1*15*2018 -How to Create a 2018 Bucket List

The new year is here and by now you may have written a number of resolutions. Maybe you've added ten to fifteen minutes to your walking or jogging regimen or decided to go to the gym several times a week, or planning to learn a new skill or language in 2018.

Whatever you hope to accomplish, the best kind of bucket lists are the ones that make you better, or healthier or improves a skill or talent. Bucket lists, like goals, challenge us to reach new limits and push us beyond our comfort zone. But aspirations and targets don't have to be scary like skydiving and bungee jumping. Everybody's different and each has a unique set of goals or hopeful achievements to reach in the new year.

If you don't know where to start and how to create one, I've found these tips to kickstart a plan. Grab a pad and pen and let's begin:

• Brainstorm: Write down every idea that pops up. Don't judge it by thinking, "that's impossible or crazy." Just write it down.
• Segment the list by time. Break it up by seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter. This step helps determine when you want to accomplish the goal, such as short-term, long-term or special term. Other categories are Local, State, U.S., and other countries.
• Find a bucket list buddy and share lists. You don't have to do this, but sharing and comparing will keep you accountable. It's a way to share experiences and even partner up to split expenses for a costly international vacation or cruise.
• Pick your favorite three goals. It's the fastest way to take action and keep up the momentum Otherwise, looking a long list will overwhelm and sabotage accomplishment. So, pick three from the list. You might start with the local category,
• Remember the goal of a bucket list is to keep adding dreams. The one thing we know that's certain in life is change. So, give your list a break and allow it to adapt to life changes and you grow. Add items and check off dreams when completed. See your world through the lens of dreams and things to accomplish.

Now, the dreams you've put off may finally have a starting point. Pace yourself. Putting a plan together is the most difficult. Good luck and here's a happy new year filled with dreams achieved.

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Carol Marak, aging advocate, Seniorcare.com. She's earned a Certificate in the Fundamentals of Gerontology from UC Davis, School of Gerontology.