72+ goals for your 2021 goals list

I want to take on more goals than I have time for. THAT is my toxic trait. I want to do everything and anything. So I have a long list of 2021 goals that I wish to accomplish. I will likely be forced to reduce this by a lot.

This year will be 2021 most of us are still in pandemic mode. Now that we are spending a lot of time at home most of us have a lot of time on our hands.

I am no longer going out and seeing friends regularly. I no longer take 2 buses just to get to my day job. There is no more rock climbing about 3 times a week because the gyms are currently closed. And thus I have a lot more time on my hands.

You might be like, “Okay Kayla I have no idea what goals I want to accomplish”. That’s okay! I got your metaphorical back, Jack. So let’s kick off the year with some potential 2021 goals!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. This means that if you click on a link and purchase something I might get compensated for it at no cost to you.

1. Travel

My absolute hope is that by spring 2021 we will be able to travel freely. However, this seems a little too optimistic.

However, if you possess a car and enjoy the outdoors, you can totally travel to a state park to do some hiking and exploring. Travel around your local neighborhood. Just go for a drive.

It is possible to enjoy some responsible traveling during this time.

Alternatively, you can spend this time planning and saving for your next travel journey!

2. Live somewhere else

Living in another state or another city can really give you a new perspective.

I have only ever lived in Pennsylvania. This is on my must-do list before I die. I currently have a 5-year plan on how I will make this goal happen.

If you have currently found yourself looking for jobs, then I totally recommend broadening your horizons and adding this goal to your 2021 goals.

In this post by the Hiplatina blog, you can learn about all the benefits of moving to another state.

3. Start an online business

I started this blog Nov. 2020 after many months of researching. In 2021 I plan on really making this blog my business and realizing my dreams.

I love creating. And if you do too, then I cannot recommend starting a blog or online business enough.

Starting this blog has already changed my life. I am finding out my own pain points and serving people just like me. Also, I am connecting with others who are new bloggers and getting to talk to some inspiring people. Every day is a chance to learn more about blogging, marketing, and website building.

You probably have a million ideas and you deserve to see those ideas become a reality. I recommend following people like straycurls.com. She specializes in bloggers, however, she also has good tips that can be translated to any business.

4. Go to therapy

This was my 2020 goal. And I can tell you I do not regret going! I first started therapy in 2019 to help me with my relationship that was ending. Now I am going to therapy to preemptively help me to keep my relationship healthy.

You deserve to not suffer. If you feel like you are anxious, frustrated, depressed, unmotivated, then it is worth talking to someone about. And everyone deserves someone to talk to about their fears, worries, struggles, and insecurities.

Here you will learn 11 good reasons to go to therapy by the Huffington Post.

5. Cooking more

Cooking meals is a great way to reduce your monthly food expenses. If you are trying to save money this is a great option.

Smart Goal: I will cook dinner 3 times a week.

6. Going to the doctor

I am really bad at going to the doctor if I have something bothering me. Therefore, this year my 2021 goals are to see the doctor and get my problems checked out.

Pick a good physician. After, you can test out a physician by scheduling a check-up. Then go see that physician. During the appointment, you should pay attention to how your doctor speaks to you. If the physician listens and works towards solutions with you then you found a good physician.

Smart Goal: Schedule yearly check up with primary care physician by 2/20/2021.

7. Taking charge of your health

Taking care of your health does not have to mean working out. While exercising is important. So is going to the dentist. Also, going to the doctor regularly, getting enough sleep, drinking water can help you take charge of your health.

My 2021 goal: See the dentist 2x this year for a yearly cleaning by November 2021.

8. Increasing the amount you sleep to at least 8 hours a day

This is on my list of 2021 goals. Unfortunately, for many people getting enough sleep can be difficult. Here you can find some tips to get enough sleep at night.

My sleep patterns are really off. I use a Fitbit to track my sleep. However, there are many kinds of sleep trackers. You can find a list of sleep trackers on Amazon here.

Smart goal: Get 8 hours of sleep per night 4x a week.

9. Working on your fitness goals

Working on fitness goals can be difficult during a pandemic. Hell, it can be super difficult not during a pandemic. This company, Delta Trainer, does personal training at a reasonable price but in the comfort of your own home! If you already have an Apple Watch, you can start a free trial.

