About 10 years ago, I sat down and made a list of all of the things I wanted to accomplish that year. These bullet points ranged from future career goals, a pair of sunglasses I desired and even a television series I yearned to finish. Some of the list was realistic and most of it was completely far-fetched, but it was an opportunity to create a finish line for myself. This gave me a sense of completion and purpose for being involved. I now look back at my 9-year-old self and remember how hopeful I was to complete all I thought possible. Still to this day, I make goals for myself in order to keep my positive energy in tact and my success possible. My lists have become a little more convincing and the feeling of knowing I can do it has continually driven my passion.
Time References
When making a bucket list for yourself, it is extremely important that you do not set goals that will all fall under the same time period. Make sure to spread out your ideas because as rewarding as this list can be, you do not want it to take over your life. Choose something you can accomplish by the end of the day, in a week, in a month, by Thanksgiving, in a year, in five years, etc. This way you do not have to keep updating your list - there are always new ideas being added, and you’ll have long term thoughts that will grow and change to create a story.Positive Indicators
Whether you are trying to stay fit, attempting to consume more water on a daily basis or making it a goal to not forget to take your medication, it is so important to keep yourself motivated. A lot of nights before I go to sleep I will write myself a sticky note of all the things I want to do the next day. I will leave the note next to my bed and check up on it a few times throughout the day. Sometimes I will even take a picture of it on my phone so that I don’t forget any of my needed tasks. Not only does this keep me on track but it reminds me of how motivated I was a few hours prior to writing the note, and how I need to keep the promise to myself to make it happen. Sticky notes are a great way to keep up your energy. If you are trying to stay away from sugary foods stick a note on them that says “do not eat me!!!”Environment
Putting yourself in a position where the people around you are just as inspiring as you are will only make completing your goal that much more possible. If you want to save money to go on a trip, ask your mom to take $40 from your paycheck every week to keep you on track. Every time you want to spend your extra bucks elsewhere, have the friends and family you surround yourself with give you an extra push to stay on track. If you are setting a goal to have a better attitude, hang out with people you strive to be like. The more influential your environment is, the easier it will be for you to make life-changing enhancements.
Rewarding Yourself
It can be hard work to make something come true, but once that determination pays off, DO NOT FORGET TO SAY THANK YOU TO YOURSELF! This may sound cheesy but you will never feel like you are making a difference if you don't have the reassurance from the person that made it all happen...you! If you lost 25 pounds, treat yourself to a small portion of your favorite food. If you worked out every day for a month, take a day off and binge watch Netflix for hours on end. If you saved money to an awesome Caribbean vacation, make sure that each day is spent as happily as you can possibly can. Rewarding yourself is just as important as the goal itself.
And what do you do once you're finished? Add another idea to your bucket list!
