As promised, here is what I plan to do before I die. This list is now a permanent addition to Raptitude.com, and the most up-to-date version can be found by clicking “The List” tab on the top of any page.
If you want to make your own list, here is the comprehensive guide to making one that you will honor.
A few notes:
- You’ll notice my list is very travel-heavy. One of my major goals in life is to achieve a location-independent income, which will allow me to move around the globe without the constraint of limited vacation days. Without the intention to live this kind of lifestyle, my list would not be realistic to me and I’d probably soon forget about it.
- I have tried to eliminate redundancies, but some are inevitable. I want to see the Louvre and tour Paris, but it is unlikely I’ll do one and not the other. Still, both are important and I don’t want to leave either off my list.
- The list is not complete. I cannot be sure I’ve thought of everything that deserves to be on it, but this is a pretty good start.
Here goes.
Cities to tour
To tour a city means to spend at least a few days there exploring.
Istanbul
Florence
Venice
Montreal – DONE but I will be back
Quebec City
Toronto
Vancouver
Paris
New York
London
Rome
Prague
Cologne
Geneva
Washington, D.C.
Dublin
Amsterdam
San Francisco
Zermatt, Switzerland
World treasures to visit
Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris
Chateau de Versailles
Pyramids of Egypt
Cairo Museum
The Eiffel Tower
The Statue of Liberty
The Louvre
Medici Chapel, Florence
Machu Picchu
Hagia Sophia
Taj Mahal
Chateau Frontenac, Quebec
Windsor Castle
Town of Annecy, France
Countries/regions to explore
Visiting only one city in these regions doesn’t count. One week minimum, must include overland travel.
China
Japan
India
Borneo
Thailand
Peru
Chile
New Zealand
Germany
France
Czech Republic
Italy
Switzerland
Ireland
Nepal
The Maritime Provinces, Canada
Skills and knowledge
Learn French to fluency
Learn conversational Spanish
Learn Jujitsu until it’s muscle memory
Learn photography
Learn my wines
Learn to boost a car without worrying I might zap myself
Achieve a comprehensive knowledge of the events of the Second World War
Learn to surf
Learn first aid and CPR
Learn to do a handstand
Learn to do one-arm pushups
Learn to dance well
Learn to drive a stick
Learn to throw a tight spiral with a football
Learn to swim properly – after all these years I must say I really don’t know what I’m doing
Master the GTD system
Learn to swing a golf club properly
Achieve a general understanding of the philosophies of Plato, Aristotle, Confucius, Marcus Aurelius, Machiavelli, Francis Bacon, René Descartes, Thomas Hobbes, Blaise Pascal, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Adam Smith, Immanuel Kant, Thomas Paine, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Charles Darwin, Sigmund Freud, Carl Jung, Albert Einstein, Friedrich Nietzsche, and Ayn Rand
Achievements
Become self-employed
Complete the Secret Service Snatch Test in 200 reps
Play guitar in a working band
Get a university degree
Own a house
Speak in front of a large audience (500+)
Become debt-free – DONE
Assemble a comprehensive family tree
Sponsor a successful entrepreneur in a developing country (through kiva.org)
Try a vegan diet for 40 days
Become a millionaire
Have my own website – DONE
Do 20 pullups in one set
Own a suit I feel great in
Make my living doing work I love
Achieve a midsection I like the look of
Go 21 days without complaining once
Adopt a sustainable lifestyle
Achieve a “location independent” full-time income
Get my gmail inbox to zero
Write my will
Books/films to read/see
Schindler’s List
Dr. Strangelove (or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb)
Heart of Darkness – Joseph Conrad
On the Road – Jack Kerouac
Atlas Shrugged – Ayn Rand
Don Quixote – Miguel de Cervantes
Moby Dick – Herman Melville
The Old Man and the Sea – Ernest Hemingway
The Stranger – Albert Camus
Roughing It – Mark Twain
Beyond Good and Evil – Freidrich Nietzsche
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance – Robert Pirsig
Experiences to have
Become a parent
Plant and harvest a vegetable garden
Walk the Milford Track
Snowboard in The European Alps
Take a boat ride on the Nile
Take a boat ride on the Amazon
Hike the Tongariro Crossing
Explore Yosemite National Park
Take a gondola ride on the Grand Canal, Venice
Go to an NFL game
Drive a 300+ horsepower muscle car
Drive a 500+ horsepower sports car
Swim in the Mediterranean
Float in the Dead Sea
Orbit the earth in a spaceship – Yeah that’s right
Drink Irish beer in an Irish Pub
Fly in a hot air balloon
Look at the heavens through a huge telescope
Go rock climbing
Go bouldering
See the Northern Lights – DONE but I want to do it again!
