37 Inspiring Examples of Personal Goals with Actionable Specific Steps
We all want to live the best life possible. We strive for success in our personal and professional lives, but it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why setting personal goals is so important. Having clear, measurable objectives in mind helps you stay focused and motivated as you work towards them.
From creating healthier habits to strengthening relationships, many personal goals can help you live a happier and more fulfilling life. Here are 37 inspiring examples of personal goals to help you get started.
Each one of the 37 examples of personal goals has two examples of how you can achieve these goals and, additionally, two examples of a SMART goal setting.
This way, you can get the most out of these personal goals examples. In addition, this will provide you with the best possible actionable steps so that you know exactly how you can set up your own personal goals.
This post is a comprehensive guide about personal goals with actionable steps. I did my best to make it awesome!
How to Set Personal Goals
We start this article with a short guide on how to set practical personal goals. You can use the SMART approach in general to set personal goals. This stands for:
- Specific – your goal should be clear and detailed
- Measurable – you should be able to gauge progress through numbers, dates, or milestones
- Achievable – your goal should be realistic and attainable
- Relevant – the plan should make sense for you
- Timely – your goal should have a set timeline
Here are some specific examples of SMART goals:
- Exercise at least 3 times per week
- Eat 5 servings of fruits and vegetables every day
- Reduce your daily calorie intake by 500
- Lose 10 pounds in 6 months
- Join a gym and attend 3 classes each week
- Run a 10k race within 6 months
By setting your goal specific, measurable, and time-bound, you can track your progress better and stay motivated. And finally, you have regularly keep track of your progress to make adjustments along the way. This is highly important to achieve personal goals.
With the goal-setting steps explained, let us move on.
Types of Personal Goals
There are many different types of personal goals. However, having measurable goals are essential for living a happy and fulfilling life.
Whether you want to create healthier habits or strengthen relationships, setting personal goals can help you stay focused and motivated as you work towards them.
With this in mind, here are 37 inspiring examples of personal SMART goals that will help get you on the path to becoming your best self:
Personal Development Goals
Personal development goals are basically everything that enhances your personal life. Self-development is one of the most critical aspects of our life. Here are a few examples of personal growth goals:
Develop a daily meditation habit
Meditation can help reduce stress, improve focus, and promote feelings of calm and well-being. Meditation is a great way to enhance your personal growth.
To achieve this goal, you can:
- Start with just a few minutes of meditation each day, and gradually increase the time as you become more comfortable.
- Use a guided meditation app or YouTube video to help you get started.
Here are two specific SMART goal settings examples for developing a daily meditation habit:
- Example 1: Meditate for 5 minutes every day before starting work for the next 30 days.
- Example 2: Increase daily meditation time by 1 minute per week for the next 8 weeks.
Start a gratitude journal
Focusing on the things you’re grateful for can improve your mental health and overall well-being. To accomplish this personal goal, you can:
- Set aside a few minutes daily to write down three things you’re grateful for.
- Use a gratitude journal or app to help you stay motivated and track your progress.
Here are two specific SMART goal settings examples for starting a gratitude journal:
- Example 1: Write down three things you’re grateful for every morning for the next 30 days.
- Example 2: Increase the number of things you’re grateful for each day by one for the next 30 days.
Improve your public speaking skills
Public speaking can be nerve-wracking whether you’re giving a presentation at work or at a social event. But honing this skill provides a self confidence and is essential in your professional life. To achieve this goal, you can:
- Practice in front of a mirror or with a trusted friend or family member.
- Join a public speaking group or take a public speaking course to gain more experience.
Here are two specific SMART goal settings examples for improving your public speaking skills:
- Example 1: Give a five-minute speech to a group of friends each week for the next four weeks.
- Example 2: Record yourself giving a presentation and watch the video to identify areas for improvement. Work on those areas and record another video in three weeks to measure progress.
