Most people believe they’ve got one shot at this life, and as they get older, they realize time seems to move along faster.
They begin to form and talk about mental bucket lists, or things they want to do someday, before it’s too late. However, life doesn’t wait for you.
If you don’t start acting on that bucket list, you’re going to miss the boat. Here are 5 things you should do right away because they’re not going to wait.
1. Have a Will
Few people enjoy estate planning, but it’s necessary to ensure everything you’ve worked for is inherited by your heirs. Having a will also make sure your wishes can’t be litigated and reversed, and it reduces stress for those you love.
It’s never too early to start a will. Even when you have children, you should have in writing who should care for your children if something should happen to you and their other parent.
2. Get Out of Town
Your bucket list includes travel, doesn’t it? There is somewhere you’ve always wanted to go, so why not do it now? Or, at least start saving for it now.
Not traveling isn’t going to hurt you once you’ve passed this life, but enjoying the now will certainly spice things up.
You may not be able to travel often, but getting away now and then is good for you. Research has shown that travel boosts mental health and improves creativity. It’s also one more thing you can cross off that bucket list.
3. Learn Something New
You’ve been meaning to learn to knit or speak a new language. What are you waiting for? The sooner you get started, the longer you can enjoy it.
A new hobby can open up new worlds for you. You’ll meet other interesting people who also have an appreciation for your new hobby, and they have knowledge they can pass on to you.
Learning new things is also good for your brain. As you get older, it is especially important to exercise your brain.
4. Do Something Kind Just Because
You’ve heard of people in the fast food drive-thru paying for the meal of the person behind them.
Perhaps they did it because they wanted to make someone’s day better, or they were paying it forward–someone did something kind for them. Whatever the reason, showing kindness makes you both feel good.
You don’t have to buy someone’s meal. You could send flowers to someone at work who has been struggling.
You could mow your neighbor’s yard. These little things have the ability to be transformative, at least for the moment.
5. Spend Time With Your Elders
Whether that person is your grandparent, your own parent, or an aunt or uncle, spend time with older family members because you never know when they won’t be there for you anymore.
It’s for your benefit as much as it is theirs. Learn about your family’s history, so you can pass down reliable information to the younger generations.
If your older family members are already gone, spend time with someone else who is elderly. It might sound strange, but you may find a valuable new friend, and they’ll have the benefit of spending less time alone.
Life is too short to focus on the stuff that won’t matter when you’re gone, such as old grudges and the hours you gave to the company.
Instead, spend more time focusing on things that not only make your life better, but can make life better for someone else. You’ll set a great example for the next generation, and you’ll find there’s freedom when you live in the moment.