Bucket list review time

Some years ago I wrote my first dream catcher list (bucket list). A place to note all the things I wanted to do, be or even have during my lifetime. (Each RedBallooner is encouraged to share their dream catcher list with us too).

Some of my dreams are more attainable than others (like belly laugh with my kids every day – this is very possible versus trekking the Inca Trail which will take far more preparation).

One of my dreams was physically available to me – but I was not sure if it was emotionally available to me (aka did I have the guts to actually do it?)

I’m a fair weather skier, if the sun is shining and everything perfect I have a pleasant time meandering down the slopes. So to find myself dropped onto the narrow peak of a New Zealand mountain by helicopter – was not exactly my usual level of ‘nice’ skiing.

The snow was thick and inviting. Making tracks through the powder is every skier’s dream.

Equipped with special wide powder skis the only thing that stood between me and realising this dream was fear. I’m not sure what I was scared of… I know I can ski, I know that the snow was soft, I know that if it gets too steep I can simply traverse the mountain, I know that I am fit. So where did this fear come from?

My children and husband were all glee and excitement and playing games as they skied. The experience was so well managed – every safety precaution taken. We had two guides: one who skied ahead and the other behind. Each guide was a veritable skiing safety equipment repository. Our lead guide Tim had an ‘air bag’ system strapped to his back – so at the slightest hint of an avalanche he would pull a cord and two massive red balloons (yes they were red) would automatically inflate, keeping him surfing on top of any avalanche. Each of us had a beacon strapped to our body so we could not get lost.

It took me several runs to ‘stop thinking’ – to allow my skis to run and stop trying to control or hold on. To trust that all the preparation had been done – I now had to believe in my own ability and let myself go.

The analogy to business was not lost on me. All the preparation, planning, discussion and debate finally comes down to backing yourself and trusting your ability and those around you.

On a personal front it is important to remind ourselves where we are heading and why – to keep looking at what is important to us – and to be prepared to dream and write those things down.

I am pleased that I can tick the box on this one (we did two full days Heli-Skiing out of Queenstown) and I am so pleased that we did the second day – because that is the day that I learned to laugh at myself and give up my fear.

It was a truly amazing experience, that I am very privileged to have had. Have you got a bucket list? If so, is it time for a review?

Naomi Simson is considered one of Australia’s ‘Best Bosses’. She is an employee engagement advocate and practices what she preaches in her own business. RedBalloon has been named as one of only six Hewitt Best Employers in Australia and New Zealand for 2009 and awarded an engagement scorecard of over 90% two years in a row – the average in Australian businesses is 55%. RedBalloon has also been nominated by BRW as being in the top 10 Best Places to Work in Australia behind the likes of Google. One of Australia’s outstanding female entrepreneurs, Naomi regularly entertains as a passionate speaker inspiring people on employer branding, engagement and reward and recognition. Naomi writes a blogand is a published author – and has received many accolades and awards for the business she founded – RedBalloon.com.au.