5 Steps to Setting Personal Development Goals

If you want more out of life, then you need to extend your reach. The best way to do that is to set some solid personal development goals, and then go out and achieve them. In this article, I will give you a five step process on how to find and set the goals that will shape your destiny and fulfill your ultimate purpose.

1. Brainstorm.

Ask yourself this question -- what would I do if I couldn't fail? This will get you in the proper mind state to really hone in on a compelling goal.

2. Write down your answers.

Don't censor your thoughts. Remember, you're just creating a list of things you'd like to achieve if you knew there was nothing holding you back. Write for at least 5 minutes straight. If you get stuck, ask yourself more questions. What skills do you want to master? What character traits would you like to develop?

3. Set a time line for each goal.

Once you've written down all the things you'd like to achieve in life, go back and read through them again. This time set a deadline for each goal. Whether you think you can accomplish it or not is not important. Just make a note for how soon you'd like to achieve each goal. Make your goals in terms of 1, 3, 5, 10 or 20 years.

4. Single out your one-year goals.

Go back and locate all the goals you'd like to achieve by next year. Find the one that excites you the most, and would give you the most amount of fulfillment if you achieved it. This is your goal!

5. Get leverage.

Take a few minutes to write down why you are dedicated to making this goal a reality. It will help you start working on the goal right away, and make you more committed to achieving the goal.

If you did it right, you'll start taking action on your goal right away!