Your Bucket List: To Write Or Not To Write? Here's The Research...
Ok, so you know what a Bucket List is, right? My challenge to you is...is it written down or is it still in your head? Is it still up there with your Daily To Do List? Because if it is, I can guarantee which one gets done first.!
But does writing down your Bucket List actually enhance the probability of achieving them? Let's delve into some research and see what the experts have to say.
The Science of Writing Down Goals
Scientific studies have shown that writing down goals increases the likelihood of achieving them. In a famous study conducted by Dr. Gail Matthews at the Dominican University of California, it was found that participants who wrote down their goals accomplished significantly more than those who did not write down their goals (Matthews, 2015). This suggests that the act of writing serves not merely as a reminder but also as a catalyst for action.
Writing down your Bucket List items may have the same effect. It can help you visualize your goals more clearly, giving you a concrete direction to work towards.
The Psychology Behind It
Writing down Bucket List items can also have psychological benefits. According to the Self-Determination Theory (SDT), an approach to human motivation and personality, individuals are more likely to take action when their goals align with their intrinsic values and interests (Ryan & Deci, 2000). By writing down your Bucket List items, you give yourself the opportunity to reflect on what truly matters to you. This reflective process can help you align your goals with your core values, increasing your intrinsic motivation to achieve them.
Moreover, when we write down our Bucket List items, we subconsciously commit to them. This commitment propels us to work towards these goals, and the written list serves as a constant reminder of this commitment (Locke & Latham, 2002).
Clarity & Focus
Writing down your Bucket List can also provide clarity and focus. By defining what you want to achieve, you can more effectively strategize on how to get there. Having clear, written goals can help you identify and prioritize the steps you need to take to realize your ambitions (Oettingen, 2014).
The Flip Side: Keeping Bucket List in Mind
On the other hand, there are those who prefer to keep their Bucket List in their minds, and there's a reason for that too. Some people may find that the fluidity of an unwritten list allows for more flexibility and spontaneity. They may argue that life is unpredictable and constantly changing, and so should our goals.
While there's merit to this perspective, it's important to note that a written Bucket List doesn't have to be set in stone. It can be continually revised and updated as you grow and evolve. The act of writing is not to confine but to provide a foundation upon which to build.
Conclusion
While keeping a mental note of your Bucket List has its own merits, research suggests that writing down your Bucket List may enhance your chances of achievement. It helps in goal setting, enhancing motivation, providing clarity and focus. Whether you're an adventurer at heart wanting to skydive, a book enthusiast aiming to read a hundred books, or an aspiring marathoner, writing down your Bucket List might just be the first step towards realizing your dreams.
So, why not give it a try? Grab a pen and paper, or open up a new document on your computer, and start crafting your Bucket List. You might be surprised at the power this simple act can unleash. Oh yeah, send it to me when done! I want it for my next book! [email protected]
References:
Matthews, G. (2015). Goal Research Summary.
Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being. American Psychologist, 55(1), 68-78.
Locke, E. A., & Latham, G. P. (2002). Building a practically useful theory of goal setting and task motivation: A 35-year odyssey. American Psychologist, 57(9), 705-717.
Oettingen, G. (2014). Rethinking positive thinking: Inside the new science of motivation. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 23(6), 747-754.
Book A Blog Call With Trav
