BUCKET LIST CHALLENGE DAY 1

  • Tick all items that you want and already have!
  • Circle all items that you’d like to add to your list.
  • Complete your own personal bucket list.
  • Comment below and share with us: what’s most important on your bucket list!
  • Share the challenge with your friends.

who is sylvia?

Sylvia is a mum, entrepreneur, business coach, stylist & traveler and the creator of the popular websites 40plusstyle.com and sylviavandelogt.com.

She helps women feel better about themselves and get more confident so they can tap into their truest, fullest potential in business & life.

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WHAT IS A HIGH PRIORITY ON YOUR BUCKET LIST?

74 Comments

  1. Michele Canady Morrill

    My main goal is my health- eating better, getting more exercise, drinking more water, and losing weight. Being more positive and continuing to pursue my creative outlets.

    Reply
  2. Stephanie T

    My list highlights include: 1) Write a book. 2) Take a family photo. 3) Detail my car. 4) Take a walk every day. 5) Reach goal weight. 6) Incorporate stretching. 7) Develop a daily prayer schedule. 8) Read the New Testament. 9) Raw food detox 1st weekend of every month. 10) Create a recipe book of favorite dishes. 11) SWOT analysis of self. 12) make a kiva.com loan. 13) Focus on developing a future focused mindset

    Reply
  3. Fran Phillips

    I am retired so my goals do not include career goals. However, I have lots of personal goals now that I am not preoccupied with hiring, keeping the business moving forward, managing people, and projects. I have set some goals on the level of difficulty because I know that as the years tick by I will be less and less able to achieve some of my most physical dreams. I have completed 14ers, walked the Camino de Santiago, climbed Machu Pichu but I still have so many more exciting dreams yet to go.

    Reply
    • sylvia

      Have fun exploring your next adventures!

  4. Done

    I would like to be more healthy in general, to travel more and gain body confidence

    Reply
    • sylvia

      Great goals Done. You may like them a bit more specific so you know exactly what you want to achieve šŸ™‚

  5. Louise

    I plan to sit down with my husband and go over the bucket list together tonight. He has been retired for several years, and we have done a lot in all areas over our many years (71+ each), but this year of Covid has made us feel like we are doing nothing (relatively) right now. I think this will be a good exercise in counting our blessings and focusing on future plans besides realizing that maybe we needed a sabbatical year.

    Reply
    • sylvia

      Good idea. Yes, there are still so many wonderful things to do both during Covid and post Covid! Look forward to seeing your ideas!

  6. Christine

    Hi Sylvia, Thank-you for the very detailed lists. Checking off bucket list items that we’ve already accomplished was a wonderful suggestion. It made me recognize that I have done a lot of what I have wanted to do in the travel/adventure and food experiences areas of my life and I am grateful for having had the opportunity to do so. I mostly circled items in the health and fitness and personal growth areas. I want to be consistent with eating healthy and exercising. I tend to be an all or nothing person and as a result my weight and fitness level yoyos. I have a resistance to moderation that I would like to overcome. In addition I want to be a more compassionate and giving person.

    I think it is amazing that you are going to be packing up your life to live as a nomad. 5 years ago my husband and I took a year leave from our jobs to travel. We rented a car in Cape Town, bought camping equipment and did a road trip through South Africa, Namibia and Botswana before hitting the beach and scuba diving in Mozambique. Then we trekked in Nepal, spent 7 months backpacking from the top to bottom of SE Asia before spending time in Australia and diving with sharks in Fiji. It was the best year of my life and I encourage anyone who has big travel goals on their bucket list to make it happen. I did it on a budget and it can cost less than most people would expect, I believe. Experiencing the kindness of strangers throughout the world gives you faith in humanity and travel enriches your life and makes you a more confident person.

    And one adventure can lead to another. After the trip we decided that we had spent enough time in SE Asia and should explore other parts of the world. But a chance encounter in Myanmar led to me working there, living on my own for the first time (at age 51) and being in a long distance relationship with my partner of 18 years, less than a year after I returned home.

    I’m interested to see how the rest of the challenges help me identify what I want most for my future and develop my confidence. Thank you so much for sharing your insight and wisdom. I appreciate it.

    Reply
    • sylvia

      I look forward to following your journey Christine and see what you identify as most important to you.

