Did you know that having a bucket list can help you enjoy your life more? And quite frankly, it’s easy to understand why. A bucket list helps you to clarify your values in life. It also gives you a target(s) to aim at — something emotionally compelling that gives your life excitement and meaning.
As a result, you’ll get more out of your life through the striving, studying, and careful diligence it takes to reach all of your goals. With all of these being the salutary effects of such a simple practice, the utility of working toward your goals is obvious, isn’t it?
However, I’ve got you covered if you’re at a loss for where to begin. In this post, I’m sharing my bucket list with you for two reasons.
- To help motivate and inspire you to create and start working towards your own, and…
- Hold myself accountable for the accomplishment of my aims.
My Bucket List Goals
Disclaimer: This is not a completely new list
While some goals are new, others I’ve been working on for some time, and some I’ve already accomplished (as you’ll see below). And that’s an important point to keep in mind. Your list doesn’t have to be an entirely new inventory of goals. Feel free to get a running start by throwing on previous goals you’ve already accomplished or ones that you’re currently working on.
There’s nothing wrong with doing so. In fact, I recommend it, as it will give you a sense that you’re already making progress. But let’s get into it; here is my 20-goal bucket list!
1. Write and Self-Publish My First Book
In May of 2019, I began the writing process of my very first book. Two years later — in May of 2021 — it was released. The Disciplined Mind: How to Gain Self-Control and Align Your Habits with Your Desires was one of my proudest accomplishments.
It’s essentially a combination of life lessons on discipline that I had learned up until that point.
I can’t explain the sense of gratification this achievement gave me. It was so validating. This accomplishment was the catalyst that really bolstered my self-efficacy. Why? Because of the effort, money, and most importantly, time that went into it.
When I started writing it, I didn’t think it would take any longer than 6 months — from start to finish — to complete.
It took me two years!
There was even a point when I considered abandoning the goal altogether because of the time it took. It just felt like it would never happen, as the process was much slower than I thought it would be.
But I stayed the course. And I’m so glad I did because, as I mentioned earlier, this book is one of my proudest achievements.
I truly believe that publishing this book was the beginning of my new life as a writer. It solidified my identity, which set the foundation for the amazing career I have the good fortune to enjoy today.
And that’s not all, because now, it’s so rewarding to look back with pride at the work of art I created. And honestly, I can definitely see myself writing another book sometime in the future!
2. Run a Marathon
I set the goal to run my first marathon in 2019. I was already in decent shape at the time: I ate healthily and worked out 3 to 5 days a week. But despite that, I knew this was going to be a challenge. And that’s part of the reason why it was so exciting for me!
However, in 2020, the pandemic hit — which obviously resulted in the run’s cancellation. I was disappointed, to say the least. But I didn’t let this delay hinder my enthusiasm for running the marathon. As a result, I kept training. I knew in 2021, the marathon run would return, and I’d get my shot to cross this goal off my bucket list!
Not long after, a couple of friends of mine jumped on the bandwagon. We trained together sporadically, going for various long-distance, half-marathon runs to prepare.
When the day of reckoning finally arrived, I was ready…
I’ll never forget it. It was a brisk Sunday morning on September.19/2021. My friends and I gathered on the Stampede grounds in Calgary to run the Scotiabank marathon alongside hundreds of other hopeful runners.
The race filled with smiles, laughs, and of course, during the latter half, pain and agony. But when it was all said and done, I ran the full 26.2 miles (42.2km) in 3 hours, 38 minutes, and 14 seconds! I was ecstatic about that time and even happier about accomplishing that goal!
3. Land My Dream Job as a Remote Content Writer
I’ve always had an affinity for writing. I never considered it a legitimate career path until I reached my late 20s. And so when I got laid off from the construction job that I absolutely despised for like the 5th time — I decided never again!
At that point, I had been writing consistently for over two years: journaling, blogging, and of course, publishing my first book (see goal number one).
This meant that I had developed my skills as a content developer. So once that final layoff came, I decided that — for better or worse — I would be a writer!
As a result, I threw away all of my construction gear when I got home. And shortly after, began sending out resumes and applying for writing jobs — restlessly.
Two months later, I was hired as a remote freelance writer for a marketing agency based in Florida. And two months after that, I landed my first real job as a remote content writer (with a nice bump in salary) for one of the top digital marketing agencies in Canada.
