(Long time reader, first post)
DW and myself both made a "50 before 50" list, about two years ago, near the age of 40 (a bit before for her, a bit after for me).
Since the time frame to complete the list is 10 years (about one item every two months), it's a somewhat different list than what the OP has in mind, but I'd still like to share my thoughts.
We still have jobs (well, DW is going to pull the plug next month, and keep it unplugged for at least a year. But we didn't know that when we made the lists), and 3 kids at home, the smallest one being a toddler and therefore had some limitations on what we can accomplish without turning our lifestyle upside down (and honestly, none of us really wants to leave civilization for a long period). On the other hand, the long time frame allows for some items that are over a period of time (do something for 6 months) or repeat a one time action several times before we turn 50.
Some thoughts on our lists:
- There are a few items that require travelling abroad, but not many. However, we have two lists...
- Some of the items on the lists are normal activities for other people, but one of us never got to do. For instance, all sorts of DIY home repairs which one of us was always afraid to do.
- Writing the list was not easy, and finalizing it took some time. We each had a few items that after writing them we thought "do I really want to do that?".
- Now that the lists are done, I really enjoy having them. I have something I'm happy about to think about for the next 8 years (and then I'll make the 60 before 60 list). I know what are the items on the list that I plan to make progress on for the next year.
- Some things on the list are quite anti mustachian (yes, I also have the hot air balloon on the list, and I plan to drive somewhere and pay for it). But since it is "on the list", it's sort of Ok to spend that money, since it is just for the few items on the list.
- Some items are really modest and "boring", such as reading a certain number of books. But I hardly read at all, so now I am reading a bit because "it's on the list". Also, it's fun to choose the books. Each book it now special because it was chosen for the list!
- For some items, it is important to include a measurement. The hot air balloon is very binary, either did it or didn't, but an item like "learn to cook" is a bit fluid, so it's important to set expectations. Does it mean learning to cook X new dishes? Taking Y cooking classes? etc.
A few items from my list:
- I have quite a few fitness and sports related items, as I do long distance running as a hobby. Two special ones: being a pacer in a race (someone that is invited by the organizers to run in a specific pace so others could follow. done that) and running a 100km ultramarathon (planned to Oct 2019)
- Meeting with X past friends I haven't been in touch for at least 3 years (just catching up for a coffee/lunch, without obligation to keep the connection alive)
- Going to a WWE show (did that with my oldest son last year as part of a trip to the US. Amazingly anti-mustachian, but we had a lot of fun).
A few of DW's list items:
- Running 5k
- Learning another language (probably Spanish)
- Learning a new skill (cooking classes)
- Vacationing X times abroad without the kids
The list is really fun. I really recommend having a long term list, so the fun could go on and on...