Make Your Bucket List Dreams Come True

A bucket list is a list of things that make us happy, or that would make us happy if we did them. Do you have a bucket list? Are there things on your list that you really want to accomplish, but just aren’t sure how you’re going to make them happen? April is Stress Awareness Month, and we don’t want you to stress over your bucket list dreams, so we are going to show you how to make those bucket list dreams come true! Before you can make your dreams come true, however, you first have to know what they are. Here’s how to get started on your bucket list:

  1. Make an actual list. As you know if you’ve ever done any goal setting and/or goal achieving, the first step to achieving your goal is to write it down. Make a list of things you’d like to do, places you’d like to go, or goals you’d like to attain. If you can dream it, you can do it. Listen to your inner voice! If you’re not sure how to begin your list or what to put on it, start by asking yourself a few key questions, such as:
    1. What makes me really happy?
    1. What am I interested in/what are my passions?
    1. How much do my interests cost to pursue?
    1. How can I have the money and time to pursue my interests?
  2. Make a plan. When attempting to fulfill the items on your bucket list, you will most likely need to plan ahead. If you want to travel to another country, for instance, and you’re still employed, you will need to plan for the time off. Prioritize your list of dreams and score your goals on a scale from one to ten.
  3. Make a budget. Financial planning is pivotal to making your bucket list work. Many people have traveling and spending time with family and friends at the top of their bucket list. By opening a dedicated “bucket list savings account” and setting aside money every month, your travel budget will grow quickly and you can start planning your visits!
  4. Make other people aware. If one of the items on your list is to visit family or friends who live far away, make those people aware of your list and coordinate a time that works for everyone. The people you want to spend time with will probably need to make arrangements of their own, and you don’t want to show up on their doorstep unannounced.
  5. Make money while you’re pursuing your dreams. If you plan to travel extensively in the fulfillment of your bucket list, why not make money while you’re gone? Consider a short term rental such as Airbnb or Vacation Rental by Owner. Your rental income could pay for part or all of your trip, and your home wouldn’t be sitting vacant while you’re gone.

Traveling is right at the top of most people’s bucket list – 83% of those who make a bucket list, to be exact. If you already travel frequently for business, you may have airline miles you can use toward your bucket list travel. If not, consider getting a rewards card that allows you to earn airline miles for purchases, but be diligent about paying your balance at the end of the month.

Having a bucket list can be very motivating; it puts your dreams on paper and motivates you to make the changes you need to make in daily habits to make those dreams come true. Set a time limit to make your dreams into actual goals and allow others who have made their dreams come true with solid planning and decisive action be your inspiration. Remember, a goal without a plan is just a wish, and every step you take toward your goals, no matter how small, is forward progress. Make time each day to do something that will help your “to do” list become an “I did it!” list, even if it’s just visualizing your dreams coming true. Talk about your dreams with those close to you and get their support. Check out www.bucketlist.net for other bucket listers, and get ideas, advice, and support to live your dreams.