The Gen X Guide to Bucket Lists: Start Small, Dream Big, and Actually Do the Things!

Survival Fun Guide
May 14
3 min read

If you’ve ever thought, One day, I’ll do that…, but “one day” keeps getting pushed back, this post is for you.

As Gen Xers, we spent our youth waiting for mixtapes to record, rewinding VHS tapes before returning them, and navigating life without Google. Now, we’re looking for that next adventure.

It’s time to stop just thinking about bucket lists and start doing them. And guess what? It doesn’t have to be a skydiving-level commitment. The secret? Start small and work your way up.

Step 1: Ditch the Pressure and Make It Fun

A bucket list doesn’t have to be a collection of once-in-a-lifetime, expensive, or terrifying activities. It’s about creating experiences that bring joy, excitement, or even just a break from the daily grind.

Start here:

What’s something you used to love but haven’t done in years?
What’s something you’ve always wanted to try, but never got around to?
What’s a place nearby that you’ve never explored?

Your bucket list isn’t a competition. It’s about you—your interests, your dreams, your fun.

Step 2: Make a Mini Bucket List (That You Can Actually Do)

Let’s be honest. If the first thing on your list is “Visit all 7 continents” and your bank account laughs at you, you might get discouraged before you even start.

Instead, break it down. Start small. Think of it as a starter bucket list - things you can do in the next 30-90 days.

Ideas for a Starter Bucket List:

✅ Eat at a restaurant you’ve always wanted to try

✅ Go to a concert (even if it’s a local band)

✅ Take a class in something random (pottery? salsa dancing? archery?)

✅ Visit a museum or historic site in your own town

✅ Spend a weekend in a town you’ve never been to

✅ Try a new food you’ve always been curious about

✅ Watch a movie in the theater alone—just because

✅ Take a spontaneous day off and do whatever the hell you want

The key? Pick things that feel exciting but don’t require a six-month savings plan.

Step 3: Schedule It Like It’s Important (Because It Is)

The biggest mistake people make with bucket lists? They never schedule the damn things.

We plan dentist appointments and oil changes like clockwork but leave our dreams in the “someday” folder.

🗓 How to make it happen:

Pick one thing from your list and put it on your calendar this month.
Treat it like an important event—because it is.
Don’t wait for “the perfect time.” There’s no such thing.

🔹 Pro tip: Start with something easy. Once you cross off one thing, it gets addictive.

Step 4: Level Up – The Bigger Bucket List

Once you’ve knocked out a few starter items, it’s time to dream a little bigger.

🚀 Some bigger bucket list ideas:

See your favorite band live (even if it means traveling)
Take that dream vacation
Road trip somewhere without a strict plan
Take a class for fun (art, cooking, scuba diving)
Write that book, blog, or screenplay you keep thinking about
Do something that terrifies you (public speaking? zip-lining? standing up for yourself more?)

The goal? Progressively push your comfort zone while still having fun.

Step 5: Document It & Celebrate

Here’s the fun part—when you actually do something on your bucket list, make a big deal out of it!

📸 Take pictures.

✍️ Journal about it.

📢 Post it and inspire others.

And don’t forget to celebrate—cross that sucker off the list, do a happy dance, and then pick your next adventure.

Final Thoughts: No More Waiting – Start Living

We spend too much time waiting for “the right moment.” But the truth is, the right moment is right now.

So, what’s one thing you can do this month to kick off your bucket list? Pick it, plan it, and make it happen.

💖 PS: Survival Fun Guide Is Coming to Life

We’re building something real for Gen Xers who feel a little lost, a little nostalgic, and a whole lot ready for connection.