SlideShare a Scribd company logo
1 of 3
Download to read offline
barefootjournal.com http://www.barefootjournal.com/are-bucket-lists-making-us-sick/
barefootgb
Are Bucket Lists Making Us Sick?
In our social media age of travel bucket lists, are we missing the point? Has travel become a point scoring
exercise to impress others?
Flying out of Auckland to Fiji I sat next to a young lady traveler who told us about her journey around the
Polynesian islands.
Coral Beach, Fiji
From Fiji she’ll make her way across the islands through Tonga to the Cook Islands and then on to the Marquesas.
The latter being little known islands out on the eastern arm of the Pacific.
In all, she’ll make 12 stops in 20 days. She said she didn’t have enough time off work and would have to complete
the other islands next year.
“Sounds like quite a hard schedule,” I said a little surprised.
“I want to do them all by the time I’m 35,” she said.
“Why?”
The young lady thought for a moment, having not really considered the answer to this question, then replied,
“Because it’s my bucket list”
In this world of social media, bucket lists are everywhere. There are websites and apps devoted to the subject.
But just because it’s common does it make it the right thing to do?
Bucket lists are powerful ideas. We set ourselves a goal then go full tilt to complete that goal.
My life, I guess, was once a bucket-list.
“I’ll be a millionaire by 30!” I told myself (and others).
I didn’t happen.
“I’ll own my own company. I’ll be successful etc”
I had my own bucket list of things I’d do from skydiving here to climbing up there.
After some time, I found the appeal of the bucket list wear thin. I completed the items I set out to achieve and then
thought “what next?” I realized that the list wasn’t lived for our own happiness but because of our fear of what
others think of us.
Those who live for the approval of others will also die by their rejection.
Bucket lists compel us to live other people’s agendas. We build our lives in the image of what we think other
people will think of us. We think other people will respect us more if we travel 30 countries by aged 30.
This social pressure forces us to value quantity over quality. What happens is we become obsessed by
completing the list rather than enjoying the completion. We achieve the things we wanted to achieve but we deny
our happiness in achieving them.
It is difficult to be so robust to the social pressures around us. We are social animals. In our social media age we
surround ourselves with the lives of others. We are under constant pressure to impress.
Bucket Lists are a great idea. They motivate. They help us find the energy and enthusiasm but Bucket List culture
is also making us, as a society, sick.
We have to be brave enough to take time out to value quality over quantity.
The young lady on the plane is like many of us – compelled to complete a bucket list for the sake of others.
She knows, deep down, she would have much more fun, have much more of a rewarding travel experience by
visiting just one or two of those islands. She could stay for a while. Rather than rush madly around she could
integrate and learn something about the culture by being part of it.
When you focus on quality not quantity each experience becomes special. You discover things that aren’t
supposed to happen.
But then what could she share on Facebook? What would she blog about?
When it comes to travel, quality time is happy time. Don’t be afraid to take it slow, to do less. Don’t feel compelled
to travel everywhere, see everything because it’s “on your list”. You will blaze through your destinations and think
“so what was that all about?”
Rather, understand that less is more.
Take time out to allow the unexpected to happen. Magic happens in the gaps, especially in travel.
In life, like travel, there are no prizes for doing the most or finishing first. All that matters is you did it on your own
terms.
Fire Your Boss, Sell Your Car, Travel The World
Remember your dreams and fight for them
If only closed minds came with closed mouths
Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels
It’s only after we’ve lost everything that we’re free to do anything
When exactly were you brainwashed into believing that the best way to earn a living is to have a job?
If you enjoyed this post, get more insights and Barefoot tips by clicking LIKE on The Barefoot Journal
Facebook Page

More Related Content

Recently uploaded

The West Coast Trail Presentation for SAIT international students
The West Coast Trail Presentation for SAIT international studentsThe West Coast Trail Presentation for SAIT international students
The West Coast Trail Presentation for SAIT international studentsseijibrown2
 
Do's & Don't at Turkish Airlines Mogadishu Office Address.pdf
Do's & Don't  at Turkish Airlines Mogadishu Office Address.pdfDo's & Don't  at Turkish Airlines Mogadishu Office Address.pdf
Do's & Don't at Turkish Airlines Mogadishu Office Address.pdfGlenna Glenna
 
