing them can foster a sense of accomplishment—and may require you to accomplish a series of supporting tasks you might not have anticipated.
So let’s explore how to create a bucket list, discuss some tips for staying motivated, and talk about the benefits of completing items on your list. At the bottom, I’ll link to some stories about my bucket lists, as well as my current list of 50 things I aim to accomplish in the year following my 50th birthday.
Brainstorm first, then be specific when writing a bucket list
Climbing mountains—a rewarding bucket list staple.
Writing a bucket list can be a fun and rewarding exercise in self-reflection and goal-setting. To start, take some time to brainstorm a list of all the things you've always wanted to do, see, or accomplish. These can be big or small, practical or whimsical, and they should represent your unique passions, interests, and values.
When I review lists I’ve made over the years, including a 100-item list written more than 20 years ago, certain themes are pretty clear. Most of the time my goals are focused on athletics, relationships, creativity, career, and spirituality.
Your overarching themes may be very different and include themes like travel, personal finance, altruism, or confronting fears. A bucket list can and should be unique to you because ambitions are as diverse and varied as the people who harbor them.
As you create your list narrow your dreams down by being as specific and detailed as possible. Rather than simply writing "travel to France," add specific destinations or experiences you'd like to have. For example write "drink Bordeaux in Bordeaux" (an item I crossed off my list in the spring of 2017) or "climb the highest mountain in the lower 48 states" (which I crossed off in July 2022).
Such specificity will make your list feel tangible and achievable, and give you a very clear roadmap for what you'd like to work toward and, to some extent, how to work toward it. Using the mountain climbing example from above, it meant applying for permits six months ahead of time, putting a team together, and physical training to be able to accomplish the task. (Read more about that trip here.)
Bucket list deadlines can give you motivation
Once you have a solid list of relatively specific ideas, it can be helpful to prioritize them and set realistic deadlines. You can organize your list by geography, time, or activity, but going over your list in this way will help you be strategic about pursuing your dreams.
Establishing deadlines will give you focus and motivation, as well as a sense of accomplishment as you check items off your bucket list. As mentioned previously, my current bucket list involves 50 things I aim to accomplish between my 50th and 51st birthdays, so there’s a very specific target date for all 50 items. In order to achieve this list, some strategic pacing and planning are required.
While specificity and deadlines may help, also recognize when they’re unrealistic or when your life circumstances and dreams have changed. Remember, your bucket list is meant to be a flexible and evolving living document. Don't be afraid to add, remove, or rearrange items as your goals and interests change over time.
Another example from the bucket list I wrote in my late 20s was a desire I had at that time to rice a bull in a local rodeo. I didn’t accomplish that feat, and I no longer care whether or not I ever do.
Tips for completing a bucket list
My earliest bucket list included writing two books: one nonfiction, and one fiction. Both are now crossed off.
Staying motivated and making progress on your bucket list can be a challenge, especially if you have a lot of items or if you're tackling large, ambitious goals. Here are a few tips that can help you stay on track:
Share your list with friends and family: Sharing your list with loved ones can be a great way to stay accountable and motivated. Not only can they help hold you accountable for making progress, but they can also offer encouragement and support as you work toward your goals.
Break larger items into smaller tasks. If you have a big item on your list that seems daunting or overwhelming, try breaking it into smaller, more manageable tasks. For example, if you want to write a book, you might start by writing an outline and endeavor to write a certain number of words each day. If you want to SCUBA dive in Hawaii, you might first need to get SCUBA certified—another goal unto itself. Smaller tasks can help you make steady progress towards your larger goal and keep you motivated. This is part of the fun of maintaining a bucket list.
Celebrate your progress: As you make progress on your list, take the time to celebrate accomplishments. This can be as simple as treating yourself to something special or sharing news with friends and family. Recognizing your achievements can help you stay motivated.
The importance of having a bucket list
“Life is short, make every day count”
Much of our lives are dictated by the expectations of our parents, friends, or cultures we live in. When I reflect on my youth and young adult years, I had a burning desire to try a wide diversity of life experiences, but I pursued them in a haphazard way. I was adrift on life’s currents.
While allowing life’s in-and-out tides to wash me toward some amazing experiences worked to some extent, it was only after writing my first bucket list that I understood how clearly I wanted to pursue certain activities (i.e. guitar, whitewater kayaking, creative writing, loving relationships, and overcoming my life’s biggest tragedy). Writing that list literally crystallized what had been an opaque desire into a clear and tangible list of activities and experiences.
In this sense, writing a bucket list can be a very fulfilling experience that helps you discover new passions, set goals, and work toward personal growth.
By brainstorming ideas, adding specificity, prioritizing, and setting deadlines, you can create a roadmap for achieving your dreams and ambitions.
And by staying motivated, breaking larger goals into smaller tasks, and celebrating your progress, you can make steady progress toward completing your list.