What is an Experience or Bucket List?
Well first off what is one? A bucket list is a term commonly referred to a list of things you would want to complete before you ‘Kick the bucket’, although this is a good way of putting a bit of urgency into getting things done it can also be seen as a bit morbid. So some call it an Experience list.
The general goal is to make sure that people fill their lives with rich experiences. Having that feel good factor rather than getting stuck in the same routine of work, eat and sleep. Being able to look back each year and say hey I did that and it was amazing! After a few years of successfully completing some of the items on the list, you would have started to build something special.
More Lists and Tasks!
Well yes but a good one we hope. People make lists to keep a track of what they have done and what is still to do so they can keep the focus on those things. Normally this revolves around mundane day to day tasks that make life a drag. A bucket list or experience list is there to help keep focus too, but on the great stuff and of course what would you rather focus on each day? I thought so, The Great Stuff.
Now we are not saying that you book your next trip to Borneo to see monkeys in the wild today and then tomorrow book tickets to ride the Orient Express. You could but you would soon run out of money and if not run out of things to look forward to. No, it’s good to keep looking at your list and reminding yourself of what you want to accomplish but the main thing is that you take small steps regularly to move forward and plan the next thing. Remember it is the journey working towards something we want to achieve that is also as rewarding as the goal itself. Many times in life we focus so much on getting to the end and not enjoying the ride. Enjoy it all especially the small things around that go unnoticed every day.
It’s not all about the Big Ticket Items
Yes, you could have your “Climb Mount Everest” or “Swim the English Channel” and if you would really love to experience the thrill of those things then there are ways and means to do so, normally with a lot of money and hard training behind you. But we’ve said before if it something you really must do and it makes you feel great then it doesn’t have to cost the earth. Treating your family or friends to something or giving up your time to work with a charity or good cause is always welcome on a bucket list.
What should go on to an Experience or bucket list?
The answer to this is anything you desire. I believe there is nothing too big or too small. Expensive or free if there is something you want to experience put it on the list and make plans to do it. Learning a new skill or language could be one, or advancing you career with a qualification. Add some travel and some small fun things to do, anything to make life interesting.
How long should your list be? Again this is down to you, you could have 10 items on the list or 1000 or more. Add more as you think of them or take some away if for some reason you feel that you have changed your mind and definitely will not want to do that thing. Normally you have a fair sized list and barring a few additions they remain the same.
Should you have one?
Of course why not? As long as it does not have an adverse effect on you or those around you this has got to be a good thing. There will be things that you want to do that you feel are just too far out of reach to achieve, but put the goals on a list you will be surprised. You could even find that if other people know about your list they could help you in obtaining them and even want to do it with you.
Maybe it could be said that your career plan and life plan should be a part of your bucket list plan. You will become a better and more well-rounded person as you go on to accomplish things on the list. It can become infectious and could lead to a ripple effect with people around you wanting to follow your lead and start living a full and meaningful life.
Life’s way too short to live a regret free life so stop sleepwalking through it and start to live your dreams!
If you haven’t started one yet why not do it now! you can sign up and start adding to your list in our Membership Registration page. If you have signed up you can add experiences straight from our Buckets list page.
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