When I recently asked a few people what was on their bucket lists, I was given a look of confusion and shock. One friend even said I’m not dying so why should I make a bucket list.
Why is it that the term bucket list has a negative connotation attached to it? A bucket list is not an admission of a terminal illness; instead it is the realization that we are mortal. We each have one life to live and are free to cram whatever we find important into that allotted time. To me a bucket list is just my ongoing, ever-changing to-do list.
New Year’s resolutions on the other hand are welcomed, even encouraged. Common resolutions include topics like drink less alcohol, eat healthier, get fit, quit smoking and take a trip. Many of us announce to our friends and family our good intentions to better ourselves. This has pros and cons. Firstly you gain a support system to keep you motivated and hold you accountable. You have resources for a wealth of knowledge (well, maybe). However, that also means you have a chorus of judgment if you slip, and know-it-alls that will gladly tell you what you are doing wrong.
These resolutions are also commonly broken; according to the New York Times four out of five people who make them will eventually break them. The average time it takes for someone  to break a New Year’s resolution is nine days.
According to the Franklin Covey survey, 35 percent of us who make New Year’s resolutions break them by the end of January. And only 23 percent of everyone who makes a resolution will see it through to completion.
Now if you ask me, that’s a depressing thought. To start the New Year which you vowed would be ‘your best year ever’ with failure and disappointment.
My advice this New Year’s is to start a list that is not controlled by the day of the year. A list that is not judged by the length of time it takes to complete. A list that helps you learn to live your life to the fullest (whatever that means to you as an individual.) This list could be your bucket list; it could be your list of adventures or whatever you decide to call it. There are many websites dedicated to writing and maintaining your own special list. You can connect with like-minded individuals and get ideas and inspiration.
When deciding on what to add to your list, break your goals down into manageable steps. Don’t overwhelm yourself, if you make small goals it is easier to reach and complete them. This will help you to keep the momentum and propel you to complete more steps in order to complete the bigger task. After a while you can look back at your list and see what you have accomplished.  This will help you to see what you have to be thankful for. And don’t forget to add to your list!
Some of my favorite quotes express the need for life goals. “Goals that are not written down are just wishes” ~ unknown. “By recording your dreams and goals on paper, you set in motion the process of becoming the person you most want to be.” ~ Mark Victor Hansen
Best of luck and happy (almost) New Year!