Vattanary

Sometimes I catch myself wondering how different people see the days, months, and years ahead—whether they think we’re heading toward something wonderful, dreadful, or somewhere in between. Or maybe some folks just don’t dwell on it at all. Yet for me, having specific goals to look forward to can be a huge source of inspiration. Especially my bucket list, it’s where I jot down all the big (and sometimes random) things I want to accomplish. In a world that can feel overwhelming, those items help keep me grounded, excited, and optimistic.

A Glimpse at My Bucket List

1. Get a Motorcycle License
2. Go Skydiving
3. Earn a Pilot’s License (Small Plane)

Initially, these might seem like simple “adventure” items, but each one represents stepping out of my comfort zone—something I find both scary and thrilling in equal measure. Over time, my list has grown and changed. For example, I got fascinated with race car engineering, so I tacked on “Attend a live Formula 1 race.” Even though I don’t look at my list every single day, the goals linger in my mind, motivating me to keep learning and exploring.

I’ve already checked off skydiving (yes, it was absolutely insane!) and still smile remembering the surreal feeling of time standing still mid-jump. I’ve also done the written portion for my motorcycle permit and just need the skills test to make it official. And while I haven’t piloted a plane yet, I’ve been reading up on licenses and mapping out what the training might look like.

Why Do These Specific Goals Matter?

• Comfort Zone Push: I believe in regularly challenging myself. When you balance a big, heavy motorcycle, you might discover new muscles and reflexes—which could help when snowboarding or picking up other sports.
• Diverse Perspectives: Pursuing different activities has connected me with people of all backgrounds and interests. To bond over mutual hobbies, and learn so much from them.
• Escaping “Groundhog Day” Syndrome: Don’t get me wrong, having a routine for work or study is crucial. But it can also feel repetitive. Knowing I have an exciting goal on the horizon—like planning a big road trip—shakes up my day-to-day life.

Balancing Optimism and Realism

It’s not all sunshine and roses. The future can be intimidating. What if I fail the pilot’s test? What if life gets in the way? But having a healthy dose of realism doesn’t have to kill your dreams—it can actually keep you prepared, grounded, and persistent.

What do I do when the world feels overwhelming?
I turn to my creative outlets. Dance classes, bass guitar, writing blogs—it’s all about expressing myself and remembering there’s more to life than stress and uncertainty. These small breaks spark fresh energy and remind me why I’m chasing these goals in the first place.

Support (and Challenges) From Friends and Family

My friends have been there for all of it. They cheer me on, but they’re also honest when I’m about to do something that might not work. Sometimes I fail, but they encourage me to keep pushing forward anyway. Having people who both celebrate and critique your efforts can be the secret sauce. You stay motivated, but you’re also kept in check—a perfect blend of hype and reality check.

Tying It All Back

At first glance, riding a motorcycle or jumping out of a plane might not look like deep, life-changing pursuits. But over time, each experience nudges me closer to understanding my core values: embracing challenges, staying true to my interests, and learning to be comfortable with imperfection. Not every attempt will succeed, and that’s okay. I’ve learned that the journey itself teaches me resilience and adaptability.

• Core Values: I’m discovering that I love learning by doing, even if it means face-planting along the way.
• Being Okay With Imperfection: Not everything has to be perfect or even permanent—just meaningful in the moment.
• Growing Confidence: When I tackle small milestones, I gather the courage to tackle bigger ones, whether in my personal life or career.

A Hopeful Outlook

There’s a lot of chaos out there—information overload, global problems, personal worries. It’s easy to get bogged down in negativity or lose faith in humanity. But for me, having a list of goals, however big or small, keeps my spirit alive. It’s about more than just ticking boxes; it’s about the journey, the people I meet, the values I refine, and the sense of progression I feel along the way.

So, am I bragging about cool stuff I’ve done or want to do? Maybe just a little—but mostly, I’m sharing how I stay inspired and keep a positive outlook on the future. Everyone has their own way of coping; mine happens to be chasing adrenaline rushes and collecting new skills. If you’ve never tried skydiving or test-driving a dream, go for it. You might be surprised how much you learn about yourself when you step off the edge.

In the end, the world can be overwhelming, but hope thrives when you have something to look forward to. Whether it’s a big bucket list item or a simple daily habit, those little sparks can illuminate an entire path. And if you ever feel stuck, just remember: the next adventure could be one daring decision away.