Last week I shared a very personal post on LinkedIn about achieving one of my bucket list items - becoming a singer songwriter. It had been on my bucket list since I was a teenager. It took almost 20 years for me to do it. I didn't start singing until my mid 30's, when I was a busy full time working mum with basically no life or no time for me. Sharing this story triggered a lot of questions and reactions. The most common one was 'what made you finally decided to do it?'
My bucket list is basically an invisible list of things and experiences I want from life. After generating so much conversation about bucket lists, I started thinking about whether having one was really important? Did I achieve my goal because it was on my bucket list?
What is a bucket list?
Simply put, it is a collection of goals, dreams and aspirations that you would like to accomplish within your lifetime (source: bucketlistjourney.net)
Bucket lists can be an effective motivation tool or an effective way to achieve goals. However, sometimes they have the opposite affect. Sometimes people look at their unaccomplished bucket list as a list of regret and failure.
I look at it as an opportunity list and a reminder of what experiences I value.
Should I get a bucket list?
Before you start a bucket list or start worrying about whether or not you need/want one, take time out to understand what experiences you want from life, not just in the future - but right now!
Start thinking about.....
What do you value the most in your life?
What makes you feel happy?
What contribution do you want to make on a daily basis?
What experiences do you enjoy doing?
Who do you want to be in the future?
What big audacious experiences do you want to have in the future?
Stop thinking about....
Stop comparing yourself with others.
Stop looking back with regret.
Do I need a bucket list?
A bucket list could be a great tool to help you plan what goals to aim for, or live every day with intention. Before you write that bucket list, make time for you. Make time to truly understand how you want to live your life every day, and what experiences you want now and into the future.
If you are feeling stuck in a rut, can't seem to write or achieve your bucket list; then reach out to me via www.lizconnollycoaching.com to book in for an hour of power coaching session, or grab some free tools to help you get out of your control zone, and boost your internal motivation.
References
https://bucketlistjourney.net/bucket-list-meaning-what-is-it-and-whats-the-definition/