Dreams Are More Than A Wishlist

Are there things in your life that you’ve wanted to accomplish but haven’t?  Are there personal goals that would bring you joy and fulfillment, but are always put on the back burner because “life happens?”  Do you say things like, “I’ll get to that someday,” or “When things slow down, I’d like to try that?”  If you’ve answered “yes” to these questions, then you need to work on your bucket list. 

It seems that everyone has a Bucket List these days. You know, the list of all the things you dream of doing before you die or "kick the bucket."

There are websites and books dedicated solely to help you formulate the perfect list. Maybe you want to swim with dolphins or stand on the equator. Some folks want to see the pyramids or visit Stonehenge. Other dreams are a bit simpler--get a tattoo, learn CPR, go to a Hog's game. It doesn't really matter what's on your list. The point is you don't want to leave this Earth without doing a few amazing things. So how do you ensure that doesn't happen? You make a plan. You make your Bucket List.

But here's a catch. According to the latest American Time Use Survey (conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics), the average American spends 8.8 hours per weekday at work. That's 44 hours a week. Two thousand two hundred and eighty-eight hours a year. Compare that with the 2.5 hours per day we spend on "leisure and sports", and an important question rises to the surface. Why don't we spend more time planning for the biggest slice of the pie chart? Why don't we have a Bucket List for our professional lives?

I think we all know that life can pass us by if we don't make plans--that's the whole idea of the Bucket List. Don't let your professional life pass by either. Start your plan now. Make your Bucket List. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

1. Choose a mentor. Don't wait around to be mentored. Think long and hard about who you want to be professionally. Find that person who emulates the skills and leadership style you want and ask for their advice and guidance. Then turn around and do it to somebody else.

1. Life is busy. Work is busy. Try your hardest to never be too busy. Dedicate time to spend with your subordinates or co-workers. Believe it or not, you have something valuable to pass on.

1. Give back. Make a plan to start or continue your charitable giving. Maybe you'd rather give time than money. Look out your window--volunteer with youth, coach a team, or join a professional group.

1. Focus on fitness. There's no time like the present. If you're already a fitness guru, share your gift with coworkers--run with them, challenge them, support them.

1. Prioritize your education. As painful as it can be, be proactive. Seek out programs, degrees and certifications. Know when you're eligible. Know your deadlines. Be the master of your education and be ready when an opportunity presents itself.

We need a Bucket List for our professional lives. A well thought out, organized approach to your career just makes sense. We all know that you'll never reach your destination if you don't know where you're going. So, make your travel plans to visit Stonehenge, but don't forget to develop a plan that will make your professional and recreational bucket lists a reality. Think about it. I'd hate for your 44 hours to pass you by.

Remember a bucket list is simply a list of things you’d like to do in your lifetime.  The point of a bucket list is to help you live your life to the fullest.  Create your own bucket list and set exciting goals to help pursue your interests, goals and fulfill your dreams. 

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