50 things to do before 50 -This 50 before 50 bucket list (UK) is a deeply personal, real-life example of how to approach your fiftieth year with intention, courage, creativity, and joy.
Whether you’re looking for meaningful goals, gentle challenges, or a fresh perspective on turning 50, this list shows how powerful it can be to reflect, dream, and act before reaching this milestone birthday
Why Create a 50 Things to Do Before 50 List?
Creating a list isn’t about pressure or ticking boxes. It’s about pausing, reflecting, and choosing how you want to live the years leading up to your fiftieth birthday.
A 50 before 50 bucket list can include personal growth goals, creative ambitions, travel dreams, relationship intentions, and wellbeing priorities — all shaped around what matters most to you.
My Personal 50 Before 50 Bucket List (UK)
This is my real-life , created as I approached my 49th birthday and prepared for my fiftieth year.
Would you like to see my list?
I am fully aware this list will be different for everyone but nevertheless I thought it might inspire you if I shared mine with you.
Tomorrow is my 49th birthday and I intend to make this next year special and full of dreams, small goals and overdue intentions – come true.
Here I go!
50 things to do before 50 (all those in red I have completed)
- Write 52 letters to old friends and loved ones (works out at 1 a week)
- Visit my old friend Lisa/Jo in Cardiff/Dublin (20 years since I last saw them)
- Go proper camping
- Host a murder mystery dinner – completed
- Publish a book on nature crafts – September 2021
- Reach 10k on Instagram (ever elusive)
- Reach and maintain my weight at 9 stone
- Hold a race night (yes! great fun – September 26 2020)
- Read 20 novels
- Take a floristry course (started September 2020)
- Makeover our garden /get a summerhouse
- Declutter and repurpose loft
- Visit Naomi (again long overdue)(yes hurray surprise bday visit)
- Visit the other Naomi (yes march 2021)
- Save for Uni ( I have a pot aim of 12k) (done)
- Complete my surgery (yes)
- Watch a west end show( Yes! Hamilton on Disney plus – was amazing we cried buckets)
- Finish the human voicebank (completed Aug 30 2020 – woohoo)
- Learn 5 songs on guitar
- Design a piece of jewellery (bracelet August 2020)
- Visit the British Museum
- Earn X
- Redecorate our conservatory
- Redecorate bathroom
- Redecorate F bedroom (done april 2021)
- Redecorate A bedroom
- Redecorate lounge
- Learn the 3 move defeat at chess (completed Aug 27 2020)
- Finish my romance novel – a year in the life (with a publisher!)
- Do an art therapy course
- Start practising direct therapy again (I have a job with Action for Children doing DIRECT THERAPY)
- Learn a line dance
- Give a TED X talk ( completed Jan 2022)
- Get a soft-top beetle or mini
- Set up a reading/writing memorial for mum
- Beat F in a 10 game of Mario carts! (yes completed on 14/10 – woo hoo)
- Take a make up lesson (done)
- Get my travel blog and food blog to DA30
- Get my page views on abs and FB to 30k – done Dec 30 2020 on ABS
- Qualify in Tai Chi (I have a Tai Chi Diploma! Hurray completed September 20 2020!)
- Take an iphone photo course
- Rejoin the labour party (Done Aug 30 2020)
- Adopt / Support a child overseas (Done August 30 – sponsoring a little boy in Hebron, 2020)
- Donate to a food bank each month of the year (done August 2020 with a commitment for each money)
- Get my book in top 100 on Amazon (done April 9th 2020 got to 71! be happy be you – done October 18 no.58)
- Organise all my finances
- Sort out and store all my photos into albums
- Take a trip on Orient Express / British Pullman
- Write a beautiful poem ( done – kindness poem)
- Host an Earth Day Party ( done)
50 challenges for 50th birthday
So that is it my list!
What a time to challenge myself! What would you put on your list for your special birthday I am intrigued to know!
50th birthday gift ideas
I am hoping I get a yummy Birthday Hamper for my birthday – a celebration and reward for all my hard work achieving my list!
Things to do before I’m Fifty – a powerful quote
What would be on your bucket list?
What would be on your list and do you think you might have a go at creating a list like this?
Tai chi was certainly a winner off of my list.t
The benefits and advantages of turning 50
Here’s why hitting this milestone often brings new joys, perspectives, and freedoms that make life richer and more fulfilling:
Confidence and Self-Assurance
By 50, you know who you are and are often less affected by others’ opinions. This self-confidence brings freedom to make choices that truly align with who you are.
Financial Stability
For many, 50 marks a period of increased financial stability. You’re likely in or approaching your peak earning years, which can open doors to travel, hobbies, or even investing in things that add value to your life.
Strong Relationships
Friendships, family ties, and other connections are often stronger and more meaningful by this age. You know who your true friends are, and you’ve likely built a solid support network of people who genuinely care.
Rediscovery of Hobbies and Passions
With kids potentially out of the house or your career more established, this decade is ideal for rediscovering (or diving deeper into) hobbies and interests. This newfound time and energy often lead to personal fulfillment and growth.
Improved Focus on Health
Many people become more health-conscious by 50, and as a result, start feeling healthier and more active than ever. There’s often a renewed focus on fitness, nutrition, and overall well-being, helping to feel better physically and mentally.
Less Stress About Perfection
At 50, you tend to have a healthier perspective on mistakes and imperfections. Instead of stressing, you’re more likely to embrace life as it comes, finding joy in the journey rather than worrying about “getting it right.”
Freedom to Say “No” on your 50 things to do list
By this point, you may feel more comfortable setting boundaries and prioritizing what matters most to you. This freedom to say “no” leads to a more balanced and fulfilling life, free from unnecessary commitments.
Deeper Appreciation for the Present Moment
At 50, there’s often a renewed appreciation for life’s simple pleasures, whether that’s savoring a good cup of coffee, enjoying time with loved ones, or relaxing with a favorite book. Living in the present can feel especially rewarding at this stage.
Opportunities for Reinvention
Many people find that 50 is a perfect time to reinvent themselves. This could mean starting a new career, pursuing a long-held passion, or taking on a new adventure. The wisdom and experience gained over the years can help make these changes exciting and fulfilling.
A Sense of Legacy – 50 before 50!
By 50, there’s often a desire to give back or leave a positive impact. Whether it’s mentoring others, volunteering, or nurturing family traditions, this sense of purpose can be deeply rewarding.
At 50, you’re in a unique position to blend the best of both experience and freedom, and many find that life becomes more meaningful, purposeful, and enjoyable.
50 things to do before 50 book for 50 things to do before your 50th year
Pop on over to Amazon to buy this 50 before 50 book to help you record your challenges!
Frequently Asked Questions About 50 Before 50
What is a 50 before 50 list?
A 50 before 50 list is a collection of fifty goals, experiences, or intentions you want to complete before turning fifty. These can be big dreams or small, meaningful actions that reflect who you are and how you want to live.
Why do people create a list?
Many people create a bucket list as a way to reflect, reset, and feel intentional about this milestone. It can help bring clarity, motivation, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Does my list have to include big achievements?
Not at all. Some of the most powerful goals are small, personal, and deeply meaningful. A successful list reflects your values — not anyone else’s expectations.
Is 50 too late to start new things?
Absolutely not. In fact, many people find that turning 50 brings confidence, clarity, and freedom — making it an ideal time for reinvention, creativity, and growth.
How do I create my own 50 things to do before 50 list?
Start by reflecting on:
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What you’ve always wanted to do
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What you want more of in your life
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What feels unfinished or calling you
Then write your list without judgement. You can revise it as you go.
Further reading
Watch this space and my blog for regular updates.
