How to set and achieve life goals (plus 9 examples to get you started)
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, CDCES, MBA
Explore why it's important to have personal goals in different areas of your life. Plus, 9 examples of short- and long-term life goals and how to set them.
Whether you're dreaming of climbing the corporate ladder, nurturing more meaningful relationships, or embarking on a journey of self-discovery, setting life goals is an important first step.
Life goals can help you identify what truly matters to you and channel your efforts to turn those visions into reality. But they're also about the growth and experiences you gain along the way.
Understanding where you want to go in life and outlining the steps to get there can give you a sense of purpose and control. It can also act as a motivation when you hit a roadblock, and give you the framework to measure your progress as you continue to grow.
What exactly are life goals?
Life goals are personal milestones that you’re aiming to hit, and are usually bigger than everyday tasks and short-term objectives. They’re meant to be holistic, touching on your personal and professional life, and of course, your life goals should reflect who you are.
Having clarity around your life goals can bring a sense of purpose, providing you with motivation even when you’re facing challenges. They can also act as a guide, so you're more likely to make decisions that align with your long-term aspirations, and provide a framework for personal growth.
By understanding how to set life goals, you can create a balanced and fulfilling life plan. A few areas of your life to consider include:
Career and education: You might be thinking about pursuing a degree, earning a promotion, or even changing professions.
Personal development: Consider how you might learn new skills, improve self-awareness, or boost your mental and physical wellbeing.
Relationships: Relationship goals can help you foster deeper connections with family and friends, find a life partner, or build a supportive professional network.
Financial stability: Setting financial goals such as saving for retirement or buying a home can help you plan.
Leisure and hobbies: Carving out the time to do the things you love can also be important life goals.
Contribution and legacy: Many people set goals around making a difference in the lives of others or being philanthropic.
Short-term vs long-term life goals
Some goals have a short time span attached, while other life goals will take longer. Both types of goals are important for personal development and contribute to achieving a well-rounded, fulfilling life.
Short-term goals
Short-term goals are objectives you aim to accomplish within a few months to a year. These goals are more practical and can often be stepping stones toward your larger aspirations. Saving a certain amount of money within six months, completing a short course, or improving a specific skill are all short-term goals.
Characteristics of short-term goals
Immediate focus
Action-oriented
Motivational
Specific and measurable
Long-term goals
Long-term goals are the broader aspirations that you strive to achieve over several years or even decades. These reflect your broader ambitions and deepest hopes and might include things like achieving career milestones, buying a house, or mastering a complex skill. Long-term goals require patience, persistence, and a long-term perspective.
Characteristics of long-term goals
Visionary
Sustainable
Dynamic
Milestone-driven
Balancing long-term and short-term goals
A well-rounded goal-setting strategy involves both short-term and long-term goals. Your short-term goals should ideally lead you toward your long-term objectives. For instance, if your long-term goal is to become a published author, your short-term goals might include writing a certain number of words every day, attending writing workshops, or completing a manuscript draft by a specific date.
This balance ensures that while you are making immediate progress with short-term goals, you are also steadily working toward your more significant ones.
Important things to remember when you’re trying to achieve life goals
Achieving life goals requires dedication, adaptability, and a clear understanding of what you want. As you pursue your goals, there are several important things to keep in mind to stay on track and maintain a healthy perspective:
Personal significance
Your goals should hold meaning and align with your values to help you stay motivated and committed to achieving them.
Flexibility and adaptability
Life is unpredictable, and circumstances can change. Be prepared to change your goals as needed.
Balance and wellness
Avoid becoming so obsessed with one goal that you neglect other important areas of your life. It’s important to maintain a sense of balance.
Patience and perseverance
Understand that progress can take time and that setbacks are a natural part of the journey.
Support
Friends, family, mentors, and professionals can provide valuable guidance, encouragement, and accountability. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Milestones
Recognize and celebrate your progress. Even the littlest success is worth noting.
Learning from failures
Stay resilient in the face of challenges. Analyze what went wrong, adjust your approach, and try again.
Realistic expectations
Unrealistic goals can lead to disappointment and demotivation. Be honest with yourself about your resources, constraints, and time.
Continuous re-evaluation
Regularly review your goals to ensure they still align with your priorities.
Integrating goals into daily life
Integrate your goals into your daily routine by setting aside specific times for productive activities or habits.
