When we first think about personal growth goals to set, our minds go straight to weight loss, improving in our career, or even in our hobbies. Or maybe that is where my mind used to go when someone mentions the word goals.
Over the past few years, I have been on a path a self-discovery and personal growth. In other words, how can I become a better version of myself? I quickly learned that this “path” is not short term. But a long and never-ending journey.
Constructive criticism used to be one of my biggest enemies. I would role my eyes and ultimately be livid at the person trying to help me in times where I needed it.
Learning to accept the truth and what you need to hear has been one of my greatest improvements!
There are so many different personal goals you can set for yourself and learning which ones are correct for you to focus on is the first step in this growth journey.
Obviously, I am no doctor, and I definitely don’t have all of the answers. But I can help with a start to this self-learning path!
SMART Goals
This is the one thing that needs to be in the back of your brain before even thinking about setting a goal.
What is a SMART goal?
S – Specific
M – Measurable
A – Achievable
R – Relevant
T – Time-bound
Now that you know what a SMART goal stands for, it is time to understand what it means. Here are some questions to ask yourself before getting started.
Is your goal specific enough for what you wish to achieve?
Do you have a plan to track your progress?
Is it achievable for the time frame you are giving yourself?
Is it relevant to where you are in your life right now?
Do you have a set deadline for yourself?
Emotional Goals
If you are looking to increase some emotional intelligence, I have got some goals to help you get started!
There is one specific goal that I am going to be working on eternally – working on and managing my emotions in any situation. And while you may be thinking that I just contradicted myself by “setting deadlines” in the SMART goal section, I will say that setting milestones is also a part of goal setting.
One specific goal that I have been working towards is to learn how to remain calm and composed in stressful situations. This is a powerful goal that I set for myself and highly recommend.
I recently went through something traumatizing where my old roommate was extremely gross and left the bathroom in a biohazardous state. What did I do? I freaked the F out!!
After that, I have been trying to teach myself how to stay composed even when my emotions are heightened.
Another emotional goal that you can set for yourself is practice gratitude every day. I understand this is a popular goal and I am sure you have heard about this goal from others.
But it is true, speaking/writing what you are grateful for over and over, will slowly create an environment of being content. It also ties in with setting goals that will increase your happiness (doing more things that make YOU happy).
Mental Goals
Do you want to increase your knowledge and learn some new stuff? This might be the perfect place to start!
Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Learn about your heritage through family members. Feel free to read my article for great conversation starters to get the ball rolling
- Read a book a month!
- Learn about different cultures and their traditions
- Research about what is going on in the world right now (politics, species that are endangered)
- Learn how to be a conscious consumer
- Educate yourself on astrology!
These are some fun ideas to get you started! Sometimes it can be fun to educate ourselves on things we wish we knew more about.
I recently taught myself how to give tarot card readings and have found joy in learning about this activity. It may not be your average “educational activity,” but it is something that I enjoy doing and learning about for fun.
Physical Goals
I know, I know. The dreaded fit, buff, weight-loss topic. But it does not have to be something you dread. I recently started looking at fitness goals as “health goals.” While it is technically the same thing, I changed the way I viewed it to seem less annoying.
For you it may not be annoying, and it may be a lifestyle, that is perfectly ok too! I like to look at fitness and nutrition as a way to refuel and recharge my body.
I used to be really into fitness and was obsessed with it for a long time. That was until, I hurt my Achilles.
I recently have been getting into fitness that makes my body feel good and not so sore. I have turned to pilates, yoga, outdoor-walking, and less into lifting weights and really intense cardio.
This is what I personally prefer. Everyone is different.
Nutrition is also a great place to look when you think about your physical goals. Again, I am not a professional, this is what works for me. I recommend seeing your doctor or a professional for educated advice about your personal health.
You could start:
- Eating more whole foods
- Minimize foods that make your body feel yucky
- Focus on getting your main food groups in (again everyone’s body is different and so one person’s body may thrive off of carbs while another person’s may thrive off of protein)
Social Goals
Making time for the people who are close to you can seem tough at times when life gets hectic. Setting goals to see these people and spend quality time with them, can help you stay organized in the hustle and bustle.
You could build the simple goal of just wanting to make more time with family and friends. Or you could set the goal of having deeper relationships.
Some goals could be work related or family oriented, whatever it may be, I have some things to get you started (once again):
- Reach out to at least 2 old friends to have some catch-up time
- Practice active listening
- Expand your network by going to different fundraising events
- Start a group hobby (hiking, biking, knitting, crocheting)
- Volunteer regularly
Financial Goals
In this economy? We must learn how to navigate our expenses. Especially as young adults. I am FAR from perfect with my money spending/saving strategies. But I can help provide some advice from what I have learned from my wise elders!
Depending on who you do your banking with, you should be able to see your spending insights. Some banks provide the different categories you spend your money in too, which is great!
Being able to see a visual pie chart (or whatever it may be) of your spending insights can help you gage on what you should probably cut back on.
- Track your spending for 3 months and make adjustments where you can
- Set aside some money each week (or month) for fun – I recommend 10-20% of your paycheck (if you are able)
- Invest your money!
- Set up a 401k if you have not already
- Start a side hustle!
- Pay off any outstanding loans you may have
Whatever you may be working towards, be realistic. It is so easy to set up unrealistic goals and then get frustrated with yourself. Set them with grace and faith. You can do this!