What a Reverse Bucket List is – And Why You Should Create One

The other day during yoga class, I was really struggling. My muscles were shaking like crazy and I kept getting disconnected from my breath.  I felt like the least talented person in the room.

After class, the instructor came up to me and told me how impressed she is by how much I’ve improved over the past couple of years.

I’ll never be an amazing yogi, but I’ve come so far from where I used to be and that’s what matters.

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We tend to be so hard ourselves.  We think about everything we still have left to accomplish and it feels overwhelming.  But when you stop and think about all of the things you’ve already done, you can see how much you’ve progressed.

A “reverse bucket list” is a list of items that you’ve already accomplished.  The purpose of this list is not to brag or forget about all of the amazing things you still want to do.

Creating a reverse bucket list reminds you of all that you’ve already done and makes you feel inspired instead of overwhelmed.

When I think about how I still have $35,000 of debt left to pay off or how I still want to lose another 25 pounds, it feels daunting, but then I remember that I’ve already paid off $92,000 of debt and I’ve adopted a healthy lifestyle.

I haven’t hit my weight goal, but if my younger (couch potato) self could see me now, she’d be amazed.

I’ve made exercise a part of my daily routine, I practice yoga consistently, and I hardly eat any junk food.

There’s more progress to be made, but I’ve come so far from where I used to be…and so have you.  Let’s stop being so hard on ourselves.

Here are 29 things I’ve already accomplished in 29 years. What are some items on your reverse bucket list?  Share in the comments!

My Reverse Bucket List

1. Completed my bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
2. Received a good score on the GRE.
3. Made the dean’s list.
4. Paid off $92,000 of debt ($82,000 = student loans, $10,000 = car) so far (35,000 to go!).
5. Paid for a car in cash.
6. Saved a $1,000 emergency fund.
7. Married my best friend.
8. Adopted my first pug.
9. Started a blog.
10. Made money blogging.
11. Adopted a whole food diet.
12. Made exercise a part of my daily routine.
13. Tried yoga, holy yoga, PiYo, Pilates, spin, and Zumba.
14. Saw ice castles.
15. Went ice skating and roller skating as an adult.
16. Learned to rock climb.
17. Tried an escape room.
18. Did a color run (walk).
19. Began attending church regularly.
20. Read the entire Bible.
21. Dyed my hair blonde, every shade of brown, red, and black.
22. Got a tattoo.
23. Got something other than my ears pierced.
24. Had a professional massage.
25. Went on a cruise (and got very seasick) to Key West, FL and Cozumel, Mexico.
26. Traveled to Hawaii (The Big Island and Kauai).
27. Stood on a mountain above the clouds on The Big Island.
28. Saw the gorgeous red rocks in Sedona, Arizona.
29. Stayed in a hotel right on the ocean (made possible by my in-laws’ timeshare) in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Have you ever created a reverse bucket list?

Other stuff you might like:

How to Make This Your Best Year Ever
5 Things That Matter More Than Your Net Worth
How to Start a Blog in 5 Easy Steps
Making This Year Your “Year of Yes”
How to be Happier in 4 Simple Steps