What Do You Want to Do Before You Die?

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I just bawled my eyes out while watching MTV.

Now, before you judge me (boo pre-judgement), please hear me out.  I just finished watching the latest episode of The Buried Life, a show that has quickly become my favorite 30 minutes of television every week.  What the heck is The Buried Life, you ask?

The Buried Life Trailer

If you can’t access YouTube, here’s a quick rundown:

Relying on goodwill, guts and gumption Duncan, Ben, Dave and Jonnie travel the globe in a purple transit bus to complete a list of ‘100 things to do before you die’. For every item they complete on their list, they help a stranger achieve one of their dreams. Everywhere they go they ask the question: What do you want to do before you die?

I’ve only seen two episodes of the show and I’m already hooked.  I’m absolutely in love with the premise and the show itself is highly entertaining and motivational.  Sure, the crazy things on their list make for some excellent television – but the best part of the show is clearly their weekly attempt to help a complete stranger cross something off their own list.  On the episode that had me crying, the guys raised enough money to fly a young girl out to Colorado to visit her mom’s grave for the first time.  It was unbelievable.

When you break it to the simplest terms, this is what life is all about – making memories, finding a way to be happy, taking chances, and helping others do the same.

I feel like I have an opportunity to do some pretty awesome things in my life, and Nerd Fitness is allowing me to help others cross things off of their own lists.  Whether it’s losing 100 pounds, running a marathon, or sticking around long enough to watch your kids graduate college, I want to help you with your list.  I’ve seen what getting in shape can do for somebody’s self-confidence and drive – If I can help you turn things around in your own life, you’ll hopefully inspire others to do the same.

I realize it’s really uncool to watch MTV these days, but this show is worth a watch – it’s a half-hour reminder to have some fun, do things you love, and help other people along the way.  Whether they’re trying to party at the Playboy Mansion, make a toast at a stranger’s wedding, or compete in a Krump contest in L.A., the Buried Life are living proof that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.

If you want to check out the show, you can watch full episodes over on MTV.com.

Now, while I’m helping other people level up their lives, I’d like to eventually cross a few things off my own list (which I just started making myself).  Here are six things I’d like to do cross off my list:

  1. Become a published author.
  2. Visit New Zealand.
  3. Skydive.
  4. Get in the end credits of a movie.
  5. Save somebody’s life.
  6. Compete in Ninja Warrior

Some of those things seem relatively easy given enough time and money, others not so much (Ninja Warrior, saving somebody’s life), but I honestly feel like nothing on this list is off the table.  That’s why it’s on my list!

I want to hear five things from your list in the comments - nothing is considered too easy or too hard.  Make sure you put down your correct email address (it will remain private) when posting a comment, so I can reach out to you if there’s anything I can do to help you cross something off your list.

Let’s have some fun, and let’s help each other.

-Steve

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Level Up Your Life, Personal
  • TreeLovesHugs
    I totally just found your site today, and I felt the urge to comment on this post...maybe mentioning a few things on my Bucket List will actually kick me into gear on completing them?

    In no particular order:
    1. Visit New Zealand- not only do I have friends there, but it's where they filmed LotR...and I sure as heck want to frolic around the site that the filming occurred...with my Evenstar necklace.
    2. Return to the UK- It was amazing. Words cannot describe what it was like to get to rehearse in the rehearsal room that belongs to the Globe Theater, or taking the train to Scotland. On that note: King's Cross Station isn't numbered...it's lettered. But they do have a spot being all '9 and 3/4' with a carriage sticking out of the wall...
    3. Get over my stage fright- I've nearly had panic attacks before having to do a monologue, hell, during a scene in class, I couldn't get through my lines without stuttering (though, I do still know my lines). As a theater minor...it really sucks to be terrified of doing something you love. ...yet I can do things for Rocky Horror just fine (then again, I'm not cast...I'm crew. But I still get to be scantily clad.)
    4. Make a difference in the world- It doesn't have to be some large gesture...I just want to do something to help make it a better place.
    5. Learn to properly walk in heels- I've been a female all of my life. I'm 20. I still can't walk in them without clunking around (I'd add without tripping, but I do that without heels)...and I'm in them fairly often, so it'd be nice.

    ...hrm...probably didn't need to give explanations, but I did. I guess I'm just that bored.
  • toddhelmkamp
    I want to learn how to forge my own knives.

    I want to get my doctorate in History or Anthropology.

    I want to teach at a University.

    I want the focus of the work I do everyday to be something more than just profit.

