6 Tips for Setting Goals When You Don't Know What You Want

​In life, people can usually be classified into two categories. On the one hand, you have the very determined ones who have clear goals in their mind. On the other hand, some are less certain about what they want. But just because you fall into the second category, it doesn’t mean you can’t change that. Setting goals in life can help you achieve happiness and fulfillment. So, you’ve got nothing to lose. Just try it. Here are our six tips for setting goals when you don’t know what you want.

​No. 1 Identify Your Focus Areas for Setting Goals

You might not know what you want exactly, but you can start with the general things. To do this, you should identify the areas you want to focus on. Here’s a list of the most common aspects of life that people wish to develop:

• School and career are two essential areas that people want to thrive in. If this is one of your fundamental interests, you have to determine what you want to achieve, how you could achieve it, and what skills you would need to acquire.
• Romantic relationships are unavoidably something people desire. And this is perfectly normal since human beings don’t like to be alone. However, not every relationship will be right for you. So, try to identify what you would like to find in a partner and what you would like to avoid.
• Family is another important area of life for many people. So, if you want to be a parent, there are some things you have to consider. For example, you should determine if you wish to give birth, adopt or use a surrogate. You should think about what type of parent you would like to be. And also, what kind of life you would want to offer your kid.
• Finances are important in life, even though they shouldn’t dominate it. As they say, money can’t buy happiness, but it doesn’t hurt to have it. So, it would be best if you thought about how much you would have to work to have the things you want. Then, you should assess your options. And find ways to earn that money.
• Health and wellness are essential because you can’t meet your life goals if you’re not in good health. Therefore, it’s crucial to think about ways to stay healthy or improve your health.
• Your attitude and perception of life are aspects that can hold you back. So, it’s good to self-analyze and determine what you would like to change. While you can’t change who you are, you can improve your attitude and perception. And you should also identify what brings you joy in life and how you could get more of it.

Nobody likes being alone, so setting goals for a romantic relationship represents a common focus area.

No. 2 Use the SMART Method for Setting Goals

This is an excellent tip for setting goals when you don’t know what you want. The first mention of the SMART goals dates back to 1981, and it has been used ever since. While it can mean different things to different people, the main idea is that goals should be:
 

• Specific – you should determine exactly what you want to achieve.
• Measurable – you should decide how much of something you want.
• Attainable – you shouldn’t set goals that are impossible to achieve.
• Relevant – you should set goals pertinent to your life, not what other people want for you.
• Time-bound – you should select a realistic deadline for your goals.

No. 3 Set a Timeframe for Your Goals

Set a timeframe once you’ve identified your focus areas and what you wish to achieve. Most things in life can’t be achieved overnight. Therefore, you have to learn to be patient and not give up. But setting a timeframe can motivate you. Now, depending on what you want, there are three types of timeframes for your goals:

1. Lifetime goals can take anywhere from 10 years to a lifetime to achieve. They are primarily about your evolution and what you wish to accomplish in life.
2. Long-term goals refer to what you would like to accomplish in 5 to 10 years. This might seem like a long time, but time flies by and there’s a lot that can change in the meantime.
3. Short-term goals can be met in a few months or a year. Therefore, they should be smaller and achievable.

Setting goals when you don’t know what you want should also involve setting a timeframe to motivate you.

No. 4 Write It All Down

It’s one thing to think about what you want to achieve and another to put it on paper. Once you write down your goals, you’ll have a clear picture of what you want and the available timeframe. You can make a goal board in your home or place post-it notes around the house. The idea is to see them every day and remind yourself where you’re headed. This can be highly motivating.

​No. 5 Make an Action Plan

It's not enough to identify what you want. Setting goals should also involve making a plan on how to achieve them. You can't expect things to happen without lifting a finger. For example, if your focus area is your career, you should make a plan on how to get your dream job. Find ways to constantly develop your skills, such as training courses or various projects.
However, if you're not content with your current career path, you can always venture out. You won't be the first or the last person to decide that moving cross country for a career is a good idea. If you can find opportunities elsewhere, it's completely understandable that you will want to try them out. Don't get discouraged if you find your dream job on the other side of the country. You just need a well-defined action plan. 

Setting goals should also involve making an action plan to achieve those goals.

No. 6 Don’t Be Too Hard on Yourself

Once you've made a plan, you should stick to it. Of course, this is easier said than done. Nobody is perfect, and you will make mistakes along the way. But it would help if you weren't too hard on yourself. Plus, sometimes, things happen that are beyond your control. So, don't give up if you don't manage to meet a goal in the timeframe you've set. Yes, it isn't enjoyable, but it's not the end of the world. Just give it another try.

Final Thoughts

​Sometimes it's hard to identify what you want in life. And even when you do, it might not be easy to obtain it. However, setting goals can motivate you, which will help you achieve what you desire. So, use these tips for setting goals when you don't know what you want. They will help you narrow down what's important for you and how you can attain it.