The Ultimate List: What Do You Want to Do Before You Die?
This is your "heart dreams" list – aspirations that ignite your spirit and bring a sense of purpose. Close your eyes, let your imagination roam free, and write down everything that comes to mind, big or small.
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Travel extensively: Explore ancient ruins in Peru, witness the Northern Lights, go on a safari in Africa, and hike the Patagonia trails.
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Learn a new language fluently: Become proficient in Spanish or French to connect more deeply with other cultures.
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Write a book: Share stories or insights that might resonate with others.
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Master a musical instrument: Be able to play the piano or guitar with passion and skill.
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Start a small, passion-driven business: Something that aligns with my values and helps others.
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Run a marathon: Push physical and mental limits.
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Volunteer for a cause I deeply care about: Dedicate significant time to environmental conservation or animal welfare.
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Learn to cook a specific cuisine masterfully: Be able to prepare authentic Italian or Thai dishes.
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Design and build something with my own hands: A piece of furniture, a small garden shed, or even a basic robot.
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Spend extended time living in another country: Immerse myself in a different way of life.
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Cultivate a thriving garden: Grow my own food and create a beautiful green space.
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Go skydiving or bungee jumping: Conquer a fear and experience an exhilarating rush.
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Learn traditional pottery or woodworking: Engage in a craft that connects me to history and tangible creation.
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Reconnect with estranged family members/friends: Heal old wounds and rebuild bridges.
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Take a solo backpacking trip: Experience complete independence and self-reliance.
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Attend a major international sporting event or music festival: Soak in the atmosphere and energy of a grand spectacle.
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Become a mentor to someone younger: Share knowledge and guide another's growth.
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Learn wilderness survival skills: Feel capable and confident in nature.
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Host regular gatherings for friends and family: Create a space for joy, connection, and shared memories.
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Go on a dedicated digital detox for an extended period: Reconnect with the analog world and my inner self.
This list is a living document, evolving as you do. When you feel lost or uncertain, a simple "reset" by reviewing these aspirations can provide the clarity and direction needed to reignite your sense of adventure and purpose. It's about aligning your daily actions with your deepest desires, ensuring that each step forward contributes to the meaningful life you envision.
Where do you stand in your life right now? You may actually have a lot of things going right, or maybe you recognize those things glaring you in the face that need to change.
Be honest with yourself. Write down a list of all the things that bring you joy and satisfaction. Then make a separate list of the areas of your life that you need to change. Consider the following:
- Life habits: Do you get enough sleep, eat nutritious foods, and stay active?
- Relationships: Compare people who lift you up versus toxic relationships.
- Routine: Do you spend time doing the things that you love? Do you take on too much?
Who and what are the people you like and admire?
- Having role models can inspire your direction to build a meaningful life.
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List a few characteristics or achievements that you admire about each individual. This can reveal qualities that matter to you, and it’s one of the ways you can start to uncover your own core values.