Think Big

Some people have just one, not me. Over my lifetime, I’ve had dozens or more precisely, one that has continually changed and evolved. Many folks write one when they’ve had a life altering experience, good or otherwise, or perhaps when they retire. It makes perfect sense because those are times when a person may realize there is just a finite amount of time to enjoy life. I wrote my first one when I was in my late 20s. Newly married, living clear across the country in California in the first house we bought together, and running my own small business called It’s Personal Marketing, all I could think was, “Wow!” While these events may be considered common life goals: get married, buy a house, get a job, they proved to be stepping stones for me to believe that just about anything is possible and to…think big!

From my journal: December 31, 1990, Redondo Beach, California

“…a lot of good memories this year…getting married, good health, European trip, a year older and (hopefully) wiser!  Need to write list of things I want to do –life experiences, not just goals.”

This list I mentioned in my journal entry from decades ago, is what is commonly referred to as a Bucket List. Highly personal, a Bucket List is simply a list of experiences a person wants to have before they “kick” the proverbial bucket. Unlike a weekly To Do List or even a yearly Goal Plan, it usually involves something you are inspired to do, maybe once in a lifetime experiences you want to have. They don’t have to be grand, but they can be. One item could be epic, like sky diving or something more low key, like learning a new language.  

It’s debatable who coined this expression, but Justin Zackham is often given credit. Topping  Zackham’s own “List of Things to Do Before I Kick the Bucket” was to have a film produced by a major studio. He went on to do just that, writing the screenplay for the Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman movie “The Bucket List” that was released in 2007. If you haven’t seen the film, the story line involves two terminally ill men who create a list of things to do before they die and then set out to do them.

Unlike the characters’ list in the film, mine was briefer and less grandiose.

• Become a Vegetarian

• Get my Short Stories & Articles Published

• See the Northern Lights

• Run a Marathon

• Be a Mentor

• Travel to Asia

• Go to Antarctica

I didn’t have guidance, nor did I need any, when penning this list. But ever since the idea of creating a Bucket List has become popular, people offer all kinds of advice on writing one.

The first suggestion is to name your list. A Bucket List, may sound a bit morbid so titling it something like Big Dreams, Lifetime Achievements List, or My Amazing Adventures, might suit someone better. I now call mine My Think Big List. Next, cultivate ideas. Perhaps brainstorm as many items as possible, then narrow down ones that are more realistic. Rocketing to the moon for a weekend may not be doable in this lifetime. Look for inspiration everywhere. In books, movies, and in conversations with others. Get out in nature. Inspiration comes easily to me when I’m out on a walk. Maybe use the technique of working backwards. By that I’m referring to the Eulogy writing exercise in which a person imagines what they’ve accomplished and experienced in their lifetime.

Another recommendation is creating categories like Travel, By the Time I’m (Insert Age), Personal Growth, Family & Kids, and more. Playing a game of 20 Questions may shine light on what interests someone, too. For example, if you had a month to live, how would you spend your time? Or if money was no object, what would you do? Or if you had three wishes, what would they be? Then, once ideas are in place, simply record them!

If like me, you have a Bucket List I’d love to hear what’s on yours! A few items on my current list are:

• Visit More National Parks

• Take Tap Dance Lessons

• Write a Memoir

Only two things from my original list remain. They are:

• See the Northern Lights  

• Go to Antarctica

Over time, I’ve lost count of how many versions of My Think Big List I’ve written. And the thing is, I never imagined I’d have more than one. That astounds me, but it also makes me happy. That means I’ve been lucky enough to have crossed off many items, which means I’ve had a lot of meaningful life experiences for which I am sincerely grateful. It also means I’m still alive and kicking, still engaged in life, and still continuing to think big!