How To Write A Bucket List That Kicks Butt-ket

You might be surprised to know that one of the most popular pages on this website is my downloadable bucket list template.

But since so many of you have enjoyed the cut-and-paste version, I thought you might also enjoy adding some ideas to the regular bucket list so that it – well, kicks butt-ket.

The whole point of a bucket list is to help you live more fully, and a bucket list that really helps you do that is what will make it kick butt-ket.

A Butt-ket Kicking List

There are two types of bucket lists, and I feel both are extremely valuable, so I’m going to give you ideas to fire up your list no matter which type you have. 

You may decide that you’d like both types. Read on and decide for yourself.

 

An Adventure Bucket List

An adventure bucket list is the more traditional list.

It’s filled with all the things you want to do and experience in your life. The adventures might not all be adrenaline-soaked, but they are all things you’ll enjoy. 

Here’s how you can make your adventure bucket list kick butt-ket. 

Pictures: A picture is worth 1000 words, right?

When you can see your list item in full color, you begin to really want it.

Your mouth waters over the meal at that world renowned restaurant. Your heart skips a beat seeing the Eiffel Tower at night. Your pulse pounds thinking about running with the bulls.

When you can really see it, you really want it.

And wanting it motivates you – you’re more likely to actually do it instead of tucking your list away in a remote corner of your desk.

You can create your visual bucket list the old school way, and get out your old magazines and glue.

Or you can create a digital bucket list on Pinterest using the images you find there or on other internet sites.

Dates: Add dates to your list items. It will help you see the importance of getting started today. After all, if you only have 6 months to cross something off your list, you’d better get started! 

Use a template: Using a template can help you to think about the kinds of things that might go on your list. You might have trouble coming up with categories or ideas, but if you’re properly prompted, you can remember all the things that you said you wanted to do someday. Here’s my template again. Go ahead and grab it!

Go off the grid: Once your template has helped you to think outside the box, take it a step further. Are there things that are completely unique that you must have on your list?

Crowd Source: Ask friends about what’s on their bucket list, or what they think you should have on yours. Sometimes a good friend can recommend something that you might love or they think you should experience that you’d never think of yourself. A friend might push you outside your bucket list comfort zone, and that’s a good thing. 

 

Bucket List Two: The Authentic List

This bucket list might be less “fun” but it probably is the kind of list that has the greatest chance of helping you live now.

When you “live like you’re dying” you’re prone to do things like forgive, or tell people you love them.

Here are some ideas to make this list kick it.

Values: What are the things you want to stand for in life? Who do you want to have been when you look back? Are you someone who was trustworthy, kind, forgiving? 

Deeds: What do you want to do for others? What can you give? What will your life’s work be? 

Words: What do you want others to learn from you? What should you make sure people know? Who will you tell that you love them? 

Family and Friends: How do you want others to feel when they are around you? 

You: Who are you really and how do you want to be remembered? What song is in you? 

 

Filling out and completing your bucket list can be a way to make sure that you do, be or have everything you intend for yourself.

These bucket lists truly are tools to help you with authentic living.  When you live intentionally, you can die with no regrets. 

Now you know what time it is! Leave me your comments below. I’d love to hear more ideas about how to make a bucket list kick butt-ket, and some of your list items too!