Set Your 2021 Goals
Pretty sure we’re all ready to say goodbye to 2020. Ugh.
But the good news is: New year, new goals! So let’s set out to make 2021 the best hopefully-post-pandemic year of our dreams. You’ll need to click here to download this 2021 goals template (or just grab a blank page in your journal) and a little space in your day.
What are your long-term dreams? Where do you really want to be in a few years? What progress can you make toward that life this year? Even if you can take only a small step toward it this year, try to work it into your plans. Don’t let “a few years off” stay a few years off.
What are the things in your life that you are most grateful for? What brings you the most joy? How will you incorporate them this year?
What change do you want to see in your community and in the world? How can you spend part of your year contributing to it?
Family/Relationship Goals
The first category to set a goal in reflects the people in your life. Think of some goals you could set related to your relationships with your partner, children, family, or friends. (For these purposes, family means whoever you love.) What the exact goal is depends on your relationships, of course, but here are some examples we’ve used before. Be creative and nurture your loves!
Go on a number of hikes with a close friend.
Ask your partner on a number of dates.
Read a parenting book.
Attend a number of relationship therapy sessions.
Plan and take a family vacation.
Now, read over your list. Which one of these goals would have the biggest, best impact on your life over the next year? Which would you be most proud of in a year? If you could do one of these, which would it be? Why? If this is a category you want to set secondary goals in, go ahead and do that too. But keep in mind that this is your primary goal. Write it in the family goal spot on your goals sheet.
Career Goals
What is your goal for your work or school this year? Are you looking to achieve something particular at your job, start a project on the side, or find a new job that allows you to live your purpose? Brainstorm some options. They can be very specific to your job, of course, or they could be more general like these.
Take a class related to a certification or skill in your field, or one that you would like to have.
Update your resume and apply for a number of jobs.
Build a case for a promotion or raise and present it.
Journal to build your growth mindset.
Read a number of books related to your field or purpose.
Now, read over your list. Which one of these goals would have the biggest, best impact on your life over the next year? Which would you be most proud of in a year? If you could do one of these, which would it be? Why? If this is a category you want to set secondary goals in, go ahead and do that too. But keep in mind that this is your primary goal.
Financial Goals
Financial goals are our favorites. (No, YOU’RE a nerd.) There are so many good options you could consider here! For example:
Pay off a certain amount of debt.
Save a certain amount for an emergency fund.
Increase retirement savings by a certain percentage.
Read a number of books on investing.
Track spending to stick to a budget.
Now, read over your list. Which one of these goals would have the biggest, best impact on your life over the next year? Which would you be most proud of in a year? If you could do one of these, which would it be? Why? If this is a category you want to set secondary goals in, go ahead and do that too. But keep in mind that this is your primary goal.
Health Goals
This is one category in which we personally have trouble focusing on process, not results. Focus on your end of the bargain, not your blood pressure’s or scale’s. How would you like your health to improve in 2021? What is a reasonable difference you would be proud of? Spend some time coming up with a short list for yourself. For example:
Walk or exercise a certain number of times a week
Try a new sport or exercise
Meditate a certain number of times a week
See a therapist a certain number of times a month
Eat a specific (increased) number of vegetables every day
Now, read over your list. Which one of these goals would have the biggest, best impact on your life over the next year? Which would you be most proud of in a year? If you could do one of these, which would it be? Why? If this is a category you want to set secondary goals in, go ahead and do that too. But keep in mind that this is your primary goal.
Creative Goals
If you have a lot of creative outlets in your life, this list will be easy to come up with! (Actually, maybe it will be harder to narrow it down…) What are some goals you could set for yourself in terms of self-expression? For example:
Set a specific goal around your craft, whatever it is
Take a class in something you want to try
Write in a journal on a regular schedule
Try a number of new recipes or projects
Experience more art related to your craft (e.g., if you’re a writer, maybe you want to read a certain number of books outside your comfort zone; if you’re a painter, maybe you want to visit a couple of new museums)
Now, read over your list. Which one of these goals would have the biggest, best impact on your life over the next year? Which would you be most proud of in a year? If you could do one of these, which would it be? Why? If this is a category you want to set secondary goals in, go ahead and do that too. But keep in mind that this is your primary goal.
Personal Goals
This is something of a wildcard category. You might know exactly what you want to put here already. If not, think about the things that are important to you, the things you enjoy, and the things that will make you happy this year. The sky is the limit, and we couldn’t possibly hope to scratch the surface including examples here, but just to get you started:
Spend a certain amount of time volunteering
Read a number of books or watch a number of movies or shows
Take a class on something (or commit to learning it in another way)
Join a club, league, or other group
Invite friends over for dinner a number of times
Now, read over your list. Which one of these goals would have the biggest, best impact on your life over the next year? Which would you be most proud of in a year? If you could do one of these, which would it be? Why? If this is a category you want to set secondary goals in, go ahead and do that too. But keep in mind that this is your primary goal.
Now it’s time to move to the template.
Write each of your goals in its labeled space. Throughout the year, use the tracker underneath it to track your progress. We use a colored pencil to color in the percentage of progress we’ve made for some visual encouragement.
Reread each of your major goals and think about the upcoming year. What major themes do you see? What value, thought, quality, trait, or virtue would make this year’s journey enjoyable and focused for you? What is your word of the year? Write it in the Word of the Year box.
Use the How I’ll Learn box to brainstorm resources you can seek out to learn with this year. Maybe they are documentaries, books, podcasts, or classes on something related to your job, something in your life, or something you’re just interested in. How will you learn this year?
In the What Is Your Why box, jot down some reminders of the real reasons you’re on your journey. It’s good to have them at hand to keep you aware of the big picture even when you’re going for your specific goals—and to give you a reminder of why you have them if you get discouraged.
