Letter 12: The 5 Bucket Method

It’s a new year, and if you’re reading this, despite all the challenges, setbacks, and low moments, you made it to 2025.

That in itself is a reason to celebrate! I’m sure you’ve set goals and made plans for the year ahead. This is the season when motivational books like Atomic Habits and Eat That Frog fly off the shelves. It’s the time when YouTube videos on self-improvement, mastering productivity, doubling your income, or getting ripped muscles are binge-watched to the end.

The new year brings a fresh window of opportunities that everyone wants to seize. There’s no shortage of productivity resources, tips, tricks, and strategies to help you make the most of the year—and your life. As someone who’s downloaded and tested numerous productivity apps (both free and paid), I can confidently recommend one simple yet powerful method: the 5 Bucket Theory.

What Is the 5 Bucket Method?

The 5 Bucket Method is a simple, visual way to track your progress toward achieving your goals. Here’s how it works:

1. Take five small buckets, jars, or containers—they shouldn’t be too large or too small.

2. Write down every meaningful action you take toward your goals. It doesn’t matter whether it’s big or small, as long as it’s relevant and pushes you closer to achieving what you’ve set out to do.

3. Place these notes into the corresponding bucket.

The purpose? 

To give you a tangible, visual representation of your effort. By the time a bucket is filled to the brim, you’ll likely have started seeing results—or perhaps even achieved your goal entirely.

Why 5 Buckets?

The number five represents five key goals or areas of your life you want to focus on. For example:

• School: Get good grades.

• Health: Lose weight or improve fitness.

• Relationships: Be a better partner or friend.

• Travel & Experiences: Go on more trips and adventures.

• Career: Land a better job or grow in your current role.

While five is a good number, it’s not set in stone. You can choose three or seven buckets based on the areas of your life you want to improve. The idea is to create a clear structure for your growth.

How to Get Started

1. Prepare your buckets: Clean out five jars, buckets, or containers—or however many match your chosen goals.

2. Gather your materials: Grab sticky notes and a pen.

3. Record your actions: Write down every effort you make, whether it’s daily, weekly, or monthly.

4. Place your notes: Fold them neatly and drop them into the relevant bucket.

5. Keep them visible: Place your buckets where you can see them daily—on a windowsill, your desk, or somewhere prominent.

Why It Works

Life can get overwhelming, and external factors often derail our plans. But this method puts you back in control. There’s a unique satisfaction in seeing your efforts accumulate over time. Even if you don’t fully achieve your goal, you can look back at your filled bucket, reflect on what you accomplished, and decide whether to try again—or pivot to something new.

A New Year, A New You

My wish for you this year is that your dreams become your reality, and your prayers turn into testimonies. May 2025 be kind to you. And if you decide to try the 5 Bucket Method, I hope it becomes a tool that transforms your year.

Wishing you the very best,

Bella the Storyteller 💗