After 8 years of slaving away in a construction job I hated, this was a huge win for me! I landed my dream job as a remote content writer! For this reason, crossing that goal off my bucket list was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
4. Get Published on 5 Different Self-Improvement Sites
I set this goal for one reason: to prove to myself that authorities in my niche would take my writing seriously. It was a simple goal that was relatively basic in terms of action steps. I had to reach out to blog site owners and ask if they take guest posts and then provide samples of my work.
So, needless to say, the process for this bucket list was fairly straightforward. However, even though it was a simple objective, I still felt good about achieving it. And it was because these sites don’t just take articles from anyone.
You have to be good at what you do to write for these sites and provide true value to their readers.
Here are the 5 self-improvement sites my work has been published on:
- Thestrive.co: 5 Essential Factors That Will Determine Your Success in Life
- Addicted2success.com: Self-Confidence Will Take Your Life to New Heights
- Livepurposefullynow.com: Life Hack: 3 Effective Ways to Stop Being a Pushover
- Personalgrowthchannel.com: A Unique Life Lesson I Learned From Exercising Every Day
- Outofstress.com: 5 Life Lessons I Learned From Running 2 Marathons in 4 Months
Check them out! They’re pretty good write-ups, and they’re fun to read!
5. Take up a Martial Art (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu)
In 2021, I decided to take up martial arts. I had always wanted to learn self-defence but never made it a priority to enroll in a program or even try a class. That is until after I ran my first half marathon. I surprised myself with a time of 1 hour and 56 minutes — running nonstop for the full 13.1 miles (21.1 km).
Consequently, I began asking myself, “What else am I capable of?”
And the first thing that came to mind to further test my abilities was martial arts. And thanks to people such as Joe Rogan and Jocko Willink, I wanted to try Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
But more than that, I wanted to do BJJ for a host of other reasons. It keeps you in shape, you can compete, encourages a healthy lifestyle, and it’s one of the most effective martial arts.
And one year later, I’m still at it with my training. A two-stripe white belt, one of my major goals is to reach my blue belt (which is also included on this bucket list).
6. Compete in My First BJJ Competition
As stated earlier, one of the reasons I took up Brazilian jiu-jitsu was for the competitive aspect of the sport. I wanted to test my skill against others to see where I stood.
Plus, I’m just a competitive person, in general. So this was something that just naturally appealed to me.
In the picture to the right, I am standing with my brother at my first tournament outside of my gym.
It took place in Edmonton, Alberta, in March of this year.
And although the outcome wasn’t what I had planned or hoped for, it was still a really cool experience to compete in my very first BJJ competition.
You can learn about what happened in this tournament by reading the reminiscent musings of my one-year training Brazilian jiu-jitsu post.
This was a big goal to cross off my bucket list because it felt like I was becoming a true practitioner of the sport.
Moreover, I developed a level of confidence in myself and my skill as a BJJ practitioner to put it all in the line in a competition. Something really raw about that kind of courage makes you feel alive.
7. Win a BJJ Competition
Piggybacking off of the last goal, I want to WIN a Bjj competition.
The last couple of tournaments I participated in didn’t exactly pan out in my favour. They were great learning experiences, but I aim to win — not just compete.
8. Earn My Blue Belt in BJJ
As of this writing, I am a two-stripe white belt. And while ultimately, I’d like to earn my black belt in this sport, that’s about 10 to 15 years in the future. I think it’s better to start small but think big. So one big goal is to earn my blue belt in BJJ. This is a very special goal for me. Mostly because most people who take up BJJ quit before they reach their blue belt.
As a result, this would be a huge milestone, a major accomplishment, and a step in the right direction toward my eventual black belt. Additionally, most people who start BJJ give up before they ever reach their blue belt. So more than anything, this accomplishment would represent my commitment to the sport and my training regime.
This section will be updated once I earn my blue belt.
9. Get in the Best Shape of My Life
This picture was taken shortly after my 30th birthday — September 2021. And there are a couple of reasons why I’m so proud of the fact I got myself into shape at this point in my life.
1. I spent most of my life out of shape:
I was quite overweight as a youngster.
At my heaviest, I was 170lbs as a 12 or 13-year-old. Even in high school, when I finally thinned out, I was still what was known as skinny fat. It’s where you look thin with your shirt on, but you are still quite chubby underneath your clothing. I started working out consistently when I was 27, then I started working out every day when I was 29.