10. Creating more routine in yourlife

Setting up a bedtime or morning routine can have many benefits.

1. Better sleep quality
2. More motivation in the morning
3. Increased amount of self care

Smart goal: Stick to bed time routine of wash face, read, and journal 4x a week.

11. Expanding your social Circle

If you feel as though your current friends have grown distant or unavialable, then you should consider trying Bumble BFF or Bumble Bizz. You can also put yourself out there by going to events alone and looking for people to talk to! Also, consider going to meetups for hobbies you are interested in. Yoga, climbing, and other fitness classes are a great way of meeting people. If fitness is not your thing, then consider taking cooking, painting, or another hobby class.

Smart Goal: Use Bumble BFF to have one zoom date per week with a new person for 4 weeks.

12. Cultivating better friendships

Sometimes you can put all the effort into a friendship but not get much out of the relationship. However, many of us are not trying hard enough to cultivate friendships. I often ruminate too much on how much my friends do not reach out to me that I do not reach out to them. Therefore, if you have friends you have not spoken to in awhile go ahead and reach out to them. Do not be a hypocrite!

Smart Goal: Have a zoom date with a friend that is not my partner once per week.

13. Connecting more with others

Sometimes, I avoid strangers. Have you ever seen someone, thought about talking to them but did not? Talk to that person!

Personally, I have a problem asking people questions about themselves. It probably stems from a negative experience trying to get to know someone who did not want to talk about themselves. However, this year I learned that if you do not ask questions about people they will interpret it as disinterest.

Smart Goal: During every conversation with someone pause, listen to what they have to say, and ask at least 3 questions.

14. Take on a home project

There are more specific goals later in this post. However, I bought a house in 2019. As a single homeowner, I know how daunting it is to take on home improvement projects on your own. During my childhood, my parents just did not teach me things like how to use a saw or how to paint. I really rely on home improvement bloggers and vloggers to show me how to do things.

Smart Goal: Paint living room a new color by November 2021.

15. Reach out to friends

I am heavy hitting around friend goals! Many people feel lonely during mandatory or voluntary isolation. However, it does not have to be that way! Make sure you reach out to friends to talk on the phone or have zoom dates with.

Smart Goal: Once per week talk to a friend you have not reached out to in at least 2 months.

16. Go on bumble BFF dates

I have already discussed this above as a goal. However, I wanted to discuss why it is so important to widen your friend circle.

Obviously having healthy friends can decrease feelings of loneliness, and increase feelings of social support. However, your friends can also support you in your goals. Therefore, it is incredibly important to be actively cultivating your support systems and connections.

17. Being more creative

Few people will deny that art is amazing. Being creative can reduce stress, save money, and make people better problem solvers.

I have a belief that my art and writing styles are not good enough. So, I have to pep talk myself into believing in my own ability to create. This year, I have taken up painting, crocheting, and writing.

Creativity by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi is a book I came across recently. So far the book seems like an interesting read. I recommend this book if you are interested in learning more about the creative process.

18. Journaling

The benefits of journaling have been discussed in this past post.

I plan to journal more often. Since journaling was recommended by my therapist to examine more closely my strongly held beliefs about my self-worth and self-doubt. So far, journaling has helped me feel more motivated to master my thoughts and emotions.

19. Read

Reading is highly recommended because it helps improve empathy. This year during quarantine I read and listened to over 50 books.

I have noticed reading has increased my ability to focus and also retain information. Additionally, reading has improved my writing skills. Due to the content of what I read, I am exposed to different ideas. This also helps me challenge my toxic thought patterns.

Smart Goal: Each week read 50 pages for 10 consecutive weeks. And read 25 books by the end of the year.

20. Manage perfectionism

Many people suffer from perfectionism. Perfectionism is indicated by having high expectations of one’s work. Procrastinators are often people who have problems with perfectionism.

I struggle with perfectionism. One internal belief that I have is that I will never be good enough unless I out preform in every way possible. This thought process also stems from my problems feeling worthy of love unless I am perfect in my relationships. My internal brain is very dramatic, I know!

