After a big number birthday recently, the concept of getting older brought my "bucket list" to mind. From trips to plan or experiences I always wanted to try, the list has represented things to do before I die. The label was made popular by the 1999 film, The Bucket List, with Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. Yet it does have a negative connotation of what to do before I’m gone.
Then recently, an Alaskan cruise was something to tick off my "bucket list," and I heard a great idea. One of the ship's officers said, "It's not a BUCKET, but a DREAM list!"
That perfect edit got me thinking about setting up a "dream list."
Try This: What's Your Dream List?
While so many people still enjoy calling it a "bucket list," it has a different orientation as a "dream list." So here are some steps to get started:
- Dream big first: Write down every dream, big or small, without judging if it is realistic yet.
- Categorize your items: Group your ideas into sections like travel, adventure, personal growth, creativity, career and volunteering.
- Make list items clear: Write down specific finish lines so you know when an item is truly done (for example, "Alaskan cruise" rather than “travel more.”)
- Keep it visible to remind you: Store your list in a journal, on your phone, or on a vision board where you can see it often.
For many years, I have kept lists of things to achieve, travels to take, and other fun goals, that were on my "bucket" list. Now, I’m starting a new dream list and nicknaming the new one, "NEXT!" What about you?