2024 Annual Meeting: Visit Portland, Maine
2024 Annual Meeting: Visit Portland, Maine2024 Annual Meeting: Visit Portland, Maine
2024 Annual Meeting: Visit Portland, MaineVisit Portland
 
Reflective Essay for global competency certificate
Reflective Essay for global competency certificateReflective Essay for global competency certificate
Reflective Essay for global competency certificateseijibrown2
 
A Presentation of Braga. It was made by students of school
A Presentation of Braga. It was made by students of schoolA Presentation of Braga. It was made by students of school
A Presentation of Braga. It was made by students of schoolApostolos Syropoulos
 
Traveling by Train in Sicily: A New Era of Comfort and Convenience
Traveling by Train in Sicily: A New Era of Comfort and ConvenienceTraveling by Train in Sicily: A New Era of Comfort and Convenience
Traveling by Train in Sicily: A New Era of Comfort and ConvenienceTime for Sicily
 
Da Nang Tourist Attractions, VN (越南 峴港旅遊景點).ppsx
Da Nang Tourist Attractions, VN (越南 峴港旅遊景點).ppsxDa Nang Tourist Attractions, VN (越南 峴港旅遊景點).ppsx
Da Nang Tourist Attractions, VN (越南 峴港旅遊景點).ppsxChung Yen Chang
 
Culture and Identity through English as a Lingua Franca.pdf
Culture and Identity through English as a Lingua Franca.pdfCulture and Identity through English as a Lingua Franca.pdf
Culture and Identity through English as a Lingua Franca.pdfseijibrown2
 
COMPLETE BENEFITS OF RELOCATING TO CANADA 1.pdf
COMPLETE BENEFITS OF RELOCATING TO CANADA 1.pdfCOMPLETE BENEFITS OF RELOCATING TO CANADA 1.pdf
COMPLETE BENEFITS OF RELOCATING TO CANADA 1.pdfOfficial Mark Daniels
 
TOURIST & ITS TYPE &MOTIVETIONAL FACTORS & BEHAVIOR .pptx
TOURIST & ITS TYPE &MOTIVETIONAL  FACTORS & BEHAVIOR .pptxTOURIST & ITS TYPE &MOTIVETIONAL  FACTORS & BEHAVIOR .pptx
TOURIST & ITS TYPE &MOTIVETIONAL FACTORS & BEHAVIOR .pptxkittustudy7
 
Culture and Identity through English as a Lingua Franca (1).pdf
Culture and Identity through English as a Lingua Franca (1).pdfCulture and Identity through English as a Lingua Franca (1).pdf
Culture and Identity through English as a Lingua Franca (1).pdfseijibrown2
 
How To Prepare For An Unforgettable Blackwater Dive In Kona
How To Prepare For An Unforgettable Blackwater Dive In KonaHow To Prepare For An Unforgettable Blackwater Dive In Kona
How To Prepare For An Unforgettable Blackwater Dive In KonaKona Ocean Adventures
 
Nanbokucho-period, Historical Origins of Modern Japan
Nanbokucho-period, Historical Origins of Modern JapanNanbokucho-period, Historical Origins of Modern Japan
Nanbokucho-period, Historical Origins of Modern Japanseijibrown2
 
Reflective Essay.pdf for Global Compentency
Reflective Essay.pdf for Global CompentencyReflective Essay.pdf for Global Compentency
Reflective Essay.pdf for Global Compentencyseijibrown2
 
Vietnam presentation for intercultural communications class
Vietnam presentation for intercultural communications classVietnam presentation for intercultural communications class
Vietnam presentation for intercultural communications classseijibrown2
 
Planning a Memorable Day What to Look For In Murrells Inlet Fishing Charters
Planning a Memorable Day What to Look For In Murrells Inlet Fishing ChartersPlanning a Memorable Day What to Look For In Murrells Inlet Fishing Charters
Planning a Memorable Day What to Look For In Murrells Inlet Fishing ChartersCrazy Sister Marina
 
pics from luxembourg exchange program 2016
pics from luxembourg exchange program 2016pics from luxembourg exchange program 2016
pics from luxembourg exchange program 2016seijibrown2
 
