Writing down a bucket list helps your know what you really want. It reminds you of what you set out to do. Being specific and staying so, is a motivator enough.
And so came the first organisation chart of the modern era. David McCalum ensured that people down the chain had far more authority in scheduling and running daily operations, because they were closest to the ground
"And as I smiled not knowing what to tell him, he said, "choose a city where people smile. A city where people talk to each other. You may have to choose a village. And thats a good choice too".
Take a pre-wedding photoshoot for example. That is perfection personified. With painted smiles, impressive backdrops, flowers at the right spot and happiness all around. Real life is a lot like marriage. With plenty of "oops" in play!
As Stephen Covey famously said, the main thing is to keep the main thing, the main thing! That is what gives us traction. Or keeps us away from distraction!