40 Things to Do Before Turning 40: The Ultimate Bucket List

Travel to a new city or country entirely on your own to build self-reliance and gain a fresh perspective on the world.

Perfect one complex or beloved recipe that you can prepare from memory for friends and family at a moment's notice.

Train for and complete a 5K, 10K, or half-marathon to challenge your physical limits and discipline.

Purchase one high-quality item—be it a watch, a piece of art, or furniture—that you intend to keep for the rest of your life.

Achieve conversational fluency in a new language to open doors to new cultures and cognitive growth.

Dedicate significant time to a local charity or global movement to contribute to something larger than yourself.

Witness the Aurora Borealis in person for a humbling reminder of nature's surreal beauty.

Document your current dreams and fears to be opened on your 60th birthday.

Whether it is heights, public speaking, or spiders, take active steps to confront and diminish a long-held fear.

Ensure your future security by establishing a consistent investment strategy and understanding compound interest.

Tackle the 'great books' you skipped in school, from Tolstoy to Angelou, to deepen your literary foundation.

Experience the collective energy of live music at an iconic multi-day event.

Master the art of the stick shift to gain full control over a vehicle and a classic life skill.

Find a form of movement you actually enjoy—yoga, swimming, or weightlifting—and make it a permanent habit.

Go entirely digital-free for 48 hours to reset your attention span and mental clarity.

Nurture something from seed to harvest, whether it's a window-sill herb garden or a backyard vegetable plot.

Apply for a dream job, ask for a promotion, or start that side business you’ve been contemplating.

Practice the art of hospitality by organizing a multi-course meal with invitations and table settings.

Travel to a location with zero light pollution to see the Milky Way in its full glory.

Try woodworking, pottery, or knitting to connect with the tactile world and create something physical.

Stand before an architectural marvel like Petra, Machu Picchu, or the Colosseum.

Spend a full day witnessing the cycle of light to appreciate the passage of time.

Enroll in a course with no career utility—like wine tasting or improv—simply to enjoy learning.

Let go of past resentment to free up emotional energy for your future.

Explore the world beneath the waves and see marine life in their natural habitat.

Move away from fast fashion and build a collection of clothes that fit well and reflect your true style.

Perform a simple, selfless act that can save lives within your community.

Go camping in a tent or even a hammock to reconnect with the rhythms of nature.

Get certified in CPR and first aid to be prepared for emergencies.

Support local artists and engage with contemporary culture at an art exhibition.

Find joy in the hunt for specific items, like vinyl records, vintage stamps, or unique stones.

Drive with no destination in mind for a day to rediscover the joy of the journey.

Learn to read a balance sheet and understand the basics of the stock market.

Expand your cinematic horizons by watching a foreign masterpiece without dubbing.

Take the mature step of organizing your affairs to provide peace of mind for your loved ones.

Feel the roar of the crowd at a high-stakes match, regardless of the sport.

Commit to a mindfulness practice to improve focus and emotional regulation.

Cross a continent by rail to see landscapes you’d miss from 30,000 feet.

Build the confidence to advocate for yourself in both professional and personal settings.

Gather your favorite people just to celebrate life and friendship, no milestone required.