      Your trip sounds like a wonderful experience. How amazing that you ended up working in Myanmar! I’m not going to be nomadic in that way though since I’ve already traveled extensively. Rather I’ll be living at one place for 2-3 months and I’ll have a base somewhere (probably in Portugal). I’ll be working as well and live in comfort šŸ™‚

  7. Irena

    Hi Sylvia
    I have just started the challenge a few days ago and am impressed with the excellent workbooks and guidance from you via video.
    I am 57 years old and will retire in a few years. I was happy to observe that I have achieved many good things in my life already and for this I am thankful. I am extremely fulfilled in my career, as a mother of two and in my relationships with family and friends. I have only recently started painting and this is a wonderful, fun creative outlet for me and I am not too bad at it.
    I will be working on gaining control of my time because I have been spinning my wheels, wasting time with social media instead of working on my goals. It is as if I think that since I have gone to work commuted a total of 3 hours and made supper for my family that now I can be a couch potato and do nothing but this leaves me feeling depressed.

    Reply
    • sylvia

      Welcome Irena. Great to see you’re enjoying the challenge! I look forward to supporting you.

  8. Michele

    Hi Sylvia. I’m coming late to the challenge, but am getting started last night and today. Your statement about purpose resonated so strongly with me. It is affirming to hear that you don’t have to have a purpose, that simply being is enough. Everything that I’ve read before now re: this kind of thing has been to Find Your Purpose / Discover Your Reason for Being Here. It felt like a lot of pressure, and your words just really eased that for me, so thank you. I was pleasantly surprised as I worked through the lists to see just how much I have accomplished already in my life, and how much I have to be grateful for. It’s good to balance the want for more with gratitude for what I have. For me, setting career goals has always been the most challenging thing in my life. I’ve always just drifted from job to job without really thinking about where I wanted to be or what would be the best use of my talents. So this is likely where I’m going to put the most focus, although I’ve got some travel goals and continuing style/self-care goals to add to my lists, too. I keep thinking that I want to start my own business, but scare myself out of taking any steps toward doing that. I’m really looking forward to continuing on in the group and seeing what we can all accomplish in the coming months!

    Reply
    • sylvia

      Welcome to the challenge Michele! Great to hear that my message resonated with you. When you come to accept that just being is enough, it’s just so freeing. Everything you do extra is a bonus! Isn’t it fun to realize just how much we have already accomplished and be grateful for!
      Love your focus. As you may know I’m all for starting a business and it’s absolutely something you can do. I looking forward to following and supporting you in your journey Michele!

  9. Dd

    Thank you for your time and creativity in putting this together. Iā€™ve had a loosey goosey bucket list in my head for maybe 6-8 years as we are empty nesters. Hereā€™s what I have come up with thanks to your lists and lots of pondering. 1. Sell business and semi-retire (work for someone else preparing taxes & accounting during Feb. , Mar and Apt) 2. Travel to another country once a year. 3. Get a rockn body. (Lose weight, get stronger and more flexible). 4. Let go of stuff and go more minimal and organized. Have the awwww home. My husband & I have 35+ yrs of stuff and the grown kids and odds & ends from parents. 5. Get back to being creative. Either sewing crocheting scrapbooking Cooking 6. Figure out some health issues. 7. Spice up the sex life. 8. Get a rough plan going with hubby on our ā€˜goldenā€™ years is what to do about current house. Yes So many goals. On your 10 suggested movie list. You have social network listed as # 1 & #2. Is that correct or is there another movie not listed. On to day 2. After I walk the dog haha

    Reply
    • sylvia

      Lots of great goals Dd. Look forward to seeing how you progress in the challenge.
      As for the movies, that’s a mistake in the list. Thanks for pointing that out. No. 1 is Silence of the Lambs. An old and scary one but so good!

  10. Yvette

    Really enjoyed reading this list….at age 85 I have completed many of these tasks. I only made a bucket list for travel and completed my second list last year on a river cruise and I think Iā€™m happy to work on something else I was pleasantly surprised to find out my classic style was pretty good…will try the symmetrical style top. I belong to an auxiliary and work at the Tuckshop throughout the year I volunteer at St Vincentā€™s every second Saturday parceling food….I now play bridge once a week…love music and crosswords. I have learned to like myself…I enjoy my time alone not lonely….can no longer walk any distance but make the effort whenever I can …I exercise daily sometimes when the body Is willing i do3 lb weights. My goal this year has been to concentrate on my health and this is working very well. I never was so satisfied with myself the first time I tried something out of my comfort zone…..I joined a musical group and was in a few plays…..I never was great at doing anything solo…still not my strong point so the last bucket lists will be something work on…I do not associate with any negative people…so much easier to be positive and much more pleasant….thank you for your advice

    Reply
    • sylvia

      Love your attitude and how you get the most out of live Yvette!

