5 Simple Steps to Create The Ultimate Bucket List
A bucket list is a tool to remind us that our time on this earth is finite and that we must make the most of it! You can use these bucket list ideas and examples as inspiration to create your own cool and adventurous bucket list, we offer a fully guided template that has inspirational questions, and multiple styles to choose from. Once you have completed it take at least one step everyday to complete the items on it.
What do you need to do to live a life of greatest meaning as defined by you?
Think about the things you wanted to do when you were a kid. It doesn't matter if your list includes 'be a princess', 'drive a spaceship' or 'go to Middle Earth' as these can translate to 'visit luxury resort', 'go on a space simulator' and 'go to New Zealand' (or Birmingham if you want to be literal about it).
Inspiration can come from anywhere - if it sparks an interest in you, then it's worth adding to your list.
Studies have shown that people are 33 percent more successful with achieving their goals when they write them down, share them with the world, and are held accountable with weekly updates.
Step 1. Name Your Bucket List
Due to the bucket list meaning and definition, some people have some strong emotions about the term, mostly because it is a reminder of their own mortality and its uncomfortable. But, making a bucket list is really about living life to the fullest with all the hours you have left on Earth. With that said, you don’t have to feel obligated to name your list a “bucket list” you can call it anything that makes you feel the warm fuzzies inside and something that feels good to you.
Here are some ideas:
- Life List
- Dream List
- Life’s Aspiration List
- My Lifetime Goals
- Things to Achieve in My Lifetime
- My Life’s To Do
- Meaningful Life Goals
- Things to Conquer
- Amazing Experiences To Be Had
- The Life Plan
- My Life’s Must Dos
Step 2. Ask Yourself Questions
Ask yourself some questions to find what adventures you would be most passionate about.
Think about the overall experience you want. For example, it's not just 'visiting India' - it's experiencing the majesty of the Taj Mahal, meeting people from another culture, inhaling the exotic smells, and eating some awesome food.
If you get stumped, just skip to the next one and come back later.
- What would you wish you could do before you “kick the bucket?”
- What would you do if you had unlimited time, money and resources?
- What have you always wanted to do but have not done yet?
- Any countries, places or locations you want to visit?
- What are your biggest goals and dreams?
- What do you want to see in person?
- What achievements do you want to have?
- What experiences do you want to have/feel?
- Any special moments you want to witness?
- What activities or skills do you want to learn or try out?
- What are the most important things you can ever do?
- What would you like to say/do together with other people? People you love? Family? Friends?
- Any specific individuals (celebrities, famous people, world leaders) you want to meet in person?
- What do you want to achieve in the different areas of your life: Social, Love, Family, Career, Finance, Health (your weight, fitness level), Spiritual?
- If you had one month to live, what would you do?
- What types of new foods do you want to try?
- What cultural traditions are you interested in?
- Are there any activities or sports that you want to try?
- What events do you want to attend?
- What has always been your biggest dream in life?
- What classes have you always thought about taking?
- Who have you always wanted to meet in person?
- What would you like to do with family and friends?
- In what ways do you want to improve yourself physically, mentally or spiritually?
- What skills have you wanted to learn?
- Is there a charity you have always wanted to support?
- What was your childhood dream — is it still relevant today?
- What travel/adventure stories would you want to share with your grandchildren?
- If you had three wishes what would they be?
- Is there someplace you have always wanted to take your spouse, best friend and parent?
Step 3. Create Categories
Breaking up your life list into different categories can make the brainstorming process much easier. This is also a great way to organize it once it starts growing. Divide a page into your selected categories and list at least five entries for each one. You will find that some goals fit into two different sections, that is no problem just record it in one, the most important part is that it’s on there somewhere.
These are only examples of categories, if you find many of your entries fall into a category not shown here simply create it —this is your list.
- Adventure
- Career + Finances
- Philanthropy/charity
- Creativity
- Education
- Entertainment & Events
- Family + Kids
- Food + Drink
- Just for Fun
- Local Experiences
- Personal Growth
- Nature + Wildlife
- Sports + Activities
- Travel
You might want to add other topics to your bucket list such as: a special place to visit, learning something new, trying an extreme sport, giving something back, seeing something majestic - you get the idea. Don’t let your answers be controlled by fear or self-doubt, this is the place to dream bigger than you ever thought possible.
Step 4. Create Your Bucket List!
You’ve now got a bunch of great ideas for your list, so it’s time to start creating it. Download our printable bucket list right now and get started!
There is no right or wrong way of designing the actual bucket list. It is a personal journey between you and your aspirations. Each one should be different because it is meant to reflect what you most desire in your own life.
Making a bucket list is your license to dream big, go beyond the realistic goals, and put down everything that you have ever wanted to see, touch, and experience. Be realistic, but also understand that we are capable of doing so much more than we think we can.