My presentation on vietnam for Intercultural Communications
My presentation on vietnam for Intercultural CommunicationsMy presentation on vietnam for Intercultural Communications
My presentation on vietnam for Intercultural Communicationsseijibrown2
 

Recently uploaded (19)

The West Coast Trail Presentation for SAIT international students
The West Coast Trail Presentation for SAIT international studentsThe West Coast Trail Presentation for SAIT international students
The West Coast Trail Presentation for SAIT international students
 
Do's & Don't at Turkish Airlines Mogadishu Office Address.pdf
Do's & Don't  at Turkish Airlines Mogadishu Office Address.pdfDo's & Don't  at Turkish Airlines Mogadishu Office Address.pdf
Do's & Don't at Turkish Airlines Mogadishu Office Address.pdf
 
2024 Annual Meeting: Visit Portland, Maine
2024 Annual Meeting: Visit Portland, Maine2024 Annual Meeting: Visit Portland, Maine
2024 Annual Meeting: Visit Portland, Maine
 
Reflective Essay for global competency certificate
Reflective Essay for global competency certificateReflective Essay for global competency certificate
Reflective Essay for global competency certificate
 
A Presentation of Braga. It was made by students of school
A Presentation of Braga. It was made by students of schoolA Presentation of Braga. It was made by students of school
A Presentation of Braga. It was made by students of school
 
Traveling by Train in Sicily: A New Era of Comfort and Convenience
Traveling by Train in Sicily: A New Era of Comfort and ConvenienceTraveling by Train in Sicily: A New Era of Comfort and Convenience
Traveling by Train in Sicily: A New Era of Comfort and Convenience
 
Da Nang Tourist Attractions, VN (越南 峴港旅遊景點).ppsx
Da Nang Tourist Attractions, VN (越南 峴港旅遊景點).ppsxDa Nang Tourist Attractions, VN (越南 峴港旅遊景點).ppsx
Da Nang Tourist Attractions, VN (越南 峴港旅遊景點).ppsx
 
Culture and Identity through English as a Lingua Franca.pdf
Culture and Identity through English as a Lingua Franca.pdfCulture and Identity through English as a Lingua Franca.pdf
Culture and Identity through English as a Lingua Franca.pdf
 
COMPLETE BENEFITS OF RELOCATING TO CANADA 1.pdf
COMPLETE BENEFITS OF RELOCATING TO CANADA 1.pdfCOMPLETE BENEFITS OF RELOCATING TO CANADA 1.pdf
COMPLETE BENEFITS OF RELOCATING TO CANADA 1.pdf
 
TOURIST & ITS TYPE &MOTIVETIONAL FACTORS & BEHAVIOR .pptx
TOURIST & ITS TYPE &MOTIVETIONAL  FACTORS & BEHAVIOR .pptxTOURIST & ITS TYPE &MOTIVETIONAL  FACTORS & BEHAVIOR .pptx
TOURIST & ITS TYPE &MOTIVETIONAL FACTORS & BEHAVIOR .pptx
 
Culture and Identity through English as a Lingua Franca (1).pdf
Culture and Identity through English as a Lingua Franca (1).pdfCulture and Identity through English as a Lingua Franca (1).pdf
Culture and Identity through English as a Lingua Franca (1).pdf
 
How To Prepare For An Unforgettable Blackwater Dive In Kona
How To Prepare For An Unforgettable Blackwater Dive In KonaHow To Prepare For An Unforgettable Blackwater Dive In Kona
How To Prepare For An Unforgettable Blackwater Dive In Kona
 
Nanbokucho-period, Historical Origins of Modern Japan
Nanbokucho-period, Historical Origins of Modern JapanNanbokucho-period, Historical Origins of Modern Japan
Nanbokucho-period, Historical Origins of Modern Japan
 
Reflective Essay.pdf for Global Compentency
Reflective Essay.pdf for Global CompentencyReflective Essay.pdf for Global Compentency
Reflective Essay.pdf for Global Compentency
 
Vietnam presentation for intercultural communications class
Vietnam presentation for intercultural communications classVietnam presentation for intercultural communications class
Vietnam presentation for intercultural communications class
 
