Why the Stoic ‘Anti-Bucket List’ Should Replace New Year’s Resolutions

Every January, millions scribble down New Year’s resolutions, often packed with aspirations to add more—activities, hobbies, productivity. But what if instead of adding, we focused on subtracting? This year, let’s embrace the “anti-bucket list,” a strategy that involves crossing off things we never want to do again, refining our lives by removing rather than adding. This concept aligns remarkably well with Stoic teachings, which advocate focusing on what we can control and letting go of unnecessary desires. 

The Power of Subtraction 

The anti-bucket list is about deciding what not to do, which can be as impactful as deciding what to do. It’s a concept that resonates deeply with Stoic philosophy, which teaches the importance of discernment in our actions and desires. By eliminating activities that drain us, we make more room for those that energize and fulfill us, much like Stoics focus on eliminating unnecessary desires to improve their virtue and peace of mind. 

Less Stress, More Focus 

Traditional resolutions often lead to a paradox of choice: the more options, the less satisfaction. By creating an anti-bucket list, we reduce this overload, lowering our stress levels. This echoes the Stoic practice of focusing only on what truly matters—what is within our control—and letting go of the rest. For example, deciding never to wash my own car or make my own coffee again 

frees up time previously spent on mundane tasks, allowing me to focus on self-development and entrepreneurial efforts, which Stoics would recognize as focusing on personal excellence. You might say “washing your car or making coffee saves money!” Well yes if saving money was your priority, but if I didn’t have to spend an hour washing my car once to twice a month or however long it takes to make a lesser cup of coffee compared to the one I enjoy at the drive-thru, trust me, I’d be way happier. 

Setting Meaningful Priorities 

The anti-bucket list helps set priorities that reflect our deepest values, similar to how Stoicism teaches us to live according to nature—our truest selves. It’s not about societal expectations but about genuine self-reflection, a core principle of Stoic thought. For instance, choosing to engage in productive activities instead of succumbing to self-pity aligns with the Stoic idea of proactive virtue instead of passive suffering. 

Achievable and Personalized 

Unlike vague or difficult resolutions, the anti-bucket list is clear and actionable, tailored by each individual to reflect personal dislikes, making it more likely to be upheld. This personalization is akin to the Stoic belief that wisdom and virtue are common to all, but the path to them is unique to each person, based on their nature and circumstances. 

Reflecting on Time Well Spent

The anti-bucket list encourages us to consider how we spend our time, focusing on reducing tasks we dislike to free up resources for more fulfilling activities. This mirrors the Stoic practice of reflection—examining our daily actions and adjusting them in pursuit of a more virtuous and meaningful life. 

In Conclusion 

As we step into another year, let’s consider an anti-bucket list as an alternative to traditional New Year’s resolutions. By identifying and eliminating what we dread, we align ourselves more closely with Stoic principles—focusing on control, prioritizing virtue, and living in true accordance with our nature. This approach not only simplifies our lives but also deepens them, allowing us to pursue what truly matters with renewed vigor and clarity.