Creating a bucket list is an “exercise in forward thinking” according to the movie “Bucket List” with Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson (see the clip here).
It’s an exercise everyone should try if only because it allows us to think big fantastical thoughts. Plus, according to the experts in this NY Times article, planning vacations makes us happier than actually going on those vacations so even if you never accomplish the things on your bucket list, you’ll get a happiness boost.
If you have a few minutes, watch this great TED clip of Candy Chang and her fascinating experiments talking to people about the things they want to do before they die. She has some really profound comments near the end of the clip about maintaining perspective and about how preparing for death is one of the most empowering things you can do.
For a lighter take on bucket lists, check out http://www.bucketlist.net/ where you can list your dreams, and facilitate other people’s life goals. Or this one where you can list and mark off your bucket list items: http://bucketlist.org/ . And if you are stuck for inspiration, try Celestine Chua’s comprehensive resource here: http://personalexcellence.co/blog/bucket-list/
According to www.themasterbucketlist.com, their top ten bucket list items are:
- See the Northern Lights
- Ride in a hot air balloon
- Go on safari
- See the Grand Canyon in Arizona
- Swim with the dolphins
- Sleep under the stars
- Go on a helicopter ride
- See the Great Barrier Reef
- Travel to the seven continents
- Make a difference in someone’s life
Regardless of what you put on your bucket list, remember to live every day to the max. We only get one shot at it!
Happy Organizing!
