How to Start (and Actually Stick to) a Bucket List
It’s easy to get swept up in the daily to-do list—laundry, emails, errands—while the big, meaningful stuff quietly slips to the back burner.
You know, the things you’ve always said you’d do someday.
Like…
See the Northern Lights
Learn how to paint
Run a 10K
Start a passion project
Travel to Italy and eat your body weight in pasta
That’s what a bucket list is for—not just writing down dreams, but creating space for them in your real life. And in this post, we're going to help you do exactly that.
If you've ever made a list and lost it, gotten overwhelmed halfway through, or just never started, this guide is for you.
What Is a Bucket List, Really?
A bucket list isn’t just about skydiving and world travel (unless that’s your thing).
It’s a collection of personal goals—experiences, achievements, and adventures—you want to complete in your lifetime. Big or small, serious or silly, what matters most is that they’re yours.
Some people divide theirs by category (travel, career, family, health). Others jot everything down as it comes to mind. There’s no one right way to create a bucket list—but there are better ways to follow through on it.
Why Most Bucket Lists Fail (And How to Avoid That)
Let’s be real: most bucket lists gather dust.
They sound exciting in the moment but get lost in a notes app or forgotten in a notebook. Why?
1. They’re too vague
“Travel more” or “get healthy” are admirable—but they’re not actionable.
2. There’s no plan to follow through
Without breaking goals into steps, it’s hard to know what to do next.
3. There’s no accountability
Out of sight, out of mind. Life gets busy, and those big dreams take a backseat.
How to Create a Bucket List You’ll Actually Stick To
If you want your list to lead to real experiences—not just Pinterest boards—try this approach:
1. Start With Reflection, Not Pressure
Before writing anything down, take a few minutes to reflect:
What would I regret not doing in my lifetime?
What makes me feel alive, curious, or inspired?
What have I always wanted to try, even if it scares me?
Think of your bucket list as a vision board for your best life—not a competition.
2. Brainstorm in Categories
To spark ideas, think across different areas of life:
Travel & Adventure (Visit Iceland, go ziplining)
Personal Growth (Learn a new language, take a public speaking class)
Health & Wellness (Run a race, try a new fitness class)
Creativity (Write a book, learn calligraphy)
Relationships (Plan a surprise date night, organize a family reunion)
Career & Finance (Launch a side hustle, hit a savings goal)
Community (Volunteer regularly, donate to a cause)
When you brainstorm across categories, you get a more balanced, meaningful list.
3. Get Specific
Turn “travel more” into “Take a 3-day hiking trip in the Smoky Mountains.”
Swap “get fit” for “Complete a 30-day yoga challenge.”
The more specific the item, the easier it is to take the first step.
4. Choose a Tracking System You’ll Actually Use
This part matters more than you think.
It’s one thing to jot ideas in your phone. It’s another to track your progress, revisit your goals regularly, and celebrate what you’ve done.
That’s where a system comes in—whether it’s a spreadsheet, a journal, or a printable Bucket List Planner like this one. The key is consistency.
Even better? Use something that lets you reflect each month or season, so you can stay connected to your goals (and update them as life evolves).
5. Schedule Bucket List Time Into Your Life
Once you’ve got your list and a way to track it, the next step is… putting it on your calendar.
Literally.
Choose one bucket list item per month or quarter
Book tickets, reserve time, or plan it like any other appointment
Treat your goals like they matter—because they do
No time? Start small. Pick one thing that takes 30 minutes or less.
The momentum you’ll feel from completing just one item is powerful.
Don’t Wait for Someday
Here’s the truth: you don’t need a “perfect” time to start living more intentionally.
You just need a plan—and a place to keep it.
So go ahead. Dream big. Start small. Track your wins. Celebrate progress. Adjust along the way.
And if you want a tool that makes it all easier, this bucket list planner is one of our favorites to help you do it.
You deserve a life full of stories you’re proud to tell.