  11. Sarah Smith

    I think about my bucket list often. I have a surprisingly significant number of goals from your list, that were also on my list, that I have been able to attain.
    Now, I would like to travel more, further my education and create a more pleasing home environment. 4

    Reply
    • sylvia

      Great to hear that many things are working well for you! Loving your goals.

  12. Carolyn

    I have set a date of when I want to retire December 31, 2021, I have worked so many years with long hours that now I want to catch up with family, make new friends, travel and just enjoy life.

    Reply
    • sylvia

      That’s pretty close. Exciting! Do you have a clear idea of what you want to do when you retire?

  13. Gina

    I want to get my master degree and regain financial freedom. There’s only my thesis project missing, which is the toughest part yet the last big effort

    Reply
    • sylvia

      You’ve got this Gina!

  14. Lee

    I’d love to have an online business. However, I don’t know how to do that technically, e.g. I don’t know how to have a website, etc. I hear that you can also earn money with blogging etc but I don’t know how to do so.

    Reply
    • sylvia

      There are so many ways Lee but they all take effort. Right now you don’t need to know how. You just need to get clear on what you want. Make sure that you get really clear on this in step 2 šŸ™‚

  15. Tammy Jo

    Iā€™m excited to get back on track with support and for you knowing what we women desire and need to live our life for real. I want more energy more motivation accomplish already goals in my heart plus new ideas. Thank you Sylvia for this reminder to bringing the bucket list to my attention. Where it is deserved and worth everything

    Reply
    • sylvia

      Thanks Tammy Jo. Great to hear that this is so useful for you!

  16. Karen

    This made me grateful that I already have ticked off many items on my bucket list (marriage, kids, own a house, see the Grand Canyon). It is a bit scary to dig deep and actually admit I want more: to quit my job and retire, do freelance work, become a published author, act in a play, learn to play tennis, see the northern lights to name a few.

    Reply
    • sylvia

      Isn’t that just great to realize that! That there’s so much to be grateful for! Don’t apologize for wanting more. It’s how we grow. It’s how we evolve. For many of us not growing, doing more of the same leads to a feeling of unfulfillment. Be proud that you want more. That you’re not ready to slow down yet. Don’t be afraid to look inwards. I promise you, it will make you stronger and it will enrich your life. Look forward to seeing how you’ll explore more in the next few steps!

  17. V

    Transition into more leadership roles.

    Reply
    • sylvia

      You’ve got it V! Let’s become intentional on how to get there in the next few steps.

  18. Denise Brooks

    Thank you for this list — it is a great start! I was surprised to realize I have done so much already — traveled, lived all over, family,home etc. What I haven’t done is care for myself. My huge plan this year is to get healthy and fit -for me. I have never exercised but I joined the YMCA and I swim and workout when I am in town. I am planning on working less which will mean more time at home/more time to workout and swim. I lose motivation and I am hoping to stay connected with you to help me strengthen my motivation ‘muscle’. I really like the podcasts! Thank you!

    Reply
    • sylvia

      Some great goals Denise. Be sure to complete the next steps as well. I love that you’re listening to and enjoying my podcast!

  19. Janice Mcglawn

    Thanks for sharing your journey with so many, who need the motivation. Suffering with fibromyalgia and other elements at this time my list consist of better health, the ability to be mobile again.

    Reply
    • sylvia

      You may like to get specific on what you need to do to accomplish that šŸ™‚ Also, did you know lady Gaga suffers from this condition. I just saw a great interview from Oprah with her on Youtube. You may want to look for it (search for lady gaga interview Oprah)

    • Janice Mcglawn

      Thanks I will!

  20. Bonnie Chamberlain

    My, My. I am surprised at all the options. Right, I would not have thought about those on my own. Plus, some of the items I might have brushed off, ignored. Not the right thing to do.

    Healthy, wealthy and wise for the new year and beyond.

    Reply
    • sylvia

      That sounds great Bonnie, but I’d love to see you get a bit more specific so the brain will know what to focus on šŸ™‚ What does it take to get you wealthy, healthy and wise? And which of these is the priority. I encourage you to complete the day 2 assignment on this.

  21. E Ann Tyre

    As a more ‘mature’ woman I am lucky in that I have had a very rich life. I have been involved in sports all my life, so keep fit and active. After bringing up my sons I went back to University to gain a degree in Fine Arts – I have my own studio, sell my work by various channels.

    While I have done well, I tend to forget about myself in terms of style, and spending time on me – I tend to be a workaholic, so taking time to examine my life, even at 75 will help me focus on my future.

