40+ Sample Bucket List Templates

What Is a Bucket List?

A bucket list is simply a ginormous list containing everything you want to do. It can be as simple as trying out a new hobby down to the most extreme such as skydiving. Bear in mind that a bucket list does not necessarily have to be done in a single day because its timeline can go throughout your whole life. Take it as your personal journal. And you should be reminded of that list, like a to-do list, in ensuring they will be accomplished from time to time. And everything written there should give you that sense of fulfillment once achieved individually.

You will not run out of goals because even in Bucketlist.org, you can get some inspiration from over 7,770,979 goal examples.

Moreover, Forbes reported that 95% of Americans have their own set of bucket lists.

Why Do You Need a Bucket List?

Anyone can wish for something they want to do or achieve for now, but as your list increases, you might not be able to catch up with everything. Hence, writing a bucket list is just what you need to ensure you will not forget about your desired goals. Also, a bucket list is important since it lets you write about anything. Whether your goals are personal or professional, you can add them to your list. And you will surely not run out of goals. For example, Bucketlist.org has over 7,770,979 goals you can grab some inspiration from.

Furthermore, bucket lists are not a stranger to us. In fact, over 95% of Americans have bucket lists. Whether you plan to set off on a new adventure, go skinny dipping at the beach, or maybe rekindle a failed relationship, the choices are up to you. And it is important for everyone with a list to know how to create a smart and well-organized bucket list. Expect to learn more about how to craft a proper bucket list as you keep on reading.

What Is Inside a Standard Bucket List?

You already know what a bucket list means and why it is essential. Now, what exactly is inside a bucket list? Keep in mind that there is no standard rule on how these lists should look like since it is entirely up to you. But there are common denominators found in standard bucket lists that might interest you to add them. And these elements are the following:

Title: First things first, name your bucket list with a title you prefer. Indeed, a “bucket list” is acceptable enough. But you can change the title however you want, like inserting your name. Or perhaps, you want to label it as a dream list, lifetime goals list, and more. And you may include a brief introductory statement to set a clear message that whoever sees the document would know that it is a bucket list and not any other document.Lists: What is a bucket list without listing every task to do anyway? Write them down. You can prepare a draft first until you slowly arrange your ideas. A tip is to divide the list according to your career goals, another for personal goals, and more. That way, you will not be confused in tracking down specific tasks. And after you write down each task, you arrange and edit them until everything written will be ready to be listed officially.Categories: To ensure your list is understandable and organized, categorize your bucket list as well. Suppose you have one category for everything you should do and another category for the don’ts. Others even divide their list according to challenges they want to conquer, an aspiration list, or simply some items to buy and own. You can incorporate detailed organizational charts for that process and other visual organizers, as long as the output is effective.Progress Tracker: There are many people who can come up with fun, engaging, and interesting bucket lists. But the problem is when there is no proper indication of which tasks have already been achieved, currently in progress, or have not started yet. Just like tracking sheets, you should be very well aware of your progress. A tip is to mark the ones you have accomplished as done or simply put a checkmark in every item achieved. And your goal is to make sure you complete finishing your bucket list. At least your progress reminds you of how near you are to your goals.Remarks: Leave space for special remarks or feedback. For example, there might be a goal that is in progress and it will not be achieved after a certain time or after completing some requirements. Hence, put some notes of what is going on instead of saying that it is done. Because technically, it is not done yet. And the remarks section gives you freedom of what to write, so make use of its space for additional matters.Extra Spaces: More extra spaces may be needed in case you have new goals to list afterward. Who knows? You might be inspired to welcome new tasks. So at least there is still room for changes, and there is no limit to how many you can list in the document anyway. Whether you add or take out some tasks, that is still your call.

How to Make an Excellent Bucket List

Now that you are introduced to what is often found inside bucket lists, apply your knowledge further by proceeding to create the bucket list itself. And have you checked every sample bucket list template listed above already? Explore each example until you find a template that you can customize and make that bucket list in no time. And to ensure your list is excellently made, kindly follow these six simple steps:

Step 1: Do Loads of Brainstorming

It is not wise to just proceed to write the bucket list without brainstorming. You can talk with your best friend or love interest, seek advice, and be inspired by other bucket lists out there. Maybe you can find even better goals from other examples. Thus, add them to the list. And an important consideration is to really ask yourself how badly you want those goals to happen. Will a certain task help you feel fulfilled in life? If your answer is yes, then note it down.

Step 2: Make a List in a Template

There is no need to begin from scratch by getting a piece of paper and write away. That is just your draft. For an easier writing medium, create your list using our sample templates above. With premade templates, you can finish a bucket list within minutes. And the best part is you can edit, print, and download it anytime. So if you have finalized a draft already, you only need to transfer its content to the template of your choice.

Step 3: Categorize Your Bucket List

If you recall what is inside standard bucket lists, as discussed previously, then you would remember that categories are part of its elements. Hence, add categorize to arrange the list accordingly. And a tip is to organize the tasks according to the right timeline. Make a sequence so you will know what to achieve first until last. For example, you can gather the goals you can achieve in college in one category. And you highlight work-related goals in the next category. Another idea is to divide goals for your family, for your friends, for travel, and more.

Step 4: Set a Progress Tracker

Another essential element you must add is your progress tracker. You should set the metrics on how to check your progress in handling the whole bucket list. You can set a schedule or deadline to ensure you really commit to your enlisted tasks. You should be clear with this part or you might not be able to record it accurately. Check how well you are doing by slowly finishing every enlisted work to do. And the closer you are to accomplish goals, the closer you are to total satisfaction.

Step 5: Add Some Creativity

Sometimes what inspires you to complete your goals is when the bucket list itself is inspiring to look at too. Thus, give time to design according to how you want to beautify it. You could add cute stickers, black and white doodles, butterfly sketches, memorable photos, and any other aesthetic. Settling on a dull-looking list is boring anyway. Make it fun and creative so your bucket list won’t have to be a tiring errand but rather a dream goal.

Step 6: Commit to Your List and Share It

The biggest challenge after making the list is to commit to it. Bear in mind that there will be challenges and distractions along the way. For example, you might have a summer class, a new job, or something to get busy with. Hence, completing goals may be delayed. But what matters is you are still focused to complete them eventually. And most importantly, share with your peers about the list to inspire them about making one too. Hence, you can help each other out in accomplishing goals.

FAQs

Are bucket lists a good idea?

Whether a bucket list is good or bad is up to your perception. For example, a bucket list is good because it lets you expect wonderful accomplishments in the future and hope for something good. On the other hand, a pessimist can see the list as a bad example since dangerous trails and wild adventures might bring someone near to death.

Who can use bucket lists?

Anyone can use and create their own bucket list. A child of seven years old can even make one but it is expected his or her goals would change upon growing. And it is never too late to make a list no matter what your age is, as long as you know your desired goals to accomplish.

Why is it called a bucket list?

Most people would associate the words “bucket list” from the 2007 movie called The Bucket List. But the term itself is already known from the words to kick the bucket or to die plus a list.

Are you ready to jump-start your bucket list? Before you achieve your dreams and goals, be sure you have a comprehensive medium to help you write and track your list. And that is just what our sample bucket list templates can do for you. And do you know what is the best thing about these bucket lists? They give you something to look forward to rather than just living without anything positive to expect. Start making one now!