People seem to like creating lists.
The act of checking items off a list is satisfying.
We do it for work. We do it for chores. We even do it for fun things like the places we want to visit or the things we want to do before we die.
That’s the bucket list.
But how often do people actually check off items on their bucket list?
If you’ve ever spent time with older people, especially those that know their time is running out, you’ll see a lot of regret. It’s obviously difficult to do everything you can possibly think of, but why do we not do so many things?
There are probably many reasons:
- Money
- Time
- Family
- Etc.
But one common reason seems to be that our lists get too big. Even if we’re just keeping our bucket list in our head, the list often becomes too big.
A friend says that they visited Hawaii. That sounds nice so we add it to our bucket list. Another friend says that they loved fly fishing in Montana. Add that to the list. Another says that they saw their favorite band in concert. Add that to the list.
We live in an interesting time in human history. We have a lot of options. A lot of abundance. It’s a great thing. But it’s also a negative in the sense that we feel like we’re missing out.
I read a lot of biographies. Mostly businesspeople and a few in the entertainment industry. There are a lot of things that most have in common, but one interesting thing is that they are very focused.
Not necessarily on just one thing. But very few things. They have a clear goal for their professional life. They also often have a very clear goal when it comes to their pleasure and fun.
When you limit the number of things on your bucket list you’re more likely to experience them. And most things are doable in life. Even those that seem out of reach. With a narrower focus, you can work toward something. You can enjoy it. You can feel accomplished.
The first step is narrowing your focus and cutting back on your list. The second is not letting outside influences influence what you want in life. Focus on yourself and what is most important to you.
It’s simple, but not easy.
