Anti-Bucket List: 27 Activities You Should Avoid at All Costs

A bucket list is a list of things that a person wants to do before they die. For me, visiting all seven continents is on my bucket list—five down so far! While I enjoy filling my life with things I want to do, I have also come to realize there are some things I will never do again… or at all.

In other words, I have an anti-bucket list. Maybe so, do you?

An anti-bucket list is a list of things a person should avoid doing at all costs. By creating an anti-bucket list, you can save precious time avoiding activities that are of no interest or importance to you.

Life is about making the most of your time, and an anti-bucket list can help you do that!

Table of Contents

27 Items to Include On an Anti-Bucket List

1. Eat Stinky Tofu

Just don't do it! When I lived in China, I tried various foods that I would never have a chance to try anywhere else, including jellyfish. One thing I will never try again or recommend someone try is stinky tofu.

When I first encountered it during a group meal, I mistakenly thought the nice man sitting next to me had defecated himself while at the table. It turns out it was the smell of the stinky tofu! I was encouraged to try it, and each bite and chew was torture. It tasted as bad as it smelled. Never again.

2. Do Vodka Shots

I am not a heavy drinker, but enjoy my wine and beer. Regarding the hard stuff, a shot or two of tequila hits the spot and is a great social activity—however, a 4th of July party years ago involved vodka shots. I took a few at the encouragement of the friendly host.

My night ended before it began, and I swore never to try vodka solo again. I attempted to drink Martini (a vodka-based drink) years later, and it took forever to finish. Lesson learned… don't drink a type of alcohol you are not comfortable with, no matter what someone says.

3. Go to Mexico without Small Bills

While some cities in Mexico, such as Mexico City, make using your credit/debit card easy, most of the country relies on cash. I have been in situations where the place said they took cards, but the machine would frequently mess up, and you would need to use some money. This happened at Airbnbs, hotels, restaurants, etc.

4. Overpack for a Trip

After years of travel and living abroad, I realize most places will have most of the stuff I am trying to pack into my bag. I have to be careful about my face cream and hair oil.

Otherwise, I can get other toiletries, new clothes, and other things I may need once I arrive. Lugging around a bag full of things I do not need is pointless and annoying.

5. Wait for a Friend to Travel with Me

Back in the day, I tried planning trips with a friend. My last attempt involved researching several itineraries/dates/price options for Italy, only to be met with no response. This experience was the final straw that taught me that when others claim they will travel with me but make no effort to do so, they simply won't. Waiting for them wastes time and would cause me to miss a trip.

Now, I just go where I plan to go and contact other traveling friends to see if they would like to meet up somewhere.

6. Worry about Things I Can't Control

This is a big one! I used to worry about the weather, what if (insert something) happens, and more.

While it is essential to consider the state of the world, most things outside my home are out of my control. If I let myself get worked up about them, it would just ruin my experience. I focus on what I can directly do about something.

7. Get Caught Up In the News

The news is important, but it should not consume you. When I worked in media, an editor rejected a story I pitched because it was too optimistic. There is so much negativity in the world and media; if you get too caught up in it, you will forget all the good happening.

8. Make Emotional Decisions

As humans, we are emotional creatures. Our emotions make us who we are, and we need them! With that said, it is ok to let your emotions settle a bit before making a snap decision you may regret. In other words, don't be so quick to quit your job, move out of your apartment, or break up over one thing going wrong.

9. Dwell on the Past

The past is in the past for a reason. Yes, it shaped you into who you are today, but there is no need to keep living in it. When people live in the past, they spend less time enjoying the beauty of the present.

10. Compare Myself to Others

This is a tough one because social media makes it easy to do. Remember that you are on your unique journey; comparing yourself to others will only hold you back.

11. Let Others Decide What I Should Do

If you want to do something, do it! Don't let other people's opinions or recycled ideas stop you from living your best life. I never would have seen as much of the world as I have if I had taken people's snippy remarks to heart.

12. Stay in a Toxic Friendship

We often talk about getting out of toxic romantic relationships. How about toxic friendships? I have had to let go of so-called friendships where the other person appeared to like me but secretly looked down on me. Ever heard the term “frenemy”? Yea, that.

See: dealing with toxic and gaslighting friends.

13. Do Every Little Thing on My To-Do List

I am a huge fan of to-do lists, but if I tried to do everything on it, I would go insane. This is where learning to prioritize comes in handy. Ask yourself the most important/urgent task and start there. Give yourself room for flexibility and the unpredictability of life.

