To get started thinking about personal goals, a person should ask some pertinent questions. What three things would I like to accomplish in the next five years? Where am I today, in relation to my goals, and what actions must I take to get there? What time frame do I need for each actionable step? Once these details are hammered out, personal goal setting is much more manageable for the individual. Keeping a “to-do list” can be extremely helpful in staying on track, as can involving others in this personal odyssey. There are many different objectives that constitute as personal aspirations.

Losing weight is one of the most popular personal goals Americans have. It’s a lot easier to put on a few pounds than to lose them, and reaching goals of weight loss or better fitness requires a lot of discipline. The best way to approach weight loss is to start by setting realistic goals — like losing 10% body weight to start. So if an individual weighs 200 pounds, then he or she can start by working to lose 20 pounds. It’s also wise to break down a list of short term goals that will lead to that long term goal of weight loss. Work out 3 days/week, choose a weekly cardio class at the gym, rat more salads, weight train once a week and/or limit desserts to once per week. Many people trying to lose weight also link up with friends who have the same agenda so they can work as support networks for each other.

Another one of the top personal goals is to quit smoking. This is one of the most difficult personal achievement goals to tackle, but it is also important in limiting the risk of cancer, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia, heart disease, bronchitis, aneurysm and other ailments. There are many methods a person may choose, such as drugs like Chantix, nicotine patches, Nicorette chewing gum, hypnosis, quitting cold turkey, calling a hotline and attending group meetings. It’s important to have a strong support network and establish a date when one plans to quit smoking; otherwise the deadline will keep getting pushed back to “after this pack is finished.”

Sometimes personal goals are related to personal habits that inhibit other areas of life. For instance, ending procrastination is one goal people struggle with. According to Psychology Today magazine, 20-25% of Americans are self-professed procrastinators. A procrastinator may create a personal goal setting list, with entries like; I should realize that I do not work better under pressure, I will only reward myself with free time when I finish my quota for the day, I will only celebrate if I finish the project before the deadline, I will break down tasks into manageable lists, I will tell others about my goals, I will work on a schedule and in an environment free of distractions.

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