Develop a growth mindset
Having a growth mindset means embracing challenges and seeing failures as opportunities to learn and grow. To complete this personal goal, you can:
- Read books or articles on developing a growth mindset.
- Practice reframing negative thoughts and beliefs into positive ones.
Here are two specific SMART goal settings examples for developing a growth mindset:
- Example 1: Identify one limiting belief and replace it with a positive affirmation each day for the next 30 days.
- Example 2: Set a goal to learn a new skill outside of your comfort zone and work on it for at least 30 minutes each day for the next month.
Develop a regular reading habit
Reading can help improve your knowledge, critical thinking skills, and vocabulary. To achieve this goal, you can:
- Set aside time each day to read, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
- Identify topics or genres that interest you and find books or articles on those subjects.
Here are two specific SMART goal settings examples for developing a regular reading habit:
- Example 1: Read for 10 minutes before bed each night for the next month.
- Example 2: Set a goal to read 12 books in the next year, and track progress by reading one book each month.
Learn a new skill
Learning a new skill can increase personal and professional growth, boost confidence, and enhance problem-solving abilities.
To achieve this personal goal, you can:
- Choose a skill that interests you, such as coding, cooking, or playing an instrument.
- Take a course or class, watch tutorials, or practice regularly.
Skillshare is a platform with thousands of courses to learn new skills.
Here are two specific SMART goal settings examples for learning a new skill:
- Example 1: Complete an online coding course and build a simple website by the end of the quarter.
- Example 2: Spend at least 30 minutes practicing a new skill every day for the next 100 days.
Develop the habit of journaling
Journaling can be a powerful tool for self-reflection, problem-solving, and stress reduction, and helps in achieving a work life balance. It can also help you track your progress and celebrate your successes.
To complete this goal, you can:
- Schedule a regular time for journaling, such as before bed or first thing in the morning.
- Set a specific goal for each journal entry, such as reflecting on the day’s events or brainstorming solutions to a problem.
Here are two specific SMART goal settings examples for journaling:
- Specific: Write in your journal for 10 minutes every night before bed for the next 30 days.
- Measurable: Set a goal of filling up one journal per quarter, and track your progress by the number of pages you write.
Take on new challenges and experiences
Challenging yourself to try new things can lead to personal growth, increased confidence, and a broader perspective on life.
To achieve this goal, you can:
- Make a list of activities or hobbies you’ve always been interested in but haven’t tried yet.
- Choose one activity from your list and commit to trying it within the next month.
Here are two specific SMART goal settings examples for taking on new challenges and experiences:
- Example 1: Sign up for a cooking class and attend all sessions for the next month.
- Example 2: Plan and complete a solo hike on a local trail within the next two weeks.
Personal Educational and Career Goals
Personal educational and career goals are essential for any individual looking to earn success. Setting meaningful, achievable targets is key to developing your professional and personal goals.
Pursue Higher Education or Advanced Training
Higher education or advanced training can help you develop new skills, expand your knowledge base, and advance your career prospects.
To achieve this goal, you can:
- Research and identify relevant educational programs or training opportunities.
- Set aside dedicated time for studying and attending classes.
Here are two specific SMART goal settings examples for pursuing higher education or advanced training:
- Example 1: Enroll in an online course on data analytics and complete all assignments within 6 weeks.
- Example 2: Attend a weekend workshop on project management and complete a certification exam within 3 months.
Build a Professional Network
Building a professional network can help you connect with like-minded individuals, learn about industry trends, and open up new job opportunities.
To achieve this goal, you can:
- Attend networking events or conferences in your industry.
- Connect with professionals in your field through social media platforms like LinkedIn.
Here are two specific SMART goal settings examples for building a professional network:
- Example 1: Attend one industry-related networking event per month and exchange contact information with at least three new people at each event for the next six months.
- Example 2: Reach out to five professionals in your field on LinkedIn every week for the next three months and schedule a virtual coffee meeting with at least one of them.
Learn to Code or Develop Technical Skills
Learning to code or developing technical skills can help you stay relevant in a rapidly changing job market and open up new career opportunities.
