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When it comes to goals in life we can tend to have a lot. Sometimes we have too many life goals and we don't know where to start. Sometimes we also may not have enough because we just don't care to think about it. But it matters - especially when you get to the end of your life. One of the regrets of the elderly is not living a life true to themselves.
Getting started on your life goals can feel daunting - like where to start and where to focus in life. Should I focus on traveling and how do I pay for that or do I want to start my own business and if so, what should I do? I really want to lose 50 pounds but don't know what diet I should go on, etc., . Before we know it we have 20 goals and get overwhelmed. So, instead of starting on one or a few, we just give up altogether... - Then as a result, we remain unfulfilled. As I said in the last blog about the 3 magic words to change your life - just starting on small steps gets you on the path towards success in your life goals. So, let's learn 10 life goals everyone should have to be fulfilled (in my own opinion from my own life experiences).
What are life goals?
The meaning of life goals is the attainment of targeted results in your life. This means results in life categories such as: Physically, monetarily, spiritually, romantically, philanthropically, adventure-wise, travel-wise, parent-wise, etc. We create life goals with the intention that the attainment of these things will bring us more happiness and fulfillment. It's about creating a life blueprint.
Why are life goals important?
Life goals are important to have because they create targeted markers. This is about setting objectives that derive a performance plan to start working towards these objectives daily. Big goals happen with little steps. It may seem like not much progress happens at first, but after a while, it turns into big results. Life goals are our guideposts.
According to the latest research, less than 3 percent of Americans have written goals, and less than 1 percent revisit those goals. Only 8% of people achieve their new year's resolutions.
10 Life Goals Examples
I believe the following list below are important goals to set for your life.
1) See the world
Traveling the world is one of the most transformative experiences I've ever had in my life. I traveled the world for five years, saw over 40 countries, and had countless experiences that shifted my mindset. Getting out of your comfort zone and learning about other places and people from other cultures opens your mind and gives you more perspective. It's extremely fulfilling to do. I like back on this time as some of the most valuable and fondest of my life. It completely reshaped everything for me - hence why I currently live in a new country.
2) Do something that scares you
Another thing that gets us out of our comfort zone and makes life more exciting and fulfilling to live means living on the other side of fear. I had a fear of sharks growing up - so I eventually swam with a school of sharks in Bora Bora. Terrifying experience - yet afterward it went from fear to appreciation of their majestic nature.
To overcome my fear of heights I hanglinded off a 3,000 ft mountain in Brazil. Never did I ever think I would do that, and it helped me to overcome that fear (shown above).
Facing your fears = courage. The more we face our fears the better off we are. This transfers to so many areas of life, from the fear of public speaking to the fear of failure. Do things that scare you every day.
3) Get your ideal body
Besides being healthy, taking care of our body takes care of our mind. The mind and body are so interconnected that everything is affected. The biggest point though is that when you look good, you feel good. Your confidence increases. Naturally, that confidence will create a compound effect in your life in many areas. You'll feel more
4) Give back
Services to others is one of the greatest things we can do not only for others but for ourselves. The positive feelings that happen as a result are intoxicating. Knowing you helped someone else is a good way to elevate your mood and brings more purpose to your life. Join a charity, a shelter, or start your own nonprofit organization as I did. I call it my passion mission.
5) Have kids
Kids are a gift and will significantly alter your perspective on life. We're so used to living these isolated experiences always thinking about ourselves that we overlook taking care of something else. Its true kids are tiring and it's a full-time job - but you have to think deeper than this. Yes, you will take second priority, but the positives completely outweigh the negatives.
You should ask yourself - When you're gone, will you regret not passing on life to the next generation? Life is so precious and we often overlook how lucky we are to live. How thankful are you to your parents for giving you life? To me, if asked honestly - I would definitely agree that not having kids is selfish. Countless generations sacrificed and worked hard to bring you and your family into the world - why not reciprocate? Do you want to be the one responsible for the cancellation of the family line?
The odds of becoming a human are 400 trillion to 1
You are so lucky to be alive. Life is a gift. You should think deeply about passing it on and raising a curious, loving, charismatic young person that will inspire you in ways you never knew.