Take an epic (ten day plus) hike in the Alps
See Radiohead live (in England if possible!)
Go snowboarding somewhere only accessible by helicopter
Travel by train through the mountains
Live in France for at least a few months
Live in Montreal for at least a few months
Walk the Abel Tasman Coastal Track
Take a round-the-world trip
See an opera in a grand opera house
Dine at a ridiculously expensive restaurant
Stay at a ridiculously expensive hotel
Share a ridiculously expensive bottle of wine with someone
Go to a movie by myself
Participate in the making of a documentary
Fire a pistol
Play a song I wrote in front of other people
Get a massage from a professional
Have a picnic on a green rolling hill with a checkered blanket
Eat a baguette and drink wine in France
Hike in a rainforest
Sit on a beach with no trace of any people other than me
Order in French at a French restaurant
Hike in the Himalayas
Go white water rafting
Tour Medieval villages in Provence
Take a road trip via motorcycle
Record an album of my own music
Tour Le Marais in Paris
Tour a region famous for wine, and sample a lot of it
Work for room and board in the WWOOF program
Take an overnight camping trip by canoe
Take a coast-to-cost road trip across the US South, visiting Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, Nevada and California
Snowboard at Vail, Colorado
Go kayaking
Summit a mountain (10,000+ ft)
Attend Toastmasters
Drink beer from a ridiculous beer stein with the locals in Germany
Ride a Harley Davidson
Total goals: 161
Total complete: 4
***
Please share some items from your own list, or better still, publish it on your own blog or on 43things.com. I always find it fascinating to hear what people would identify as “must-do” experiences.
Photo by Dudu Viana
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{ 54 comments… read them below or add one }
Far out David this is an amazing list! When you’ve accomplished all of these (and I have no doubt you will) imagine the life you will have led! You’ve completely inspired me to get working on my own list. Thank you.
Best wishes to you, these are truly fabulous intentions!
Sherri (Serene Journey)´s last blog ..Get Lost
Thanks Sherri. That’s what I’m aiming for: getting people excited about doing their own (doable) list. Good luck with yours!
This is a really awesome list! Like Sherri said, just imagine the life you will have lived!
Jay Schryer´s last blog ..The Last Boy Scout
For sure… Looking at it now it’s pretty lengthy. Time to get to work. I can identify about ten I’ll definitely have done by this time next year. I guess I’ll never be bored.
It is an amazing list, but are you not concerned about missing out on life? There is a great deal of truth in the saying “life is what happens when you’re making other plans”. I probably am on completely the other end of the spectrum to you in this regard, but I don’t think I’ve missed out – I’m not saying there isn’t room for some order and plans in my life (it might actually benefit from it!)
Kim´s last blog ..Impressions of North Korea (Part 1)
Hi Kim. I’m not sure what you mean exactly. What would I be missing out on?
I’ve always interpreted Lennon’s quote to mean “Life only happens now, so don’t miss it by keeping your mind in the future.”
I don’t think I am, no matter how much I plan to do in life.
Ha ha sweet list – it’s as long as I expected. I’ve done a few the things on your list (namely watch Shindler’s List and read Atlas Shrugged). Atlas Shrugged was an incredibly long read, but it was worth it.
Better get to work on mine (only written 15 so far).
Until next time.
John´s last blog ..20 Quotes That are Simply Motivating
Hey John. Are you doing your list on 43things? If so let me know when you’re done, I’d love to see it (and cheer you on.)
David,
This is an awesome list. I need to create my own. If you are ever in Caifornia and in LA I can teach you how to surf
, since I spend all my free time surfing. In fact I’m about to head to the beach right now.
Srinivas Rao´s last blog ..Create your own definitions for success and failure
For sure! I will be out that way at some point definitely, and I won’t be able to teach myself to surf. Have a good day at the beach, man.
Awesome list. I think the benefit of posting it publicly is that when people see an item on someone else’s life-list that they know how to do or have done, the simply cannot resist lending a hand or sharing their experiences. That is a great thing for all involved.
Looking forward to hearing the stories as you move through your list!
-Nicky
That’s something I hadn’t thought of, but it looks like you’re right; I think I’ve already got surfing lessons lined up
Another thing is that it creates accountability to do these things. They’re out there now, so I have more than my own expectations to live up to.
I’ll share the stories as they happen.
Great show!
