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Bucket Lists? Is that the right Plan?

Bucket Lists? Is that the right word?

You would of heard many people talk about ‘Bucket Lists’ and adding destinations or events to them. But what is a ‘Bucket List’?.

The Dictionary defines a ‘bucket list’ as “a number of experiences or achievements that a person hopes to have or accomplish during their lifetime.”

‘Bucket list’ can also be called as “things to do before you die”. It is possibly derived from the English idiom – ‘to kick the bucket’ which means ‘to die’. It is used as an informal way or as a slang and it is believed that the idiom comes from method of execution such as hanging where the executioner would ‘kick the bucket’. (quora.com)

Google ‘Bucket List’ and you will get “1000+ Bucket List Ideas: The Best Things to Do Before You Die”.

It appears to me that many people’s ‘Bucket Lists’ are more of a wishlist of lofty dreams that will never happen rather than long term goals that would bring the writer of the list a sense of purpose and accomplishment.

So why then do people continue to write them?

Life passes by so quickly so it’s important to make the most and cherish every moment!

According to the odysseyonline, ‘Bucket lists’ when done right can achieve the following:

  1. Purpose

A bucket list gives you a purpose in life. It’s something you know you want to do. It gives you goals to reach for, something to get out of life.

  1. Focus

It gives you something to focus on. How many times have you drawn a blank on what you want to do with your free time? Now you know. Got some time off coming up or a free weekend? Why not check something off your bucket list? The list gives you something to work towards.

  1. Direction

Your bucket list gives you some direction in life. It helps to guide you towards new things and new experiences. This one sort of ties together the purpose and focus. You focus on your list, it gives you a sense of direction in your life and a purpose.

  1. Goals

It’s important to set goals for yourself, and a bucket list does just that. You don’t have to give it a time period either. The list goes on for the rest of your life, there’s no rush.

  1. Memories

Life is all about making memories. Your bucket list certainly will give you plenty of them. They will be memories you will hold onto forever, and give you great stories to tell other people. It’ll be nice to look back on the things you’ve accomplished, something to make you feel proud of yourself.

  1. Move On

Life can get pretty tough sometimes, but it important to keep pushing forward. Your bucket list is the perfect thing to help get you out of a funk. Go out and try something new, something you’ve always wanted to do. It’ll help get your mind of things for a while and get you to move on.

  1. Discover

Think of all the new things and places you’ll discover. You’ll add to your life experiences. I’m sure traveling somewhere is on most of our bucket lists.

  1. Explore

Jumping off of discovering something new, is exploring something new. Explore the world.

  1. Learning

With exploring comes learning which is always a good thing. Learn a new language, learn a new cultures, learn about anything. Put yourself out there. Discover, explore, learn.

  1. Never Ending

The last reason to make a bucket list is that it’s never ending. You can always come up with new ideas, always try new things. It’s not a list that’s meant to be completed.

To keep this to the point… Think about what you want to achieve in your life? What do you want to be known for? What makes fulfils you and makes you happy?

‘Bucket Lists’ should be a collection of goals, dreams and aspirations that you would like to accomplish within your lifetime. The list should be used to keep track of your goals and to take steps to achieving these goals in order to maximize the incredible experiences in your life.

These are the things we should strive for, plan for and set goals to achieve. I believe it should be called a ‘Meaningful Life Goals List’, rather than a bucket list.

So how do we write our ‘Meaningful Life Goals List?’ Wikihow states five easy steps to help get you on your way:

Steps

  1. Choose an inspiring place. Developing your bucket listshould be exciting, so find a place to brainstorm that inspires you! …
  2. Choose goals that are meaningful to you. Your bucket listshould contain items that are deeply meaningful to you. …
  3. Find a common theme. …
  4. Cast off expectations. …
  5. Talk to others for inspiration.

 

Also if you are more technological, then there are apps to help you write and keep track of your meaningful life goals here are the:

Top 4 Bucket List Apps Available

  • Soon.
  • iWish.
  • BUCKiTDREAM. …
  • Woovly.

 

I strongly advocate creating your own ‘Meaningful Goals List.’

Set goals for yourself.

Get out and discover something new.

Make the most of your life.

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