    I want to finally get back into shape.
  • 1) Hit My Goal Weight
    2) Visit The Eiffel Tower
    3) Get A Chubby Pin-Up Girl Tattoo
    4) Learn How To Play The Piano My Grandmother Gave Me
    5) Win An Award For My Photography
  • As someone who just visited New Zealand after many years of wanting to go, I love that it's on your list. Do it!

    I have a similar list of things I want to do, including:

    1. Complete a triathlon.
    2. Reach a healthy weight.
    3. Own my own business.
    4. Take my mom to the Grand Canyon.
    5. Move to New Zealand. ;)
  • Man this is a really great post! I have been putting together a "bucket list" for awhile but seeing these guys actually do it is so inspiring to me. I need to get out and do something.

    My List:

    1. Camp in the bottom of the Grand Canyon
    2. Do a triathlon
    3. Get Married
    4. Run my own photography business
    5. Make some really great documentary films about interesting people.
  • Curtis
    1- Live with integrity.
    2- Be an excellent husband and father... and grandfather, when that day comes.
    3- Complete and publish a book of poetry, a novel, and a piece of non-fiction.
    4- Look really good nekkid -- both physically and spiritually.
    5- Finish medical school and obtain a competitive US residency (which presumes rocking the US medical boards).
  • curvygirly
    Hey Curtis,

    Good look on your goals. I just finished medical school at WUSM, (foreign) and am currently being rocked by the US medical boards. Let me know if you need any help. My email id is brownshuga911@hotmail.com - It's an old email id from when I was 12 :$:$
  • NerdFitness
    Hahahaha thanks for the comments Curtis,

    looking good nekkid is a great goal - who DOESN'T want to look good naked?

    Good luck on med school and the boards, I have a few friends who are doctors-in-training, so let me know if you need any advice or help and I can see if they have any tips to pass along.

    -Steve
  • I did a post a while back about the 100 things to do before I die. I made a list years ago (there aren't 100 things on the list yet!) I have crossed off a few things-go para-sailing, take a white water river rafting trip, visit a primate reserve (yes, call me a dork, I love apes!) Some of the things left on my list:

    1. Take a trip to Italy's wine country
    2. Volunteer for 6 months at a primate rescue in Africa
    3. Learn to speak fluent French
    4. Go to the Olympics (not as an athlete, just to watch!)
    5. Get my work published in a fitness publication
  • NerdFitness
    Apes are okay in my book Karen!

    Italy's wine country would be incredible too.

    -Steve
  • I haven't really thought about this much oddly enough, since I'm so focused on right now as opposed to the future. But, if I had to come up with some things on the spot...

    1. Return to Australia and possibly even drive around the entire country
    2. Watch a baseball game in each MLB team's stadium
    3. Visit every national park (just like Mr. jeff_roddy up there)
    4. Run a half marathon
    5. Adopt a dog
    6. Become bilingual
    7. Get married and have children
    8. Look smoking hot in a bikini
  • NerdFitness
    Sounds like 8 solid goals, and I'd be up to do all of those too.

    Except the bikini one...little tougher for guys to look smoking hot in one of them :)

    -Steve
  • I've only seen the show once and sort of forgot about it. I'll have to re-tune in!

    Sample list of goals for 2010 & 2011:
    1. Run a sub 3:15 marathon (5/2/2010) and qualify for Boston 2011.
    2. Buy property in Central America
    3. Become fluent in Espanol
    4. Build and run my own fitness / wellness biz
    5. Create a child
  • NerdFitness
    Good luck on your marathon run Hugh - and hopefully see you in Boston in 2011!

    Where in Central America?

    -Steve
  • jeff_roddy
    Just found this site via the Art of Manliness - good stuff.
    Here is my list.
    1. Be a good parent ( a work in progress).
    2. Be an exceptional husband. ( an ever moving target)
    3. visit all US National parks.
    4. Visit all the continents
    5. Build and live in a house I design. (almost have the design need to start the build.)
    6. Scuba dive the great barrier reef.
    7. ...
  • NerdFitness
    I've always wanted to design my own house as well. Do you have the design done? Would love to see it.

    -Steve
  • Ava
    I love the buried life, so yay! I think its a great show.

    My things
    1. Goal Weight (Of Course!)
    2. Scuba drive somewhere ...beautiful?
    3. Run a marathon.
    4. Finish School
    4.
  • northerngypsy
    I've been thinking about this one for the last day. It's a good way to help me break out of the rut I've been in for a while!

