Much has been written over the years about having purpose and in particular about having a purpose driven life but I want to look at it from a slightly different perspective.
I’m sure you’ve heard of bucket lists – well put simply a bucket list is a purpose driven list.
Or put it another way a list of purposes.
Now I’m not saying that a bucket list should or even will replace your purpose but two things spring to mind:
1. If you have a purpose already then this can be a great cathartic listing of additional ‘fun’ desires that can help you along the way with your purpose and
2. If you don’t or haven’t yet found your purpose then this exercise could also help reveal your purpose
So how do you create your own bucket list?
First off set aside some time and then start writing down what comes to mind as you read these questions:
- What if you were to die tomorrow? What would you wish you could do before you die?
- What have you always wanted to do but have not done yet?
- What will you do if you have unlimited time, money and resources?
- Any countries, places or locations you want to visit?
- What are your biggest goals and dreams?
- What achievements do you want to have?
- What experiences do you want to have / feel?
- Are there any special moments you want to witness?
- What activities or skills do you want to learn or try out?
- What are the most important things you can ever do?
- What would you like to say/do together with other people? People you love? Family? Friends?
- Are there any specific people you want to meet in person?
- What do you want to achieve in the different areas: Social, Love, Family, Career, Finance, Health (Your weight, Fitness level), Spiritual?
- What do you need to do to lead a life of the greatest meaning?
So there you have it – a Purpose Driven Life meets a Bucket List.
- So do you have a purpose?
- What about a bucket list?
Hmmm…very thought provoking. I THINK I'm beginning to understand more about my purpose.
But I don't have a set "bucket-list" yet. Although I do have a couple things I want to do.
* Set foot in all 50 US states
* Take a transcontinental train across North America
* Visit England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland and undetermined parts of the European continent.
We'll see.
I have a very generic 42 part bucket list – I borrowed it from MyTop50.com and all but 8 of the top 50 I'd already done.
But part of the post was a reminder to me to make it more specific and even detail the why behind the purpose (goal). I've been one of these almost aimless folks that seems to bump through life – I've come to accept it is who I am but I'd love to have a set purpose to my life that is crystal clear – and just maybe this will help!
Oh, and when you get to Wales you'd better stop by Chez Stuart.
Just checked the MyTop50.com suggestions…I've done most of them…almost the same count as you.
Like you, I kind of bounce down the road of life seeing where it takes me. Some people have a written life plan for their family, career, etc. Too me, that concept is too restrictive. You could end up missing out on the 'what ifs'.
That's why I said I THINK I'm beginning to understand my purpose.
Maybe I should start an "official" wish list.
I'd love to visit if I ever make it to Wales!
Yeah – do start a wish list. After all they are just things you'd like to do and not something that'll destroy your life if you don't.
And Wales would welcome you with open arms :)
Great questions! Very thought provoking! I have always wanted to go to Casablanca and Timbuktu… Those would probably be at the top of my bucket list
Casablanca I've done and want to go again but not Timbuktu – though I guess Bukina Faso is close to it.
But you've got the right idea – bucket lists don't have to be about serious stuff and should include fantasy type stuff. Which for me would include driving a McLaren F1 GT…. dreams!
I've considered writing a bucket list. Right now I'm just focusing on one major goal at a time, but I think there would be some satisfaction in being able to cross things off :)
Do it – you know you want too ;)