To achieve this goal, you can:
- Identify relevant online courses or tutorials to learn coding or technical skills.
- Set aside dedicated time for practicing coding or technical skills.
Here are two specific SMART goal settings examples for learning to code or developing technical skills:
- Example 1: Complete an online course on Python programming and build a simple project using the language within three months.
- Example 2: Dedicate 30 minutes every day to practice coding on a relevant platform and solve a minimum of one coding problem per day for the next 100 days.
Learn a new language
Learning a new language can improve cognitive function, enhance your travel experiences, and open up new career opportunities. To achieve this goal, you can:
- Sign up for a language course at a community college or language school.
- Use language learning apps like Duolingo or Babbel to practice regularly.
Here are two specific SMART goal settings examples for learning a new language:
- Example 1: Spend 30 minutes each day practicing French on Duolingo for the next 90 days.
- Example 2: Take a language proficiency test in 6 months and aim to achieve a B1 level score.
Personal Relationships Goals
A healthy relationship is essential for personal growth, as it creates an environment of mutual trust, respect, and understanding. Personal goals related to relationships can include:
Practice active listening
Active listening involves paying full attention to your partner and seeking to understand their perspective. It can improve communication, trust, and intimacy in relationships.
To achieve this goal, you can:
- Practice summarizing your partner’s thoughts and feelings to ensure you understand them correctly.
- Avoid interrupting or dismissing your partner’s thoughts and feelings.
Here are two specific SMART goal settings examples for practicing active listening:
- Example 1: Have a conversation with your partner where you only ask questions and listen without interrupting for 10 minutes.
- Example 2: Practice active listening during arguments by waiting until your partner is finished speaking before responding for the next 2 weeks.
Schedule quality time together
Spending quality time together can help deepen your emotional connection and strengthen your relationship.
To accomplish this personal goal, you can:
- Plan a weekly date night to engage in activities you both enjoy.
- Put away distractions like phones and laptops during your time together.
Here are two specific SMART goal settings examples for scheduling quality time together:
- Example 1: Plan and go on one date night per week for the next 3 months.
- Example 2: Spend at least 30 minutes a day talking without any distractions for the next 2 weeks.
Practice vulnerability
Being vulnerable with your partner can deepen intimacy and trust in relationships.
To achieve this goal, you can:
- Share your thoughts and feelings honestly with your partner.
- Make a conscious effort to listen and validate your partner’s vulnerabilities.
Here are two specific SMART goal settings examples for practicing vulnerability:
- Example 1: Share one personal fear or struggle with your partner within the next 48 hours.
- Example 2: Practice active listening and validating your partner’s vulnerabilities during one conversation every day for the next 2 weeks.
Support your partner’s goals
Supporting your partner’s goals can promote growth and happiness in relationships.
To complete this goal, you can:
- Ask your partner about their personal goals and how you can support them.
- Encourage and celebrate your partner’s progress and achievements.
Here are two specific SMART goal settings examples for supporting your partner’s goals:
- Example 1: Ask your partner about their goals and how you can support them within the next 24 hours.
- Example 2: Make a conscious effort to acknowledge and celebrate your partner’s progress towards their goals every day for the next 2 weeks.
Personal Health and Fitness Goals
Personal Health and Fitness Goals are important for leading a healthy lifestyle. These goals can range from achieving a specific physical activity level to eating healthier or quitting smoking.
Develop a consistent sleep routine
Getting enough quality sleep can improve mental and physical health, increase productivity, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and helps in maintaining a good work life balance.
To achieve this goal, you can:
- Establish a consistent bedtime and wake-up time.
- Create a relaxing bedtime routine and limit screen time before bed.
Here are two specific SMART goal settings examples for developing a consistent sleep routine:
- Example 1: Go to bed at the same time every night for the next 30 days.
- Example 2: Increase total hours of sleep per night by 30 minutes within the next 2 weeks.
