A lot of self-help programs over-lap, but even in their repetitiveness they each offer something unique. I recently listened to The School of Greatness podcast which featured an interview with Ben Nemtin of the Buried Life. They came up with a list that I really like, partially because it was created by 4 guys who are actually around my age.

6 STEPS FOR CROSSING ANYTHING OFF YOUR BUCKET LIST:

Step 1: Stop and Think About it. Really think about it.

What excites you? Maybe it feels impossible, but don’t think about that. Actually, don’t think. You’re thoughts will sabotage you’re efforts with doubt and fear every chance they get. Forget about “what’s realistic.” Just answer this question, if you could do ANYTHING what would it be?

Step 2: Write it Down

I love this tip. Ben suggests swapping the word dream for project.

” Dreams have a funny way of staying dreams. But a project is something that needs to be done.”

Write down your project and post it somewhere visible, set a due date, and identify the steps you’d need to take in order to cross this “project” off your bucket/to-do list.

Step 3: Talk about it.

You’re not on this earth all by your lonesome, and you don’t have to do everything all by yourself. Tell everyone you know about what you’re doing, and be open to the possibility that one of these people might know a guy who knows a guy who could help you in a significant way.

“And don’t just talk about it, but talk about it passionately. Enthusiasm is infectious, and people want to help when given the chance.”

I know that when I see someone talk passionately about a topic or a goal, they always convince me beyond a shadow of doubt that this dream is possible for them. You can be that person to. There’s a difference between doing something and sort of doing it. I think this step is what makes the difference.

Step 4: Be Persistent

Don’t give up. You might hear no a lot in your journey, but Ben encourages you to translate the word “no” into “not now.” Never stop trying just because you hear that little two little word. Take away its’ power.

“Be creative in your persistence. Don’t piss people off by nagging them—think of innovative and clever ways to grab their attention.”

Step 5: Be Ballsy

“The level of competition is highest for realistic goals because most people don’t set high enough goals for themselves.”

I read somewhere recently that more people tend to go for the low paying jobs vs the high paying jobs. Interesting. Be ballsy and don’t be that person. Aim high. You’re going to hear your thoughts say something along the line of “but that’s not possible.” Ignore your thoughts and make it a “project” anyway. Don’t let your thoughts get in the way.

“Once you feel the first high of accomplishing something major and seemingly unattainable, you want to go bigger and badder, and you force yourself to fulfill the need all the more. Even better, the technically smaller goals suddenly seem less daunting.”

Step 6: Help Others

Pay it forward. Helping others to achieve their dreams is only going to lift you up higher. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of helping someone who needs it, and watching them flourish.

To read the full article, click here –> Playing B-Ball with Obama: 6 Steps for Crossing anything off your Bucket List.

Take away:

Think of your dreams as projects, and identify the tangible steps for getting them done.