Reverse Bucket List: How to Benefit from Grateful Recounting

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, I am confident that you’re familiar with the idea of a bucket list: a list of things that one wants to accomplish in their life before they “kick the bucket.”

But are you familiar with a reverse bucket list?

A reverse bucket list is not about the things that you WANT to accomplish, nor is it a list of things that you NEVER want to do (although I have seen those). Rather, it is a list made by taking stock of things you’ve already accomplished.

Normally, doing something in reverse is not considered a good thing, but in this case, it most certainly is. As we focus on where we’re headed, we tend to undervalue our past accomplishments. We dismiss our efforts, achievements, and successes as we compare ourselves to others and to our future selves. We are simply too quick to write off our accomplishments. Rarely does that produce great results.

So, if the only results that kind of list produces is a feeling of inadequacy, let’s instead consider taking stock of just how far we’ve come!

If you are a follower of me and/or my Cherished Wives approach, then you know I am big on gratitude and taking stock of what is well. I’m a believer because I know the considerable value that taking stock and creating reverse bucket lists can have. This is also known as “grateful recounting.”

A 2015 study had participants write down a few good things that happened every day for an entire week. Participants said that the practice of grateful recounting became easier with time and produced improved overall well-being also.

Important take-away: It’s amazing how such little effort can yield such great results.

Let’s take a deeper look at the reverse bucket list and how to craft your own powerful list.

How Often Should You Create a Reverse Bucket List?

Any time of great transition is good, but I also think one time per year is an optimum time to take stock and create a new, positive ceremony for yourself. You could link the process to your birthday, an anniversary, New Year’s, or just a day that reminds you of a pleasant memory.

When I first start working with new clients, I give them a homework assignment: Come up with 100 accomplishments! Yes, it is a deep dive, and very useful, because we refer back to it often.

What Should Be on Your Reverse Bucket List?

This is going to be YOUR list, so whatever YOU want to put on it should be there. Here are some ideas:

1. Consider educational and financial achievements.

These could be graduating high school or college, paying off a credit card or student loan, buying a home, or creating a budget and sticking to it. These are all worthy of making your reverse bucket list.

2. Times where you confronted fears or pushed through a difficult situation need to be on the list.

Did you ask for a raise? Have you ever volunteered? Did you persevere and learn something difficult? Did you meet a challenge? Did you try public speaking or something else you were afraid of?

3. Maybe you accomplished specific health goals.

Did you run a half marathon? Start eating more greens? Or consistently take the stairs instead of the elevator? Any of these could go on the list, too. Heck, you could even put down having no cries last year if it feels like an accomplishment.

4. You had travel experiences.

Travel is typically a staple on a bucket list, so definitely, yes! All your travels, whether fun or stressful, belong on a reverse bucket list.

Still Need Ideas?

Ask friends or family. Peruse your Facebook or Instagram profile for memories. Look at the pictures hanging on your walls.

To help you get started, here is a short sampling from my own reverse bucket list:

• Threw a “My Favorite Things” party and it was a blast.
• Took an impromptu weekend road trip without a plan or reservation.
• Traveled to Israel and the Western Wall. Even left a note in the wall. 🙂
• Went to the Vatican and saw the Sistine Chapel.
• Overcame a debilitating fear of public speaking.
• Saw the 2017 solar eclipse.
• Won a Halloween decorating contest.
• Dipped my hat in the Trevi fountain and walked on the Spanish steps in Italy.
• Ran through an airport to catch a flight just like in a commercial.
• Saw the Pope on Jumbotron.
• Cut my hair to donate toward making wigs for kids with cancer – 6 times!
• Hosted an exchange student for a school year – TWICE.
• Went on a cruise in the Mediterranean.
• Sang Amazing Grace at a funeral.
• Paid off a student’s loan debt.
• Volunteered in a busy hospital ER.
• Created a successful blog.

As a bonus, here are some things my clients have put on their lists:

• Got 5,000 followers on Instagram.
• Gave a wedding toast.
• Traveled to 35 states in the US.
• Paid off student loan debt.
• Paid off credit card debt.
• Got a PhD.
• Took cooking classes.
• Became foster parents.
• Paid off mortgage.
• Became a grandmother for the first time.
• Went white water rafting.
• Helped youngest son apply for and get a $1,500 scholarship.
• Read 100 books (any amount works).
• Got baptized.
• Adopted a pet.
• Saw my youngest graduate from high school.
• Tried a new food.
• Had a baby.
• Made it through my kid’s toddler years without pulling my hair out.
• Learned to drive a car.
• Won a scholarship to go back to school.
• Helped talk my friend down from a crisis.
• Jumped out of an airplane at 3,000 feet.
• Fostered 10 dogs in 10 years.

Back to You

So, let’s pretend that you are a client of mine and I gave you the assignment to create your reverse bucket list.

What would you put on it if we were working together? I bet you already have ideas swirling in your head, but maybe you’re a little insecure about finding 100!

To make it simpler, I’ve created a handy worksheet with even more ideas to use for your reverse list! I normally save this for my clients, but you can get it by clicking here.

Have Fun With This!

To take this to the next level, you can create a display-worthy version of your reverse list. Here are some ideas:

Type it up, draw it out, or calligraphy it, and then frame it. Display it prominently. Put it on beautiful parchment paper or use a whiteboard or chalkboard to write and display it. Decorate it with different colors or textures. Add embellishments or photos. Take a picture of it and use it as your desktop wallpaper or keep it handy on your phone. Your phone’s lock screen would be a great place to display it, too.

Just to make it extra easy for you, I’m including a list of 10 common categories with my free worksheet!

Get a jump on creating your own customized reverse bucket list by clicking here.

And have an absolutely wonderful time taking stock of things you’ve already accomplished. Life is too short to spend it blaming yourself for what you haven’t done yet.

Let me know in the comments what you think about this and what you’d put on your list.

Here’s to a happier you!