6 Steps to Creating and Conquering Your Bucket List

Mark Twain once said, “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.”

Life is too short to miss out on unique experiences and great accomplishments, and creating a bucket list can help you live out those aspirations. So, what are your dreams and goals in life?

Swim with dolphins? Climb Mount Everest? Skydive? Whatever it may be, it’s important to take the time to compile a list.

If you ever find yourself struggling to accomplish any of the goals you set out to do on your list, allow us to help. Continue reading for six simple steps to creating and conquering a bucket list that mirrors your life goals.

1. Brainstorm What You’d Like to Accomplish

Everyone’s bucket list is going to look different—we all have our own dreams and goals. Sometimes there’s so much we’d like to accomplish in life that it can be difficult knowing where to start when putting together a personal list. As you begin brainstorming, consider the following tips:

• Start simple. It’s likely you already have some bucket list items in mind—begin your list here. These ideas could snowball into others to make your brainstorm session easier.
  
  
• Think about your childhood. What was exciting for you as a kid? Many of your childhood fantasies can translate into real-life goals. For example, if you ever wanted to drive a spaceship, going on a space simulator would be a great addition to your bucket list.
  
  
• Create categories. As you add tasks to your bucket list, organize them into categories to make it all feel less intimidating.
  
  
• Get outside inspiration. If you ever find yourself lost for ideas, check out Pinterest boards or blogs for inspiration. Plus, asking friends or family for support can help you solidify your list.

2. Prioritize the Tasks Included on Your List

Once you’ve created a bucket list, take time to prioritize the tasks you included. This will help you evaluate how feasible your goals are, how important they are to you and how you plan to accomplish them. Start by asking yourself the following questions:

• Who is going to help me accomplish this goal?
• What challenges could prevent me from achieving this goal?
• When do I plan to achieve this goal?
• Where am I going to accomplish this goal?
• Why is this goal on my list?
• How much will it cost me (in time, money, etc.) to complete this goal?

Remember, it’s important to choose goals that are meaningful to you. By asking yourself these questions, you can get a better understanding of what you hope to accomplish and how you can make it happen.

3. Identify a Common Theme of Your Bucket List

Does the list of items on your bucket list have a common theme? For many, travel is often a large portion of their list. If you can, combine that love of travel with another item on your list. For example, if you’ve always wanted to scuba dive, find places that allow you to scuba dive while fulfilling your dreams of traveling the world. Other common themes could include:

• Giving back (e.g. volunteering at an animal shelter or donating blood).
• Adventure (e.g. skydiving or bungee jumping).
• Experiences (e.g. attending concerts or visiting national parks).
• Education (e.g. learning to play an instrument or a new language).
• Food (e.g. trying new dishes or becoming an expert chef).

4. Set a Time Frame to Accomplish Each Task

As you set out to accomplish each of these tasks, set a time frame by when you hope to achieve them. Finding ways to break down your list into smaller segments, such as short-term and long-term goals, will help you prioritize and feel accomplished.

Plus, implementing a specific timeline allows you to focus on certain goals during specific months in the year. Other ways to break down your list include:  

• A seasonal bucket list. It’s likely some tasks will only be able to be done in certain seasons.
• This year’s bucket list. Much like a New Year’s resolution, on the first of the year, break your list down to the items you want to complete in the next 12 months.
• 30 before 30, 40 before 40 or 50 before 50. Define goals you want to accomplish before reaching a certain age.

To hold yourself accountable, try taping your top three goals for the month to the bathroom mirror or fridge. Seeing this list on a daily basis will help you keep it top of mind.

5. Share Your Bucket List Among Loved Ones

One way to increase your odds of success is by sharing your bucket list. Record your list online at BeRemembered.com—it’s free to use! Or, share your list with friends and family, and maybe even ask them for inspiration. You may be surprised to find out that others have similar goals on their lists that you can cross off together.

6. Update and Alter Your List as You See Fit

Your bucket list is not a static document—it is a living, breathing document that will evolve and change as you grow older. As life goes on, set aside time to sit down and review your list. Ask yourself:

• What have I achieved?
• What do I still hope to achieve?
• Is there anything new I want to add?

While updating your list, remember that it’s okay if you aren’t able to achieve everything. Some things will be easier to achieve than others, but it doesn’t mean they’re less important. Be realistic with yourself, and most importantly—have fun!

Your Legacy, Your Way

A bucket list is designed to reflect your own personal goals. Another way you can define your future is by thinking of your final arrangements. How do you want to be remembered? Start thinking about it by taking our Online Final Wishes assessment.