    Reply
    • sylvia

      Love it E Ann. You’re the perfect example in showing that growing, evolving never stops. No matter how old you are!

  22. Danae

    What a great list! So many things I hadn’t thought about. Usually I just hold all the things I’d like to do in my head, but it’s time to write them down and get more specific about how to accomplish some of them. I’ve always felt a struggle between being all the roles in my life and trying to become my own self. It’s like there’s a constant tension and transition. The older my children get the easier my life becomes and I feel like I can concentrate on some these things in greater depth. I think it’s interesting to look at things from different angles – things we can do (hobbies or new job), as well as, things we need to stop doing(comparing ourselves to others or not making time for fun). Thanks!

    Reply
    • sylvia

      Yes Danae Absolutely! Get it all out of your head and get focused. I think that at any point in life we are most fulfilled when we grow. When we do something we care about. It’s just wonderful when you find something that’s meaningful to you!

  23. Mary

    Decluttering is an important goal, so that I can enjoy what I love most and free up time for more important activities!

    Reply
    • sylvia

      Fabulous Mary. Be sure to do the assignments in the next steps to get even clearer šŸ™‚

  24. Mara

    My main priorities in the list are about feeling organized and in control, which for me implies simplifying, decluttering, devising a plan to stop procrastinating, planning meals, starting a bullet journal and getting fit. Quite a lot indeed! But I feel it’s almost all the same goal to me. Besides this, I’ve always loved travelling and there are of course a lot of new places I’d like to go, but I had never thought about focusing on museums instead of countries or cities, so thanks for the idea; I really love it! It’s also been great to realise the good things I’ve already achieved in my life instead of only thinking about what is lacking, which used to come with a sense of failure that made me difficult to get off.

    Reply
    • sylvia

      Hi Mara. Love how much thought you put into this. Some worthwhile goals! I look forward to seeing how you prioritize them and then take the next step!

  25. Liz

    I liked ticking off things that I already had as this put a positive spin on things and reminded me of everything in my life that is going well. My main concern is upgrading my business by finding new clients who are willing to pay a fair price for my work and looking for alternative sources of income as the sector I am in is under pressure from new technology. Other areas to focus on were financial security, health and travel. Petra in Jordan is now firmly on my list as is a trip to West Africa. I mainly work from home, but I would like to build a working capsule wardrobe for networking and meeting clients that makes me feel well-groomed, confident and competent!

    Reply
    • sylvia

      Hi Liz. Love your goals. Charging what we’re worth is always a good idea! In the the third step you’ll discover what it’s not a reality yet for your right now. Would love to see what your conclusion is.

  26. Julie

    Greetings from Greece! Such an interesting and thoughtful challenge for the new year! I feel very grateful and satisfied concerning my family, selected friends, fitness, health, style and personal development, since I have really put an effort into these in the past few years. My focus now is finding how to contribute to my family income again with something I truly want and be financially independent. I am a stay at home mom for almost a decade. Thank you for your help!

    Reply
    • sylvia

      Lovely to see Iā€™m reaching women in Greece with my message! Fabulous for you to realize that so many things are already working so well for you. There are so many opportunities for that missing piece! I was able to create a multiple 6 figure / year income with my blog working from home. You may want to do some additional brainstorming on what you want to do to supplement your family income

  27. Jeanette

    You are right, it is very satisfying to see in your lists, some things I have already achieved šŸ™‚ now to choose some new goals for the bucket list challenge!

    Reply
    • sylvia

      Let your mind go wild Jeanette! Write down anything that comes to mind. Things that made you happy and excited in the past. Things that excite you for the future. There are no limits. You don’t have to know the ‘how’. Just dream for a bit and write it all down šŸ™‚

  28. Carol J Staha

    Appreciate your time spent encouraging others (me) to think about purpose, desires, hopes, dreams, legacy, and fun. You are a gift that nicely has been shared around different places. It seems improbable that I would get to meet you here in my own home. My guess is few people would come across so natural, sweet, and sincere while talking about real goals and stimulating others to participate. Now, if I don’t go rigorously through the above lists, it doesn’t mean that I have not benefited by this exposure. I promise to get a small piece of paper (already attached in a little log book) and write my goals, things I recognize are needed (especially to stop procrastinating) and put effort into seeing progress in these areas.

    Reply
    • sylvia

      Thank you for your nice message Carol. I love that you’ve made a start. Procrastination is a big reason many women don’t reach their goals and it will come up for discussion in future steps.