Increase vegetable intake
Eating a diet rich in vegetables can provide essential vitamins and minerals, improve digestion, and support overall health.
To accomplish this goal, you can:
- Aim to include vegetables in every meal.
- Try new vegetables and recipes to keep meals interesting.
Here are two specific SMART goal settings examples for increasing vegetable intake:
- Example 1: Eat at least 2 servings of vegetables with every meal for the next 30 days.
- Example 2: Try one new vegetable and recipe each week for the next 8 weeks.
Limit processed foods
Reducing the intake of processed foods can improve digestion, support weight management, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
To achieve this goal, you can:
- Choose whole, unprocessed foods as much as possible.
- Prepare meals at home to have control over ingredients.
Here are two specific SMART goal settings examples for limiting processed foods:
- Example 1: Eliminate all processed snacks from your diet for the next 30 days.
- Example 2: Cook at least 4 meals at home per week for the next 8 weeks.
Build muscle mass
Strength training can increase muscle mass, improve bone density, and support healthy aging.
To achieve this goal, you can:
- Incorporate weight lifting or resistance exercises into your workout routine.
- Gradually increase weight or repetitions to build strength.
Here are two specific SMART goal settings examples for building muscle mass:
- Example 1: Lift weights for 30 minutes, twice a week for the next 30 days.
- Example 2: Increase weight lifted by 5% each week for the next 8 weeks.
Increase flexibility
Improving flexibility can reduce risk of injury, increase mobility, and improve posture.
To achieve this goal, you can:
- Incorporate stretching into your daily routine.
- Try yoga or other flexibility-focused exercises.
Here are two specific SMART goal settings examples for increasing flexibility:
- Example 1: Stretch for 10 minutes every morning for the next 30 days.
- Example 2: Attend a yoga class at least once a week for the next 2 months.
Personal Finance Goals
Financial goals can help you to build wealth, reduce debt, make more money in general, and prepare for the future. Here are some personal financial goals:
Create a budget
Creating a budget helps you manage your finances and reach your financial personal goals.
To achieve this goal, you can:
- Write down your income and expenses, and assign a spending limit to each category.
- Track your spending and adjust your budget as necessary.
Here are two specific SMART goal settings examples for creating a budget:
- Example 1: Create a monthly budget for the next 3 months and stick to it, saving $100 per month.
- Example 2: Reduce eating-out expenses by 50% for the next 30 days.
Build an emergency fund
An emergency fund can provide financial security and peace of mind in case of unexpected events.
To accomplish this goal, you can:
- Determine how much you need to save, based on your monthly expenses and other financial obligations.
- Set up automatic transfers to a savings account each month.
Here are two specific SMART goal settings examples for building an emergency fund:
- Example 1: Save $500 by the end of the year by setting aside $42 per month.
- Example 2: Build a 3-month emergency fund within the next 12 months by saving 10% of each paycheck.
Create a debt-free plan
Creating a debt-free plan can help you prioritize your debt repayment and become debt-free faster.
To achieve this goal, you can:
- Make a list of all your debts, including interest rates and balances.
- Decide on a debt repayment strategy, such as the debt snowball or debt avalanche method.
Here are two specific SMART goal settings examples for creating a debt-free plan:
- Example 1: Focus on paying off the highest interest rate debt first for the next six months to reduce overall interest payments.
- Example 2: Become debt-free, except for mortgage, within the next 5 years by paying an extra $500 per month towards debt repayment.
Start investing
Investing can help grow your wealth over time and provide a source of passive income. To achieve this goal, you can:
- Determine your risk tolerance and investment goals.
- Open a brokerage account and start investing in a diversified portfolio of stocks, bonds, and other securities.
Here are two specific SMART goal-setting examples for starting investing:
- Example 1: Invest $100 in a low-cost index fund in the next seven days to start building your investment portfolio.
- Example 2: Increase your monthly contributions to a retirement account by $50 for the next 12 months to take advantage of compound interest.
