We’ve all been to a movie like “Eat Pray Love” or “Me Before You” that have made us want to go out and travel the world, release our inhibitions, and make memories that will last a lifetime. The question is, why don’t we follow through? I’m not sure of the exact moment I decided that going through life just because I was supposed to wasn’t the way I should be living, but I do know that now I lead a happier, more eventful life than I used to. It all started with a Bucket List.

We’ve all heard the quote, “everybody dies, but not everybody lives,” and that resonates so much more once you start actually living. All of us have that one thing we really want to do, that one place we really want to visit, so why not do it? Start saving your money, go out and do all that you have ever wanted because after all, we only have one life, so we might as well make the most of it.

Making a bucket list almost holds you accountable for your life. We can compare it to a grocery list. When you go grocery shopping with a list, you make sure to get everything on the list. If the store is out of a certain item, you go to a different store to find it. So just change your grocery list into a bucket list. Cross everything off your list and if you can’t do it at the time, figure out another way to accomplish it.

Here’s how to start:

The first step to creating a Bucket List is actually doing the exact opposite. Some people call it a Reverse Bucket List. Basically, get a notebook, journal, or open a word document on your computer, and begin writing down things that you have done in your life that had some sort of impact on you. It can be literally anything you have done, such as learning to ride a bike, graduating high school, learning to drive, anything at all.

After you have done that, start writing things that you want to do. Have you always wanted to skydive? Add it to the list! Are you a big fan of professional basketball, but haven’t been to a game? Jot it down! Nothing is too out of reach and nothing is too small.

After you have written all your ideas down, compile them into one, interconnected list. After you have done this, go through your newly created Bucket List and start crossing things off that you have done. Once you have crossed everything off that you have completed, you are ready to start planning to cross more things off. I try to cross one thing off the list per week. Sometimes it doesn’t happen, but if you add things that are easily accomplishable, like writing a letter to a distant relative or learning to count to ten in a different language, then crossing one thing off a week shouldn’t be too difficult.

Then you can start planning when to do your big stuff. Things that take time to accomplish like visiting all 50 states or reading the entire Harry Potter book series. I try to cross one big task off my list every month. This takes more careful planning, but is not impossible. It will also ensure that you are spending time worrying about yourself, rather than worrying about the stresses of school or work or both.

Don’t be afraid to add things to your list. If you see a commercial for a cool amusement park, write it down. Also add things you have done as you remember them. The longer the list grows, the more accomplished you will feel as more and more things get checked off.

Finally, document your adventures. I began documenting my Bucket List moments by starting a blog. Every time I cross something off the list, I write about it, even if it is just a sentence or two. Just to remind yourself when, where, and how the task was accomplished.

Creating a Bucket List was one of the best things I have ever done. It’s pulled me out of my comfort zone, all the while making me appreciate things I have done and get the opportunity to do. I know that by following my list, I will live life to the greatest potential.