A terrific movie from director Rob Reiner starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman popularized the term “bucket list.” As you probably know, your “bucket list” is a collection of those things you want to do before you “kick the bucket” and check out of this world.
On bucketlist.org, for example, there are 10,000 recommendations of things to do before you die…and it contains everything from visiting the Louvre (which I’ve done and want to do again) to eating at Del Taco for thirty straight days (which I have no desire to achieve)!
But the more I’ve thought about it over the years, I’ve realized I don’t want a “bucket list,” because a bucket is best defined as a watertight pail — it’s used to collect something (water, for example) and hold it without spilling. And, that’s my problem with it.
From my perspective, the life well lived is not one about collecting and holding — it’s about growing and sharing. To merely gather experiences to be placed in the bucket to contain doesn’t help anyone except the owner of the pail.
Don’t get me wrong — there are LOTS of activities I want to take part in before I depart this earthly existence. However, I want to share those in person with my close family and friends — and communicate in a variety of ways with others in hope it will provide insight or motivation for them to do something distinctive and memorable.
What if, instead, we had a “pitcher list”?
A pitcher, unlike a bucket, is generally used for both obtaining and storing — AND sharing and pouring. It would make us consider that not only should we push ourselves to do what we dream, but we should also require ourselves to be disciplined enough to share what we’ve learned and done with others…so they might be similarly inspired.
Don’t fill up your bucket with items from the list and keep it to yourself…rather, load up your pitcher and then pour out the benefit of your actions to nourish the seeds of inspiration you may plant.
One more thought — when you pour out from the pitcher, all of a sudden it has room for MORE experiences and life goals for accomplishment to share in the benefit of others.
And, isn’t that what living is REALLY all about?
The enthusiasm distinction…
Tammy and I are considering a move to Las Vegas, and we thought it might be a reasonable approach to rent a house for a year to see if she likes the area. (I know I do, as I formerly lived in Henderson.)
Finding an ad for a house in a part of the area that I know and like, we got an appointment to see the place. The owner provided directions, and we drove to the property.
“Nice place,” Tammy said as we pulled up. “But,” she cautioned, “let’s not jump on the first thing we see.”
Then, Craig the owner arrived. He described the house with such enthusiasm and personality, we were captivated. His total willingness to provide what we were seeking was engaging. So much so that Tammy whispered, “We can’t do better than this!”
Result? We now have a place in the Vegas area.
Look, I know it is easy to read this and assume we were “sold” by a slick talker. That is simply not the case. (In fact, Craig is a passionate presenter — but not “slick” — he’s totally professional in his communication.) We had done due diligence by looking at literally hundreds of listings online. We knew what we wanted…and this house more than provided it.
And that, I believe, is what many businesses forget. They erroneously believe the “product sells itself.” They think an “order taker” is sufficient, and therefore scrimp on training and education for the sales and marketing teams. (Often, they wrongly assume this “saves” the organization money. Instead, it costs sales and retention of both customers AND employees in the long run.)
Here’s a question: Are you as interested in your people as you are in your product? If not, it may explain some of your organizational challenges.
But, what if you work for a company that’s not as committed to you as they should be? That’s a tough one, isn’t it?
Design your own, personal program of growth and development. Listen to audio programs, sign up for online learning, and create your own PhD in achievement. It will make you more valuable…wherever your career takes you, whatever you decide to do.
Because…it always ends up being about the people. And, enthusiasm and passion always makes a person distinctive.
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