  29. Janice

    Great message. It is so interesting that there are so many commonalities in the way we feel about ourselves, our worth and our physical presence as well as many of our goals and bucket lists. I have been struggling with my purpose recently so found your words particularly timely in that regard. I also think that it is wonderful that so many of the goals of others are quite specific and quite doable compared to what I might have thought. I have great gratitude for what I have accomplished with my family and career, but could really do with a time out from negative self talk. I am too loud, too fat, say the wrong thing, wear the wrong thing. Worrying if people like me, worry if I am a good person, wife, grandmother, fur mamma! It does no good to worry about these things. I want to listen more, encourage others more, tell people I love them more, be less over-sensitive to comments and be less critical of myself.

    Reply
    • sylvia

      Wonderful to read that my message resonated with you and thank you for being vulnerable. As you mention in your message, it’s all just self talk. They are not true. They are just thoughts you’re choosing to believe about yourself. Keep following along as I will give you some great tools to catch the negative self talk and stop it in its track.

  30. Mary

    Thank you for this. I am looking forward to the challenge. I can’t tell you how long I have been trying to figure out my “purpose.” I didn’t participate in your survey–I didn’t see it, but the top three things that you identified are spot on for me. Getting healthier (lost over 80 pounds the past 4 years), want to gain more confindence with my body and style and decluttering (downsizing). It would be amazing if I can accomplish these three goals.

    Reply
    • sylvia

      Hi Mary, Sounds like you’re already making great progress with your health goal. I can definitely help you a lot with your other 2 goals too. Enjoy the rest of the challenge!

  31. Gerin Canin

    This was really fun! only three things on my travel bucket list, seeing the northern lights, going on a wildlife safari and staying in the Rainforest for a week. Of course I can’t accomplish this part of my list until I can get a job, so that is number one on my bucket list!!

    Reply
    • sylvia

      Love it Gerin. You’ve picked 3 magnificent travel goals. Let’s first get you a job you love as well!

  32. Emily

    Mine: single parent left high and dry – need to develop in the NHS which in itself is difficult to do. I’ve moved up from the bottom quickly in a couple of years. I’m in a good place and there will chance to move up but it will be a couple of years so I need to position myself. Pay wise – a new job means no increase for 3 years šŸ™ so I could do with an income stream. I need to learn how to find this.
    Me wise: I hate exercise (know this needs to change). I eat healthily but could do with losing a good half stone. Grooming could do a lot better. Clothes: I’m a grab and go and like casual. In all it can give a first impression of sloppy.

    Reply
    • sylvia

      Thanks for sharing your goals Emily. I look forward to exploring them more through this challenge.

  33. Jeanette

    My list was mainly health and fitness and lifestyle, also hobbies and entertainment .
    Walking daily, exercising 3 times per week including bike riding. Joining a craft group as I haven’t made anything for quite a while and felt this may cover some social aspects to my life. Decluttering and making a sanctuary in my home was important too. Spending time to alter some of my clothes and personal care re manicures and facials. It’s all about me this year.

    Reply
    • sylvia

      Thanks for sharing your goals Jeanette. I love that you make yourself a priority this year!

  34. judy hester

    my goal is to focus on decluttering and accomplishing things I really want to do – starting small – like trying a new restaurant I have been wanting to go to for a while

    Reply
    • sylvia

      Great idea Judy. It’s through taking small steps that big things happen!

    • Michelle

      My goal is to learn to love and accept myself as I am. I am setting goals to put myself first. Continue my exercise program to stay strong, explore habits outside of work such as photography and explore my sense of style by creating capsule wardrobes.l, less black and more color.

  35. Christine

    Thanks for putting together this challenge Sylvia! I’d love to have more freedom in the hours that I work but can’t quite figure out how to make that happen. Would also love to add more creativity into my life. Perhaps write a book… I was able to tick off a lot of the other items on the list though so am already grateful for the things that I do have!

    Reply
    • sylvia

      Wonderful goals. Let’s see how to make progress with this in the challenge!

  36. Karen

    Definitely want to get fitter and stronger! I give myself too many excuses for not exercising. I would also still love to travel more and have put Petra, Jordan at the top of my list places to travel.

    Reply
    • sylvia

      Great goals to aim for!

    • Christina Holloway

      Definitely want to better my financial situation so I can move back home.

    • Fran Phillips

      I am retired so my goals do not include career goals. However, I have lots of personal goals now that I am not preoccupied with hiring, keeping the business moving forward, managing people, and projects. I have set some goals on the level of difficulty because I know that as the years tick by I will be less and less able to achieve some of my most physical dreams. I have completed 14ers, walked the Camino de Santiago, climbed Machu Pichu but I still have so many more exciting dreams yet to go.

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