6) Be a kind person
Many people might not think of this as a life goal, but I definitely do. Kindness is a virtue. Kindness is a value of respect and humility. It passes on good vibes in the world and those vibes pass on more good vibes. I personally feel strongly that if you're a prick in life and you spend your life doing pricky things constantly, you're not only an asshole, but you are a failure. So, pass on kindness. One of the greatest pieces of advice I ever got from an older friend concerning life lessons was:
Don't be an asshole.
That about sums it up.
7) Master Meditation
The benefits of mindfulness meditation are intoxicating. Our brains control every aspect of our lives and you need to give them love and self-care. Meditation is scientifically proven to reduce blood pressure, anxiety, depression, and insomnia.
I've personally practiced meditation for over 15 years. It's changed my life completely. Whenever life gets too busy I know that I need to take meditation time to myself. I go through affirmations, positive self-talk, breathing exercises, and just present calmness listening to my mind. Meditate today. If you'd like I have a guided meditation to help you with meditating.
8) Try a different profession
A life coach once told me that I should consider changing professions at 40 years old. When I heard this I thought he was pure bonkers. I'm not even 40 yet and guess what - I changed careers!
We tend to put ourselves in a box and give into social norms thinking - we have 1 path and that's all. It's not true. Life should be treated like a buffet. You should pick and choose what you want when you want it. You have this one amazing life to live. Why limit yourself? Especially if you're not particularly passionate about what you do, you should most definitely consider changing careers.
I went from world-traveling musician to entrepreneur, writer, author, and podcast host. What? Well truthfully - I feel just as fulfilled as I did prior. Deeply consider this in your life goals. Think outside the box.
9) Do a nice deed for somebody without expecting anything in return
This definitely goes back to the #4 life goal of giving back, but that is a bit of a different focus - as pertaining to people you don't know. However, this life goal pertains both personally and publicly. Have you ever given something to somebody that just completely made their face light up? It made them feel so happy that it filled you up to seem them completely appreciative - like a friend or partner?
People think we need to wait for birthdays or anniversaries to spoil the people we love, but we don't. We can do random deeds monthly for the people around us to show them how much we care and value them. When you appreciate others, they will show appreciation in return. This is the stuff that life is made of that gives us deep lasting fulfillment. So, make a habit of doing nice deeds at random with no expectation.
10) Pursue your passion and turn it into a profit
Pursuing our passions and turning them into a profit can be challenging. Everyone would do what they could if they knew how to. Not saying that is any easy feat by any stretch of the imagination. However, as somebody who worked diligently to achieve my life goals - I can confidently say now that it was the best decision I ever made - no matter the sacrifice or the struggles I had.
When you wake up excited to go to work every day it is life-changing. Don't wait to start a life you love - ever. Just do it today. Just start. Regret is poison. Happiness is contagious.
How goals are achieved?
Goals are achieved with planning and action. You have to be consistent. Reasons people don't accomplish goals are because they are unfocused and don't put specific systems in place to keep them accountable.
Things that help you achieve life goals are things such as a life planner, a goals sheet, and having other people hold you accountable. You're 60% more likely to achieve goals with an accountability partner in life.
This can be an accountability partner for fitness as well as for business. If you're a couple working on your relationship you can also have relationship goals and hold each other accountable.
How do I achieve goals now?
Achieving goals takes time and patience. Depending on what the goal is, it is possible to attain it right away. You can just make the goal today and achieve it - such as volunteering at a homeless shelter or running a 5k. However, some life goals take longer to achieve. Sayin' that though big goals happen with small wins. Big goals are made of smaller goals - so you can start achieving those small goals now.
My Life Goals 2.0
If you're ready to supersize your goals now and get going then I recommend the Life 2.0 blueprint. Many people often assume they don't hit their goals in life because their lazy or unmotivated.
This is not true. Most people don't achieve their life goals because they are unfocused. That's it. You are 42% more likely to achieve your goals and dreams simply by writing them down.
Matt enjoys empowering others to live their best lives. Listen to the Life 2.0 Podcast on Spotify, Itunes, Deezer, Pandora, and many more places.
See his book Life 2.0 on Amazon and visit the Youtube channel.
Join Matt's health & fitness program where he dropped 40 pounds in 2.5 months