Whichever way you look at it, the positive affects of having personal goals in life are immesurable. Memories to look back on and dreams to look forward to; you can never have too many of either in my opinion!
For as long as I can remember, whenever I’m high-up someplace, I wonder to myself the consequences of launching my body from that place. I should clarify; I have no suicidal tendencies. I just wonder how my body would react, whether I’d survive, what it would feel like, how long it would take to hit the ground, etc. I always used to be terrified that one day I was going to actually try it, it’s one of the reasons I would never take part in a skydive…I’m terrified that I might relinquish to the thoughts and release myself from the parachute…besides this I’ve always had quite a clear list of goals, yes I’ve added and taken away from it over the years…but in the past couple of months I’ve decided to start chasing after those dreams again. As you can see from the list below there’s been quite the gap but theres still plenty of time to work through the list before I “kick the bucket” … I hope!
“We don’t live to eat and make money. We eat and make money to be able to enjoy life. That is what life means, and that is what life is for.”
Why should you write a list?
In the tapestry of life, our desires and dreams are the vibrant threads that weave together our most cherished experiences. Creating a bucket list is akin to setting forth a constellation of stars, each one representing a unique aspiration, a goal waiting to be achieved. It serves as a compass, guiding us towards uncharted territories and pushing us beyond the boundaries of our comfort zones. A bucket list is more than a mere inventory of wishes; it is a testament to our deepest yearnings, a declaration of intent to live a life imbued with purpose and fulfillment. In this exploration of the human experience, we delve into why penning down your aspirations is not just an exercise in wishful thinking, but a powerful catalyst for personal growth, resilience, and a life rich in unforgettable memories.
Venturing beyond the boundaries of your comfort zone is a transformative journey that fuels personal growth and development. Within the confines of familiarity, progress and self-discovery often stagnate. Stepping into uncharted territory, however, ignites a profound process of learning, adaptation, and resilience-building. It challenges preconceived notions and fosters an environment conducive to creativity and innovation. Moreover, breaking free from the cocoon of routine invigorates the spirit, injecting a sense of purpose and vitality into life's fabric. Ultimately, it is through this courageous act of exploration that individuals unearth their true potential, unlocking a world of opportunities and experiences that lead to a more enriched, vibrant, and fulfilling existence.
The effects of writing a bucket list are deeply rooted in positive psychology. It can help you gain clarity through having clear goals and a defined direction, boost motivation by not just focussing on a single goal but understanding that each act is a small part of a much bigger journey, cultivating a positive mindset through positive, forward planning which will have a positive impact on your mental health, enhanced sense of acomplishment after you start to tick things off the list; I think this is a great argument for the list being varied with both big and small acts, strengthening relationships through shared connection with loved ones and finally encouraging self-discovery; having spent a lot of the last 12 months on self-reflective and positive psychological research and practice I personally think this is one of the top reasons to compile a bucket list. Humans are, by nature inquisative and explorative creatures…by fostering and nurturing this you are tapping into the unconcious part of your nature that releases positive hormones into the body. You’ll feel better just for writing the list, and then feel even better when you start planning / ticking them off!
My Bucket List
I will never regret fighting for the things I want to achieve life, I would regret letting go without knowing I gave everything I had. So the list is always changing, there are some on here that are more personal than others. Some I’ll be attempting alone, and some I’ll be attempting as a team / group. I will be adding to the list…why would I limit myself to my current dreams and not attempt to chase new ones too?
Memories
Play Sport for England - National Atheltics Team ; 2003 to 2006
See the Great Wall of China - 2009
Ride the Tran-Siberian Railway - 2009
Visit the Gobi Dessert - 2009
See my cousin compete at Ponoka Stampede - 2022
Drive the Rockies in a “Motorhome” - 2022 (he was called Roger and we loved him…)
See Whales in the Wild - 2022
“Most men lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with the song still in them.”
Dreams
Trek overland to both the North and South Poles
Row The Atlantic & The Pacific back-to-back - December 2026
Climb above 8000m
Complete a Degree - Ongoing (B.A. Photography)
Build a Cabin in the Woods - Yonder Cabin projectd 2024 / 25
Take Part in the Dakar Rally
Safari in Africa - E.W.M. Kenya 2024
Write a book
See Ludovico Eianudi play in concert - November 2023
Skippers Ticket - E.W.M. Bahamas 2025
Learn to Fly*
Walk my kids to their First day at School
Walk my kids to their Last day at School
Photograph the blossoms fall in Japan
Compete in a “World Championships”**
*A plane, not physically.
**I have no idea what “world championship” I’ll compete in but I want to go for a world title in something, someday, just for the story.
“Action may not always bring happiness, but there is no happiness without action.”
Some of the Memories so far…
The Great Wall of China
The Gobi Dessert (home was actually the other way)…
FINALLY seeing Chance compete at Ponoka!
The Rockies are…just…STUNNING. I miss our motorhome….”Roger”
One of the best days of my life…whale watching in Vancouver
I guess writing and publishing the list is a way of making myself accountable. I would abosolutely love to hear things that are, or have been, on your bucket lists so please do comment below…and if you know anyone trecking to either of the poles, above 8000m or who works on one of the Dakar race teams please get in touch!
Till next time. Ol