– 27 June 2025 –
Too many people build their bucket list like they do their retirement plan – they diligently add to it, in the hope of eventually depleting it at a later stage in life. They may take a few weeks for a cruise, go camping every year, or take a long weekend away, but they save their big dreams for an undetermined future. Sadly, the list grows and grows, and – all too often – the dreams are left unfulfilled.
An earlier draft of this article was “F*** Your Bucket List – “F” as in Forget. I truly believe that growing a bucket list can be a significant hurdle for living your best life now and in the future.
My close friend and tenured author Kim Iskyan cautioned me that I was being too extreme; most people are not like me – and will not or cannot live for the moment. While I do not believe in having a bucket list, I offer this Global Investor issue to encourage you to live your best life now.
|
“Eat at a local restaurant tonight. Get the cream sauce. Have a cold pint at 4 o’clock in a mostly empty bar. Go somewhere you’ve never been. Listen to someone you think may have nothing in common with you. Order the steak rare. Eat an oyster. Have a Negroni. Have two. |
Ultimately, and most importantly to global investors and adventurers, he experienced every possible aspect of the world as he traveled through countless countries and explored every city, down to the local cafes, bars and places that locals gathered. He knew how to live life. (Sadly, he also knew how to end it.)
I recently finished reading Bourdain: The Definitive Oral Biography by Laurie Woolever, who collaborated with Bourdain on his cookbooks and other writing projects and completed this book after Bourdain’s death in June 2018.
In her book, Woolever chronicled Bourdain’s life through interviews with his closest friends, relatives and former colleagues. The audiobook version is the best way to capture his energy and that of his friends.
Bourdain did not have a bucket list. He lived in the moment – perhaps too much so, as he allowed addiction to ultimately contribute to his early demise.
Yet, he lived a phenomenal life of adventure and deep experiences, up to his last days.
Like Bourdain, I do not have a bucket list. I want to live my life fully now, not to postpone it for a future “sometime.” For me, that means traveling often – and saying yes to opportunities near and far.
But I’m not impulsive. When appealing ideas arise, I evaluate their desirability and feasibility. For opportunities that make the cut, I consider the best timeline and take steps to fulfill such desires.
A great idea that isn’t a “now idea” doesn’t go on a list, though. As an example, my great grandparents immigrated to the U.S. from Norway early in the 20th century. While I have spent time in Sweden, Denmark and Finland, I have never been to the land of my Viking ancestors. I do not hope to go to Norway, but rather, I plan to go there. I just don’t know when, but it will likely be soon.
Reconsidering the Bucket List
Are you living well today – or are you holding out for a future to fulfill your dreams? If you are living a life that the universe gave you, while you wait your time to cross off your bucket list… pay attention.
My private banker is a 20-something. Since graduating from university five years ago, Brian has invested all his energy and time building his career. I get it; I did the same in my 20s and 30s. He has worked his way up to be a Premier banker, where he serves a small number of wealthy individuals – whose lives probably don’t mirror his 40 hours/week in a glass-walled office.
I was in Brian’s office a few days ago to sort out a complicated international wire. He was on hold with the corporate office working to secure clearance. To pass the time, we talked about life and travel.
Brian said that he wants to see the world, but he has not ventured far from home, yet. He is excited about the future, but… he needs to build his nest egg, meet Ms. Right, and establish economic security. He told me that he has a bucket list.
He dreams of traveling and has taken baby steps. He told me that he would like to visit the U.K. – maybe even this summer but is waiting for his friends to set a date. I recommended – based on my own hard-earned experience – that he make his own plans, book the trip, and then encourage his friends to join him… rather than wait around for others to make the first step.
What does Brian have to lose? If he really wants to travel with friends, and his chosen friends don’t commit, he’ll find others to join him – at home or along the way.
I’ve never had difficulty finding friends to join me on adventures, even when I travel to the ends of the earth, to places like Kazakhstan (and Mumbai coming up in November). I’m often happily surprised at how quickly people are to commit to a new adventure.
The Problem with a Bucket List
I told Brian to forget his bucket list. If you know your means and limitations, what is the point of putting realizable dreams on hold for an undefined future?
He already declared that he wants to experience the world. He has the means and time to spread his wings. Granted, he may be limited by the number of days he can be away from work. Yet, he can take steps.
Overcoming the Easy Excuses
The reasons to push travel into the future will always be there.
I am not flippantly suggesting that you shirk responsibility. When my father was sick with dementia and my uncle was suffering with stage 4 lung cancer, I cut back significantly on my travel. It was more important to be a loving and responsible family member. All the while, I looked for windows of opportunity to get out and explore, near and – when feasible – far.
I have the greatest respect for parents of young children who live out their adventures in the here and now, not waiting for the last one to turn 18.
My friend Kristen is a high school teacher. Her husband Ben works in IT. I have known their teenage kids since they were in the BabyBjörn. Ben and Kristen have never skipped a beat and have brought their kids along for adventure, travel, good food, and to see the world.
Years ago, Kristen said something that’s stuck with me: “Ben and I brought our kids into this world, we raised them to live in our world. They will adapt and they will love it.” Their kids are amazing and have already experienced much of the world. I do not think they will be creating bucket lists anytime soon.
One more example of a rational human being without a bucket list…
I met an adventurer recently in Las Vegas, at the Aria Resort & Casino – but not in the high-limits bar or the high roller portion of the casino.
Omar manages the coffee service at Aria’s Sky Suites executive lounge. He served me coffee with a huge smile and a welcoming demeanor.
When Omar found out that I’m from Oregon, he told me that he and his wife love Oregon wines. He went on to share their favorite wineries and their frequent adventures at Oregon’s world-class pinot noir producers. I shared with him my favorites, and I think we both learned a lot during a very enjoyable conversation.
Here is a guy with a reasonable job who ventures into the world to experience life, one that he loves. No unfulfilled bucket list here.
Back to Bourdain
What is keeping you from acting on your desires to experience the world? I strongly recommend reviewing and analyzing your priorities. Are you fully living your life as you desire?
If you have a bucket list, are you checking off more lines than you add? If you’re pining for more, what steps can you take now or soon?
I have a few ideas, inspired by Anthony Bourdain.
Take a cruise – to anywhere. Go on safari in Africa. Go somewhere that requires you to carry your passport.
Visit a new neighborhood. Sit at a sidewalk cafe, have a Negroni or two and just watch the people around you and those that pass by.
Do something you’ve never done, something that’s well outside your comfort zone.
Climb a mountain and breathe fresh air while watching the sun rise.
Defy our increasingly polarizing world by talking with people who may not share your convictions and assumptions of the world.
Bourdain would love Obris
Obris members range from those with sufficient means to the ultra-wealthy. We are a good lot who are committed to getting out there and experiencing the world.
We also put a great deal of effort and expertise into ensuring that we have the means to live the lives we choose to live, now and well into the future.
Sincerely,
James
Ready for Adventure? Join us in Mumbai for the 2025 Obris Meet Up. Click on the link below to see the draft program, and to save your seat
