by K.J. Ness

Created on: January 09, 2009   Last Updated: January 15, 2009

In the first month of a new year we become aware of the passing of time. We make resolutions. We promise ourselves that we'll get in shape or learn a new language. Before we know it, new year's eve is upon us once again. We make new resolutions (or renew our old, unfinished ones). The cycle continues until a decade passes in the blink of an eye. Our reliance on the new year as a measure of success leaves us with too little time to accomplish our goals. We need to think big. We need to set life goals.

Life goals are more concrete than dreams, more grandiose than the daily to-do list. Life goals are items on a "bucket list" of things to do before you kick the bucket. Life goals are experiences you wish to have in a lifetime; a handful of actions (however small or large) that will mean something to you when you look back on your life.

But how, you might ask, do you go about making and achieving life goals? The types of life goals are as varied and unique as each person who hopes to achieve them. You will need to find time for some intense introspection (that scares us all a little bit) and time to work toward the goals you set for yourself. The following steps will get you started:

STEP 1: Put It In Writing. The most important step to take when making your own bucket list is to write it down. Something about the act of writing makes your mind take note that what you've written is important and worth remembering. I recommend actually writing your goals on paper instead of using a computer. You'll probably outlive whatever word processing and backup method you use right now.

STEP 2: Ask The Basic Questions. While creating your bucket list, ask: Who? What? Where? The "Who" may be people you would like to help, people with whom you want to spend more time, or people you admire whose lives inspire an item on your list. The "What" may be things you want to do, learn, have, be. The "Where" could be places you want to visit or live. When you set out to achieve a goal on your list, ask yourself: When? How? The "When" includes a time frame (in months or years), a specific deadline, or a certain date (depending on the goal). The "How" includes preparation to achieve each goal and the cost involved - both money and time.

STEP 3: Check Off and Add On. A list of life goals is open-ended. Just as you never know when your life may end, you never know when your life goal list is complete. You may add to it for as long as you live. But don't forget to check off each goal as you accomplish it. That's the best part!

Enjoy the process and remember it may take you a lifetime to check that last item off your list.

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