To Do List VS Bucket List: What’s The Difference Between The Two?

You know, one of the best ways to keep yourself motivated and let go of procrastination to complete the day-to-day tasks is through making a to-do list – as they say.

On the other hand, we also have many people making a bucket list and noting down all sorts of things they want to or need to do in life.

So, the main question is – what is the difference between a to-do list and a bucket list? If you are interested in knowing, then continue reading our comparison battle between to do list VS bucket list mentioned right below, in this article. 

To Do List VS Bucket List: Major Differences Between The Two

It is safe to say that a to-do list and a bucket list are two different types of lists — they come from the same department, but there are a bunch of major differences that can help you tell them apart, and they are as follows,

Definition 

A to-do list is responsible for listing your tasks and activities that you need to complete in a short period, maybe daily, weekly, or monthly. 

A bucket list, list down all your aspirations, experiences, or goals that you want to achieve in your lifetime, or till you are in your 20s and 30s, before you kick the bucket – die.

Purpose 

A to-do list helps you stay organised and manage immediate responsibilities. It also helps you get productive regularly and motivates you to complete your tasks without procrastination. 

On the other hand, a bucket list is simply there to list down all the things you want to do in your lifetime or in a specific phase of your life.  

You can jot down memorable life experiences as well as things that you want to remember doing before you die.

Time Frame

A to-do list is to manage your daily monthly and weekly tasks, so it is short-term or immediate. It also mostly comes with deadlines, and helps in completing your work on time without rushing in the last hour. 

Unlike a to-do list, a bucket list represents your long-term goals and dreams. It is there to remind you that you need to do so and so activity in your life, there are no strict deadlines – soft deadlines that can be changed and extended whenever you want. 

Example 

A to-do list is a strict list, that can include the following:

• Pay course fees.
• Pay electricity and water bills.
• Grocery shopping for the Sunday party.
• Book a dermatologist appointment.
• Check with plants.

A bucket list with no definite deadlines can include the following:

• Write a novel.
• Go paragliding.
• Travel to Japan during the cherry blossom season.
• Visit every Japanese skincare and stationery mall.
• Get a hair and skin treatment in South Korea. 

Final Words 

In conclusion, you make a to-do list when you want to stay organised with your regular and weekly tasks with a strict deadline, and you write a bucket list for your soft goals and dreams in life.

With that, we have reached the end of this article, and we hope our comparison between to-do list VS bucket list was helpful to you. 

Frequently Asked Questions