Planning a Memorable Day What to Look For In Murrells Inlet Fishing Charters
Planning a Memorable Day What to Look For In Murrells Inlet Fishing ChartersPlanning a Memorable Day What to Look For In Murrells Inlet Fishing Charters
Planning a Memorable Day What to Look For In Murrells Inlet Fishing Charters
 
pics from luxembourg exchange program 2016
pics from luxembourg exchange program 2016pics from luxembourg exchange program 2016
pics from luxembourg exchange program 2016
 
Mathura to Ayodhya Tour by Tempo Traveller
Mathura to Ayodhya Tour by Tempo TravellerMathura to Ayodhya Tour by Tempo Traveller
Mathura to Ayodhya Tour by Tempo Traveller
 
My presentation on vietnam for Intercultural Communications
My presentation on vietnam for Intercultural CommunicationsMy presentation on vietnam for Intercultural Communications
My presentation on vietnam for Intercultural Communications
 

Featured

PEPSICO Presentation to CAGNY Conference Feb 2024
PEPSICO Presentation to CAGNY Conference Feb 2024PEPSICO Presentation to CAGNY Conference Feb 2024
PEPSICO Presentation to CAGNY Conference Feb 2024Neil Kimberley
 
Content Methodology: A Best Practices Report (Webinar)
Content Methodology: A Best Practices Report (Webinar)Content Methodology: A Best Practices Report (Webinar)
Content Methodology: A Best Practices Report (Webinar)contently
 
How to Prepare For a Successful Job Search for 2024
How to Prepare For a Successful Job Search for 2024How to Prepare For a Successful Job Search for 2024
How to Prepare For a Successful Job Search for 2024Albert Qian
 
Social Media Marketing Trends 2024 // The Global Indie Insights
Social Media Marketing Trends 2024 // The Global Indie InsightsSocial Media Marketing Trends 2024 // The Global Indie Insights
Social Media Marketing Trends 2024 // The Global Indie InsightsKurio // The Social Media Age(ncy)
 
Trends In Paid Search: Navigating The Digital Landscape In 2024
Trends In Paid Search: Navigating The Digital Landscape In 2024Trends In Paid Search: Navigating The Digital Landscape In 2024
Trends In Paid Search: Navigating The Digital Landscape In 2024Search Engine Journal
 
5 Public speaking tips from TED - Visualized summary
5 Public speaking tips from TED - Visualized summary5 Public speaking tips from TED - Visualized summary
5 Public speaking tips from TED - Visualized summarySpeakerHub
 
ChatGPT and the Future of Work - Clark Boyd
ChatGPT and the Future of Work - Clark Boyd ChatGPT and the Future of Work - Clark Boyd
ChatGPT and the Future of Work - Clark Boyd Clark Boyd
 
Getting into the tech field. what next
Getting into the tech field. what next Getting into the tech field. what next
Getting into the tech field. what next Tessa Mero
 
Google's Just Not That Into You: Understanding Core Updates & Search Intent
Google's Just Not That Into You: Understanding Core Updates & Search IntentGoogle's Just Not That Into You: Understanding Core Updates & Search Intent
Google's Just Not That Into You: Understanding Core Updates & Search IntentLily Ray
 
Time Management & Productivity - Best Practices
Time Management & Productivity -  Best PracticesTime Management & Productivity -  Best Practices
Time Management & Productivity - Best PracticesVit Horky
 
The six step guide to practical project management
The six step guide to practical project managementThe six step guide to practical project management
The six step guide to practical project managementMindGenius
 
Beginners Guide to TikTok for Search - Rachel Pearson - We are Tilt __ Bright...
Beginners Guide to TikTok for Search - Rachel Pearson - We are Tilt __ Bright...Beginners Guide to TikTok for Search - Rachel Pearson - We are Tilt __ Bright...
Beginners Guide to TikTok for Search - Rachel Pearson - We are Tilt __ Bright...RachelPearson36
 
Unlocking the Power of ChatGPT and AI in Testing - A Real-World Look, present...
Unlocking the Power of ChatGPT and AI in Testing - A Real-World Look, present...Unlocking the Power of ChatGPT and AI in Testing - A Real-World Look, present...
Unlocking the Power of ChatGPT and AI in Testing - A Real-World Look, present...Applitools
 
12 Ways to Increase Your Influence at Work
12 Ways to Increase Your Influence at Work12 Ways to Increase Your Influence at Work
12 Ways to Increase Your Influence at WorkGetSmarter
 
