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While I had never heard of a "bucket list" until Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman explained it to me in their 2007 movie, I found the idea of jotting down what you want to do before you die very helpful. It helps me clarify what I really want from what sounds good at the time. My list helps keep track of what I've accomplished over the years and what I still want to do. Most importantly, my bucket list saves me from the daily grind. The rituals of daily life, from work to family, can trap anybody and it's important to know that we still can fulfill our dreams.

My bucket list has three parts. The first part involves a list of ideas that I want to accomplish before I die. It includes places I want to visit, locally and internationally. It has activities, like 'compete in an adventure race' or 'go sky diving'. Also, it has resolutions, like 'stop smoking' and 'lose 20 pounds'. Your list can have as many items as you want. They are your dreams and desires, and eventually time is your only limiting factor. My list is only limited by my imagination!

The second part of my list is the creation of deadlines. This step helps motivate me by creating a roadmap towards accomplishment. If I want to lose 20 pounds, then I set a date for when those pounds will be gone. There is a huge difference between saying "I want to lose weight" and "I will lose ___ pounds by March 1st." I try my hardest to stick to my fulfillment dates, but when life changes, sometimes my dates have to change with it. The most important part is to fulfill the dreams.

The third part of my list involves writing down the necessary steps to accomplish a specific goal. If I want to compete in a marathon, there are a few things I must do. I have to start jogging, research when and where marathons are held, and perhaps communicate with people who have competed in past marathons. Also, I may have to purchase necessary equipment and make time to train. Some ideas involve saving money, making reservations, or changing a habit. By breaking my goals down into steps, my list helps remind me of the real things I must do to make my dreams a reality.

So far, my list as helped me accomplish many goals. At 32, I've graduated from college, lost over 100 pounds, competed in an adventure race, earned a black belt in KungFu, become married, served in the Peace Corps, and have traveled to China. While I have many more goals to accomplish in the future, it's amazing what I've already been able to accomplish. I am neither rich nor privileged... only motivated! I just know that I am never too old or too young to fulfill my dreams before I kick the bucket.

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