Why Wait? Build a Bucket List You’ll Actually Achieve—Starting Now!

This is a rework from an article that I wrote on Linkedin on December 27, 2021.

Today, I want to talk about bucket lists. Many people wait until December or the start of the New Year to create them, only to drop them a few weeks later. But here’s the truth: You don’t need to wait for a special date to set meaningful goals. You can start right now—any day is a good day to begin chasing your dreams. Let’s go through five tips to build a bucket list you’ll actually achieve.

Let’s Begin

There’s no need to wait for January 1st to set new goals. The idea of starting fresh with the New Year is nice, but why wait? A bucket list can be created any time you feel the need for change or growth. However, like any goal, it needs a solid plan behind it to be successful.

Many of us tend to think about what we want to achieve, but we often don’t outline how to achieve it. We download apps, take notes, or subscribe to services, but without a clear roadmap, our good intentions fall apart. So, here’s my first piece of advice:

1. Keep It Short

You want a bucket list of goals, not a bucket of wishes. Focus on things you can realistically pursue. Don’t get me wrong—I believe anyone can achieve what they set their mind to—but let’s be practical.

For example, if you want to learn how to fly a plane, visit a country in Asia, and launch a wine store, you need to recognize that each of these will require significant time, focus, and resources. Keep it short and realistic to give yourself the best chance of success.

2. Plan and Set Realistic Deadlines

Whether you want to learn something new, change careers, or even lose weight, start by planning how to do it.

Let’s say you want to learn a new programming language. First, ask yourself:

• What language do you want to learn?
• Is it useful for your career, or is it part of a bigger pivot?
• What’s the goal for learning this language? Understand the value behind your decision.

Then, be disciplined. Set time aside for watching videos, reading, and practicing. It’s not enough to say “I want to learn this someday.” If you don’t create a plan and dedicate time, it won’t happen.

3. Set Shorter Goals (Baby Steps)

Say you want to lose weight. You step on the scale and realize you’re 20 kg above your goal. You get a gym membership and a nutritionist, and by February, you’ve dropped out because you’re not seeing rapid results. Sound familiar?

My advice: Set shorter goals. Yes, the main goal might be to lose 20 kg, but breaking it down into smaller milestones will keep you motivated. For example, set a goal to lose 3 kg at a time with no strict deadline. Every time you reach that milestone, you’ll feel more confident and motivated to continue.

In 2017/2018, using this method, I lost 43 kg over the course of a year—simply by focusing on small, achievable targets.

4. Break Down Action Items

Setting specific action items helps you stay on track. For example, if you’re trying to lose weight, start with something manageable: a 30-minute workout every day for the first month, then increase it to 45 minutes in the second month, and 60 minutes by the third.

If you’re learning a new skill or programming language, subscribe to an online course, download the necessary tools, and create a list of projects you want to work on as you learn.

If your goal is to travel, start by getting your passport, researching your destination, and planning your trip step-by-step.

5. Get a Partner in Crime

Sometimes, having a partner can make all the difference. Find someone who shares a similar goal, plan together, and hold each other accountable. Working as a team often makes you feel part of something bigger, and that can be a great motivator to keep going.

In Conclusion

You don’t have to wait until December to start working on your bucket list. The best time to start is now! I hope these five tips help you build a realistic and achievable list that you’ll stick with.

I’d love to hear your thoughts—what other tips would you recommend? Feel free to share part of your bucket list, too in The Honest Growth Community Slack. You might inspire someone else to get started today!