Making Your Bucket List Come to Life

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I have been actively using bucket lists (I call mine a vision board), for well over 20 years and have to give them the credit they deserve.  The vast majority of things I have accomplished would have never happened if I wasn't using it.  Unforunately, it's not just a matter of having a list in your head.  You need to follow a few simple steps to make it real and make those items come to life.  

Create the List:

• Write it down - The first and most important step is to write it down.  Preferably using a paper and pen.  I know, "gasp", how could I say such a thing?  Having the list in your head, on your phone or online is too easy to lose or forget it's even there.  
• Put everything on it - when creating the list, put everything on it.  Big things, small things, things you think are possible and things you don't.  It doesn't matter if you think it's crazy or far fetched or people look at you as if you have lost your mind.  If it's something you want or want to do, put it down.  
• See it - I don't mean envision it in your mind or any of that @#$%.  I mean, put the list someplace where you will see it everyday.  It keeps those items in the front of your mind and also allows you to add to it when you think of new things.  

Take Action

• Ask yourself the right question -  Your brain will answer any question it is asked, therefore, don't get caught up in asking the wrong questions.  If you ask, "Why can't I do this?", or "Is there anything preventing me from dong this?", your brain will give you the answer.  Whereas if you turn those questions around to be, "How do I make this happen?", "How do I overcome a specific obstacle?", then your brain will answer those questions as well.  It may not come right this minute, but keep asking, your brain will find an answer.  (Try it.  I didn't believe it either until I tried it.)  Your brain with throw out some crazy answers, you want that.  One of those crazy answers is probably going to be the answer.  
• Every Detail - You don't need to know every single detail of how it's going to happen before you start acting on it.  
• Act on it - Take a step towards your goal.  If you want to sky dive, research three places that you would like to skydive in.  If you want to run a marathon, download a training app to your phone.  If you have always wanted to visit Paris, call a travel agent.  (You knew I had to get travel in there somewhere.  Afterall, you're on a travel website.)  
• Commit - Do something that obligates you to completing it.  Reserve a time with the skydive company, register to run in an upcoming marathon or put a deposit on that cruise.  They may still be cancelable or you could just blow off the marathon, but once you commit, it changes it in your mind to something that is really happening.  
• Keep asking the right questions - If you haven't figured out all of the details, keep asking the right questions to complete your plan.  Once you have committed, you will also see a difference in the answers your brain gives you.  It is as if your brain is now taking you seriously.  
• Celebrate it - Once you have completed it.  Celebrate it.  Tell everyone.  You deserve to be proud because you have done something that most people don't do.  Mark something off their bucket list.  
• Next thing - Lastly, keep the momentum going and start on yoiur next bucket list item.  You will be much more optimistic and positive about doing it after marking one off.