14. Buy Cheap Shoes

A male colleague once told me how many good men’s shoes cost, and I was shocked. However, he mentioned they last a long time. During this period, I would shop at discount shoe stores.

I remember being excited about the cute pair of 2-inch pumps I bought at one store, only to be able to barely walk in them. Let's not forget the series of sneakers from such places that would get worn out within a few months. In other words, quality shoes are worth the money.

15. Get a Degree to Impress People

If you decide to pursue higher education, understand that it is a lot of work and money. Whether you pay in cash, loans, scholarships, or get an assistantship, that Master's or Ph.D. will cost you years of time and money.

When I began my Master's program, I was sure I would pursue a Ph.D. By the end of my first year, I realized that a Master's degree would be enough for me, and a Ph.D. simply was not needed for my career goals.

Obtaining a certain degree to impress others is futile. Their accolades won't last long, and they won't help you with your studies or pay that student debt.

Interested in getting more education later in life? Check out a few of these posts:

101 Skills to Learn Later in Life
Why Continuous Learning Matters
Skillshare Vs Udemy: Which is the Best Option of Online Learning for Adults?

16. Believe In “The Secret”

The law of attraction may sometimes work, but you must act. Just because you want something does not mean it will manifest into your life. You still have to put in the work and make things happen.

17. Speak Negatively About Others

Gossiping about others or speaking badly about them only makes you look bad. It is also mean. If you don't like someone, it is best to leave them alone and move on with your life. That negative energy won't benefit you.

18. Get a Pet without Doing Research

I am a huge animal lover and grew up with pets. As an adult, I remember a friend of mine adopting a cat from an agency that did not tell her the whole story. Once she got the cat home, it displayed dangerous emotional and violent tendencies. She had to call the authorities to remove the cat from her house because it was unsafe for her to go near it.

Don't get me started on exotic pets. Sorry, but because a tiger is your “spirit animal” does not mean you should get one.

See: Do Pets Bring Happiness?

19. Get a Tattoo without Thinking About It

A lot of people regret their tattoos. They either grow to hate the design, placement, or both. I have a few friends who got their ex's name tattooed and had to go through the costly and painful process of getting it removed or covered up.

Please put some thought into it before you make the permanent decision.

I have had to delete social media apps from my phone because I was wasting too much time on them and found it hard to have the real conversions I wanted.

If you are in a similar situation, take a break from social media. Ideally, real friends and family should be able to contact us beyond Facebook.

See some surprising pros and cons of social media.

21. Date Someone Jealous of You

Jealousy is a sign of insecurity and lack of trust. If someone is jealous of you, they will try to control you and your behavior. Having a relationship with this person is not worth your time or energy.

22. Ignore Your Mental Health

Mental health is just as important as physical health. We must care for our minds to have a healthy and happy life. If you are feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or depressed, please seek professional help.

23. Only Buy Books Online

With technology, so many things are becoming digital, including reading. However, nothing can replace the experience of an actual bookstore. Don't miss out on the smell of new books and the feel of flipping through pages; support your local businesses.

24. Travel solo Without Doing Your Research

Traveling solo can be a great experience, but doing your research first is essential. Make sure you know where you are going and the culture, and have a plan.

25. Avoid Local Food in a New Place

Part of the experience of traveling is trying the local food. The last thing you want to do is eat at McDonald’s in Italy. You're missing out on deliciousness and an opportunity to try something new.

26. Spend Too Much Time with Technology

Sometimes, we need to log off and live in the moment. The world has a lot of beauty, and we don't want to miss it because we are too busy looking at the screen. I saw my first real sunset while in Mexico. I watched it from beginning to end. I was tempted to capture it on video. Luckily, I decided not to fumble for my phone and enjoy it.

27. Buy a House Beyond Your Means

If you can afford a 20-room mansion and have enough people to fill it, go for it. However, most of us are not in that situation. It is essential to buy a house you can afford and one that won't put you in debt for the rest of your life.

Final Thoughts on the Anti Bucket List

The activities on this list are meant to be avoided because they can waste our time, energy, money, and spirit. They can also lead to negative experiences and regrets; life is too short to be filled with things we don't want or need.

I’d start by doing your research. Then, think things through… reflect, and meditate on what really matters to make the most of your time. If you plan to create a list, check out 15 Printable Bucket List Templates for Your Dream Goals.

Learn more about bucket lists: