By now, we’ve all probably heard of bucket lists—it seems like everyone and their dog has one. There’s something really fun about making a list of all the things you want to do, all the places you want to visit, and the stories you want to tell before you die. And sometimes you throw your heart right into it, making a list of the deepest dreams you’ve ever held. Sometimes you get overzealous, noting every random whim you’ve never thought you had, making a list with ten, twenty, a hundred things to do.
But there’s also kind of a problem with bucket lists. Lots of times, people write down the most extravagant ideas, letting themselves indulge in fantasies beyond life.
And maybe they don’t really believe those dreams will ever come true.
Or maybe we take a look at all the amazing ideals on this one little slip of paper and hold it up to our own life, and feel that it doesn’t measure up.
After all, how can you ever live this amazing, fantastic life if your own life is only subpar?
These aren’t good feelings. These are feelings that will drag you down.
So for once, if you’re ever feeling down, here’s a tip that will change how you look at your life.
Don’t make a bucket list. Make a reverse bucket list.
The premise is simple. Write down things—anything—that you’ve done in your life that maybe—just maybe—is bucket list-worthy.
It can be a little tough to get started, but try listing just three things to start. They don’t have to be phenomenal. Right now, you’re only getting warmed up.
For example, mine would begin with:
- Getting published on Her Campus
- Living next to the beach (UCSB!)
- Getting a pen pal
Start looking at the things you’re doing now. Are you interning? Do you have a job? Are you in college? Have you taken a class you love? Live in a dorm? Live on your own? These are all things that you can add to your reverse bucket list.
Here are some quick tips if you get stuck.
- Skim through old photos or journals. Maybe there are things you’ve forgotten.
- If it mattered to you, write it down. A moment’s a moment, no matter how small. (I may or may not be ripping off Dr. Seuss now.)
- It’s okay to write down things even if you think everybody’s already done it.
- Look at the stuff in your room. How did you get those things? Is there a story behind it? Chances are you’re going to recall some good “First time doing this” memories or say, “Hey, that’s from the time I did this!”
- It doesn’t have to be travelling, or going on some epic adventure. Chances are that in your lifetime, you’ve done something—a lot of somethings, really—worth noting. So note it.
Because here’s the thing.
It’s easy to write down a narrative a dream life. There are so many incredible things a person can do in a lifetime, so it’s easy to imagine them and start yearning for things that may not necessarily be practical.
But that kind of thinking can get you hating your own life, when your life is already an amazing mix of experiences and stories and adventures and achievements.
So start looking at it that way.
So now tell me: What’s on your reverse bucket list?