Bucket Lists and Why You Should Have One!

Organization and time management are two of my favorite topics. I try to give people advice on how to be more productive so they can squeeze an extra hour out of their day. However, the bigger question is: What will YOU do with your extra hour?

Take a moment to look at the past three months – What did you accomplish? Did anything stand out? Having a bucket list is a way to remind you of what is really important to YOU so you can act on it!

Contrary to popular belief, the objective of a bucket list isn’t to be some kind of race against time before you “kick the bucket.” The point of a bucket list is to help people live life to its fullest and maximize every moment of existence. It is a chance to think of everything you ever wanted to do, whether it is big or small, and write it down.

Why should you have a bucket list?

A bucket list spreads enthusiasm! Each time you cross off something on your list, you will feel a sense of achievement. You will be truly happy to spend time to accomplish YOUR dreams. You and your spouse or friend can take turns picking items to cross off and complete your bucket list together. Wouldn’t it be more fun to learn how to roller-skate with your husband after work than watching TV?

A bucket list is a great productivity tool. When you list your goals in black and white, you spend more time on these important things and less time goofing off. As you start marking off your bucket list and adding things that bring you joy in your life, you will be more focused at work. You will want to leave the office on time to attend to the compelling life that you made yourself, chock full of new experiences.

A bucket list helps eliminate the feeling that days are passing by. June is already halfway over (Can you believe it? Where has the month gone?) With a bucket list in hand, you will remember all the meaningful accomplishments you made when you think about the month of June. Instead of thinking, “Where did the time go?” your brain will be thinking, “What can I do next?”

How to create your bucket list:

The only thing a bucket list will cost you is time (probably around 30 minutes), so why not make one? It is FUN! If you already have a bucket list, take this moment to review it and maybe add some new goals.

Now, find a pen and a piece of paper or start typing on your computer and write whatever comes to mind. Allow yourself to dream of anything in the world! This is your chance to let yourself think of what you would do if you had unlimited time, money, and resources.

Here are some questions to get your creative juices flowing:

1. If you were to die tomorrow, what would you wish to do before you die?
   
   
2. What are some places you would like to visit? Remember, there’s no place too big or too small!
   
   
3. Which restaurants would you like to try?
   
   
4. What is your dream career?
   
   
5. Are there any activities or hobbies you would like to try?
   
   
6. What do you want to see in person?
   
   
7. What would you like to achieve in different areas: love, social, family, finance, spiritual?
   
   
8. Would you like to say, “Thank you,” or, “I’m sorry,” to anyone?
   
   
9. What type of business would you like to own?
   
   
10. What physical changes would you like to make? Your hair color, pierce your ears, lose weight?

These are just some thoughts to get your bucket list started. For additional inspiration, check out some items on MY bucket list!

• Sing in a band.
  
  
• Ride on the back of a motorcycle.
  
  
• Take my mom to Washington D.C. (on her list)
  
  
• Learn to ice skate.
  
  
• Make a list of apologies that need to be made and make them.
  
  
• Own a million dollar company.
  
  
• Take ballroom dance lessons.

If you feel that you aren’t living your life to the fullest, I suggest taking the time out today to create a bucket list. It will help you make every extra hour in your day full of endless possibilities and create meaningful memories that will last you a lifetime!