Every New Year, many create a resolution which most will forget about within a month. But have you thought about making a list of resolutions that you wish to do before your life passes -- a “life resolution?” The world is full of places, things, and people to experience. Everyone has ambitions they wish to see, do and even become. But where do you start when making your bucket list? Try using these tips to help create your one-of-a-kind bucket list:
1. Do not try to write it all at once
This is a working document, which is not easy to write. After starting your list, you may draw a blank. Take some time off and do not become discouraged. Simply, whenever you think of something, write it down. Or if you find yourself saying "We could go on 'Ellen' for this!" then definitely write that on your list. I mean, it's Ellen!
2. Think outside the box
Some of the most interesting things on your list are going to end up being some of the most random. Also remember to write down some ideas you know that you will and can do. These ones will give you motivation to do them. But most importantly, write down the ideas that on a normal day you wouldn't think twice about doing. These ones will give you something to look forward to and to also, hopefully, help you be a little less cautious with life. Like someone famous once said, "Do something every day that scares you."
3. Have a variety of activities
Try to expand your list from just traveling. But if traveling is still the major thing you wish to do, put a little twist on it. Instead of just wanting to go to a place, have a purpose for going. This will make the check off the list much more fulfilling. Add something along the lines of: going to Pike Place Market in Seattle and helping throw fish (just try not to get hit in the face).
4. Read other people’s lists
If you hit a road block and need some more ideas, check out what other people have put on their lists. Or just go to Google; Google is our friend. Sometimes even the people you may not be the closest with will have a really good idea. You could even tag along with them, which will turn into a bonding experience!
5. Make some easier to achieve than others
If all of your goals are easy, you will fly through it. Make this list one you will be working on for the rest of your life. For me (which may seem a little ironic), this list isn't necessarily about completing all of the items on it. It is about completing as much as possible before I die and hopefully, in the process, living a life full of memories and experiences. Some of the ideas are an absolute must, while others are just in case of a rainy day.
6. Include something you can do today
Get rid of that “someday” mindset. Putting items on your list that can be done in most normal days will get you moving forward to doing the ones that take extra planning and money. It will basically be building hype for the rest of your list.
7. Post it publicly
This may seem a little strange. But when you post your list publicly, it will become your chance to show people you mean what you write. It will hold you accountable for the rest of your list. People will also ask you how your list is going. This will also make you want to get some checked off so that you don't have to say, "Ohh.. I've just been too busy to do anything." We all call your bluff.
8. Set goals
You don't necessarily have to create a timeline. But try completing a certain amount of things a year, or create a goal to complete your list when you’re a certain age. This will help encourage you to check some ideas off your list. For 2016, make your New Year's Resolution checking five things off your list.
9. Use both broad and targeted goals
Items such as seeing the Eiffel Tower and skydiving are very targeted items. Try adding some things that aren’t well defined, such as doing something courageous. By adding these items to you list, you are allowing yourself to discover new things about yourself you may not have known. In the long run, you may not be the most courageous, but at least you know you can be if you want to.
10. Have fun!
This list is not meant to scare you into a rock, but is meant to open your eyes to the world. Life is not just about going to school, working a 9 to 5, and getting married and having kids. It's about having fun and discovering what your purpose is in the world. For some, they are meant to help teach the future or to protect their city. No matter what it may be, you can always find time to have fun and allow yourself to enjoy the life you have, because although it is short, it is still the longest thing we will do.
