Before creating The Bucket List Journal, Ben worked with Fortune 500 companies around the globe to deliver his methods on achieving big goals. He’s collected data from some of the brightest minds in science and psychology to unlock why some accomplish so much while others seem to have trouble living up to their true potential. This is Ben’s story:
When I finally hit my first year of university, life was good. I had an academic scholarship to a top-tier school and my dream of making the U-19 Canadian Rugby Team had just become a reality. Then, everything went south.
My anxiety stopped me from going to school, and it stopped me from going to rugby practice. I dropped out of college, and I was dropped from the rugby team. I became a shut-in in my parent’s house, unable to leave.
In an attempt to re-set, I decided to only surround myself with people who inspired me. I made a list of “100 things to do before you die” with my three friends, Jonnie, Dave, and Duncan.
We decided that for every bucket list item we accomplished, we would help a complete stranger accomplish something on their list.
Named after a 150-year-old poem by Matthew Arnold articulating our frustrations perfectly – our dreams felt buried.
We borrowed an RV, bought a second-hand camera and hit the road for a two-week road trip to tackle our list of impossible dreams and help others.
Total strangers reached out to help us with our bucket list, and also sent us their dreams asking for help. We had no idea the ripple effect our mission would have, ultimately inspiring millions to write their list and pursue their buried dreams.
That two-week road trip lasted over a decade. And the list items that I was once convinced were impossible have somehow been checked off the list.
As a result, I now truly believe that anyone can do anything and I have seen how this belief changes how you make decisions and, ultimately, how you live your life.
My goal is to instill this belief in you and give you the tools to make your impossible possible.
Now Ben travels the world working with companies, organizations, and individuals to help them accomplish big goals. He’s given over 500 keynotes to audiences in over 15 countries.
He’s dedicated to continue spreading his message on bucket lists and the science of goals through The Bucket List Journal.