Best Ideas For Selecting, Setting, And Achieving Personal Goals
Be your best and surround yourself with the best people. By setting one or more of these personal goals examples.
50 Examples Of Personal Goals
Here’s our best shot at a comprehensive personal goals list…
- Develop a vision for your life
- Establish a positive mindset
- Accept what you can’t change
- Never set limits on yourself
- Cut your path
- Embrace change
- Manage stress
- Live in the moment
- Improve your self-confidence
- Get up early
- Hustle every day
- Stop procrastinating
- Ask for what you want
- Get enough sleep
- Exercise regularly
- Become a lifelong learner
- Keep a journal
- Accomplish something first thing
- Practice self-care
- Improve your interpersonal skills
- Learn to be patient
- Work smart
- Capitalize on change
- Capitalize on failure
- Become a better listener
- Plan and prepare your meals
- Have family meals 3 times a week
- Improve your time management skills
- Find work-life balance
- Learn how to express yourself
- Master a new skill
- Control your temper
- Learn to say no
- Become more decisive
- Improve your body language
- Improve one of your weaknesses
- Become a better leader
- Volunteer for a cause you believe in
- Discover your best place to live
- Make a “bucket list”
- Plan and take a special trip
- Read a new book
- Take on a new challenge
- Expand your network of friends
- Find your perfect life partner
- Become a better spouse
- Grow into a better parent
- Remove toxic people from your life
- Find a mentor
- Become a mentor
Next, let’s discuss the definition of personal goals. Then talk about how to set and achieve them…
Disclosure: At no cost to you, I may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
What Are Personal Goals
First of all, a goal is a desired outcome that a person envisions, plans, and commits to achieve.
Types Of Personal Goals
Unlike other types of goals. Business goals or career goals, for example.
I look at a personal development goal as falling in one or more of the following areas…
- Friends
- Family
- Beliefs and good habits
- Experiences
- Personal growth
How To Set Personal Goals
When setting personal goals in life, I use the SMART system. Because it’s simple, easy to remember, and it works.
SMART goals examples have these attributes…
First, they are specific. By detailing exactly what is to be accomplished.
Second, a SMART goal is measurable. Because what gets measured has a better chance of getting done
Third, SMART personal goals are achievable. Since there is no use trying to accomplish something that can’t be achieved.
Fourth, they are realistic. Meaning you have the resources necessary to accomplish the goal. And the goal makes sense relative to your current situation.
Finally, SMART personal goals are time-bound. Because having a deadline brings with it a sense of urgency.
HARD is another goal-setting system you may like to try. It’s especially good for goals of a personal nature.
Okay. Now you have been introduced to personal SMART goals and HARD goals too. Next, it’s time for action…
How To Achieve Personal Goals
After you have selected and set your personal development goals. It’s time to get busy on your way to achieving them.
Here are a few tips to do so.
Be flexible. Because things will come up and change happens. Adapt as necessary, but never lose sight of your target.
Write down your goals. Using the SMART system as a guide. Since writing personal goals down brings clarity and commitment.
Talk to others. Ask them to hold you accountable.
Make a plan. First of all, goals can be accomplished in the short term, medium term, or long term.
Furthermore, the longer the time it will take to complete a goal. The more you need a plan that breaks the goal down into smaller steps.
Take action. Since nothing will get done unless you make it happen. So, put in the effort. Try to accomplish something daily that will contribute to your goal attainment.
Don’t be afraid to fail. It’s better to set a lofty goal and fall a little short. Versus constantly settling for less than your best.
Okay. Now you have a list of activities for personal development goals. A system for goal setting. And some thoughts about achieving your goals.
But we have a little more work to do…
50 Good Personal Goals Examples To Set And Achieve
Because I would like to add a little context to each of the 50 personal goals examples I laid out for you at the beginning.
So, let’s do it…
Develop A Vision For Your Life
I like to say “if you can envision it, then you can achieve it”.
So, think big. And do not be limited by your thoughts.
Establish A Positive Mindset
Practice the power of positive thinking. So negative thoughts do not get in your way.