Smart goal: Remind myself when necessary to try difficult tasks and ask for help.

21. Practice mindfulness

To improve my mental health this year I plan to practice mindfulness more often.

Smart Goal: Practice mindfulness by checking in on how I feel each morning.

22. Spend more time with pets

This should be a no brainer. Spending time with our fur babies is amazing. I have a sweet, noisy, Bengal cat who loves tummy rubs and anything catnip. I love using catnip to get Lacey super excited. In the comments below make sure to tell me all about your fur babies or other pets.

Smart Goal: Spend 30 minutes a day playing with pets.

23. Try new things

Write a list of things you have always wanted to try. Next start trying those things. This will help you get out of your comfort zone. Also, you will explore more about yourself and what you like.

24. Learning new skills

Learning new skills helps people feel a sense of mastery and accomplishment. For example, possible skills to develop are writing, patience, cooking, proof reading, website development, photography, painting, learning a new language, and marketing.

25. Updating your resume

One of your 2021 goals can be to update your resume. In fact updating your resume can help you see all of your acquired skills to realize new career possibilities.

26. Get a car

During the pandemic using buses has been a bit sketchy. Also public transit is very time consuming. This goal is at the very top of my 2021 goals list.

27. Hike new places

Hiking is a great way to stay more active and be a part of nature. This year I want to try my best to see other places to hike. Additionally this goal ties into my other goals for health and to travel more.

28. Eat more vegan dishes

Eating vegan can be relatively inexpensive. For example beans, and lentils are pretty cheap. One of my favorite meals is vegan.

Smart Goal: Eat a vegan meal 3 times a week for a month

34. Be kinder to yourself

“Few things are more distracting than the cruel things we tell ourselves.”

The Bullet Journal Method by Ryder Carrol

This quote really resonated with me. I am and certainly have been very cruel to myself, especially with the cruel truths I believe about myself. In more recent the past, I have told myself that I was disorganized, mean, and unfriendly. Now I know these things are not true however, I still catch myself believing mean things about myself. For instance, I sometimes believe I am too judgy and no one likes me. And I also believe that I am just pretending to be someone who can help others with productivity. Being kinder to myself is certainly on my 2021 goals list.

Smart Goal: Say 1 nice thing about myself in the morning every day for a month. Recite my list of positive affirmations.

44+ more goals to inspire you:

Financial

1. Save $100/ month
2. Reduce your food waste
3. Reduce your grocery bill
4. Pay $50 more towards your mortgage/ student loans/ car payment each month
5. Invest in the stock market
6. Cook at home more

Wellness

1. Go to the doctor
2. Invest more in yourself
3. Practice self-care
4. Drink 60 oz of water a day
5. Eat more fruits and vegetables
6. Pick up a physical hobby like weightlifting, yoga, or boxing

Home

1. Decorate the house
2. Paint the walls
3. Buy a house
4. Update your appliances
5. Improve the curb appeal of your home

Social

1. Spend time with people healthy for you
2. Tell others your appreciation
3. Make more meaningful connections with others

Professional

1. Make a career change
2. Increase productivity
3. Improve ability to focus on tasks
4. Pick up a side hustle
5. Get more organized
6. Prioritize goals
7. Network with people in your industry

Psychological Development

1. Feeling more secure in relationships
2. Be kinder to yourself
3. Be kinder to others
4. Recognize your strengths
5. Increase positive thought patterns
6. Look for a healthy partner
7. Find more value in the process of learning
8. Master your mindset
9. Learn about how your mind works
10. Meditate
11. Practice more patience
12. Let things that bother you go
13. Say what you are grateful for
14. Learn to master the ability to redirect your thoughts
15. Increase feelings of self-worth

Fun

1. Try 3 new Cuisines
2. Grow a garden
3. Write a book
4. Start a blog
5. Use up craft supplies
6. Increase your confidence

Conclusion

There are many goals that you can take up in 2021. This 2021 goals list Is very long. Therefore pick 3 goals to start with. Once you have completed those three goals pick 3 new ones.

Working on goals at your own pace will help you learn mastery. Mastery is a never ending process to better one’s self in some way. Never ending skill building. Although, some of these goals listed have end dates. The process of growth and development is ever lasting.

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