6 Most Important Things on Life's To Do List - More Practical Ideas for Your "Bucket" List

When asked by a fellow writer what the most important things are on life's to do list, I really had to ponder it. It's a very interesting question. I mean, do you include everything in your life? The day to day stuff? The things you want to accomplish before you die? And is life's to do list different from the popular bucket list we hear so much about?

Personally, I think the two lists are very different. Let's look at the movie, The Bucket List. What is it that Morgan Freeman's and Jack Nicholson's characters want to accomplish when they find out they have terminal illnesses?

What are some of the things this pair does together? They go skydiving, for one. They fly over the North Pole, see the Great Wall of China and the Pyramids. They go on a lion safari in Africa. And that's just the beginning. Now, that's quite a bucket list, a list that includes all the amazing things the two wanted to experience before dying.

But life's to do list seems to be simpler--well, maybe not simple but just more personal and applicable to everyday life. I have come up with six important areas of focus, one of which even includes that more fanciful bucket list. See what you think. I would love for you to share anything else you could add.

Let's face it--you have to make a living. Job and career goals have to make the list. As much as you might like to live a life of leisure or do a little globe-trotting, most of us can't do that. Somebody has to pay the bills.

Finding a job may not be impossible. Finding an ideal career, however, is more of a challenge. Wouldn't it be great if we could all do what we love--or at least like--and make money at it? I'm working on that one! The closer you can get to enjoying what you do for a living, the less of a chore this part of your list will be, allowing you to focus on what else is important on life's to-do list.

Taking care of yourself and those you care about encompasses a lot of things, from buying groceries and paying bills, to spending quality time with those you love. Caring for their physical, emotional, and any other needs in your power has to be a part of the to do list as we go about our daily business.

For me and many others, this also includes taking care of our furry friends. Some feel a calling to help save unwanted pets and abused animals. Others simply enjoy the companionship, as pets add so much to the family unit. Focusing on the people and pets you spend time with has to be at the top of life's to do list.

This one is actually a big one. If you don't take care of your physical needs, your health my deteriorate long before you want it to, and there may not be time for that far out bucket list you have in mind.

Do you need to go to the doctor regularly? Maybe not. At the very least, eating healthy and engaging in moderate exercise will help maintain a certain level of health. I'm not a big fan of exercise, but I am doing better at getting in the habit of doing it anyway. I am definitely learning the value of regular exercise.

Feeding yourself spiritually and emotionally, whether it's through communion with God, church, nature, or some other source can help to keep your mind healthy. Life is hectic, life is hard, and there has to be a way to refuel--not just the body, but the mind as well.

Many people do yoga to calm their spirits, or meditation to take themselves away for a while. Others get involved in a church family to help support and lift them up. Getting out in nature can also help one connect with something larger than oneself. Whatever you do, find a way to renew and inspire your heart and soul.

You work hard, you take care of others, and you strive to take care of yourself, as well. Now it's time to look outward. Giving a part of yourself to others is key in leading a fulfilling life.

Finding ways to give are endless. Giving doesn't have to mean financial gifts, but there are many worthy organizations out there that you might want to donate to.

Giving of your time can be as easy as helping the neighbor lady with getting the trash to the curb. Helping neighbors, volunteering at a local charity--there are many ways to give of your time and make a difference.

Finally! Now we can start to make a bucket list just as Jack and Morgan did in the movie. Perhaps taking care of the basic to do list, the five things we just discussed, needs to be done before jumping (or skydiving!) into a more exotic bucket list. Or perhaps working on both at once might be the best way.

I've included the bucket list as important, along with the everyday needs that must be focused on. There are certain things that people dream of, and leaving them out can result in a lack of fulfillment. So take care of business, and then go for it!

Both lists are important, and I appreciate the question being asked as it forced me to focus on what matters most to me personally. I would love for you to share your own thoughts about life's to do list and bucket list in the comment section below.