Create a compelling future by taking some time to use these tips for making your bucket list. First things first, If you don’t have a bucket list, you’re shortchanging yourself, and I’m going to tell you why. A bucket list will pinpoint those activities and achievements that mean the most to you. Life doesn’t last forever, so getting clear on what you want, and keeping it in mind is key. If you don’t prioritize your time, you might miss out on something important! NO BUENO! Consider making your bucket list today. There are even phone apps that will help with the process. Whatever it takes, take some steps to start manifesting those incredible dreams.
Create a Bucket List and Define your Future:
In yoga, we are learning to be at peace with what is and to be present in the now, but that doesn’t mean that we stop wanting things, or that having goals is bad in any way. In fact, the psychology of stepping into alignment allows us more clarity and power to start migrating all of our lovely plans and dreams int reality. Thinking is a seed of inspiration, writing it down makes it real. Planning pulls it together full circle. So, let’s get started.
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Have different types of items within your bucket list.
Life goals exist in layers, we’re not one-dimensional beings after all. You might include a few physical challenges, like running a marathon. You might have a few adventures, like scuba diving on the barrier reef or hang gliding. It might also be fun to include a few intellectual and travel items. Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn how to play the banjo. Whatever it is, tap into what is meaningful for you. Personally, I like to dream up additions to my bucket list based on the layers of the Pancha Maya Kosha energetic layers of being; if that sounds up you’re alley, you can reference them here.
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Keep it meaningful.
Do you really want to spend six months and $100,000 climbing Mount Everest? Some things are impressive to others, but might not be meaningful to you. Everest is super cool, but not a priority in my book. What resonates with you? This list isn’t about choosing items to impress others. Instead, we authentically engaged in self-actualizing what we are working towards in this life experience.
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Keep the list short.
You don’t have time to do everything that sounds appealing. Better yet, make a long list but always have a top 10 list. The top 10 can change over time, but always prioritize. The most important items on your bucket list will matter more than the rest of the list combined. The top items are where we channel all our inner magic to manifest.
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Have one item you can do with your currently available time and resources.
It might be to go skydiving or rent a limo for the evening. There’s no time like the present to check an item off your bucket list and give yourself a quick feeling of achievement. Look at you, living your best life right here and now 😉
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Set goals that support items on your bucket list.
If you want to live in Costa Rica when you retire, you might set some financial goals and start learning how to speak Spanish. Remember to review your goals regularly and remind yourself why you’re pursuing them. In my house, we revisit bucket lists once a year to let go of anything on the list that lost its appeal, to chart out new directions, and to brainstorm how we can edge a little closer to the big-ticket items. Make it a family affair; the more energetic momentum behind an idea, the easier it is to shift it into being.
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You don’t have to create your list in a single sitting.
Assuming it will take years to check off all the items, your list will change. You’re changing, so it’s only reasonable to expect your list to change, too. Just go ahead and set yourself up with some simple framework so when something strikes a chord within you, you can add it to your list for safekeeping.
- Have a few items that are relatively easy to achieve. Some of the best things can be simple and easy. For example, traveling to Europe is easier than swimming the English Channel in December, but each item has a time and place. Give yourself a few easier goals and gain some momentum. Having items that range in difficulty from easy to difficult not only make reaching these goals possible, but they infuse additional awe and appreciation into the smaller goals, that we may have taken for granted had we not identified how special they were to us to begin with.
- Have group conversations and look at other bucket lists for ideas. There are countless lists available online for viewing and most friends and family will enjoy sharing their own hopes and dreams. Collaborating with others will inspire you. You might even find a good idea or two to add to your list, and that leads me to the last step:
- Think about whom you’d like to share these experiences with. One conversation about building a list may become the launchpad to experience grand adventures with the people that you love most. Going to the Oktoberfest in Germany would be fun, but could it be even more fun with your old college roommate? While there will definitely be some items on your list that you prefer to tackle along, others might be more meaningful with friends and family; Besides, you’d be surprised how many timeshares, airline miles, and friends in unsuspecting places those around you have to offer; we we co-create we commonly exceed even our wildest expectations.
Consider the many benefits of making a bucket list. It’s not only fun to brainstorm, but you can also layout a framework for the future. A bucket list should be required for everyone over the age of five. If you don’t have a bucket list, make one, immediately. Dream big, CREATE a vision, and see it manifest!
xoxo