The above picture was the result.
2. Most people stop caring about their health at this stage in life:
This is an unfortunate reality.
But the truth is by the time most people reach their late 20s/early 30s, they’ve pretty much given up on themselves. They’ve stopped going for their goals, they’ve given up on their dreams, and yes, they’ve let their health and fitness fall by the wayside. They typically resign themselves to an unsatisfying job and a mediocre life that is safe but unfulfilling.
So the fact that I got myself into shape at a time when most are throwing in the towel means a lot to me. And it’s a goal I’m extremely proud to have accomplished at this stage in my life.
10. See Dr. Jordan B. Peterson Live
I have been a fan of Jordan Peterson since I first discovered him in 2019. I’ve read both 12 Rules for Life and Beyond Order and listen to his lectures daily. This man has profoundly impacted me and my life over the years. One of my dreams is to see him live!
11. Live in a Foreign Country (or Countries) for 6 Months
I’m quite sheltered — let me explain.
I’ve spent the majority of my life living in Alberta, Canada. In fact, I’ve only ever left the country twice; and both times I went to California. So it’s not like a traversed a great distance to some far-off exotic land.
There’s such a big world out there to explore.
And it would be a travesty if I didn’t see the things and visit the places I find interesting. That’s why this goal is on my bucket list. I want to see more of the world. In all honesty, that’s one of the reasons I wanted a remote writing job. Aside from the fact that I love writing, I wanted the freedom and flexibility to travel and experience more.
12. Try Firearms Training
Self-defence is invaluable.
And this notion doesn’t just apply to martial arts training and learning how to fight. Self-defence encompasses every means available for self-preservation and protection; including but not limited to firearms. As such, I would like to become proficient with this kind of artillery.
It’s important to know how to defend yourself and your loved ones.
Why? Because you can’t always rely on the police. This is not to say that the authorities are incapable. But rather, it’s about becoming self-reliant in every way so that you’re not dependent on others. Think about it, if someone breaks into your home with the intent to ransack your place or cause harm to your family, it will take the authorities at least 15 to 20 minutes to arrive at the scene.
That’s more than enough time for the criminals to do their damage unless YOU have the means at your disposal to DO something about it.
It would be nice to live in a perfect world where people didn’t do bad things, self-defence wasn’t necessary, and the police were always on time. But unfortunately, that’s not our reality. For this reason, I’M responsible for myself and my personal safety.
13. Take a Cooking Class
I recently reintroduced to Gordon Ramsay, the British chef, restaurateur, and television personality. Like most people, I initially heard of them through his TV shows (Hell’s Kitchen, Kitchen Nightmares, etc.) where he was known for his lofty cooking standards, impeccable food presentation, foul mouth, and explosive temper.
Consequently, I started following him on YouTube and implementing many of his recipes. They were absolutely delicious and took my cooking to a whole new level. At the time, I was eating the same boring, monotonous meals every day. But from his YouTube cooking tutorials, I discovered I really enjoyed cooking!
I have since been committed to preparing at least one new meal weekly. And that’s why I also decided I want to try a cooking class! Just for shits and giggles — because why not, right?
Additionally, I believe it’s important to have big and small goals on your bucket list. Why? The big goals help change your life and become a better version of yourself. And the small goals build your confidence and strong feelings to go for those more audacious ambitions. They both work in unison.
14. Complete a Spartan Race
As an athlete, I’m always looking to push the envelope.
I like to test myself to see what I’m capable of. That was one of the main reasons why I took up Brazilian jiu-jitsu. As such, a big goal I’ve wanted to accomplish is to complete a spartan race!
But I’ve been having trouble with this goal.
I was originally supposed to run a spartan race in 2021. However, I ended up having a falling out with the friend I was going to run it with. So, needless to say, that fell through.
Then I was going to accomplish the goal this summer. But the weekend before the race, I re-injured a shoulder injury while training in BJJ. I was out of commission for two whole weeks!
As a result, I missed the race. Again.
As you can see, I haven’t had much luck with the spartan race. But that doesn’t mean I’m giving up on this goal. No way! It will remain on my bucket list until it is accomplished.
15. Get a Two-Week Intensive of NSA
NSA (Network Spinal Analysis) is a novel development in chiropractic treatment.