How to set life goals: 9 examples
Setting life goals requires a strategy. SMART goals—those that are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound—can help you create a structured approach. A few common goals you might want to consider include:
1. Learn continually
Be specific about what you want to learn. Is this the year you finally become fluent in French or pick up the guitar? No matter what you decide, set measurable targets— like completing a course in six months or reading a set number of books each year.
2. Expand self-knowledge and care
Personal growth is a critical aspect of life goals and can contribute to your overall wellbeing. Set measurable goals around activities that enhance self-awareness, such as journaling, meditation, or therapy.
💙 A meditation practice is a great tool for self-awareness. Learn how to build your practice in the Meditation for Beginners series.
3. Buy a home or car
First, ensure this goal is attainable with your financial situation and aligns with your long-term plans. If it is, start by researching the costs involved in this common financial goal, then set a specific savings target each month.
4. Grow your family
Consider this from every angle, including financial and personal readiness. If you decide that children are in your future, create a timeline that feels comfortable and attainable.
5. Give back to others
Set a goal to contribute to your community or support causes you care about. Perhaps you could volunteer a few hours every month, or get involved in a community project.
💙 You can also explore giving your time and presence to others, making them feel truly heard by practicing Supportive Listening.
6. Embark on a significant creative endeavor
When starting any creative project, set clear, attainable milestones. A few examples include posting regularly on a blog, taking a weekly pottery class, or setting aside 15 minutes a day to practice a musical instrument.
7. Practice mindfulness daily
Adding a mindfulness practice can significantly impact your mental health and overall wellbeing. Maybe try meditating for 10 minutes each day.
💙 Make mindfulness a daily habit by tuning into The Daily Calm, which offers a new 10-minute meditation each day.
8. Work toward your career aspirations
Define what success looks like in your career — maybe a certain job title, salary, or type of work — and figure out how to attain it, step by step. Getting granular helps; consider gaining new qualifications every quarter or networking with professionals in your field monthly.
9. Take more risks
Encourage personal growth by setting a goal to step out of your comfort zone more often. You could try new activities, travel to unfamiliar places, or take on stretch projects at work. But whatever you decide to do, be realistic and ensure that each new activity aligns with your life goals.
💙 Explore the importance of stepping outside of your comfort zone in this meditation on Risk from the Relationship with Self series.
Life goals FAQs
What are the 4 main goals in life?
Happiness: Often the most sought-after goal, this involves finding joy and contentment in small moments and major events.
Success: For some, this might mean career advancement, while for others, it could be about personal achievements or even overcoming challenges.
Fulfillment: Find a sense of satisfaction with your life and the choices you've made.
Wellness: Goals related to wellness could include adopting a healthier lifestyle, practicing mindfulness, or engaging in activities that promote mental and emotional wellbeing.
What if I have no goals?
It's normal at times to feel directionless or uncertain about your goals. It’s also OK to have periods of reflection and introspection: these can give you a new opportunity to start exploring your interests and passions. What activities make you lose track of time? What topics do you enjoy reading about or discussing? Gradually, through exploration and experimentation, you can discover areas that excite you and inspire goals.
What are personal goals?
Personal goals are objectives you set to achieve desired outcomes in your personal life. These can include areas like personal development, health, relationships, hobbies, or learning new skills. Unlike professional goals, which are often career-oriented, personal goals are more about self-improvement and self-satisfaction.
How can managing your personal life help with reaching your goals?
Effective management of your personal life creates a strong foundation for achieving your goals. It involves organizing your time, prioritizing tasks, and maintaining a balance between different aspects of your life. By managing your personal life well, you reduce stress and create more space to focus on your goals. It also involves setting boundaries and ensuring you have the energy and resources needed to pursue your ambitions.
What are some areas of life to set goals?
Career and education: Goals might be advancing in your career, acquiring new skills, or completing specific educational courses.
Health and fitness: Objectives may include maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, or achieving a particular fitness milestone.
Personal relationships: Many people aim to cultivate deeper connections with family and friends, or seek a fulfilling romantic relationship.
Financial stability: Targets might be saving for retirement, investing, or getting out of debt.
Personal growth and development: This can include goals like learning a new language, practicing mindfulness, or developing a new hobby.
Community and contribution: Consider volunteering or contributing to causes that matter to you.
No matter what your aspirations may be, setting goals in these areas can lead to a well-rounded and satisfying life.
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