Before You Kick the Bucket - And Even Before You Write a Bucket List - Do This First

Isn’t it strange how buckets show up in two very different life concepts? 

In one, you "kick the bucket" (yep, that's dying), and in the other, you fill it with dreams you hope to chase before you die… “the bucket list”. Somehow, this humble household object has become symbolic of both endings and beginnings.

But here's a bucket-based idea that's a little different and it stopped me in my tracks: What if we're so focused on future goals that we miss something crucial from our past?

Enter: The Reverse Bucket List.

Remember that time you took a terrifying leap and traveled solo even though everyone thought you were nuts? Or when you crushed that work presentation despite spending the night before stress-Googling “how not to faint in front of your boss?”

Or that evening with friends where you laughed so hard your cheeks hurt and your stomach muscles filed a formal complaint?

Moments like these aren’t just memories… they are evidence of courage, joy and personal wins, even when things felt impossible. They are proof that you’ve already been out there living. 

And when you stop to notice them, something cool happens: You automatically experience gratitude.

And gratitude isn't just a warm, fuzzy feeling (though that's nice too) - it's actually a powerful force that can literally rewire your brain. It releases feel-good chemicals that transform how you see not just your past, but your present and future too.

The best part? This isn't just feel-good philosophy. There's a beautiful paradox at play here: The more you appreciate what you've already experienced and accomplished, the easier it becomes to go after what you want next. It's like building confidence through your own highlight reel.

And once you start looking, you'll find these gratitude cues everywhere. They're in the photos on your phone, the ticket stubs in your drawer, and yes, even in that actual bucket gathering dust in your garage!