All About Bucket Lists

Some believe the origin of the phrase “Bucket List” as we’re using it right now to talk about a list of things we want to accomplish in life before we die originates from the 2007 dramedy directed and produced by Rob Reiner, written by Justin Zackham, and starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman.

Others believe the phrase was used before then and stems from the Middle Ages phrase “to kick the bucket”, meaning when someone dies (when an executioner kicked the bucket from under you during a hanging).

Either way, I do think the 2007 film is where we see a spike of popularity in usage, but also in “modern” usage or how we use the phrase today.

Truly, there is no right or wrong way to create a bucket list. This is truly a personal choice and decision and one that really depends on your goals, hopes, and aspirations. No two bucket lists will be alike since this really has to do with what you want to accomplish.

So many blogs will give you 5 and 7 and 10 step processes to creating a bucket list. It’s honestly not that complicated. Your bucket list isn’t about finding the best journal to write in or having the coolest name for your wishes and hopes. It’s about digging deep and really deciding what is important to you. What fills your heart, soul, and mind?

For instance, I have a few bucket lists. My own personal list of Bucket List Travel Goals, but also Our Family Bucket List. In Our Family Bucket List, we go over our goals we want to all achieve together as much as possible, as well as where we all are in accomplishing these goals.

That being said, if you really need a more structured start to making your list, check out How to Make a Bucket List, understanding that this is one way you can do this, but that there is no right way to do it.