We’ve all heard of a Bucket List. This term was popularized by the 2008 film of the same name starring Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson.

The idea is that you come up with a list of things you want to do before you “kick the bucket” (i.e., die).

It’s a concept that encourages you to dream big and, since there’s no expiration date on when you must complete items, there’s freedom in being ambitious. However, we can’t predict what will bring us sustained happiness so the Bucket List may simply be a mechanism for disappointment.

So instead of letting yourself down, why not try an anti-bucket list?

Instead of taking things for granted once you’ve accomplished them, try rewarding yourself for the things you don’t do in your life.

To get you started, here are some ideas to add to your Anti-Bucket list:

14 Things to Add to Your Anti-Bucket List

1. Going Through a Divorce

Do you know what’s just as expensive as a wedding? A divorce.

Not only is a divorce financially straining but it’s an emotionally stressful event as well. Even though almost half of marriages end in divorce, not a whole lot of people enter that commitment imagining that it would end.

Divorce isn’t fun and definitely something you don’t want to experience in your life.

2. Getting Into Credit Card Debt

Sometimes getting a credit card is unavoidable but the last thing you want to do is rack up so much debt that you can’t keep up with the payments.

When it comes to using a credit card, it’s best to only spend what you can afford to immediately pay onto it. Otherwise, you can end up drowning in debt with no end in sight.

3. Developing an Addiction

Smoking, drugs, shopping, Netflix – it’s so easy to get hooked on something nowadays. However, it is extremely difficult and sometimes painful to get unhooked.

Beating an addiction, no matter what it is, can be a lifelong struggle.

4. Getting the Wrong Tattoo

Before you get a star tattooed on your forehead or your lover’s name on your arm, think carefully before you ink. It’s an image you and others will have to look at for the rest of your life.

5. Cutting Ties With Family

Sometimes it’s necessary to cut toxic family members from your life but life is too short to ostracize family for silly reasons. Try to practice forgiveness whenever possible.

6. Hanging Out With Toxic People

However, you definitely don’t want to keep toxic people in your life. As soon as someone starts to cause you stress and anxiety and makes your life a little bit worse, time to say “goodbye”.

7. Getting Stuck With a Collection You Don’t Want

Have you ever told someone that you liked to collect a certain something and then all of a sudden you’re receiving that certain something for every special occasion?

Choose your words wisely.

8. Waiting For The Right Time to Travel

Yes, we are in the midst of a global pandemic but any other reason for not traveling is simply an excuse. When the world opens up, take the trip you’ve always dreamed of taking. Don’t wait.

9. Being Too Busy

Being busy is not the same thing as being productive. The more you try to keep busy to feel like you’re getting things done, the easier you will burn out.

Make room in your life to relax and do things that yield no significant results like binging a Netflix series or reading a good book.

10. Giving Up Coffee

There is no science out there are proves coffee to be detrimental to your health. In moderation, coffee actually has some amazing health benefits!

So don’t feel pressured to better your life by cutting out this delicious source of caffeine.

11. Trying a Crash Diet

Losing weight is all about taking it slow and making positive changes in your life. Sure, a crash diet will shed the pounds but it’s more than likely you will put the weight back on again as well as harm your health.

Don’t waste your time on fad diets. Instead, make meaningful lifestyle changes.

12. Cooking Bacon Naked

Ouch. Enough said.

13. Cutting Your Own Bangs

While you may be tempted to try a new look, give it some serious thought before you pick up the scissors. Bangs are notoriously hard to cut and fix when you mess up – leaving you with a less-than-fabulous hairstyle.

14. Making a New Year’s Resolution

Did you know there is actually a day in January known as “Ditch New Year’s Resolution” day? It’s on January 17th and it’s been proven that it’s around this time that people give up on the promises they made themselves when the clock struck midnight.

The perfect time to make a resolution and changes in your life is when you feel ready to do so. Don’t let a calendar hold you accountable.

What’s On Your Anti-Bucket List?

Share your ideas in the comments below!