Some of us have dusted our bucket list for 2021 especially as the year is coming to our close. It is disheartening when you don’t get to tick all the boxes on this list. To avoid repetition of this mistake here is how to go about achieving all your bucket lists as you set them up for 2022:
1. Be accountable
Do you want to have better odds at keeping the commitment you made to yourself then hold yourself accountable? You can do this by publicly announcing the contents of your bucket list or at least your active pursuit of one of your goals—share it with your family, friends, and even a couple of acquaintances. Not only will your enthusiasm be contagious, but sharing will make you feel obligated to complete a goal. You don’t want to come across as someone who does not keep commitments.
2. Pick SMART goals
Write goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time bound. Having a long list of aspirations can get you confused at where to begin. More so, focusing on too many goals can be distracting, so start by picking two to three to work on, at least one long-term and one short-term. Once a short-term goal was completed, replace it with another easier item while still continuing to make progress on the larger goal. If you can’t decide which ones to start with, read your list again to identify what excites you at the moment, what gives you goosebumps or a thrill in the pit of your stomach.
3. Have deadlines
Setting deadlines can help escape the “someday” syndrome, a common excuse for why you won’t begin today because you will get to it someday. The goals you choose to currently work on should have a deadline different than “in your lifetime,” as it will create a sense of urgency to propel you forward.
4. Break down goals into actionable steps
Don’t make the mistake of thinking it’s not worth even beginning if you are only able to make a small start. If your bucket list goal is completing a marathon, put on your running shoes and walk around the block. If it is learning how to speak Italian, memorize one word a day or even a week. For example, if your goal is to go Italy for holidays, this could be broken down into the following steps:
- Get a passport
- Research the best location for truffle hunting
- Determine the best season to travel
- Request time off from work
- Research flights to Italy
- Book a flight to Italy
5. Stop procrastinating
Start today! The more you procrastinate, the less likely it is that you will be able to do all the things in life you wish. Change that procrastination into determination by starting today. Make the first step of your chosen starter goal something you know you can complete within the next twenty-four hours. If your wish is to learn to crochet a scarf, start by finding a nearby class or set of instructional video.