Accept What You Can’t Change
If you don’t like something, but can’t change it. Forget about it and move on.
Never Set Limits On Yourself
Allow your inner strength to surprise you. We all do our best when we are put to the test. So, remove all limiting beliefs as you move forward.
Cut Your Path
These are your personal goals. Not someone else’s.
For example, just because your mother wants you to become a doctor. Doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the right thing to do.
Embrace Change
Professional boxer Mike Tyson once said…
“Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.”
Things won’t always go as you expect. So, learn to roll with it.
Manage Stress
Stress and worry can take a toll on all of us. So, do your best to keep it in check.
Okay. We are just getting warmed up. As our personal goals examples list continues on…
Live In The Moment
First, don’t dwell on the past. Second, plan for the future, but don’t worry about it.
Make the most of today. It’s all any of us have.
Improve Your Self-Confidence
Believe in yourself. Because if you don’t, who will?
Get Up Early
Get up early and start your day. Easy for me to say. Since I’m a morning person.
It’s a good idea to make a daily plan. Before the rest of the world wakes up. And life starts happening.
Hustle Every Day
I hate to burst anyone’s bubble. But accomplishing big things in your career and in life requires hard work and hustle.
It’s a fact.
Stop Procrastinating
If something needs to get done, then do it. Or, at the very least make a plan and set a deadline for getting it done.
Unfinished tasks add stress to your life. And will make you less productive.
Ask For What You Want
If you don’t ask, the answer is always no. On the other hand, by asking, you might be happily surprised by the response your receive.
Get Enough Sleep
No one operates effectively when they are sleep-deprived. So whatever the amount of sleep it is you need, by all means, get it.
If necessary, invest in a good bed. It might be the best investment you ever make.
Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise will help you feel better, sleep better, and be more productive.
Become A Lifelong Learner
This is where your growth mindset comes into play.
Learn from your success, your failures, your relationships, and your job. Never stop learning.
Never think that learning is just for students in the classroom. However, it can be a good idea to pursue a more formal education.
Keep A Journal
Journaling is an excellent way to reflect. Both on what you have done well. And what you can improve upon.
Accomplish Something First Thing
Set a personal goal to accomplish something first thing every day. Make the accomplishment valuable, but not overly complex where failure is a possibility.
Doing so will set you off on the right path. For a more productive day.
Practice Self-Care
Listen to your body. Be mindful. If something doesn’t seem right or feel right, then it probably isn’t. So, take care of it.
Never procrastinate with your well-being.
Improve Interpersonal Skills
Other people are the key to your success both directly and indirectly. Enlist their help whenever and wherever you can.
Learn To Be Patient
As the saying goes, “patience is a virtue”. So, play the long game. And think long-term about your goals.
Because the best things in life take not only our best efforts. But time too.
Work Smart
Yes. Hustling and working hard are key ingredients to success. But, there is more. Because you have to work smart to get ahead.
Ask yourself this every day…
“Am I working on the right things? And am I working on them in the right way?”
Capitalize On Change
It is not enough to embrace and accept change. There’s more to it than that.
Specifically, every time a big curveball is thrown your way. Examine the situation closely.
To see what you can do to make the change into an opportunity.
Capitalize On Failure
We learn a lot more from our failures. Versus our successes.
So, don’t be afraid to fail. But, when you do, seek out the positives, the key learnings, and the opportunities that result from it.
Become A Better Listener
Listening is a key skill. So, think of it this way…
You learn very little when talking. But by listening you can learn a lot.
Plan And Prepare Your Meals
We all have to eat. So, take control.
By preparing your meals, you will save money, eat better, and feel better.
Have Family Meals 3 Times A Week
Then sit down with your family or friends regularly. To enjoy a good meal and the relationship building that comes along with it.
Improve Your Time Management Skills
Everyone has the same amount of time each day. Thus, time is the great equalizer.
So, don’t waste it, maximize it.
Find Work-Life Balance
We all need rest and recreation. To relax our minds and bodies.
So, seek out the right balance. Because you will be glad you did.
Learn How To Express Yourself
Write well and speak well. Getting your message across clearly and concisely is important.