    1) Have a novel published by a major publishing company
    2) Learn a foreign language
    3) Own a music venue
    4) Become an expert at yoga
    5) Visit all 50 states (on purpose - travelling through on my way to somewhere else doesn't count!)
  • NerdFitness
    What size venue, and where? Let me know when you get it and I'll definitely come by for a show.

    -Steve
  • ryang1
    1) Skydive
    2) Ride an Elephant
    3) Fish on the Great Lakes
    4) See Dream Theater in concert
    5) Hoist Lord Stanleys Cup
  • NerdFitness
    Just go to Thailand, riding an elephant over there is like riding a bicycle over here, hahaha.

    Who's your hockey team? I'm a bruins fan, and I don't know if they'll ever be able to get their act together in the playoffs to win.

    -Steve
  • Tricky...

    1 - Drink A Guinness In Ireland
    2 - Skydive
    3 - Train With Mark Twight At Gym Jones
    4 - Deadlift 500 lbs.
    5 - Pull Off A Razor Ramon Costume For Halloween
  • NerdFitness
    Razor Ramon used to be my Hero in like 4th grade. I think I even tried to do the Razor's Edge once on a friend of mine and probably dropped him on his head. Woops.

    -Steve
  • Robzilla1983
    Just stumbled on this website the other day and I love it FYI! :)

    First time posting, so here we go:

    1. Become a great dog owner (have a pup now and we're not the best parents
    2. See my abs
    3. Run a marathon
    4. Compete in Survivor
  • curvygirly
    Loving yours! I don't think a vegetarian that hates all forms of bugs would be able to do #4.
    I had a puppy and at the beginning was going nuts with it. Let me know if i can be of any help if you have things to figure out and what not. Take pics and videos, they grow up fast *sniff
  • NerdFitness
    Thanks for joining the conversation Rob!

    Hahaha, good luck with your pup.

    -Steve
  • 1. Have a photograph published in a major magazine (Rolling Stone, Paste or National Geographic ideally)
    2. Be completely debt free
    3. Maintain a healthy body weight/composition
    4. Compete on The Amazing Race
    5. *Keeping this one to myself....for now*
  • NerdFitness
    Can't wait to hear what this 5th one is eventually Brenda

    -Steve
  • Amazing Race? How frickin' sweet would THAT be?
  • In January I was in Cozumel and there is a mini version of The Amazing Race called the Amazing Cozumel Race (not that creative of a name, I realize). I did that and had a blast. If I had that much fun running around one city in Mexico, I can't imagine how awesome it would be to do on a global scale.
    I know they also run a version in LA, one of these times I'm going to have to try that one out as well.
  • That is a tough one....
    1. Get to my goal weight
    2. Maintain it
    3. Get away in a police car chase
    4. Drive a nascar at a track
    5. Retire
    6. Die in my sleep

    Tom Brokaw
    www.ihategreenapples.com
  • NerdFitness
    Pretty awesome stuff Tom.

    I hope you get away in the police chase too! Let me know when you're robbing a bank.

    -Steve
  • Yvonne
    My mom saw The Buried Life guys on the Wanda Sykes Show and she was like, hey when does that show come on again?

    Here are my top five:

    1. Complete an IRONMAN triathlon (This chick is my inspiration - http://athenadiaries.blogspot.com)
    2. Publish a novel (I got a short story published eons ago so that's why I'm pushing for the novel)
    3. Visit Ireland
    4. Perform in a musical - one time on the stage and one time in the orchestra pit
    5. Eat an entire meal from vegetables that I grew
  • Volunteering in an IronMan is a truly inspirational thing - especially seeing the race from that prospective. We volunteered to get guaranteed a spot in next year's race, and it's hard not to get a little misty-eyed watching the average Joes coming across the finish line after the 13 hour mark. It really hits you when you see a 70 year old guy cross the finish line and hug his wife.

    Good luck!
  • Yvonne
    Thanks for the well wishes, m00se. I didn't even think of volunteering at an IRONMAN race. What a great idea!
  • NerdFitness
    m00se,

    Thanks for the good idea, I bet volunteering at one of those things is amazing - you get to see people at their best and their worst....which is somehow the same thing when running, biking, and swimming ridiculous distances.

    -Steve
  • s4in7
    1. get married
    2. own a house on the water w/ basketball court
    3. see my abs
    4. dunk in a legit game of basketball, tear off my shirt (see 3) and walk out of the gym immediately
    5. use a ninja smokebomb in a social scene just as an exit i.e. bar
  • JFreedom
    I want to witness all of those. Ok maybe I'm not super enthuse'd for #3 but still... epic!
  • NerdFitness
    Yup, I want a ninja smokebomb too.

