i've always thought bucket lists were kind of pointless; they felt too whimsical and wishy-washy. instead, i chose to focus on creating practical and systematic to-do lists, lists you could plow through in just a couple days. year after year, i would look over my to-do list and feel accomplished... yet somehow unfulfilled. i was happy but the happiness only lasted until i turned the page and scribbled "to-do (cont)" across the top yet again
then i turned twenty-one and graduated from university
finally, i was ready to become an adult
finally, i was ready to join the workforce
finally, i was ready to move on to bigger, better lists
but, staring at the blank canvas before me, something inside me shifted
i couldn't write anything on my to-do list, i didn't know where to start
my to-do lists were simple and targeted - the perfect short term plan. but when faced with a world full of choices, i was at lost. i yearned for the comfort of quick, achievable goals but i knew i was limiting myself. i've spent twenty-one years of my life deciding what i should and shouldn't be good at, what i could and couldn't enjoy. at the end of it all, i knew what i could do, but i didn't know what i wanted to do, what i would rather do with my life
and so, i decided i needed to swap out my to-do list for a bucket list, a list that scared me just as much as it excited me. here's how i plan to make these dreams come true
number 1. talk about it
have many, many conversations with different people about your dreams. i find that these intentional conversations help clear my mind and open my eyes. talk about yourself, share your dreams, discuss your ideal life with the people around you and you just might be amazed by the feedback you get. some will wholeheartedly support every whimsical fancy you mention; good, try and adopt that wide-eyed wonder and excitement. others might be more straightforward, highlighting the flaws and issues they perceive; great, note them down and see if you're willing to and how you can overcome them. dreams aren't concrete, they change and some don't even stay on the list. and that's okay, it makes your dream is uniquely yours
talking about your dreams also just might help keep you accountable. last month, you casually mentioned you wanted to begin recording your own music to a friend. when you meet up again, she asks about it and you say you've been putting it off or that you're starting to dislike the music you make. she laughs and tells you to stop being ridiculous. she reminds you of the songs you've been wanting to cover, the instruments you thought of using, the genres you want to explore. and you are once again inspired to run after that dream. so talk about your dreams, every random detail, no matter how silly it may sound. get people around you excited so that they can, in turn, motivate you. remember though, at the end of the day, your dream is yours. you decide how hard you're going to work for it and how far you're willing to go. but it definitely won't hurt to talk about it and create a support system of genuinely interested people in the meantime :)
number 2. invest in it
invest your time: research about it // read up on the industry // dive into the nitty-gritty // decide the best way to start // need equipment? source for them, compare prices, go to the store, test them out // find out the style or approach that works best for you // configure your set up // look for role models // draw out what your schedule would look like if you commit to this // create a vision board, something that will help visualize what you have in mind // look for inspiration around you
invest your money (if applicable): budget for it // see how this endeavor might affect you financially // make calculated and careful purchases, get only what you need // consider borrowing or secondhand options // start a savings plan and stick to it
invest yourself: seek out like-minded individuals // practice your skill, keep improving // actively think about how you can make this work // learn the lingo // get comments or feedback from people within the industry // familiarize yourself with the software or hardware // find your niche // allow yourself to be excited
be as prepared as you can but don't stress out to much about it. understand that this journey is just as important as achieving the dream itself. this process will shape your perspective and give you the exposure you need to get started. if halfway through this stage, you really don't see this working out, that's fine. take a breather and congratulate yourself. at least you tried!
number 3. go and do it
it's as straightforward as it sounds. you'll never be 100% ready or prepared, so take that leap as soon as you can. don't overthink or get consumed with making it "perfect." suck it up and do it. keep your support system (if you have one) updated and take note of how you feel. do you feel excited? anxious? regret? internalize these feelings and assess them. if possible, wait it out, it might get better, maybe you're just not used to it... if it really doesn't sit right, that's ok. you're allowed to move on. at least you tried!
before you know it, you've already begun taking steps toward your dreams and are closer than ever to striking it off your bucket list. we're all always inspired to write down our wildest dreams and craziest goals, but more often than not, these dreams are left on paper and never come to life
so take charge and ask yourself,
and the rest is history
