Bucket lists often take center stage in retirement. We all have dreams and desires, things we want to accomplish before our time is up. But have you ever wondered why bucket lists are associated with what you do first, after you leave your career? Having a bucket list dates back to a time when life expectancy was shorter. The term itself originates from the notion of what you want to accomplish before you pass away, a concept that has been delicately referred to as “kicking the bucket” for centuries.
Top Bucket List Categories in Retirement
According to a recent Forbes’ survey, 40 percent of U.S. adults aged 59 -77 years have bucket lists. Top priorities on these lists:
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- spending time with family and friends
- focusing on your health
- travel
- spending time in nature
Prioritizing family, friends, and health in retirement is entirely understandable, since demanding careers often leave limited time for connection and self-care.
And, it’s easy to appreciate why travel ranks high. It provides freedom to break away from the routine of a demanding career and embark on new adventures. Some people also consider travel an opporunity to share experiences and create memories with loved ones.
Bucket lists are an option when you want to live a little and take a break before you move on to what’s next.
However, consider whether you would even want to be on vacation for the rest of your life. Most women of our generation want both an uplifting and fulfilling next chapter, because we’re not done yet.
Limits of Bucket Lists
A bucket list is just an initial step in doing things differently once you retire. A satisfying retirement won’t emerge from checking off a list. While a bucket list represents short-term goals, the true adventure unfolds as you navigate into a modern retirement that’s genuinely novel, remarkable and tailored to you.
So, what’s the recommended next step? I have a solution for you and it doesn’t involve kicking the bucket away.
Beyond the Bucket List
Introducing the curiosity list – a natural evolution beyond the bucket list. Think of it as a retirement upgrade.
You might be wondering why you should consider a curiosity list when you already have a bucket list. The answer lies in its depth and breadth.
While a bucket list primarily focuses on a short-term checklist, a curiosity list offers a more profound and enduring connection with your evolving self. It’s based on exploring what you’re curious about. These experiences serve as a launchpad to develop new interests in your next chapter, wherever they may lead.
Instead of mapping out a detailed plan, you begin preparing a list of topics, interests or activities you’re curious about. This is your opportunity to acquire new knowledge without the burden of commitment. It’s about taking initial steps and deciding based on your experience, where you might want to venture next.
Benefits of a Curiosity List
Provides Structure for Your Day
A curiosity list functions as an agenda, offering just the right amount of structure to provide direction, so that you can explore items on your list and give purpose to your day.
It Fosters Creativity
Exploring your curiosity list exposes you to new interests, ideas, diverse perspectives and future possibilities. This fosters fresh thinking, that rarely occurs within the confines of your everyday routine.
Connects You with Others
Interacting with others who share your interests can lead to shared experiences and strengthen your personal bonds. It also serves as a natural conversation starter, making your social interactions more engaging and enriching.
Enhances Your Well-Being
Exploring your curiosity list can boost your confidence to step out of your comfort zone and try new experiences. This provides you with practice to prepare you for navigating uncharted territory in your transition into a modern retirement.
Equally beneficial, engaging with activities that spark curiosity can bring more joy and enthusiasm to your daily life, right away.
How to Develop Your Curiosity List
Creating a curiosity list isn’t complicated. Set aside time for self-reflection, and whenever something piques your interest, add it to the list. Consider:
- What are you curious about? This could be about issues, topics, people or just something else that’s personal.
- What activities spark interest for you?
Remember that your curiosity list has no rigid rules or boundaries. It thrives on flexibility and evolution. Keep an open mind, stay engaged, take note of the seeds of new ideas, and learn more as you go.
Artist Dates
Julia Cameron, a renowed author, recommends weekly solo expeditions known as artist dates to spark your creativity and personal growth. These excursions involve selecting a place that piques your curiousity and drawing inspiration from your visit. Cameron encourages individuals in midlife and beyond, emphasizing that it’s never too late to embark on this creative journey. To help you with ideas, she offers twelve thematic ideas to explore. However, be sure to include what is personally intriguing for you in your curiosity list.
Need More Convincing to Get Started?
Your curiosity list is a treasure trove of opportunities, where each step paves the way to the next. It’s a tool for beginning a modern retirement. By nurturing curiosity, you’re embarking on your journey to a more uplifting life.
Interested to incorporate a curiosity list and many other strategies to enjoy a more uplifting next chapter when you first retire? Click here to learn ways we can work together.
