Hey! Since the spring of this year, I’ve been taking French lessons. This year has also been filled with some incredible adventures. I embarked on a road trip around California, where I camped under the stars in Death Valley National Park. Then, I took off to Iceland, driving around nearly the entire country in 14 days. Every night, I slept in a tent at different campsites, surrounded by breathtaking volcanic landscapes, highlands, hot springs, and waterfalls.
I should also mention last year’s adventures, which were equally thrilling. I went wild camping, hiking, and kayaking in Norway, and spent 4 days backpacking along the famous Tour du Mont Blanc. I visited Catalonia to explore the Montserrat mountain range and drove through the stunning Teide National Park in Tenerife. During a rock climbing trip to Mallorca, I was awestruck by the beauty of the Drach Caves (Cuevas del Drach).
Closer to home, in Switzerland, I went on a ski tour and combined that with a multi-pitch rock climbing day trip. This summer, I even managed to squeeze in more high alpine mountaineering trips than I had initially planned. And recently, I took a new step by signing up for a dance course.
Looking back on these highlights from the past year and a half fills me with an overwhelming sense of gratitude. It’s truly amazing to reflect on all these experiences and the joy they’ve brought me.
So, what’s exactly is a Bucket List and why should it matters?
We all know what a bucket list is, right? Yet, some of you might be thinking, “I can barely manage my endless To-Do list, how could I possibly have time for a Bucket List?” I used to be that person, too. I was constantly caught up in the cycle of crossing off tasks, which, while satisfying, often left me feeling stressed and unfulfilled. The reality is, a To-Do list is just that—a list of things that need to get done. It’s work.
A bucket list, on the other hand, is a collection of dreams and aspirations. It’s a list of desires, not duties. So, when you say you don’t have time for a bucket list, it’s like saying you don’t have time for fun. And where’s the joy in that? No wonder I wasn’t happy. I wasn’t giving myself the attention I deserved for the things that truly brought me joy. My life felt out of balance, but luckily, I realized it’s never too late to make a change.
Now, my bucket list is filled with the experiences I long for and the places I dream of visiting. Dreams are free, after all, and they bring a unique kind of joy. Having a bucket list gives me goals to look forward to, goals that are about fun, not just obligations. It provides a sense of personal achievement and serves as my guide to enjoying life’s pleasures. It’s a reminder that fun matters, too.
When I started my bucket list, I accepted that not everything on it would be achievable, and that’s okay. The key is to balance your list with realistic goals so that it doesn’t become a source of disappointment. A bucket list should inspire, not overwhelm you.
So, how do you create a bucket list?
For me, there are two key moments each year when I naturally start reflecting on personal accomplishments: around my birthday and just before the New Year. It’s during these times that I ask myself what I’ve achieved, what could be better, and what might be missing in my life. Throughout the year, I also jot down random ideas and inspirations as they come to me—because, let’s be honest, I tend to forget things if I don’t. Whether it’s bookmarking an article, saving a beautiful location I’ve seen on YouTube, or capturing a screenshot of a book I want to read, I gather these ideas as they strike. I also keep different lists on my Google Maps for places I want to visit.
If you’re anything like me, and your bucket list seems to grow endlessly, it might help to break it down into more manageable sections. Structuring your list in a way that makes it easy to navigate can turn those dreams into actionable, exciting plans.
Creating a Bucket list step by step:
Step 1: Reflect on Your Life
- Timing: Set aside time for reflection, such as around your birthday or just before the New Year.
- Questions to Ask Yourself:
- What have I achieved this year?
- What could have gone better?
- What do I feel is missing in my life?
This reflection will help you identify areas of your life that need more joy and fulfillment.
Step 2: Capture Your Inspirations
- On-the-Go: Start collecting ideas as they come to you throughout the year.
- Bookmark Articles: Save interesting articles or blog posts about places to visit or things to do.
- Social Media & YouTube: Save posts or videos that inspire you, like beautiful destinations or fun activities.
- Books & Podcasts: Take screenshots or make a note of books, podcasts, or movies you’d like to explore.
- Google Maps: Create lists for places you want to visit. Use Google Maps to save destinations you come across.
This ensures you don’t forget those spontaneous inspirations that make life exciting.
Step 3: Organize Your Bucket List
- Make a Master List: Write down everything you want to do or experience—don’t worry about organization yet.
- Prioritize Realistic Goals: Separate your list into categories:
- Short-Term Goals: Things you can realistically achieve in the near future.
- Long-Term Goals: Big dreams that may require more planning and time.
- Fantasy Goals: Ideas that might seem out of reach but keep you motivated and dreaming.
By organizing your list, you make it easier to tackle and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Step 4: Set Specific Goals
- Define Your Plans: Turn vague ideas into concrete goals. For example, if you want to travel, specify where you want to go and when.
- Research and Plan: Look into the details of each goal—how much it will cost, what steps are needed, and any preparation required.
Setting specific goals will help you turn dreams into achievable actions.
Step 5: Track Your Progress
- Regular Updates: Revisit your list regularly—every few months, or whenever you complete something.
- Celebrate Achievements: Check off completed items and take a moment to enjoy the sense of accomplishment.
- Adjust as Needed: If your interests change, feel free to update your list. It’s a living document, meant to evolve with you.
Tracking progress keeps you motivated and ensures you’re making time for fun and fulfillment.
Step 6: Balance Fun with Realism
- Keep It Doable: While dreams are important, make sure your list includes realistic goals you can achieve without stress.
- Mix in the Extraordinary: Don’t shy away from including big dreams, but recognize that not all will be fulfilled—and that’s okay.
Balancing fun with feasibility will help ensure your bucket list is both inspiring and satisfying.
Step 7: Enjoy the Journey
- Make Time for Fun: Remember, the purpose of your bucket list is to bring joy into your life. Treat it as a guide to creating memories and enjoying your time, not just another To-Do list.
- Reflect on Your Joy: After completing each item, reflect on how it added value to your life.Savoring the experiences, both big and small, will enrich your life and keep you focused on what truly matters.
This step-by-step plan will guide you in creating a bucket list that’s personal, manageable, and inspiring. Enjoy the journey of fulfilling your dreams!
P.S. Just so you know, the best thing I did from my bucket list this year is getting started with this blog website. 🙂