How to Write A Bucket List & Actually Mark Items Off

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By Jen Errair
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What IS a "bucket list" you may ask? It is a list of things you would like to do before you "kick the bucket" (die). Yes, there was a movie about it, but it is also a good reminder of goals we would like to accomplish. By writing down your "bucket list", you have a written reminder of your goals which will assist you in actually completing them!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Pen (No pencils - too easy to erase)!
Paper.
Quiet time to reflect.
To be COMPLETELY HONEST with yourself.

Step 1

Plan for some alone time. Arrange a play-date for the kids, send the boyfriend/husband/significant other out to run errands. Find a place where you are most comfortable and have a pen, pad of paper and something hard to write on (if needed). I do not suggest using your computer to do your bucket list. It is more personal to you if YOU write it down in your own handwriting.
Step 2

Start thinking about the things you would like to do before your time on this planet is up. These items should be personal to you and should not be restricted by what you THINK the cost would be. Imagine what you would do if you were not restricted by money, time, family or a job.
Step 3

Start writing your list and be specific! If you would like to learn a language, which one(s)? Do you want to take a dance class? What type(s). Are there places you would like to visit? If so, where?
Step 4

Display your bucket list in a place where it is visible to you such as your bathroom mirror, on a bulletin board or at your desk. If you have written more "personal" items and live with other people, you may want to consider a place less conspicuous. However, your list should be accessible enough for you to refer to it often.
Step 5

You may want to do some research in terms of cost to each of your bucket list items before choosing one. When you've found a cost, or estimated cost, write it next to the item on your bucket list so you know how much you have to start saving to complete the specific item. Not all will have a monetary cost to them, it may be that you just need to get a library card, or talk to friends and colleagues to see if they have resources to assist you (i.e. a language CD, access to animals you want to learn about, etc). If you have to save to complete an item on your bucket list, tape a picture of what you want to your credit card so it will remind you what you are saving for; it will make you think twice before purchasing something frivolous.

Comments

DreamLiving said

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on 11/16/2009 I had a list and then we had a fire. Also, I had written letters to my children when they were 3 and 4 years old. If something had happened to me, I wanted them to have the letters. I will have to do these things again. Thanks for writing such a "timely" article.