Goal Ideas for 2017

2016 is fast coming to an end and before we know it 2017 will be well under way. It’s time to start thinking about goal ideas for 2017 and setting some resolutions – that will stick.

Setting goals isn’t easy. Sure, it’s easy to think of a few goals that will improve your life. But how achievable are they?

We need to set goals that cross the fine line between being interesting, motivational, fun, and beneficial. Most people fall into the trap of setting their goals too high, too many, too unrealistic, or something that demotivates more than motivates.

If you’re struggling to think of goal ideas for 2017 at all, don’t worry – you’ll find some ideas in this post. Take a read and pick what appeals to you, make the idea your own with a twist unique to you.

Good luck, and Happy New Year!

Goal Ideas for 2017

Think outside of Your Comfort Zone

This is the one that scares people the most, but is by far the most rewarding. Think of your most memorable moments and achievements. I bet they were on the back of stepping outside of your comfort zone.

Make 2017 a year of greater risk, and greater reward. Take that bungee jump you’ve always dreamed of, go somewhere new on holiday, or start that training course you think might be too difficult – but isn’t.

Stop Settling for Less Than the Best

It’s normal to feel like you can’t do something, like you don’t deserve to win, or that someone else will get that promotion ahead of you.

What separates the winners from the losers is not just having a positive mindset, but belief. If doesn’t happen overnight, but it also doesn’t happen at all if you don’t take charge and decided you are good enough.

If You’re Not Happy Where You Live, Move

I talk with people all the time who are really unhappy where they live. I always ask them why they don’t move. Of course, they have plenty of excuses. But none that are good enough to keep on being unhappy.

If you can’t be happy at home you will struggle to find happiness in other areas of your life. Think big too, if you’ve always wanted to move to another country and have nothing hold you back – go for it!

Get into Better Physical Shape

Health comes before wealth. Getting into better physical shape will help a lot of the other areas of your life fall into place. This is why most new year’s resolutions involve joining a gym or getting fit, but the difference between ‘most’ and you, is that most will fail.

Think about what I said above. Set achievable and motivating goals. Most new year’s resolutions fail because people don’t follow these basic points. Don’t be a statistic, look back and year and thank yourself for setting some health related goals.

Give Back – Start Volunteering

There are few things more satisfying than giving to those less fortunate. There are endless organizations in desperate need of more volunteers. Sites like volunteermatch make it easy to find somewhere that matches up with your own hobbies.

We take what we have for granted, and we all want more for ourselves. But I can guarantee you that no matter how much you think it won’t affect you, helping others is one of the most humbling and satisfying experiences.

Pursue Something You’re Passionate About

More than 80% of people are in jobs they are not passionate about. Most will never do anything about it, settling for second best and feeling like they are trapped. Start pursuing something you’re passionate about now and see where it takes you.

Just start with 30 minutes a week if you have to. That’s what I did. I crafted out a career I wanted, I now do what I want every day and it makes me happy. I’m not special, I just decided this is what I was going to make happen.

Read One Book a Month

Ah, the forgotten art of reading. I’m not talking about news articles and webpages, try picking up a book and reading it each month. Books help sharpen our minds, we learn new things, and develop neurons.

You will pick up some new topics for conversations, learn new skills, and become better at making time for yourself.

Write a Bucket List and Tick One Item off Each Month

Some people see bucket lists as a bit depressing, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s a good idea to make a list of things you want to do before you die. The second step is actually doing them, so set yourself a goal of once a month, it’s not a lot.

Sometimes things need to be written down with pen and paper to make them happen. Or in the modern day written on your phone, here is a handy bucket list app for Android and iOS. Why not download one and add some things to your bucket list right now?

Start Meditating

Meditation has had a massive positive impact on my life, and I know it can do the same for anyone else. It just takes a few minutes a day. It’s refreshing, relaxing, stress-relieving, and a simple yet enjoyable activity.

Start setting aside a few minutes a day and you’ll see a huge difference in a matter of weeks. Meditation is part of a healthy lifestyle, it should definitely be on your list of goals for the new year.

Look at Your Work-Life Balance

Looking at 2016 how balanced was your life between work and play? Finding a balance is difficult, there are always promotions to chase or projects to work on, but there are also friends and family members that need you.

Remember, work has an end-point, but friends and family do not. Make time to visit them, pick up the phone, do something special for your loved once this year and don’t work too hard.

Make More – You – Time

How much time did you make for yourself last year? You will see it’s a bit of a theme in these goal ideas, because it’s incredibly important. Reading books, meditating, bucket lists, they all mean making time to focus on yourself.

It’s not something a lot of people are comfortable with. We take comfort in being busy and going through our daily routines. Take it from me, you’ll feel recharged and happier if you make time for yourself.

Start a Blog or Journal

Journalling is one of the oldest hobbies that people still do today. Sure, it’s in the form of a blog a lot of the time, but that’s even better as you can reach an audience. Putting thoughts and experiences into words makes them easier to remember, and reflect on.

Also, having something to look back at for nostalgia purposes is always fun. You’ll learn some new skills too, especially if you start blogging.

Reconnect with a Friend You’ve Lost Touch With

We all lose touch with friends as the years go by. You’re probably starting to call family members less often too, right? It’s part of growing older and letting work and your own family life take up your time.

Make a point to reconnect with an old friend in 2017. It couldn’t be any easier easy, I bet you’ll find them on social media, or you may even have their phone number. I can guarantee a message out-of-the-blue will bring a smile to their faces.

Work on Your Self-Esteem and Confidence

Did you pass up on anything last year or have any regrets because you weren’t confidence enough to take control of the situation? Confidence and self-esteem can be looked at as skills, things we need to continue working on.

If you have social anxieties or fears, you know you need to work on this area. If you’ve been building up courage to ask for a rise, it’s time to take control, what’s the worst that can happen?

Look for Your Special Someone

Are you happily single, or unhappily single? Love doesn’t just land on your doorstep (at least not very often), so add it to the list of goals for the upcoming year.

Mingle in new social circles, meet new people, or by following some of the goals in this list you will increase your chances of meeting new people. Don’t force it or be impatient, just put yourself out there and love has a habit of turning up when you least expect it.

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There are plenty of goal ideas for 2017 here to make the new year a special one. We should always be looking forward to having a better year than the one before and working on our personal growth, so I wish you all the best.

Whenever you’re reading this, Happy Holidays, Happy New Year, and Good Luck to you!