We all have certain goals we want to achieve as soon as life gets less hectic.
But life keeps throwing many obstacles, often leading us to believe that ‘it’s not the right time to work towards achieving our goals’. So stop waiting for the perfect time because it is now!
Goals to have in life should be more than just materialistic desires. However, what most of us have set for ourselves are not goals but mere materialistic perceptions of success.
‘I’ll buy a car before my 30s’.
‘I’ll own an International company before the 50s’.
Life goals are like markers that guide us on a challenging but rewarding journey. Each goal we achieve, is a marker, showing that we’re on the right path toward a fulfilling destination.
There is nothing wrong with setting materialistic goals. But the absence of strategy and the lack of desire for personal growth often leads you to stand baffled in the middle of a rocky road, which you consider a shortcut. (Sorry my friend, but shortcut is not smart work)
As Brian Tracy says, (1)
“Nothing is impossible with the right plan.”
So how to identify the truly valuable goals to have in life that are more than simple materialistic desires and possessions? Let’s figure it out together!
What Makes The Goals To Have In Life Fulfilling?
There is a reason this section is not called ‘What are the fulfilling goals’ because what might be fulfilling for some is simply boring or unfulfilling for others.
A person born in a poor family in a mountain village, struggling to meet both ends, wouldn’t consider a life of serenity as a fulfilling goal to achieve.
People stuck in 9-5 jobs with chaotic city life would often dream about an escape to those far-off mountains that cut them off from all the chaos and constant ringing of their smartphones. Ironic! Isn’t it?
How to set goals in life?
Good goals to set cannot be a general concept because this is not a one-type-fits-all situation. To feel fulfilled from your goals means they need to align with your personality and background.
Goals To Have In Life That May Not Be For Everyone
Before getting into a long list of goals to set for yourself, let’s understand this: why setting life goals should be a personalized experience instead of a generalized one.
These examples of goals to set for yourself will help you analyze what is a fulfilling goal, just for you.
1- Are you on the journey or destination?
In adventure tourism, we see people motivated to climb Everest. They know it’s an exhilarating journey to the top, filled with life-threatening obstacles.
However, it’s not just the beautiful top destination they want to achieve, but also the sense of personal strength and growth that comes with it. (Well, I just want to see the top!)
2- What are your values?
If your goals align with your values, they become more meaningful, no matter how and what others might suggest. I believe in hard work over smart work, contrary to what most prefer.
It’s not because I am not smart enough, but because of the personal sense of struggle, growth, and a sigh of relief along with a touch of pride that comes when I achieve my goal.
3- Personal growth or community-driven?
Some people just better work alone, while others prefer giving and growing together.
These examples of goals to have in life are right. It’s all about your personality and what resonates with it. Remember, fulfillment is a journey, not a fixed state!
Understanding Your ‘Why’ Behind Your Goals
It’s important to understand your ‘why’ behind setting it as a life goal. Do you want to become a doctor to make your parents proud or because you want to become a doctor to actually help people in pain?
This is where most of us make a mistake. Basing your goals on other people’s desires, but having no interest in your own, can lead to dissatisfaction, frustration, and a constant state of unhappiness.
Dig deeper into yourself and find your true motivation behind your set goal in life.
If it is not supported by a personal desire, it will not give you the results you are expecting because then it is ‘not your goal’.
Ralph Waldo puts this beautifully, highlighting the importance of personal choice and self-determination, in finding and shaping your path to success by setting goals that align with your interest and motivation. He says, and I quote: (2)
“The only person you are destined to become is the person you desire to be.”
List Of Goals To Set For Yourself: Live A Fulfilling Life
Instead of a generic list, I have categorized the goals to have in life in 4 key areas that will contribute to your fulfilling life journey. (3) (4)
* Personal Growth & Development
- Master a Skill:
Whether it’s playing a musical instrument, mastering a new software program, or refining a craft, dedicate yourself to achieving excellence in a chosen skill.
- Conquer your Fear:
Face a phobia head-on, whether it’s public speaking, heights, or public performance.
- Become a Knowledge Devotee:
Commit to a regular learning schedule. Explore online courses, join a book club, or attend industry-specific seminars to feed your intellectual curiosity.
- Challenge Yourself with a Course:
Enroll in a challenging course, workshop, or certification program to deepen your knowledge and acquire valuable new skills.
- Become a Mentor:
Mentorship allows you to solidify your own understanding while enabling growth in others.
- Embrace Creative Expression:
Explore a new artistic medium like painting, writing, or photography. Unleashing your creativity can be surprisingly rewarding.
- Develop a Daily Learning Habit:
Dedicate a short period each day to reading non-fiction, listening to educational podcasts, or watching documentaries. Small steps lead to big gains.
- Master a New Technology:
Stay ahead of the curve by learning a new software program relevant to your field. This keeps your skillset relevant and opens doors to new opportunities.
- Become an Expert in Your Field:
Devote yourself to becoming a recognized authority in your chosen domain. Share your knowledge through articles, presentations, or even online courses.
- Take Up a Brain Training Challenge:
Challenge your cognitive abilities with puzzles, memory games, or brain-training apps. Keeping your mind sharp is vital for lifelong learning.
* Connections & Contributions
- Strengthen Family Bonds:
Dedicate time to nurture relationships with close family members. This could involve regular communication, shared activities, or simply expressing your appreciation.
- Deepen Friendships:
Invest in quality time with your closest friends. Plan outings, offer support, and celebrate each other’s successes.
