As someone who loves goal-setting, I have lists and lists of things to do, places to visit and movies to watch. About a year ago, I even shared my bucket list with you and, funny enough, it is actually one of my most popular blog posts every month. Looking back at it, I feel quite frustrated with myself because, one year later, I didn’t achieve a single goal on that list. And yes, I know. A bucket list is supposed to be a list of things you hope to achieve in your lifetime (not in just a year) but I can’t help but feel a bit overwhelmed while looking at all the things I haven’t done.
While bucket lists exist to inspire you to take action and make the most of your time on earth, it can often make you feel like you haven’t done enough. We live in a world where we’re constantly pushed to do more, to be more. Setting goals can help you move forward, but it’s also important to not lose sight of all the things you’ve achieved so far.
What Is A Reverse Bucket List?
That’s when I came across the concept of a reverse bucket list through Samantha’s blog. Now you might be wondering, what’s a reverse bucket list? Instead of writing down what you hope to achieve in your lifetime, you write down things you’ve accomplished so far.
Why You Should Write A Reverse Bucket List
Gratitude
Writing a reverse bucket list is an exercise in gratitude. Gratitude is about taking time from your busy life to appreciate what you have. When you take the time to count your blessings, you realize that your life is actually pretty amazing and full of things to be grateful for. I wrote a full blog post on how to bring more gratitude into your daily life but here are some quick benefits:
- improves well-being
- puts things into perspective
- makes you appreciate the little things
- cultivates contentment
- improves relationships
A reverse bucket list is an act of gratitude. It means you’re taking the time to be thankful for everything you have accomplished so far.
Progress
Is there a better feeling than checking off a task on your to-do list? Getting something done makes you feel productive and accomplished. It sends the message to yourself and others that you are making progress.
That’s how writing a reverse bucket list can make you feel. Rather than feeling overwhelmed with a bucket list of things you haven’t yet achieved, you have now a list of things and experiences you are proud of. This will then give you a boost of self-esteem and motivation to keep moving forward.
How To Create Your Own Reverse Bucket List
To create your own reverse bucket list you simply need to write down things you have accomplished so far. It might sound simple and pointless but I dare you to give it a go.
Writing my own list made me realize how hard it actually is compared to a typical bucket list where you can let your mind run wild. When it comes to a reverse bucket list, it’s all about reflecting on your life so far and showing gratitude.
Setting goals helps you move forward, but it's also important to not lose sight of what you've achieved so far. Click To TweetYou will most likely struggle to come up with things as we tend to brush off our own achievements – oh, it’s not a big deal. So many people have done it, too… – or even set our standards way too high. While big milestones are amazing, smaller moments and experiences that you are proud of are also worthy of being featured on your list. So try to keep a balance of both.
If this all feels like bragging, know that it is ok to be proud of yourself and your own accomplishments. And you don’t need to share it with anyone, you can keep it to yourself. Just a little positive reminder of how far you’ve come.
[box-1 align=”left”]My Reverse Bucket List
- I went to London alone, overcoming my fear of traveling solo to a new country.
- I lived away from home during the four years I was at university.
- I completed my degree in Journalism.
- I visited five countries with my parents.
- I rode a horse in Brasil and a camel in Morocco.
- I saved up for months and bought my first DSLR camera.
- I saw James Bay live in concert with my best friend.
- I maintained friendships since primary school.
- I got my drivers license and overcame my fear of driving.
- I started and maintained Notes from Joana.
Just a little disclaimer, I’m not against keeping a bucket list, by any means. I think it’s important to set goals in order to grow and evolve. But I also believe in having a reverse bucket list next to it as a reminder of all the things you’ve achieved so far. They complement each other and will encourage you to move forward without losing sight of all the amazing things you already did!
A reverse bucket list is all about being grateful for what you've accomplished so far. Click To Tweet
I love this!! I get the same way too, we forget all of the great accomplishments we’ve done and focus on all that we haven’t. I think writing down a list of what you did do this year is a great way to reflect and give yourself the credit you deserve! Also, I’m super obsessed with Gilmore Girls too!! Forever a Gilmore
Thank you! Yes, it is a great way to reflect before the year ends and start 2018 with a renewed motivation. Forever a Gilmore 🙂 x
This is so great, especially when you aren’t feeling the best about yourself. We hold onto the failures but don’t really acknowledge the successes. I’m definitely going to do one this weekend!
Maya | twentyventures.com
You’re so true! We forget to celebrate our little victories and successes. I honestly hope creating your own list makes you feel better about yourself 🙂 x
I love this! I want to make a 101 in 1001 list soon. It’s such a great idea to make short term goals.
http://www.goldclutter.com
I agree, it helps us moving forward 🙂 x
This is such a great idea. I am so bad at remembering the stuff I have actually achieved.
Alicia x
https://lifeofalicialouise.blogspot.ca
I can relate to that and definitely struggled to come up with 10 things. We tend to focus so much on what we haven’t achieved yet that we kind of forget our little accomplishments. 🙂 x
I think this is a really lovely idea! I’m definitely going to take this on board and start writing little lists of things I’ve accomplished so far, even if they are the littlest things. It’s just nice to know that you’ve achieved something and can be proud of it! Lovely post 🙂
Kayleigh | anenthusiasmfor.co.uk
You are so true! Sometimes we just need is a little reminder of how far we’ve come. Thank you 🙂 x
This is such a lovely idea! I am guilty of looking ahead a lot and not appreciating what I have achieved so far enough! I really want to do this! I’m so glad I found your blog its lovely <3
findyourownhope.blogspot.com
Thank you so much, Susie!!
Let me know if you end up doing it 🙂 x