    -Steve
  • Brody
    1. Run an ultra-marathon
    2. Skydive
    3. Find a fulfilling career
    4. Have three children
    5. Raise my children to be kind, honest, intelligent and generous adults
  • NerdFitness
    Brody, amen. I think if you told me I could win 2 million dollars just by running an ultra-marathon...I'd still have to think about it.

    Best of luck in finding a fulfilling career. My advice? Don't settle until you find it.

    -steve
  • Be able to see my abs.
    Travel to Japan, New York, L.A., Scotland, Ireland, Thailand.
    Jump out of a perfectly good airplane.
    Jump off a perfectly good bridge (with a bungee)
    There's a ton more that I cant think of right now...
  • NerdFitness
    Dude, you like to jump, huh.

    Love it.You should just buy an around the world ticket NYC to Scotland to Ireland, to somewhere in eastern europe, to thailand, to japan, to la, back to new york.

    I bet that flight is really cheap :)

    -Steve
  • Chatterb0x
    Teach a man/woman to value time and you're effectively saving their life :) As Mike Said.
    Top Five Items on Bucket List (Currently)
    1) Become Batman
    2) Surf
    3) Become a millionaire
    4) Travel to overseas (Likely Japan, UK, Zambia)
    5) Solve a mystery
  • NerdFitness
    OOOOH, solving a mystery.

    Did anybody else read the "Encylopedia Brown" or "the Happy Hollisters" series? I used to love those books and always pretended like i was a spy or sleuth trying to solve a crime.

    -Steve
  • JFreedom
    Steve I can help you achieve all your goals in one go.

    Let's take a plane to Australia, but as we are flying over its neighboring island, I'll jump out the plane. You quickly follow with a chute and a helmet cam, and hopefully catch up to me in time to save my life... landing in New Zealand! The short film will be made, your name in the credits, and you'll have no choice but to write an award-winning novel about the experience. Boom! 1-5 :)

    But seriously..
    1. Run a marathon
    2. Bench 300 lbs
    3. Own a transformer (or Camaro equivalent)
    4. Compete in the World Championship Ultimate tournament.
    5. Open up a sports bar :)
    6. Get a gig somewhere.
    7. Perform some kind of vigilante justice mission dressed as a ninja.
  • NerdFitness
    Joe, you've said some pretty stupid things in your life, and then you go and say something like this....AND TOTALLY REDEEM YOURSELF. hahaha jk I think your plan is fantastic.

    -Steve
  • curvygirly
    Awesome blog post as always. By the way, my father just published a book using Publishers America, it was pretty straight forward to do. And relatively cost free. Something to look into, I can find out info if you need.

    Top 5... Hmm.

    1. Live in California for a part of my life
    2. Have a body that I would envy
    3. Obtain Medical Residency by 2013
    4. Adopt a child
    5. Be able to greatly contribute and make an impact on orphanges and shelters on a yearly basis

    I really like the saving lives one. But Steve, you are doing this daily from your blog, your community forum. You are giving us the important information for free, being a great support system and motivator. But I agree saving someone from a burning building would be cool.
    I was going to put this as one of mine, but I'm sure in my medical field, it will be on a regular basis, esp in the ER.
  • NerdFitness
    Thanks Curvygirly!

    Adopting a child is extremely admirable, and best of luck on your medical residency...I'm pulling for ya!

    -Steve
  • thomasj42
    I'd be wary of Publish America. They have an unpleasant legal history, and have a reputation for having issues when it comes to paying their authors. Not saying that's what always happens, just saying that research should be done.
  • NerdFitness
    This is awesome guys. Today is an extremely busy day with the job on the ship, so I won't get a chance to reply to most of these until tomorrow afternoon when I'm back on dry land...just want to say that I already love what I see.

    You guys rule, yes even you Steve @ 265andfalling.