- Build a Supportive Network:
Expand your social circle by joining clubs, attending events, or volunteering in your community. This fosters a sense of belonging and connection.
- Volunteer for a Cause You Care About:
Identify a social issue that resonates with you and dedicate time or resources to it. Volunteering is a rewarding way to make a positive impact.
- Practice Random Acts of Kindness:
Brighten someone’s day with small gestures of kindness. Hold the door open for a stranger, offer a compliment, or donate to a local charity.
- Learn a New Language:
Open doors to deeper connections by fostering intercultural understanding. Learning another language allows you to connect with people from different backgrounds.
- Practice Active Listening:
Develop your listening skills to strengthen relationships. Pay close attention, offer thoughtful responses, and practice empathy.
- Forgive and Let Go of Resentment:
Holding onto negativity can hinder connection. Practice forgiveness to move forward and build stronger relationships.
- Become a Champion for Diversity and Inclusion:
Embrace the richness of a diverse society. Advocate for inclusivity and celebrate differences within your network.
- Develop Conflict Resolution Skills:
Learn effective communication techniques to navigate disagreements constructively. Healthy conflict resolution fosters stronger bonds.
- Express Gratitude:
Acknowledge the positive contributions of others in your life. Thank your loved ones, mentors, and colleagues regularly.
- Be a Source of Inspiration:
Share your experiences and insights to motivate others. Become a role model who encourages positive change.
- Leave a Positive Legacy:
Consider how you want to be remembered. Set a goal to make a lasting positive impact on your family, community, or the world.
* Personal Well-being & Balance
- Sleep Sanctuary:
Establish a consistent sleep schedule with relaxing bedtime routines to ensure 7-8 hours of quality sleep nightly.
- Nourish Your Body:
Embrace a balanced diet rich in whole foods, fruits, and vegetables to fuel your body optimally.
- Move Your Body:
Integrate regular physical activity into your routine, whether it’s brisk walking, dancing, or a team sport. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.
- Keep yourself Hydrated:
Develop a habit of staying hydrated throughout the day by carrying a reusable water bottle and sipping regularly.
- Mindful Moments:
Cultivate mindfulness practices such as meditation or deep breathing exercises to manage stress and enhance focus.
- Digital Detox:
Schedule regular breaks from technology to disconnect and allow your mind to truly unwind.
- Nature Nurture:
Seek out opportunities to connect with nature, spending time outdoors for stress reduction and mood improvement.
- Boundaries for Balance:
Learn to set healthy boundaries at work and in personal relationships to prevent burnout and maintain a balanced life.
- Stress Management Master:
Develop coping mechanisms for stress, such as yoga, journaling, or spending time with loved ones, to promote emotional well-being.
- Preventive Care Champion:
Schedule regular checkups with your doctor and dentist to maintain optimal health and catch potential issues early.
- Fuel Your Focus:
Explore brain-boosting activities like learning a new language, playing brain games, or reading to keep your cognitive function sharp.
- Embrace Relaxation:
Schedule dedicated time for relaxation activities that bring you joy, such as reading, listening to music, or taking a warm bath.
- Gratitude:
Practice gratitude by reflecting on the positive aspects of your life, fostering a sense of contentment and well-being.
- Be Creative:
Engage in creative activities like painting, writing, or playing music to express yourself and reduce stress.
- Social Support System:
Nurture strong connections with family and friends who offer emotional support and a sense of belonging.
* Adventure & Exploration
Plan a trip to a destination completely outside your usual travel sphere. Immerse yourself in a new culture, language, and landscape.
- Embrace the Unknown:
- Conquer a Physical Challenge:
Train for a physically demanding event like a marathon, a hike up a challenging mountain, or a white-water rafting trip.
- Seek New Culinary Horizons:
Take a cooking class focused on an unfamiliar cuisine, or challenge yourself to try a new exotic dish every month for a year.
- Unleash Your Inner Artist:
Take a workshop in a creative discipline that piques your interest, like painting, photography, or pottery.
- Volunteer Abroad:
Combine travel with a meaningful purpose by volunteering your skills to a cause you care about in a different country.
- Explore Your Town:
Rediscover the hidden gems in your local area. Plan day trips to nearby historical sites, nature reserves, or charming towns.
- Embrace the Night Sky:
Learn to identify constellations and celestial objects. Attend stargazing events or take a weekend trip to a location with minimal light pollution.
- Master a New Skill:
Whether it’s rock climbing, kayaking, or archery, choose a skill that requires practice and dedication, and experience the satisfaction of mastering it.
- Go on a Solo Adventure:
Take a solo trip, even if it’s just a weekend getaway. This can be a transformative experience that fosters independence and self-discovery.
- Learn a Traditional Craft:
Immerse yourself in the history and artistry of a traditional craft, like pottery making, woodworking, or weaving.
- Go Backpacking:
Disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature on a multi-day backpacking trip in a secluded wilderness area.
- Start a Travel Blog:
Document your adventures and inspire others by sharing your stories, experiences, and travel tips.
- Vision Board Your Dreams:
Perhaps you know what your dreams are and all that is left to do is to put them on a Vision Board and set yourself up for success.
You might have a million goals for yourself, but you need to set yourself up for success and then you will be achieving those goals in no time. I have written an Ultimate Self Care Ideas Checklist For A Happier You exactly for that purpose.
If deleting procrastination is one of your top goals, you need to learn the research-backed strategies here. These tidbits can act as your beacon of motivation on your way to succeeding at your goals. See you on the other side!
Ciao.
