As the days pass, missed opportunities for growth accumulate. Many young people believe they have plenty of time to turn their dreams into reality. However, the stark truth is that life can slip away quickly. This is where goal setting comes in.
Setting goals in your twenties is like planting seeds in a garden. With time, care, and perseverance, these seeds grow into strong trees bearing the fruit of personal growth.
Life-Changing Goals You Should Achieve
There are many goals that can be achieved and have the power to change your life, according to Success in Depth.
1. Achieve Financial Independence
Securing financial independence in your twenties is a worthy pursuit. Engaging in practices that boost your financial literacy, such as budgeting or investing, can lead to a stable future.
What are the challenges that young people face in building their identities?
2. Pursue a Meaningful Career
Embarking on a meaningful career will foster personal achievement and long-term satisfaction. The first step is to identify your ideal career path for the coming years. Don’t worry if it feels like a huge task. Every small step toward your goal matters. Here are a few basic tips to help you:
- Identify your passions and skills.
- Stay consistent and make adjustments as needed.
- Create a goal tree or mind map for visual clarity.
- Take small steps if necessary.
- Build lifelong friendships.
3. Travel the World
If your current lifestyle doesn't create a sense of excitement or satisfy your desire for exploration, consider traveling as a goal to achieve before turning 30.
To accomplish this dream, stay updated on the latest travel trends, express your love for adventure, and build connections with fellow travelers or locals across the globe.
What Experts Say
John Hajar, a psychotherapist with a Master's degree in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, explains to "Siddeti" how young people can set their life goals.
In the midst of daily life, challenges, and pressures, young people often find themselves facing a puzzling question: "What is my purpose in life?" Some feel lost, while others dream but don't know where to start. The truth is that goal setting and achieving are not merely practical steps; they are a deep psychological journey that requires self-understanding, inner strength, and passion to fuel the way forward.
Why Do We Need Goals?
Imagine you're in a boat in the middle of the sea with no destination. The waves toss you left and right, and you might reach a shore, or you might stay stuck in the middle. Goals are the compass that gives us direction in life. They give us a reason to wake up with enthusiasm every morning and make us feel that our lives have meaning and value.
But why do many young people struggle to define their goals?
The Search for Purpose
In psychology, there’s a concept called Self-Identity, which refers to the framework through which we see ourselves and define who we are. When we lack clarity about our identity and what we want, setting goals becomes difficult. Some young people set goals only to please others, like their family or society, but deep down, they don’t feel happy with them.
Before setting any goal, ask yourself:
- What do I truly love doing?
- What makes me excited without noticing the time passing by?
- What values do I believe in and reflect in my life?
These questions open the door to discovering goals that reflect your true self, not what others impose on you.
The Difference Between Dreams and Goals
A dream is a beautiful picture in our minds, but a goal is the dream we decide to work on. The difference between them is the plan.
If you dream of becoming an artist, doctor, entrepreneur, or writer, the first step is to turn that dream into a practical plan:
- Set a clear goal: Don’t say, "I want to be successful." Instead, say, "I want to open my own business within three years."
- Break the goal into small steps: Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the enormity of the dream, ask yourself: What’s the first step I can take today?
- Overcome fear: Fear of failure is the greatest enemy of dreams. Don’t wait for the perfect moment, because the perfect moment never comes.
- Be flexible: Life is full of surprises, and you may need to adjust your plan. That's okay, as long as you're still heading in the right direction.
Psychological Challenges in Achieving Goals
Many start with enthusiasm, then retreat after a while. Why? Because there are psychological challenges that everyone faces:
- Fear of failure: Some people fear failure so much that they don't even try. But the truth is, failure is part of the journey. It’s not an enemy, but a teacher.
- Frustration from comparison: When you see others achieving their goals quickly, you might feel discouraged. But everyone has their own path and timing.
- Loss of motivation: There will be days when you feel exhausted and bored. That's okay. Take a rest, then return with renewed energy.
Success Is Not a Destination, But a Journey
Achieving goals doesn’t only mean reaching the finish line; it’s a journey where you grow, learn from your mistakes, and discover more about yourself. Enjoy every step, and be proud of your progress, even if it's slow.
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