The movie “Bucket List” popularised the concept of epic adventures in pursuit of things you want to achieve before you “kick the bucket”. It inspired us to dream big and continues to challenge us to achieve big, hairy, audacious goals.
Samantha Pillay, Director at First Loyalty Plus, is a strong supporter of bucket lists and believes that you are never too old or too young to have one. It’s a great tool to keep life interesting, and it will challenge and inspire you to make those dreams become a reality.
“Creating a list of things you’ve always said you wished you could experience or see before your time is up, like visiting some exotic location or summiting Mount Kilimanjaro, is the perfect way to set some goals that reflect what you truly want,” says Samantha, “so fill your bucket list with dreams that have no boundaries; things that will inspire the adventurer in you.”
Samantha shares her top five reasons for having a bucket list:
1. Forces you to dream
A bucket list is a license to dream BIG! It helps you to envision some of the major highlights of your life that you would like to happen, those things or places that give you a jolt of excitement when you think about them. And when you write them down, suddenly they seem more real and turn into goals and best of all, there aren’t the limitations of time and money to constrain you.
2. Keeps you motivated
One of the benefits of a bucket list is that it helps you plan and get motivated because, without motivation, your dreams will never become anything more than that. When you are motivated, it leads to enhanced well-being and gives you a sense of purpose to achieve your goals.
3. Gives you something to look forward to
What’s life without some excitement? Having a sense of anticipation will get you excited and ensure that you continue acting on what’s important to you.
4. New experiences and memories
Life is a collection of moments and memories. When opportunity knocks on your door to do something different, embrace it even if it’s not on your bucket list. Either way, these will become precious memories that will give you a sense of achievement and fulfilment.
5. Gives you a sense of accomplishment
In the words of Roz Savage, the first woman to row solo across three oceans: the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian, “The bigger the challenge, the bigger the sense of accomplishment when you get to the end of it.”
“If your bucket list includes new experiences that involve travel, a loyalty programme such as First Loyalty Plus, South Africa’s best all-round loyalty programme, can help you visit your dream destination, sooner than you might think,” says Samantha. “Whether your heart’s desire is to fly in a hot air balloon over the Pilanesburg; bungee jump from the Bloukrans Bridge in Tsitsikamma; tackle a hike on Table Mountain; see the spectacular Namaqualand flowers in Spring; rumba at the Rio Carnival or experience the New Orleans Mardi Gras, we’ve got you covered.”
Amongst other things, First Loyalty Plus offers massive discounts on flights, accommodation and car hire in hundreds of locations with 50% discounts on more than 500 000 hotels in South Africa and internationally; R120 back on meals and over 1 million activities to experience. “With First Loyalty Plus, you can achieve your bucket-list adventure for less, and you can put the savings you make towards your next experience,” concludes Samantha.