Master A New Skill
We live and work in a skill-based economy. Making new skills a necessity.
So, look for a way to expand your skillsets in a new area. And load up your toolkit with all the best tools.
Control Your Temper
Sometimes it’s necessary to blow off a little steam. However, be careful when you do.
Being a hothead to the wrong people in the wrong situation. Well, it won’t help you get very far on your life goals.
Since your personal and professional development depends on staying cool when under fire.
Learn To Say No
Don’t be that person that says yes to everything. But, doesn’t deliver on the promise.
Be selective. Say what you mean. And do what you say. Because your creditability is based on it.
Become More Decisive
When confronted with an important decision, make it and move on.
Yes, gather the information you need to make the best decision. But don’t let important decisions linger.
Improve Your Body Language
Stand up straight and sit up straight. Put a smile on your face.
When you act positively. Then your mental state of mind will follow your body’s lead.
Improve One Of Your Weaknesses
Take one of your weaknesses. Then, make it a strength.
Become A Better Leader
You don’t have to be an army general to lead. Since leadership can be displayed in a variety of ways.
Remember this saying…” lead, follow, or get out of the way”.
Even good followers are leaders. By example!
So, set your sights on becoming a leader.
Volunteer For A Cause You Believe In
Find a way to give back to your community. It will make you feel better. And you will be glad you did so.
Next is one of my favorite ideas for goals of a personal nature…
Discover Your Best Place To Live
The right home, in the right neighborhood, in the right town, located in the right state.
Don’t underestimate the power of your environment. So, research and find your best place to live.
Make A “Bucket List”
More and more, people are realizing that life is about experiences. Not material possession.
So, list out your dream experiences. And decide when and how you are going to make them happen.
Plan And Take A Special Trip
Getting away is very important. Because you see different things. And think different thoughts.
Thus, expanding your horizons.
Read A New Book
But, you don’t have to leave town to expand your horizons. Read a new book and let it transport your mind to a new and different place.
Take On A New Challenge
Some people thrive on a good challenge. If that’s you, find your next challenge. Then set out to conquer it.
Expand Your Network Of Friends
Making new friends is more difficult as we get older. It takes time and commitment.
So, look to add a new friend whenever you can.
Find Your Perfect Life Partner
All of us need someone that’s “got our back”. When the going get’s a little tough.
So, find that person. You will instantly become the luckiest man or woman in the world when you do!
Become A Better Spouse Or Partner
Then, make sure you “have the back” of that special person in your life. Give, sacrifice, and compromise until it hurts.
Believe me, you will get back twice as much as you give. When you have found the perfect partner.
Grow Into A Better Parent
Parenting is a tough business. And they don’t teach it in school.
Figure out your ways. To become the best parent you can be.
Next, one of the most important examples of personal goals…
Remove Toxic People From Your Life
Run, don’t walk away from negative people with bad habits. They will only bring you down if you allow it.
Find A Mentor
Identify someone you like, respect, and have experiences in areas where you do not. Then, learn everything you can from them.
Become A Mentor
Then, return the favor. By helping someone learn from the footsteps you have taken in life. You may find that giving and teaching in this way is very rewarding.
Okay. That completes our personal goals examples list.
Allow me to wrap up with a few parting thoughts…
Final Thoughts On Selecting, Setting, And Achieving Your Personal Development Goals
Today, I provided you with a list of 50 personal goals examples. But, I would suggest you select only 5 or 6. Otherwise, you might get overwhelmed.
Consider setting 2 each of short-term personal goals, medium-term personal goals, and long-term personal goals.
Then, use the SMART goal-setting system. Write your goals down. Make a plan. And get busy turning your goals into reality.
So, start setting goals right away!
More Reading About Profesional And Personal Development
- Money management goals
- Examples of best personal finance goals
- Complete list of goals for your business
Author Bio: Tom Scott founded the consulting and coaching firm Dividends Diversify, LLC. He leverages his expertise and decades of experience in goal setting, relocation assistance, and investing for long-term wealth to help clients reach their full potential.