Bucket List

Generally when people think of a "bucket list," they think of all the things that they want to do or experience throughout their entire life, before they proverbially, "Kick the bucket," but chasing smaller goals can be more rewarding.

 While I highly encourage you to create your own bucket list going to the website, www.bucketlist.org, is as easy as filling out a grocery list. I’d also like to encourage you to set goals that you can experience and accomplish on a much smaller scale. Focus on experiencing something every day, every week, every month and every year. We cannot wait for the right moment , it will never come. We have to work hard to create the right moments.

A wise man once said "a goal not written down is really only a wish". There is power in writing down your goals. Life is short and it is easy to let the days flow by without exploring what is outside the humdrum of your normal life . None of us know when the day will come when we actually do 'kick the bucket' and every day should be treated like it is your last. Surprise your family every once in a while with a spontaneous experience that will bring you closer together, while allowing you to check off one of those items from your list.

Here are three ways a bucket list will give you greater satisfaction in life.

·         Have a Direction

Chart your own course in life. As you write down your goals, your desired accomplishments and the experiences you want to have in your life, you will have a clear path to follow. There will always be things competing for your time and energy. Having a bucket list will give you the direction you need to stay on course. When distractions come you will be able to easily filter them out and keep moving forward.

·         Remain Focused

Having specific goals written down will help you stay focused. We are all very busy and  when the daily routines of life set in, it can be easy to let the days pass by. Use the items on your bucket list to keep yourself focused. Make an effort to accomplish something small each day or week or month. Try to pick one or two of your smaller goals, and try to achieve them, remember an elephant is eaten one bite at a time.

·         Purpose

What do you want out of life? Why? This is your purpose. You should ask yourself these questions with each goal that you have. This will help you determine if you really want it or not. Taking time to reflect on your purpose, to sit down and write out the answers to these questions will keep you motivated when times get tough.

Work hard to create those moments in your life and tic something off your bucket list. You will find that you have a greater sense of achievement . Enjoy the journey...

PLANNING A BUCKET LIST FOR RETIREMENT

BY JOAN ALEXANDER0 COMMENTS

PEOPLE HAVE STRONG IDEAS OF WHAT TO DO IN RETIREMENT

Do you have hopes and dreams of what you will do once you are retired? All the things you have to put off now because work and family is taking first priority (and rightfully so) is being penciled onto your bucket list. It’s gives us all something to one day look forward too, and hopefully you’re the type that plans accordingly. People have very strong ideas about what to do in retirement – and this should be encouraged. Some have more modest ambitions while others are really reaching for the stars. However, everyone should bear in mind that clarity on plans for savings and investments goes hand in hand with your plans for retirement.

People have very strong ideas about what to do in retirement – and this should be encouraged

While people who are in they’re 40’s and 50’s may have hopes and ambitions for their retirement, it remains imperative that they keep a continuous check on how their financial plans are progressing.

RELYING ON YOUR PENSION TO FUND YOUR DREAMS

It’s surprising how many people think that they will be able to do what they want, when they want, without even giving a thought as to how they will pay for it. For many people who are relying on their pension to fund their dreams and ambitions, the plain fact is – it may not. You should be aware of when you will be able to pay off your mortgage and clear other debts. This will give you the chance to free up extra cash to fund your retirement plans. You should also check and double check your pension arrangements to ensure your projected income will be sufficient to fund your retirement hopes.

POPULAR RETIREMENT BUCKET LIST ‘TO-DO’S'

1. Sight-seeing
2. Just do what you want, when you want
3. Cruises
4. See the Northern Lights
5. Spend more time with / look after the grandchildren
6. Live abroad / get a second home abroad
7. Buy a dog
8. Train trips
9. Grow own vegetables
10. Travel in a camper van
11. Re-visit original honeymoon destinations
12. Cake making / baking
13. Charity work
14. Do Route 66 across the U.S.
15. Go on safari
16. Learn a foreign language
17. Visit the Great Wall of China
18. Exercise and get / stay in shape
19. Put decades of photos in photo albums
20. Gardening project
21. Gamble in Las Vegas
22. Re-decorate / renovation project
23. Getting spa treatments
24. Take the grandchildren to Disneyland
25. Crafts
26. Build your own house
27. Help your kids with some DIY
28. Renew wedding vows
29. Bus tours
30. Swimming with dolphins
31. Visit relatives abroad
32. Visit National Parks and Monuments
33. Have an affair with a younger man / woman
34. White water river rafting
35. Write a book
36. Moving to a dream location
37. Take classes at a university
38. Hot air balloon ride
39. Work on family tree / track down long-lost relatives
40. Scuba diving/snorkeling
41. Volunteer in the local animal shelter / dog walking
42. Get a face lift / cosmetic surgery
43. Ride an elephant
44. Cooking lessons
45. Hiking around the world
46. Paint / make art / attend art classes
47. Purge excess “stuff” from the house
48. Not get up before noon every day
49. Volunteer for community or local school
50. Get a makeover

A really interesting fact is that 50% of people imagine their retirement years will be some of the most exciting of their life, while two thirds want to use the time to fulfill all their dreams and ambitions. Whatever may be on your “bucket list”, get out there and do it!