simple life habits

5 Simple Steps to Setting Life Goals

by Jonathan on September 3, 2011

So many of us aimlessly wonder through life without any meaning or purpose. Setting life goals can begin to pull in in the direction we want to go. The problem is we are creatures of habit. We get up everyday, complain about the daily commute, waste time at the water cooler at work in menial conversations , and work in spurts of energy just to keep our jobs above satisfactory level. Is this how life was meant to be lived? I believe many of us down deep think that life has more to offer, but either we do not know the way or we give up thinking that living your dreams is just a fantasy world.

I want to share with you a different way. You life has a purpose and life doesn’t come into focus until you travel down that path. Sure, your path might be unconventional and others will wonder why you are paddling up stream. Many see life and work much like it was portrayed in the Disney Movie Pixar Classic Walle. Droves of people, mindlessly wondering around in the culture aboard the spaceship having everything laid out for them. There was no thought of making your own choices, blazing your own path, or doing things differently. I’m afraid that is much like the culture we are beginning to see in Corporate America.

The way out is to begin setting life goals that pull you in a direction instead of being pushed by the cultural norm. I have 5 simple steps to share with you that will help you in setting life goals. Let me be clear: the process is simple, but not easy. You will have to put some time, thought, and prayer to the process.

Step 1. Begin with Prayer

I think it is vitally important that we connect with our creator when establishing life goals. After all, He is the one who gave us life to begin with. Scriptures teach us that He has a plan and purpose for our lives. It is also describe as an “expected end.” What is amazing to me is that God wants to include us in on His plan. His desire is to use His creation to help fulfill His purposes. Your skills, abilities, and talent were given to you for a reason. He gave them to you for you to use them. Ask God to direct you as you begin to set life goals.

Step 2. Brainstorm 101 Goals

setting life goalsThis was probably the most challenging yet energizing thing I have ever done. In fact, at one point in the process of developing my list, one of my goals became “to get to 101 goals.” Let me give you a few important tips here. Do not make this process too “heavy.” Sure, you may look at your list 5 years from now and cross of things because you no longer have a desire to pursue them. The main purpose of this process is to stretch yourself and just dream for dreaming sake. Do not worry if your goals are too big or too small, just let it flow without judging anything. Include a spouse if possible. Ask them to help you come up with the list as you should want to include goals that they want to accomplish.

Step 3. Break it Down into Categories

Next, you will want to break down this list into the major categories of your life. Your categories might look differently from mine. Here are my categories:

  • Spiritual
  • Self Development
  • Family
  • Career
  • Finances
  • Physical
  • Social
Once you have established your categories go through your 101 goals list and just label each one to match one of the categories. Later, we will use this information to really begin to do something useful and helpful.

Step 4. Build a Life Plan

I have written a series of post on how to build a life plan so I won’t go into great detail here. The bottom line is that the Life Plan serves as a compass of where I am heading in life. If what I am currently doing is not matching with where I want to go, I have a problem. A life plan is a 2-10 page document that you should review on a regular basis. I think it is critical to having a life plan when setting life goals. While I try to review my life plan weekly/monthly, I also sit down to make changes and adjustments at the end of every year. This helps me to get re-focused and energized about the upcoming year.

Step 5. Buy a Whiteboard for Visualization

This may seem like an odd step, but let me explain. One of the biggest challenges that I have had in the past with setting life goals so moving on and never reviewing them. One way that I have learned to solve this is by purchasing a small whiteboard that is 2 feet by 3 feet. I then divide the board into 4 sections and label each sections: this year, this month, this week, today’s goals.
Go to your 101 goals and select a few goals that you think you can accomplish in the next year. Write them down in the yearly section on your whiteboard. Now, considering your workload for the month, what reasonable steps can you make toward these goals in the next 30 days. Under the weekly section, look at your monthly goals and write down any smaller steps you can make in the next week. You do the same for the day if you want also (although lately I have been using the weekly section for this).
What I like about this system is that my goals are always staring at me. I see them on a regular basis. I also like that it helps me break down my goals into smaller action steps. This allows me to focus on one small step that can pull me closer to my bigger goals.

Question: What methods do you use when setting life goals?

 

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Article by Jonathan

Jonathan has been blogging since 2009 and is still in awe that the Creator of the Universe desires to have a relationship with him. His passions include spending time with his kids, reading, March Madness, surprise get-a-way trips with his wife, and watching funny YouTube videos.