Everyone talks about bucket lists, but actually having one and accomplishing everything that is on it is a lot less common. Since there is no better time than retirement for seniors to make their bucket lists a reality. Here are some steps to make and achieve yours.
Bucket lists: big, small or something in between?
Bucket lists can be anything you want them to be. You can start out small with little things you want to achieve or take on those “dream big” items that you have saved for retirement. Perhaps starting small means learning a new skill like woodworking, losing 10 pounds, or volunteering for a cause that is dear to you. For some, bucket lists are where they set down all the over-the-top things they always wanted or hoped to do, like see the Great Wall of China, take a hot air balloon ride, or run in the Boston Marathon. The beauty of bucket lists is there are no rules so anything and everything you want to do in retirement can be listed.
How to get started
Bucket lists are very personal so the point is to list those things that will fulfill you, provide a sense of purpose and feed your passion. The first step is to just ask yourself “What do I want to do before I die?” Keep in mind that bucket lists take time so feel free to add new ideas as they come along. Consider different aspects of your life like family, hobbies, athletics, travel, giving back, or education. Of course, many bucket lists will contain goals that combine different aspects like traveling to Tibet to learn about the culture or making wooden toys for a local charity so nurture your passions and reach for the sky even if it will take some time and planning to get it done. Find tips for getting started in the scienceofpeople.com article, “The Ultimate Guide to Creating Your Bucket List Right Now.”
Get great ideas
Although you have probably said more than once “I want to do X before I die,” when you sit down to actually write ideas down, they may be hard to recall. Thankfully there are lots of great ideas to remind you in articles like “Top 50 Bucket List Ideas For Over-50s” from lifeconnect24.com.uk or “200+ Bucket List Ideas for Retirement,” from annuity.org. Also try talking with close friends and family, looking at maps, watching inspiring movies or reading books on subjects you love. Often these can trigger memories that lead to bucket list goals long forgotten. Bucket lists can even include goals from the past that remain unfinished or could be improved upon like relearning chess, revisiting those survival skills you learned in Boy Scouts, or booking a weekend at a spa rather than just getting a massage once in a while.
Download our free Guide to Aging Well to learn more about the habits of the “super agers” around the world.
Take steps toward achievement
It can be argued that bucket lists are goals in themselves, but to achieve what you have listed you will probably also need to take decisive steps to actually reach those goals. For example, if the goal is to travel to someplace far away, make a sub-list of everything you need to do to make that trip a reality, such as set a date, make transportation reservations, and research where you want to go and what you want to see and do when you get there. If learning something new is the ultimate goal, check out where you can take formal classes such as through life-long learning at a local college or university, or research local community resources for workshops, lectures or events that pertain to the subject. One great way to get on track and achieve your bucket lists is to use a goal-setting worksheet like the one at etsy.com.
Reap the benefits
Obviously bucket lists provide excellent opportunities for accomplishment, but when you do succeed you will also reap the benefits that come not only from the moment of achievement, but from you did to get there. Going through all the steps it takes for completion, even stepping outside your comfort zone to do so, can give you a new sense of pride and help you to grow mentally, physically and spiritually, as well. Bucket lists hold the key to dreams today and even bigger dreams tomorrow. Find out more in the heart.org article, “The emotional, physical perks of planning a bucket list.”
If your bucket list includes living your best possible life, Sonrisa Senior Living can help you achieve your goal. Download our free Guide to Aging Well to learn more about the habits of the “super agers” around the world. Contact us today to find out more about luxury senior living at Sonrisa and schedule a tour!