It uses gentle and precise touches that reconnect to the nervous system, allowing for proper spinal alignment and the release of tension from the body. Consequently, this treatment then results in greater well-being and happiness, better lifestyle choices, an overall increased quality of life, and much more.
As a self-improvement devotee, I’ve wanted to try NSA for a while. And that’s why it is on my list of goals. The many benefits of Network Chiropractic Care make this an appealing practice I’d like to try.
16. Increase My Income to $10k/Month as a Copywriter
As of this writing, I’ve been writing professionally for a year. I’m incredibly blessed to be able to do what I love for a living. And there isn’t a day that goes by when I don’t feel grateful for the opportunity. But one area where I want to do better is in my compensation.
I started my career as a content writer. First in my blog, then freelancing for clients, followed by the digital marketing agency I currently work for.
As a newbie copywriter, I’ve been practicing and developing my skills for the better part of a year now. And although I still have a long way to go — I feel as if I’m on the right path to achieving this coveted goal!
17. Train at Evolve MMA in Singapore
Singapore — the Lion City.
A few things probably come to mind when you think of this bustling metropolis. You may conjure images of world-class food, a dramatic skyline, an international hub for trade and commerce, etc. But would you ever associate one of the world’s best martial art facilities with Singapore?
If you’re like most people, probably not.
However, Singapore is home to the top martial arts academies in Asia and one of the best in the world — Evolve MMA. The who of martial arts — whether in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, kickboxing, muay thai, etc. — have trained at Evolve MMA. And while I certainly have no intention of making my living from fighting, I love martial arts and being able to train at Evolve would be a dream come true.
For this reason, this goal is a staple on my bucket list.
A world-class facility with World Champion instructors, Evolve MMA is where you can learn from the best. And that’s an experience I would love to have!
18. Learn How to Dance
I’m the most awkward dancer.
No rhythm, poor timing, atrocious coordination, etc. I want to learn how to dance, but my two left feet thwart me every step of the way. As a result, I never took the time to develop this skill. But I think it’s important, so I put it on the list.
19. Purchase My Dream Home
I have a vision for my dream home.
I think almost everyone does. But mine is a little different — at least, I think it is. My dream home will match my lifestyle, personality, and preferences to a tee. And there are a few things I want to have that will truly make it the home of my dreams. Here’s what I’m thinking:
A home gym
I want an at-home gym with all the bells and whistles: A bench press, a barbell rack with a standing mirror, a treadmill, dumbbells perfectly racked from 5-pounders to 80-pounders — the works!
A personal library
I have not missed a day of reading in more than 5 years. My personal library is valued at nearly $2500, and I own (and have read) over 100 books covering topics from dating and relationships to business and economics to self-improvement and habit formation, and everything in between! My personal library is a testament to my self-development. And my dream home will have a room strictly dedicated to my books!
A Recording Studio
In my younger days, I had aspirations of being a rapper.
I performed at bars and nightclubs, released albums and mixtapes, created music videos, etc. I was about that life. However, the world has a strange way of guiding you in unexpected directions. As time progressed and I learned more about myself and what I really wanted, I realized that being a rapper (as fun as it was) was no longer aligned with my temperament.
However, just because I no longer want it as a career doesn’t mean I don’t still enjoy the craft.
For this reason, my dream home will have a recording studio where I can continue to create music!
20. Set up a Family Reunion
Earlier this year, my little sister passed away.
And even though we weren’t very close, her passing still hit close to home. After attending her funeral, I got reconnected and reacquainted with the rest of my family. My little sister’s funeral was the first time we saw each other in years. And it was such a shame that these conditions were bringing us together.
So at the funeral, I vowed we’d spend more time together.
A couple of months later, I reached out to my family, and we began coordinating a big family reunion for the summer! It was amazing! We all gathered at a large park, surrounded by trees, and open fields. The day was perfect, the weather was incredible, and the reunion was a success!
Everyone had a great time and it was so much fun reconnecting with my family again!
Are You Ready to Start Your Bucket List?
Goals give our lives direction and focus.
For this reason, we all need a bucket list. My challenge to you is to start your own. What do you really want to accomplish, experience, or do in your life? Write it all down. And don’t worry too much about achieving everything on your list.
If, after some time has passed, you feel certain goals no longer excite you, feel free to replace them with something else. Remember, this is your bucket list. The whole point is to fill it up with aims that fill you with enthusiasm and excitement.
