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[GUIDE] How to Set Personal Goals to Live Life Your Way

There’s a reminder that I like to come back to every time I feel unnecessarily overwhelmed with work: “In 100 years, we would all be buried with our family and friends.” And most of the time, if I really listen, it gives me a quick, much-needed wake-up call. Because I believe personal goals should not be secondary to work or career; these are goals we set for ourselves — the goals that show us how we would like to live. 

The Importance of Setting Personal Goals

It’s a privilege to be able to meet wildly different personalities in my field of work. But one thing that really stands out to me is how often having goals makes a difference in the lives of those who choose to set them. 

A goal gives meaning to one’s actions. It bolsters self-confidence. Because what could be more empowering than knowing you are in charge of your own life? 

The Process of Setting Personal Goals

Setting personal goals is easy; it only depends on how bold you want to be. When in doubt, turn to Franz Kafka for advice: 

“By believing passionately in something that still does not exist, we create it.”

I like to think about it as reverse-engineering life. What is that big accomplishment you want to make in this lifetime? Then think your way down to the milestones and steps that will have gotten you there. You simply cannot expect great things to happen overnight. When you’re setting goals, any goals, you need to understand that you need to put in the work. 

With that, you can begin. 

Steps for Setting Personal Goals

Setting personal goals is easy but each step is a broad stroke that needs to be set up and done right. 

Step 1: Setting Lifetime Goals 

Consider various categories (career, financial, education, family, etc.) or areas of your life that you would want to enrich. On a piece of paper or digital notepad, list down all goals you can think of.  

Next, ruthlessly eliminate items on your list so that you are only left with 4 goals: one for your Finances, one for your Career improvement, another for your Health & Well-being, and one more for yourself (Personal). I categorized them so because I believe a person cannot fully focus on himself if he ignores all these other foundational categories. 

You should be left with goals that are personally meaningful to you.


Image by Photo by S O C I A L . C U T on Unsplash 

Step 2: Setting Smaller Goals 

In this step, you’re going to make it easier for you to achieve each goal by breaking them down. Create five-year, one-year, six-month, and one-month plans for each of your goals. Don’t rush through it! Thoroughly examine what each step entails and understand what you expect for yourself every step of the way. 

Next, plan your day. Make sure your routine and habits contribute towards making progress for your goals. Always track what matters because if not, you can always get distracted. Never underestimate the brain’s taste for distraction. When you feel lost or stuck, you go back to your plan and restart. 

Now, blindly following the plan is not the best way to go. People grow and circumstances change. That’s just life. But don’t give up on your goals because your life has changed; change the plan and adapt. 

Have a regular review session with yourself to remember your Why and to assess if the plan is still working. Sometimes in life, a change of plans is going to be in order. Most people don’t realize it and they get stuck. But a person intent on creating a life of their own recognizes the signs and does something about it. 

So plan, review, and plan again.  

SMART Goal Setting 

The SMART criteria remain one of the smartest strategies for goal setting. 

  • Specific. Clearly define what you want to accomplish. Include details that answer the "W" questions: What, Why, Who, Where, and Which. Instead of saying "I will read this year", say "Read 12 non-fiction books on personal development in 2024, focusing on one book per month, to enhance my leadership skills. 
  • Measurable. How will you know you've achieved your goal? Set concrete metrics to track progress. For example, "Read one book per month" allows you to measure your progress throughout the year. 
  • Attainable. Ensure your goal is realistic and achievable given your current circumstances. While it should challenge you, it shouldn't be impossible. For instance, if you're a slow reader, maybe start with 6 books instead of 12. 
  • Relevant. The goal should align with your broader objectives and values. Ask yourself why this goal matters to you. Reading 12 books should contribute to your personal or professional development in some way. 
  • Time-bound. Set a clear timeframe for achieving your goal. This creates urgency and helps you stay focused. In our example, the goal is already time-bound: "Read 12 books in 2024." 


Photo by Possessed Photography on Unsplash 

Tips for Setting Personal Goals

There’s no fool-proof approach to setting goals for yourself but there are tips that can guide you to move forward in the right direction. 

  • State goals positively 

Frame your goals in positive terms by focusing on what you want to achieve rather than what you want to avoid. This helps create a more motivating and inspiring mindset. 

  • Be precise with dates and amounts.  

Set specific deadlines and quantifiable targets for your goals. This clarity helps you measure progress and stay accountable. 

  • Prioritize goals.  

Rank your goals in order of importance (high, medium, low). This helps you focus your energy and resources on what matters most. 

  • Write goals down. 

Document your goals in writing or through digital tools like TaskSpur. This helps reinforce your commitment and provides a tangible reference to check back and track progress. 

  • Keep low-level goals small and achievable.  

Break larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks. This approach builds momentum and motivation through frequent wins. 

  • Set performance goals, not outcome goals.  

Focus on actions within your control rather than end results that may depend on external factors. This approach can help maintain motivation and reduce frustration. 

  • Ensure goals are realistic.  

Set challenging but attainable goals. Unrealistic goals can lead to discouragement, while achievable ones build confidence and momentum. 

Achieving and Reviewing Goals

A regular goal check-in is key to goal success. If you’re regularly touching base with your objectives, you can assess what tools and approaches work and what needs to be changed in the way you do things. Review and adjust future goals based on experience. 

Remember to celebrate your milestones and achievements.  The journey should be enjoyable.

Examples of Personal Goal Setting

Here are some examples of Personal goals and how they are broken down into timelines and focus.

Example Personal Goal # 1: Run a Marathon in 6 Months 

  1. Month 1-2: Build base 
    1. Run 3x a week 
    2. Strength training 2x a week 
  2. Month 3-4: Increase Distance 
    1. Long run on weekends 
    2. Interval training midweek 
  3. Month 5: Peak Training 
    1. 20-mile long runs 
    2. Speed work 
  4. Month 6: Taper and Race 
    1. Reduce mileage 
    2. Focus on rest and nutrition 
    3. Marathon day! 


Photo by Stéphane Fellay on Unsplash 

Example Personal Goal # 2: Learn to Play the Guitar in 1 Year 

  1. Month 1-3: Basics 
    1. Learn parts of the guitar 
    1. Practice finger exercises 
    1. Learn to tune guitar 
  1. Month 4-6: Chords and Scales 
    1. Master basic chords 
    1. Learn major scales 
    1. Practice chord transitions 
  1. Months 7-9: Songs and Techniques 
    1. Learn 10 songs 
    1. Practice fingerpicking 
    1. Intro to music theory 
  1. Months 10-12: Advanced Skills 
    1. Learn barre chords 
    1. Improvisation basics 
    1. Perform at open mic 

Example Personal Goal # 3: Save $10,000 for a Down Payment in 2 Years 

  1. Year 1: $5,000 
    1. Cut Expenses: 
      1. Reduce dining out 
      2. Cancel subscriptions 
    1. Side Hustle: $2,000 
      1. Freelance work 
      2. Sell unused items 
  1. Automate savings: $1,000 
  1. Year 2: $5,000 
    1. Increase income: $2,500 
      1. Ask for raise 
      2. Seek promotion 
    2. Invest wisely: $1,500 
      1. High-yield savings 
      2. Low-risk investments 
    3. Continue automation: $1,000

About the Author 

Bernard Boodeea is the CEO of Life Intelligence Group and the original engineer and founder of TaskSpur, a goal management app and passion project. Bernard hopes to incorporate agile principles into the design of products that help individuals achieve their goals in life.  

References

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