Most people are familiar with the idea of a bucket list, which is the idea of a collection of goals, dreams, and aspirations to be completed before the end of one’s life. The term bucket list is, of course, derived from the turn of phrase “kicking the bucket”. The purpose of one is to push us to remain motivated and aspirational, and chase our goals right up until the end.
Some people, however, find the idea of creating a bucket list to be somber and overwhelming. To start at the endpoint, and then backfill everything you can think of before it’s too late. And how would you know that you’ve listed everything it is that you really want, and avoided adding anything that just seems like a passing good idea?
What if we did it the other way around? A reverse bucket list, which would be created by starting at the beginning of your life, and working your way forwards, would be the result. By looking back to day one of your life and moving forward, you can take a look back at your life and fill yourself with a sense of gratitude and accomplishment by looking back at the fulfilling experiences you’ve had over the course of your growth from childhood to adulthood, and from then to your twilight years.
And by looking back over your life and listing all the accomplishments and milestones you’re most proud of, not only will it give you a warm sense of satisfaction at considering a life well lived, your past actions make a launch pad to future aspirations, letting you truly consider what is important to you moving forward.