I don't do different things, I do things differently. Shiv Khera (Management Guru)

We are urged to form goals from very early on in our lives. Forming goals is considered important because it gives our life a direction; and the efforts taken to achieve those goals helps and leads to personal development. Though one might be inclined to think otherwise, personal development is not necessarily achieved by doing something extraordinary -- it can just as well be achieved by carrying through the most simplest and mundane acts. The only criteria that needs to be fulfilled is that it should meet the person's own needs and help propel him/her forward in life and achieve success.

Personal development can be achieved through both, self-development and the development of others. Which is to say that helping others, or being of service to others leads to personal growth as well. To give an example of the same -- mentors, teachers, doctors or managers bring about development of others along with the development of their own personality.

The Importance of Goals

Goals lead you to the path of success, allow you to take risks and set challenges for yourselves. Only if one has set goals do they keep trying to achieve them, despite obstacles and difficulties. Goals help you control your emotions and fears when the going gets tough. Achieving smaller goals helps gain and increase confidence levels and prepares you for achieving major goals.

The S.M.A.R.T. Rule

One should set meaningful, realistic and professional development goals to make progress towards an ideal life. Setting long-term goals is just as essential as setting weekly or daily goals. When it comes to setting goals, one needs to check the impact of the goal on four areas of life, namely -- body, heart, mind, and spirit. Furthermore, it is believed that goals can be successfully achieved if they are based on the S.M.A.R.T. principle. This includes goals which are:

Specific. Measurable. Attainable. Relevant. Time-Bound.

Have you ever noticed that activities such as praying, music, dance, singing, chanting, poetry, writing and sports etc., are all forms of personal development programs or tools? These tools were designed to help perform various functions such as health improvement or aesthetic satisfaction. Interestingly, they can also be linked to 'final goals' of personal development because they bring you closer to discovering the true meaning of your life or help in living a good life. Personal goals cannot be considered 'personal' forever, as they often continue to influence family values, education, and most other aspects of life.

Building your own identity. Becoming the person you aspire to be. Fixing your priorities Specifying your values. Determining your lifestyle. Defining your ethics. Improving your knowledge, potential and awareness. Enhancing the quality of your life by being more spiritual and healthy. Developing strengths, learning techniques or methods to achieve wisdom. Fulfilling aspirations. Building human capital. Defining and executing personal development plans. Developing spirituality. Improving health.

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Examples of Personal Development Goals - Buzzle