Personal Travel and Adventure Goals
Personal travel and adventure goals can help you explore new places, try new activities, and take a break from your daily routine.
Climb Mount Kilimanjaro
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that can offer a sense of accomplishment, breathtaking views, and an opportunity to experience different cultures.
To achieve this goal, you can:
- Work with a reputable guide service to plan and prepare for the climb.
- Train physically to build endurance, strength, and agility.
Here are two specific SMART goal settings examples for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro:
- Example 1: Train for a total of 60 hours over the next three months by completing three 20-hour weeks of strength and endurance training.
- Example 2: Climb for six hours a day for the next 10 days to build up endurance.
Hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu can provide a sense of adventure, cultural immersion, and a chance to connect with nature.
To achieve this goal, you can:
- Work with a reputable guide service to plan and prepare for the hike.
- Train physically to build endurance, strength, and agility.
Here are two specific SMART goal settings examples for hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu:
- Example 1: Complete a 5-mile hike with a 10-pound backpack once a week for the next 8 weeks to build up strength and endurance.
- Example 2: Research and book the hike by the end of the month to have a set deadline and motivate yourself.
Learn to surf in Hawaii
Learning to surf in Hawaii can provide an adrenaline rush, a sense of accomplishment, and a chance to connect with the ocean.
To accomplish this goal, you can:
- Take surfing lessons with a reputable surf school or instructor.
- Practice surfing regularly to improve your skills.
Here are two specific SMART goal settings examples for learning to surf in Hawaii:
- Example 1: Take surfing lessons twice a week for the next six weeks to gain a solid foundation of skills.
- Example 2: Surf for at least 30 minutes every day for the next month to practice and improve on skills.
Visit all seven continents
Visiting all seven continents can provide a sense of adventure, exploration, and cultural immersion.
To achieve this goal, you can:
- Plan and book trips to each continent in advance to maximize time and experience.
- Prepare for the trips with essential items, documents, and research on the destinations.
Here are two specific SMART goal settings examples for visiting all seven continents:
- Example 1: Plan and book a trip to one new continent per year for the next seven years to spread out the cost and time commitment.
- Example 2: Save a set amount of money each month towards travel expenses and set a deadline for booking each trip to stay on track.
Attend a major music festival
Attending a major music festival can provide a unique and exciting experience, an opportunity to see your favorite artists, and a chance to connect with like-minded people.
To achieve this goal, you can:
- Research and choose a music festival that aligns with your interests and preferences.
- Plan and prepare for the trip with essential items and tickets.
Here are two specific SMART goal settings examples for attending a major music festival:
- Example 1: Choose and purchase tickets for a music festival within the next month to have a specific deadline and motivate yourself.
- Example 2: Save a set amount of money each month towards travel and festival expenses to stay on track and minimize financial stress.
Personal Creativity Goals
Personal creativity goals can provide an opportunity for self-expression and personal growth. Setting goals in this area can help you to foster your creative side, learn new skills, and build self-confidence.
Write a novel
Writing a novel can be a fulfilling creative outlet that allows you to express your imagination and ideas.
To achieve this goal, you can:
- Set aside a regular time and place for writing
- Create an outline or plan for your novel before you start writing
Here are two specific SMART goal settings examples for writing a novel:
- Example 1: Write 500 words every day for the next 6 months to complete a 90,000-word novel.
- Example 2: Finish the first draft of a novel within 9 months by writing for 2 hours every Saturday and Sunday.
Learn to play a musical instrument
Learning to play a musical instrument can improve your memory, reduce stress, and boost your confidence.
To achieve this goal, you can:
- Find a good teacher or online course
- Practice regularly, preferably at the same time every day
Here are two specific SMART goal settings examples for learning to play a musical instrument:
- Example 1: Practice for 30 minutes every day for the next 6 months to learn to play 5 beginner-level songs.
- Example 2: Master a difficult piece within 3 months by practicing for 2 hours every day and attending weekly lessons.