Ride the Storm: Navigating Through Unstable Periods / Katerina Rudko (Belka G...
Ride the Storm: Navigating Through Unstable Periods / Katerina Rudko (Belka G...Ride the Storm: Navigating Through Unstable Periods / Katerina Rudko (Belka G...
Ride the Storm: Navigating Through Unstable Periods / Katerina Rudko (Belka G...DevGAMM Conference
 

Featured (20)

Skeleton Culture Code
Skeleton Culture CodeSkeleton Culture Code
Skeleton Culture Code
 
PEPSICO Presentation to CAGNY Conference Feb 2024
PEPSICO Presentation to CAGNY Conference Feb 2024PEPSICO Presentation to CAGNY Conference Feb 2024
PEPSICO Presentation to CAGNY Conference Feb 2024
 
Content Methodology: A Best Practices Report (Webinar)
Content Methodology: A Best Practices Report (Webinar)Content Methodology: A Best Practices Report (Webinar)
Content Methodology: A Best Practices Report (Webinar)
 
How to Prepare For a Successful Job Search for 2024
How to Prepare For a Successful Job Search for 2024How to Prepare For a Successful Job Search for 2024
How to Prepare For a Successful Job Search for 2024
 
Social Media Marketing Trends 2024 // The Global Indie Insights
Social Media Marketing Trends 2024 // The Global Indie InsightsSocial Media Marketing Trends 2024 // The Global Indie Insights
Social Media Marketing Trends 2024 // The Global Indie Insights
 
Trends In Paid Search: Navigating The Digital Landscape In 2024
Trends In Paid Search: Navigating The Digital Landscape In 2024Trends In Paid Search: Navigating The Digital Landscape In 2024
Trends In Paid Search: Navigating The Digital Landscape In 2024
 
5 Public speaking tips from TED - Visualized summary
5 Public speaking tips from TED - Visualized summary5 Public speaking tips from TED - Visualized summary
5 Public speaking tips from TED - Visualized summary
 
ChatGPT and the Future of Work - Clark Boyd
ChatGPT and the Future of Work - Clark Boyd ChatGPT and the Future of Work - Clark Boyd
ChatGPT and the Future of Work - Clark Boyd
 
Getting into the tech field. what next
Getting into the tech field. what next Getting into the tech field. what next
Getting into the tech field. what next
 
Google's Just Not That Into You: Understanding Core Updates & Search Intent
Google's Just Not That Into You: Understanding Core Updates & Search IntentGoogle's Just Not That Into You: Understanding Core Updates & Search Intent
Google's Just Not That Into You: Understanding Core Updates & Search Intent
 
How to have difficult conversations
How to have difficult conversations How to have difficult conversations
How to have difficult conversations
 
Introduction to Data Science
Introduction to Data ScienceIntroduction to Data Science
Introduction to Data Science
 
Time Management & Productivity - Best Practices
Time Management & Productivity -  Best PracticesTime Management & Productivity -  Best Practices
Time Management & Productivity - Best Practices
 
The six step guide to practical project management
The six step guide to practical project managementThe six step guide to practical project management
The six step guide to practical project management
 
Beginners Guide to TikTok for Search - Rachel Pearson - We are Tilt __ Bright...
Beginners Guide to TikTok for Search - Rachel Pearson - We are Tilt __ Bright...Beginners Guide to TikTok for Search - Rachel Pearson - We are Tilt __ Bright...
Beginners Guide to TikTok for Search - Rachel Pearson - We are Tilt __ Bright...
 
Unlocking the Power of ChatGPT and AI in Testing - A Real-World Look, present...
Unlocking the Power of ChatGPT and AI in Testing - A Real-World Look, present...Unlocking the Power of ChatGPT and AI in Testing - A Real-World Look, present...
Unlocking the Power of ChatGPT and AI in Testing - A Real-World Look, present...
 
