Your Bucket List: Why Wait for “Some Day”?
Posted on August 24, 2023
The Bucket List, a 2007, sets actors Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson on a quest to fulfill their wildest dreams in their final months with a terminal illness.
A bucket list is a list of goals, experiences and dreams you would like to complete in your lifetime. While the idea has been around for a long time, the movie brought it into the spotlight. Since then, blogs, websites, journals and more help people to develop a list of “must do” activities throughout their lives.
A survey conducted by the Stanford University School of Medicine found that more than 90% of participants had a bucket list.
Benefits of Creating a Bucket List
A bucket list can be called any name, such as a life list, a life plan or a dream list. A study found that people who write their goals down are more likely to achieve them. Making a list and accomplishing it can make life feel more meaningful.
Ideally, the list will include things that are easier to accomplish, as well as some items you may need to work toward. Your list should only include inspirational, once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Resist the temptation to make the list a “to-do” list with items such as organizing the garage, cleaning the attic or painting the house.
There are many benefits of creating a life list, including:
• Providing focus
• Prompting action
• Self-confidence
• Happiness
Creating your list will help you stay inspired to put your dreams and plans into action.
Creating Your Bucket List
To create a bucket list, or to refine one you already have, start by taking the time to reflect on what you would like to experience in life. Write down whatever comes to mind, no matter how big or how small.
A bucket list will help you decide what is important to you. It is the opportunity to decide what you would like to do before your day-to-day to-do list takes over. As such, your bucket list can help you understand how you are currently spending your time, versus how you would rather be spending your time.
Here are some things to consider as you create your bucket list:
• What do I love to do?
• What do I want to experience?
• What legacy do I want to leave?
• What gives me hope?
• What gives me peace?
• What am I thankful for?
One thing to consider is “yes” moments, encouraging you to do things that are not part of your everyday life. It is OK to put off laundry day for an opportunity to go boating with friends. Or to postpone weeding the garden for a last-minute invitation from a pilot friend for a daytrip to a famous restaurant.
Also, consider how your list can provide “no” moments. Instead of trying to do everything that comes your way and using up your time, weigh opportunities that are most important to you and truly adding value to your life.
Start Checking Off Your List
The movie The Bucket List was about living life to the fullest when you know you have limited time. However, most of us will not know when we will run out of time to complete our list. As a result, why wait?
Learn a language, scuba dive, see a concert at Red Rocks, drive across the country. There is no shortage of ideas of how to enrich your life.
At The Trust Company, we are comprised of team members who can help manage your assets while you are leaving a legacy and checking off those goals on your bucket list. To learn how we can help you live your best life now, contact us.
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