Start a creative hobby
Starting a creative hobby can provide a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment, reduce stress, and enhance cognitive function.
To complete this personal goal, you can:
- Choose a hobby that interests you and fits your lifestyle.
- Set aside dedicated time each week to practice your hobby.
Here are two specific SMART goal settings examples for starting a creative hobby:
- Example 1: Practice drawing for 30 minutes every day for the next 30 days.
- Example 2: Complete one knitting project per month for the next 6 months.
Take up calligraphy
Calligraphy can be a therapeutic and relaxing activity that enhances your artistic skills and can be used to create beautiful works of art.
To achieve this goal, you can:
- Start by investing in some basic calligraphy tools like pens, ink, and paper.
- Join an online course or watch tutorials on YouTube to learn the basics of calligraphy.
Here are two specific SMART goal settings examples for taking up calligraphy:
- Example 1: Practice calligraphy for 20 minutes every day for the next 30 days.
- Example 2: Create a piece of calligraphy artwork to gift to a friend within the next 2 weeks.
Create a short film
Creating a short film can be a fun and rewarding way to express your creativity and showcase your storytelling abilities.
To achieve this goal, you can:
- Write a script or storyboard for your film.
- Gather a team of actors, equipment, and resources needed to produce your film.
Here are two specific SMART goal settings examples for creating a short film:
- Example 1: Write the first draft of the script within the next 2 weeks.
- Example 2: Complete the filming and editing of the short film within the next 3 months.
Develop a board game
Developing a board game can be a challenging and fulfilling project that allows you to bring your ideas to life and provide entertainment to others.
To achieve this goal, you can:
- Research and gather inspiration from existing board games.
- Create a prototype of your board game and test it with friends and family.
Here are two specific SMART goal settings examples for developing a board game:
- Example 1: Create a prototype of the board game within the next 4 weeks.
- Example 2: Playtest the board game with at least 5 different groups of people within the next 3 months.
Start a podcast
Starting a podcast can be a great way to share your interests and expertise with others while also improving your communication skills.
To achieve this goal, you can:
- Choose a topic for your podcast and brainstorm ideas for episodes.
- Invest in quality recording equipment and editing software.
Here are two specific SMART goal settings examples for starting a podcast:
- Example 1: Record and publish the first episode of the podcast within the next 2 weeks.
- Example 2: Increase the number of podcast subscribers by 50% within the next 3 months.
How to Stick to Personal Goals
It can be difficult to stay motivated and on track with your personal goals. Sticking to personal goals requires dedication, consistency, and focus. To stay on track, it’s important to set realistic expectations, create a plan of action, and track progress.
Start by breaking down your goals into small, manageable tasks that are achievable in a reasonable time frame. This allows you to have smaller wins along the way, which can help to keep you motivated and focused.
You should also plan out specific times when you are going to work on your goal and stick to it. Whether it’s an hour a day or a few hours per week, setting aside dedicated blocks of time will help get you closer to achieving your goal.
Accountability can also be extremely helpful in making sure you stay on track. You can create a system of accountability with friends and family or join an online community to get support and motivation from others who are striving for similar goals.
Finally, don’t forget to reward yourself along the way. Celebrate each milestone and take some time to reflect on how far you have come. Positive reinforcement can be an effective way to stay on track and motivated.
No matter what your personal goals are, taking the time to plan ahead and establish a clear path toward achieving them can help you stay on track and get results! With dedication and focus, you’ll find that anything is possible. So go out there and crush those personal goals!
Final Thoughts on Personal Goals
Personal goals are an important part of life. Achieving them can bring about a sense of accomplishment and self-confidence that will have positive ripples in all aspects of your life. Start by defining what you want to achieve, setting SMART goals, and developing a plan for success.
Don’t forget to stay motivated and reward yourself along the way! With dedication and focus, you’ll find that anything is possible. So get out there and start achieving those goals today! Remember: the future starts now.
Wish you the best! Fabian