12 Ways to Increase Your Influence at Work
12 Ways to Increase Your Influence at Work12 Ways to Increase Your Influence at Work
12 Ways to Increase Your Influence at Work
 
ChatGPT webinar slides
ChatGPT webinar slidesChatGPT webinar slides
ChatGPT webinar slides
 
More than Just Lines on a Map: Best Practices for U.S Bike Routes
More than Just Lines on a Map: Best Practices for U.S Bike RoutesMore than Just Lines on a Map: Best Practices for U.S Bike Routes
More than Just Lines on a Map: Best Practices for U.S Bike Routes
 
Ride the Storm: Navigating Through Unstable Periods / Katerina Rudko (Belka G...
Ride the Storm: Navigating Through Unstable Periods / Katerina Rudko (Belka G...Ride the Storm: Navigating Through Unstable Periods / Katerina Rudko (Belka G...
Ride the Storm: Navigating Through Unstable Periods / Katerina Rudko (Belka G...
 

Are Bucket Lists Making Us Sick? (The Barefoot Journal)

  • 1. barefootjournal.com http://www.barefootjournal.com/are-bucket-lists-making-us-sick/ barefootgb Are Bucket Lists Making Us Sick? In our social media age of travel bucket lists, are we missing the point? Has travel become a point scoring exercise to impress others? Flying out of Auckland to Fiji I sat next to a young lady traveler who told us about her journey around the Polynesian islands. Coral Beach, Fiji From Fiji she’ll make her way across the islands through Tonga to the Cook Islands and then on to the Marquesas. The latter being little known islands out on the eastern arm of the Pacific. In all, she’ll make 12 stops in 20 days. She said she didn’t have enough time off work and would have to complete the other islands next year. “Sounds like quite a hard schedule,” I said a little surprised.
  • 2. “I want to do them all by the time I’m 35,” she said. “Why?” The young lady thought for a moment, having not really considered the answer to this question, then replied, “Because it’s my bucket list” In this world of social media, bucket lists are everywhere. There are websites and apps devoted to the subject. But just because it’s common does it make it the right thing to do? Bucket lists are powerful ideas. We set ourselves a goal then go full tilt to complete that goal. My life, I guess, was once a bucket-list. “I’ll be a millionaire by 30!” I told myself (and others). I didn’t happen. “I’ll own my own company. I’ll be successful etc” I had my own bucket list of things I’d do from skydiving here to climbing up there. After some time, I found the appeal of the bucket list wear thin. I completed the items I set out to achieve and then thought “what next?” I realized that the list wasn’t lived for our own happiness but because of our fear of what others think of us. Those who live for the approval of others will also die by their rejection. Bucket lists compel us to live other people’s agendas. We build our lives in the image of what we think other people will think of us. We think other people will respect us more if we travel 30 countries by aged 30. This social pressure forces us to value quantity over quality. What happens is we become obsessed by completing the list rather than enjoying the completion. We achieve the things we wanted to achieve but we deny our happiness in achieving them. It is difficult to be so robust to the social pressures around us. We are social animals. In our social media age we surround ourselves with the lives of others. We are under constant pressure to impress. Bucket Lists are a great idea. They motivate. They help us find the energy and enthusiasm but Bucket List culture is also making us, as a society, sick. We have to be brave enough to take time out to value quality over quantity. The young lady on the plane is like many of us – compelled to complete a bucket list for the sake of others. She knows, deep down, she would have much more fun, have much more of a rewarding travel experience by visiting just one or two of those islands. She could stay for a while. Rather than rush madly around she could integrate and learn something about the culture by being part of it. When you focus on quality not quantity each experience becomes special. You discover things that aren’t supposed to happen. But then what could she share on Facebook? What would she blog about? When it comes to travel, quality time is happy time. Don’t be afraid to take it slow, to do less. Don’t feel compelled to travel everywhere, see everything because it’s “on your list”. You will blaze through your destinations and think “so what was that all about?” Rather, understand that less is more.
  • 3. Take time out to allow the unexpected to happen. Magic happens in the gaps, especially in travel. In life, like travel, there are no prizes for doing the most or finishing first. All that matters is you did it on your own terms. Fire Your Boss, Sell Your Car, Travel The World Remember your dreams and fight for them If only closed minds came with closed mouths Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels It’s only after we’ve lost everything that we’re free to do anything When exactly were you brainwashed into believing that the best way to earn a living is to have a job? If you enjoyed this post, get more insights and Barefoot tips by clicking LIKE on The Barefoot Journal Facebook Page