Keeping this comment short, let me know if I can help! (Hint: I could help you cross off the San Francisco tour, give you swimming lessons, teach you to drive a stick – for starters.) I also loved the book Atlas Shrugged and drinking beer from a real stein in Germany. Great picks!
I’m looking forward to seeing things crossed-off your list, David, and also to your tales of how these events occur.
Lori´s last blog ..These Roots Run Deep
Awesome! I may take you up on those offers, Lori. I’m starting to see the potential for finding help with this list, like Nicky was referring to.
Wow, what a FUN read this was! I loved this post a lot. You have me motivated to create my own list now. Looks like you have plenty of things to do before you die.
Very nice post!
Dayne
TheHappySelf.com
Dayne | TheHappySelf.com´s last blog ..Happiness Challenge #1: 100 Breaths
Glad to hear you enjoyed reading it Dayne. I was wondering if anyone would really care about my own plans, but I hoped it would entertain a bit at least.
Awesome list, except you forgot two things that I just KNOW you meant to put on there:
1. Hug a monkey in Costa Rica.
2. Try every flavor of Ben & Jerry’s.
OK… so those came off of MY list. I’ve done the first, and I’m well on my way to completing the second. I highly recommend them both.
I have no doubt you will accomplish the vast majority of the items on YOUR list!
Lisis´s last blog ..Letters from Readers: Remembering Lost Loved Ones
I’m scared of monkeys.
Even chunky monkey.
That’s a damn shame! You’re missing out all around!
Lisis´s last blog ..Letters from Readers: Remembering Lost Loved Ones
feeling kinda cut that Australia didn’t make your list. Are we too extreme/not good enough?
Hannah´s last blog ..Steve McCurry
Oh but it was so hard Hannah. There are so many countries (not to mention other kinds of experiences) I had to leave out. It doesn’t mean that I don’t want to go, only that Australia doesn’t compel me quite as much as the countries I did list.
In a lot of cases this just comes down to dumb luck. I became intrigued in Germany, for example, because I’ve run into German travelers who got me interested. If they’d been Aussies, the list would be different.
Please don’t take it personally!
Congratulations on your list! I know you’ll accomplish all of your goals:) You’ll like ‘On the Road’ and ‘Atlas Shrugged’. (Personally though, I do believe that ‘The Fountainhead’ is better than Atlas…there’s a reason the dog I get will be named Roark and not John Galt.)
Anyway, good luck and most importantly, have fun!
Thanks for the vote of confidence, Tina. If I like Atlas Shrugged I will certainly read the Fountainhead.
Hi David,
What a very cool list!! And, it’s giving me some new ideas on things I want to accomplish yet in my life!
Lance´s last blog ..The Evolution of Our Heart’s Desire
That’s great Lance, when I was making mine I know I was inspired a lot by what other people had on their lists too. I find it so interesting to see other people’s dreams written out like that.
Wonderful list. So many places you want to see are on my list as well and Istanbul is also number one on my list. Be sure to add Garden of the Gods in Colorado to travel and in the reading category, Prayer: The Gate (for the spiritual part of your jouney). Thanks for a great post. Be blessed and enjoy the list and every moment of your grand adventure called life.
Erin´s last blog ..Season of Change
I will, thanks so much Erin. I’ll investigate your suggestions too.
You will not find the secret service snatch test on my list.
Erin´s last blog ..Season of Change
What an awesome list! The other early step in the lessons I just emailed you about was to make a list of dreams for our life. Your’s is way more complete than mine. I’ve gotta work on it!
Peace.
Daniel Edlen´s last blog ..Baby Barter
It does take some time. Normally I just sit down for one or two sessions to write a post, but this list I’ve had running for over a month now. I recommend taking some time, trying to throw one together too fast will give you a list you don’t believe in. I made one in high school like that.
What an amazing list! We actually have a lot of common goals, like self employment, guitar, becoming a parent, and exploring the Nile, among others. Thanks for sharing this =)
I never thought to write one of these, but I suppose this would be very helpful in maintaining forward momentum. You’ve inspired me to write my own.
Lori´s last blog ..Panic Attack! (It’s Never Lupus)
I think everyone has some kind of list, even if it’s just in their head, but there really is something awesome about getting them down on paper (or a computer.) They stare back at you, challenging you to actually do them. Glad you’re going to make a list. Have fun.
I think you already know it’s a great list (it’s yours after all)!
When did you first write this? What I mean by that is ..I’m guessing you’ve already done far more than 4 things from the list you would have written, say 10 years ago? That would also be inspiring to read all the things you’ve already achieved that are good enough to make the list.
