How to Make the Most of Your Time on Earth: A Bucket List for Life

Whether you call it a bucket list or something else, every person on this planet has goals they want to achieve and experiences they want to have before they pass on to the next life. The hardest part about this list, however, is the fact that everyone’s list will be different. Some people might want to sail around the world, while others might want to simply visit every continent. Whichever your own list consists of, try writing it down and figuring out which experiences you need to get under your belt before you die. With these steps in mind, creating your bucket list won’t seem so daunting after all!

Figure out your favorite things

Before you can make a bucket list, you need to figure out what gives you pleasure. Is it travel? Food? Maybe learning new skills or experiencing different cultures is more your speed. Or maybe it’s having meaningful relationships with others that bring you joy. It doesn’t matter what brings you happiness, as long as it leaves you feeling fulfilled and completes your soul in some way.

Create a list from there

We’ve all heard about those people who wake up one day and regret not having done more with their lives. To avoid that fate, create a list of everything you want to do before you die. This is your bucket list—make it as ambitious as you like. When considering what activities make your cut, just remember that you can’t take them all with you, so do what makes you happiest and try not to worry about whether or not they’re important enough.

Have an active imagination

Even though you may have a hectic lifestyle, try to regularly find time for creative outlets. I’m not talking about going out and painting landscapes or writing novels (although if you’re passionate about these things, by all means, do them). But activities like taking pictures and keeping a photo journal, composing music on a piano or guitar or learning an instrument like harmonica can be very rewarding in terms of building your creativity.

Experience life with others in mind

Even if you’re planning a trip down a well-worn path, thinking about how it will enrich someone else’s life can make it more meaningful and help you avoid that common bucket-list regret: I wish I hadn’t spent so much time doing X. Prioritize experiences that involve others—traveling with your spouse, going out with friends, attending your child’s sporting event—and you won’t regret it.

Use your bucket list as a guide

Think about what experiences you want to have and things you want to do before you die. Use your bucket list as a guide, but don’t force yourself into doing anything that doesn’t appeal to you. If it seems scary or like too much effort, don’t do it—there will be plenty of other items on your list. That said, there is no wrong way to live life; only ways that are more or less fulfilling than others.

Give back

Finding a way to give back is an excellent way to feel like you’re making a difference and improve your sense of purpose and happiness. According to a study by Cornell University, those who volunteer are happier, more satisfied with their lives, have higher self-esteem, are more conscientious and experience less depression than non-volunteers. In other words, get out there and help your community—and yourself in turn.

Break rules occasionally

Breaking rules is one of life’s greatest pleasures, and it isn’t necessarily about doing something reckless. Rather, it’s about making little transgressions here and there that have big payoffs. Think about how you can carve out a little bit of time each day to do something that makes you smile – whether it be reading a book or having a glass of wine with dinner.

Don’t be afraid to try new things

Embrace your inner adventurer. There are more things you haven’t tried than you have, and those new experiences will enrich your life while making room for more adventures in your future. Whether it’s bungee jumping or skydiving, traveling across Europe or trying a new food—don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. You never know what might surprise you!

Share Your Stories

When you have created your bucket list, also look back and share what you've done. Share your adventures with friends and family.  Tell them about how you felt when you did it or how much fun it was. The sharing of these experiences will help create a strong bond between those that experienced them together and those that wish they could experience them in person someday.

Stories Recording Made Easy

Sharing your stories was never easier! With Storii you are able to store life stories with a simple phone call. This is an incredible way to record adventures, travel memories and tell stories that will make you smile in reminiscence while being able to share the content with loved ones.

When using Storii:

1. Receive 3 life story phone prompts a week (or call-in whenever)

2. Recorded answers are transcribed and can be shared with family

3. Download recordings, add photos to your responses, and create custom prompts at any time!

A life story calling subscription makes a great way of preserving your legacy and is a good gift idea for parents. Find out more here.