    -NF Steve
  • Bahahaha...well thanks!
  • 1. Finish an IronMan (Goal in progress...)
    2. Swim the English Channel
    3. Pay off my student loans.
    4. Become a published author.
    5. Use that film degree and make another film. (And perhaps have Steve be in it, so that his name can be in the credits.)
    6. Become a pro or elite triathlete for a season.
    7. (And the most reasonable) Become a coach and personal trainer for triathletes.
  • NerdFitness
    m00se,

    I don't care if i'm "boom mic operator #2" just let me help somehow :)

    -Steve
  • 1. Do freelance software development full-time
    2. Own a 1969 Mustang Fastback
    3. Visit as many countries as I can (Scotland, Ireland, and New Zealand are at the top of my list)
    4. Write a novel
    5. Cross-country road trip with my family, stopping at every little hole-in-the-wall along the way
  • NerdFitness
    I've driven cross-country twice (Cape Cod, MA to San Diego...then San Diego to Atlanta, GA). Both times were by myself, and both times were super-cathartic experiences.

    I'll definitely be doing it again at some point, just for fun.

    -Steve
  • 1. Own and operate my own business
    2. Write a book
    3. Compete in the Olympics in any event
    4. Raise a family
    5. Worship Christ every day
  • NerdFitness
    Brandon,

    Want to start a curling team? I figure you and I can be the broom guys, and we'll hire a ringer who can curl like nobody's business to throw the stones.

    I think I could be a bronze medal curler.

    -Steve
  • that sounds awesome! Then I can write my book about it :)
  • NerdFitness
    Glorious!

    -S
  • Fitzy11
    1. Anchor Sportscenter
    2. Hoist the Stanley Cup
    3. Play in a qualifier for the U.S. Open (golf)
    4. Perform at a club/bar (either solo or with band)
    5. Brew my own beer
    6. Take batting practice at Fenway
  • NerdFitness
    Fitz,

    Let me know when you're on Sportscenter dude, I know it's gonna happen.

    -Steve
  • Ryan
    1. To write as often as I once did, which was every day
    2. Start a non-profit organization for encouraging anyone, children on up, to write
    3. Visit Scotland
    4. Compete in a Triathlon
    5. Open and run a coffee shop/bookstore
  • NerdFitness
    I definitely would love to go to Scotland too...I want to learn to play bagpipes, hang out in some old castles, and play golf on a course overlooking the ocean.

    -Steve
  • thomasj42
    1. Perform stand up comedy on national television.
    2. Raise a kid.
    3. Travel to London
    4. Skydive (I love that this is on so many lists, because it really seems like such a ridiculous thing. But what a rush.)
    5. Stop a crime (most likely by talking them down, not going all Punisher on them.)
    6. Have someone thank me in their acceptance speech while winning a major award. (preferably an Oscar or Nobel, but I'll take a Tony or Golden Globe)
  • NerdFitness
    LOVE the stop a crime thing...yeah, I'd say "tackle a guy stealing a purse from an old lady" instead of "stop a man with a gun from robbing a bank." I want to be a hero, but if I could avoid being shot that'd be nice.

    Also, if you end up doing stand-up on TV, let me know...have you done stand-up before?

    -Steve
  • thomasj42
    I've been doing stand-up for about 6 months now. I'll let you know when I get on TV although, *coughshamelessselfpromotioncough* I AM in Atlanta and my next performance is at the Laughing Skull Lounge on March 10th. It's an open mike competition for a spot at the Dogwood festival. You know, in case you want to send people to cheer for the nerdy guy.

    I may have to edit my list too. On my way home from work, I saw a guy on a motorcycle and remembered that I want one. What's sad is I immediately thought of this list and decided that the kid would have to go. Motorcycles are more fun anyway.
  • 1. Visit EVERY continent (Antarctica included).
    2. Write a book, and get it published.
    3. Become fluent in another language.
    4. Earn a black belt in a martial art (probably TKD)
    5. Climb Mt. Everest.

    Oh man...you really had to make me think there! If I thought a little more about it those things might not all be in the Top 5, but they would definitely be on the list.

    I completed an accelerated free fall in 2003 (form of skydiving where you aren't actually attached to an instructor) and it was one of best experiences of my life. If I don't go again for my birthday (in May) I will definitely be doing another jump over the summer.
  • NerdFitness
    Accelerated free-fall? That sounds sweet. The rest of my goals are quite similar to yours, minus Mount Everest...i hate the cold, so maybe i'll just climb the tallest mountain (volcano) in hawaii :)

    -Steve
  • Long time RSS reader, first time poster. Not to add to the sentimental fest of this post, but I'd argue that by motivating people to get off their butts and move, you are in fact saving peoples lives. Food for thought.
  • NerdFitness
    Hey Mike!

    Thanks for the comment, and thanks for reading. That IS a good point. Although if I have to save some orphans from a burning building, or untie a damsel in distress from some railroad tracks that's okay too :)

    -Steve
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