Ian | Quantum Learning´s last blog ..We think too much and feel too little
I didn’t reach too far back to find items I’ve already done, but I did add them as they occurred to me. To be honest I always had a strange aversion to achievement until this last few years. I was afraid to set high expectations.
I share many of these aspirations; what I am really excited about now is becoming fluent in a couple languages. I don’t know how much experience you have, but my advice to you is learn Esperanto.
One, because studies show it drastically reduces the time required to learn a natural language. Because of its simplicity its reasonably easy to become fluent in a few months, so you have the full experience of second language acquisition. When students who either took 3 years of German or 1 year Esperanto + 2 years German were tested, they found the latter group tested much better for fluency in German, even though they studied it for 2/3 as long.
Secondly, because through the Pasporta Servo program, you can stay with an Esperanto speaker in practically any country you’d want to travel to and they can show you the ropes. It’s a hospitality program.
Thanks Brad, I’ll look into Esperanto when I get back from my trip. I’d never heard anyone give a convincing reason to learn it, until now. I’m intrigued.
Thanks for this, David.
In the rush to ‘get stuff done’, it is easy to forget the really simple and obvious stuff.
Like “Why don’t I make a list of things that I would really love to do before I die!”
It is interesting to read through someone else’s list, not only for ideas, but for the occasions when you can say “Hey, I’ve already done that” or “I’ve done that too!”
Suddenly success isn’t so far away…
I’ll be posting one on my own blog soon.
keep smiling,
Ben
Find yourself with a smile…´s last blog ..3 Simple Secrets for Intensifying Love…
I have had lots of fun reading through other people’s lists.
As others stated awesome list! I still need to get mine started this weekend.
When you travel through Los Angeles, CA I know my friends and I would love to show you our city!
Looking forward to the future blog posts as you check of items off your list!
Thanks Roberta. My travels will definitely take me to LA again. Suddenly I have a lot of dots to connect!
This is quite an extensive list! Which area are you currently focusing on?
Hi Nazim,
At the moment I’m focusing on my upcoming trip to Thailand and New Zealand. There are ten or twelve items I plan do cross off during that time, and I’ll have plenty of time to work on others too as the opportunities arise.
I have started my list if anyone is on 43 things please feel free to add me. http://www.43things.com/person/r0b3rta
Only just started but definitely helpful and easy to use the 43 site.
David, thanks for propelling us towards this beautiful journey!
Hey right on Roberta, thanks for sharing. I’ve subscribed to your list, but I haven’t put mine on 43 things yet. Do you have a country in mind that you want to live in for 6 months?
David´s last blog ..What’s Your Problem? And Why?
You know, I’ve never made a “life list” like this… but reading yours, it strikes me how many of them (YOUR goals) I’ve done! I will count them up and give you a report. Then, perhaps, I will work on my own list. : )
Alison | Quest for Balance´s last blog ..Adventure: Starting Over
Awesome list! The Stranger by Camus is a quick read (unless of course, you’re reading the French version and not the translated version). You can easily finish it while you’re on the plane to any one of your exotic locations! (:
Hi Katrina. I was picturing the translated version, but if I like it I may add the French version to the list. I’ve got Heart of Darkness on the go right now.
hey david! amazing list! it is so awesome that so people are doing this. i just discovered the idea about a week a go and have already added it to my blog as of today! so excited for you and my life list! take care!
peace
Nawala´s last blog ..Follow Your Heart…live a little!
Hi Nawala, thanks. Nice list yourself. Looks like you’ve got a big 2010 ahead of you.
yes i do!…geez i’m nervous! lol
Nawala´s last blog ..Food For Thought 8
Hey! I know you want to explore Dublin but it’s really not part of “real” Ireland! Galway city or Cork city is the place to be for a warm welcome and a good time! (If you’re going city travelling specifically)
If you’re coming to Ireland for any travel.
The mountains in Kerry are amazing to look at and climb! The people there are crazy. Amazing scenery. And if you come to Tipperary, it’s green and lush, completely contrasting with Kerry! Great mountains there too!
That’s one extensive list! Inspiring!
Oh I’ll definitely see more than Dublin.
Very inspirational ! It makes me want to write such a list…From what I know, becoming debt-free is the utmost prerequisite to make it all possible (and one of the most difficult). Good thing you did get it done. I’m working on that myself.
Anyway, thanks for sharing and good luck achieving your goals !
Thanks Mehdi. Depending on what’s on your list, there is a lot a person can do without any financial prerequisites. Have fun with your list