For most, it takes a serious illness, retirement, or other life-changing event for them to seriously think through all the things they want to do before they die. At this point, how easily can you turn these dreams into a reality?

Life comes at you fast, and you should prepare for any curveballs that come your way. You can't predict whether you'll be physically, emotionally, or financially capable of doing all you want to do in ten or twenty years, such as climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro or taking a boat ride in Venice.

Make your bucket list now, rather than waiting for the "perfect time." I'll make the process easy for you.

Give it a Name

Some people have strong feelings regarding the phrase "bucket list" because it serves as a reminder of their limited time on Earth. The bucket list really should motivate you to make the most out of this time.

That being said, you should call this list whatever inspires you and makes you feel good on the inside:

• My Lifetime Goals
• Must-Have's
• What to Conquer in the Next 10 Years
• My Next Amazing Experiences

Make it Real

The bucket list doesn't actually exist if you don't record it somewhere. Sounds simple, but most people skip this step. Making it tangible adds a much-needed boost of accountability.

Start with a note sheet or Word document. Progress it to an organized Excel sheet. I've found that making a Powerpoint with pictures and links keeps me both excited and accountable.

You can even find apps out there that will help document your list. Don't just let your list live in your head. Make it real.

Have Zero Limitations

You can't place limits on something that's supposed to help you realize your dreams. With that in mind, I recommend starting with at least twenty-five objectives. Just like business goals, have some that you can easily achieve and some that you'll need to stretch for.

They might be as simple as hiking a new route in a nearby park or as challenging as running a marathon; some could happen in a weekend, while others may take a lifetime.

Short-term objectives will give you a sense of achievement and will keep you motivated for the longer-term goals. Working toward (and marking off) your goals on a regular basis will make the feeling of accomplishment a habit, slowly eliminating your self-limiting beliefs.

Find More Ideas

You'll undoubtedly have a few things on your mind that you've always wanted to accomplish, and you should write them down right away. But how can you come up with new and amazing concepts? How do you know what's available to you in the world? The approaches listed below can help you generate ideas for your list.

• Create your eulogy: What do I want people to remember about me?
• Flip through magazines: This will help you touch and feel your dreams, making them more real
• Talk with close friends and family: They will surely think of some things that align with "you" as a person.

Break it Down

Hopefully you have an overwhelming amount of dreams and goals on the list at this point.

Now, divide a page into the categories you've chosen, then list at least five items for each. Some items will fit into two areas; that's OK; just write them down in one. The most essential thing is that they're recorded someplace.

Use categories such as:

• Career
• Philanthropy
• Adventure
• Family
• Nature
• Travel

Finally, set time-based goals for each bucket list item. If you want to get really crazy, put the items on your calendar, even those that are 5-10 years into the future. Talk about the ultimate form of accountability!

If you take away one thing from this, take this. Give yourself permission to GoBIG! Everything you've ever wanted to see, touch, or experience should live on this list. Be realistic, but yet realize that you are capable of far more than you believe you are.

Does starting an impactful and profitable business make it on your bucket list? If so, reach out to us and check out an intro to our business model here. Many of our coaches have guided business owners through their bucket lists – how cool is that?