As you get older, you begin to understand yourself more: your habits, values, interests and more. I’ve come to the realization that I fear goals, specifically goals that are larger, require planning and small steps to accomplish. This is not because I don’t feel motivated to create them but more so that I’ve been burned in the past. Before, I would become extremely ambitious with a goal in mind but zero plan to back it. Suddenly, the goal’s deadline arrives and I have nothing to show for it. This leaves me feeling defeated and dissatisfied with myself.
After my 29th birthday in early October of last year I started to reflect on the past year. I felt proud of all that had been accomplished thus far but I knew there was still so much to do--so much I wanted to experience, learn and achieve. So I thought, “What if I make a list of 30 goals that I can challenge myself with before the big 3-0?” By the time early October of 2020 arrives, I can have each goal checked. These goals can be related to lifestyle habits, starting new hobbies, trying something new and traveling.
To achieve goals, small or large, you need to be smart about them. No but really, though. S.M.A.R.T. Have you heard about it?
S - Specific
M - Measurable
A - Achievable
R - Relevant
T - Time Bound
In my personal journal, I dived deeper into each goal. I asked myself why this specific goal was important to me and if it aligns with my life values. Then I wrote about past experiences with each goal. For example, take goal #26: Journal Once a Week. I’ve tried establishing this habit in the past but it didn’t stick. I thought about why it’s important and how it will benefit me. Then I wrote out a plan for the upcoming year that was realistic and manageable. Lastly, I want to make these goals visible--thus, this post! Have you ever heard of the saying, “Out of sight, out of mind.”? Growing up, my mom used to say this to me all of the time and now I’m a believer of the phrase. Thanks, mom! 👋
Below you’ll find my list of 30 by 30 goals. I want to share this with you. I want you to keep me accountable too. I believe by putting this out in the universe, it will help me conquer this list.
- Pay off student loan
- Read 30 books
- Complete at least 30 blog posts
- Get into the best shape of my life
- Travel to a new country or state
- Reach full minimalism at home
- Learn to amigurumi
- Complete each level of Deutsch in Duolingo
- Complete a Java class
- Learn how to meditate
- Complete an unassisted chin-up
- Attend a local cultural event
- Volunteer in the community
- Create at least 30 meaningful posts on instagram
- Learn how to mountain bike
- Learn how to indoor rock climb
- Scrum meetings with Blake
- Camp with Blake and Velo
- Contribute $X to my savings
- Contribute $X to my emergency funds
- Bike to work at least once a week
- Morning routine established
- Alcohol free for one month
- Clean eating habits established
- Healthy relationship with friends
- Journal once a week
- Try a new fitness class
- Create a beautiful backyard
- Visit parents once a month
- Spend zero dollars on non-necessities for one month