Bucket List Surprises: The Top Items People Want to Accomplish

Have you ever thought about what you’d like to achieve in life before you reach that final chapter and, well, kick the bucket? Creating a bucket list of things to accomplish is a popular way to plan for the future and strive for ongoing personal growth.

While some bucket list items may seem obvious, like going to see the Grand Canyon or visiting Stonehenge in person, others may surprise you. So we’re going to explore the most common bucket list items that people all over the world aspire to accomplish.

From thrilling adventures to simple joys, you may be surprised at what tops the list of things people want to do before they die.

What Exactly Is a Bucket List?

If you’ve never heard the phrase before, a bucket list is simply a list of experiences, achievements, or goals that a person wants to accomplish before they die. The term “bucket list” has been in use since at least the early 2000s and is thought to have originated from the phrase “kick the bucket,” a slang term for dying.

Even though the term got popularized in relatively modern times, the idea of creating a list of things to do before dying is not a very new one. In fact, the ancient Egyptians had a similar concept called a “Book of the Dead.”

This book was a collection of spells and rituals intended to help the deceased navigate the afterlife. It often included a list of things the person wanted to accomplish in the afterlife.

In the Middle Ages, knights and crusaders were said to have created their own versions of a “bucket list” before setting out on their journeys. These lists would include feats of bravery and chivalry that they hoped to accomplish during their lifetimes.

In more recent times, the bucket list has become popularized through books, movies, and television shows. The 2007 film “The Bucket List,” starring Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson, follows the journey of two terminally ill men who create a list of things to do before they die.

Today, creating a bucket list has become a common practice for people of all ages and backgrounds. It is seen as a way to set goals and live life to the fullest.

Whether it’s traveling to a new country, learning a new skill, or simply spending more time with loved ones, a bucket list can provide motivation and direction in life.

Common Bucket List Items

From daring adventures to simple joys, there’s a wide variety of experiences that people want to accomplish in their lifetime. Many of these items are surprisingly common and appear on countless bucket lists around the world.

Whether it’s skydiving over the Grand Canyon or spending time with loved ones, these activities offer something special to each individual who accomplishes them. The most popular bucket list items often involve travel, adventure, learning new skills, and connecting with family and friends.

These experiences can provide a sense of accomplishment while also helping us make memories that will last a lifetime.

Travel

Travel is one of the most common items on people’s bucket lists. Many dream of exploring new and exotic locations, which is why international destinations are so popular.

From ancient ruins in Rome to safaris in Africa or trekking to the top of Machu Picchu, international travel can provide a sense of adventure and cultural immersion that can be life-changing. However, not everyone has the time, resources, or desire to travel abroad.

That’s why domestic travel is also a popular choice, with visiting national parks and landmarks being a common item on many bucket lists. The Grand Canyon, Yellowstone National Park, and the Statue of Liberty are just a few examples of national parks and landmarks that can be just as rewarding as traveling abroad.

It provides an opportunity to explore the natural beauty and cultural heritage of one’s own country.

Personal Development

Personal development is an important aspect of one’s life and bucket list. Learning a new language or skill is a common item on many people’s bucket lists.

It’s something they’ve always wanted to do but never found the time or motivation to do so. Adding it to their bucket list can be a great way to finally accomplish it.

From learning to speak a foreign language to playing a musical instrument or taking up painting, learning a new skill can provide a sense of accomplishment and personal growth. It can also help broaden one’s horizons and open up new opportunities.

Completing a physical or mental challenge is another common item on many bucket lists. This can be anything from running a marathon or climbing a mountain to overcoming a personal fear or mental barrier.

The sense of achievement and personal growth that comes with completing such a challenge can be life-changing. It can also help build self-confidence, resilience, and a sense of purpose. Overcoming a challenge can also inspire others and serve as a reminder that anything is possible with hard work and determination.

Personal development is an ongoing journey, and adding these items to one’s bucket list can help make it a priority. By challenging oneself to learn a new skill or complete a physical or mental challenge, individuals can push themselves out of their comfort zones and achieve personal growth.

These accomplishments can help build self-confidence and a sense of purpose, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling life.

Relationships

Relationships are a crucial part of human life, and it’s no wonder that many people include relationship-focused goals on their bucket lists. Reconnecting with old friends or family members is a common bucket list item, especially as people get older and their lives become busier.

Whether it’s reaching out to a long-lost friend or traveling to see a family member who lives far away, reconnecting with loved ones can bring a sense of happiness and fulfillment. It can also help individuals reconnect with their past and rediscover their roots.

Building and strengthening existing relationships is another important bucket list item for many people. This can involve making more time for family and friends, improving communication, or working through issues that have strained a relationship.

A stronger support system can provide a sense of security and happiness. Moreover, investing in one’s relationships can also lead to more meaningful connections, increased empathy, and a better understanding of oneself and others.

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in our busy lives and lose touch with the people we care about. Including relationship-focused goals on our bucket lists can serve as a reminder to prioritize these important connections.

By reconnecting with old friends or family members and strengthening existing relationships, we can build a support system that provides comfort, happiness, and a sense of belonging.

Adventure

For those who crave excitement and adventure, including adrenaline-pumping activities on their bucket list is a must.

Skydiving or bungee jumping is a popular bucket list item for thrill-seekers. The freefall from thousands of feet above the ground followed by the thrill of the parachute opening can be an unforgettable experience.

Similarly, bungee jumping offers a rush of excitement as individuals jump off a tall platform and experience a freefall before the cord pulls them back up. The adrenaline rush that comes with these activities can provide a sense of excitement, accomplishment, and even help individuals conquer their fears.

Exploring the depths of the ocean or catching a wave while surfing is another adventurous bucket list item that many people dream of. Scuba diving allows individuals to experience a whole new world underwater and witness incredible marine life.

Surfing, on the other hand, can be a thrilling experience that challenges one’s physical abilities and balance. Both activities provide an opportunity to explore the natural world, push oneself out of their comfort zone, and create lasting memories.

While adventure activities can be risky, they can also be incredibly rewarding, providing a sense of accomplishment and a rush of adrenaline. These activities require individuals to step out of their comfort zones and embrace the unknown, which can lead to personal growth and self-discovery.

Adding adventure activities to a bucket list is a way to challenge oneself and experience life to the fullest.

Giving Back

Giving back to the community is an incredibly important aspect of many people’s lives, and it’s definitely no surprise that it’s also a common bucket list item for a lot of folks. One of the most popular ways to give back is through volunteer work.

Volunteering can take on many different forms, from helping at a local food bank to traveling to a developing country to assist with building homes or schools. It provides a way to make a positive impact on the world, while also offering a sense of fulfillment and purpose.

Another way to give back is by donating to charity. This can be done in many different ways, such as contributing money, resources, or time. There are numerous organizations out there that support a wide range of causes, from animal welfare to education to environmental conservation.

By finding a charity that resonates with one’s values and making a donation, one can make a positive impact on the world and help support important causes.

There is certainly a personal satisfaction that comes with giving back, and there are also tangible benefits to the act of giving. Studies have shown that giving to others can actually boost one’s own happiness and well-being.

It can also provide a sense of purpose and improve one’s mental health, as well as help build a sense of community and connectedness with others.

Start Living Your Bucket List Today

A bucket list can be a great way to set goals and create a roadmap for life’s adventures. From traveling to new destinations and learning new skills to strengthening relationships and giving back, there are a variety of common bucket list items that people aspire to achieve.

By prioritizing these goals and actively working towards them, individuals can live a more fulfilling and rewarding life. So why not start creating your own bucket list today and see where your dreams take you?