6 steps to crossing anything off your bucket list | Ben Nemtin | TEDxTeen

Summary

In this inspiring talk, Ben shares the story of how he and his friends created 'The Buried Life' project, turning their personal dreams into tangible goals. The project, which started with a simple bucket list of 100 things to do before they die, evolved into a journey of helping others achieve their dreams. Along the way, they learned valuable lessons on persistence, audacity, and the power of helping others. Ben encourages the audience to dream big, write down their goals, and share them with others, as this leads to unexpected opportunities and fulfillment.

Takeaways

• 😀 Identifying what truly matters to you is key to living a meaningful life. Don’t let societal or external pressures dictate your goals.
• 😀 Writing down your goals makes them tangible and sets a concrete path to achieving them. Turning dreams into projects is the first step.
• 😀 Talking about your dreams with others invites help and support, making it easier to achieve your goals. The power of networking and sharing is undeniable.
• 😀 Persistence is crucial when pursuing big dreams. The path to success often involves hearing 'no' multiple times before reaching 'yes'.
• 😀 Aim for unrealistic goals, as they are often less competitive. Aiming high opens doors that are often overlooked by others.
• 😀 Helping others is not only fulfilling but also enhances your own life. Acts of kindness and support generate positive energy and connections.
• 😀 Fear is a sign that you’re on the right track. If your goals scare you, it likely means you’re challenging yourself in meaningful ways.
• 😀 The power of community support can turn dreams into reality. Whether it’s friends, family, or strangers, help often comes from unexpected places.
• 😀 Don’t underestimate yourself. You’re probably more capable than you realize, and sometimes, a leap of faith can take you further than expected.
• 😀 Keep pursuing your dreams, even when things seem impossible. Through creative problem-solving and resilience, you can overcome obstacles and achieve the unachievable.

Q & A

What inspired Ben and his friends to start the 'Buried Life' project?

Ben and his friends were feeling lost and confused during college. They wanted to do something meaningful and fun but were not taking action on their desires. The inspiration came from a poem called *The Buried Life*, which helped articulate their feelings of having unfulfilled dreams and goals.

How did Ben and his friends decide on their bucket list items?

They created a list of 100 things they wanted to do before they died, including both serious and humorous goals. They wrote down anything they dreamed of doing, like going to space or being on the cover of Rolling Stone, and then decided to help others do something from their own lists in return.

What was the significance of the first item they crossed off their list?

The first item was to be a knight for a day. Ben wore full knight's armor and went downtown, where he unexpectedly inspired a child, creating a moment of joy. This was the beginning of their journey, and it marked the first time they felt the power of helping others while fulfilling their own dreams.

How did the 'Buried Life' project evolve after their first road trip?

After their first road trip, they received emails from people wanting their help to fulfill dreams from their own lists, like riding a bull or making a toast at a stranger's wedding. Over time, the project grew into a way of life, with Ben and his friends helping others while continuing to cross off items from their own bucket lists.

What lesson did Ben and his friends learn about writing down their goals?

They learned that writing down their goals made them more tangible. Writing something down turns a dream into a project with actionable steps. This process helps make the dream feel real and achievable.

What was the story behind the goal to play basketball with President Obama?

In 2008, Johnny suggested adding 'play basketball with Obama' to their list, despite being in Canada and having no clear way to make it happen. They pursued this goal by visiting Washington D.C. multiple times and eventually succeeded in getting an invitation to play basketball at the White House.

Why is persistence a key theme in the 'Buried Life' project?

Persistence is key because they often faced rejection and setbacks but kept trying. A notable example is their attempt to crash the Playboy Mansion, where they faced numerous obstacles but ultimately succeeded because they didn't give up.

How did Ben and his friends manage to crash the Playboy Mansion?

They built a giant prop cake, disguised two friends as Oompa Loompas, and delivered it to the Playboy Mansion, pretending to be workers. Despite several challenges, they managed to gain access to the party and had a memorable experience.

What advice does Ben offer about setting unrealistic goals?

Ben advises that aiming for unrealistic goals can be beneficial because fewer people are competing for them. The odds of achieving unrealistic goals may seem low, but they can actually be less competitive and more attainable if you believe in yourself and pursue them relentlessly.

Why is helping others such an important part of the 'Buried Life' project?

Helping others is a core part of the project because it brings fulfillment in ways that pursuing personal goals alone cannot. Ben believes that true happiness is only real when it's shared, and that helping others often leads to unexpected support when pursuing one's own goals.