Setting Personal Development Goals: A Struggler’s Guide to Becoming the Best Version of Yourself

Hello, struggler. Welcome to this space where we can talk about the journey—the messy, often frustrating, but rewarding journey of setting and achieving personal development goals. If you’ve found your way here, it’s because you’re ready to grow, to evolve, and to push through the discomfort of self-improvement. And trust me, that’s the hardest and most beautiful part of the process.

I’ve been in your shoes—staring at a blank page, wondering how to take that first step toward something bigger than myself. Setting personal development goals can feel like trying to solve a puzzle without all the pieces. But I promise, even though it’s a struggle, you’ll find those pieces, and they’ll help you build the version of yourself you’ve always dreamed of.

So, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of setting personal development goals in a way that feels authentic and sustainable. No fluff, no empty promises—just real talk.

Why Personal Development Goals Matter: The Struggle is Real

Before we start setting goals, let’s talk about why personal development goals matter in the first place. When we talk about personal development, we’re not just talking about leveling up in a traditional sense. It’s not about getting more money, more followers, or more recognition (though those things may come along the way). Personal development is about becoming the best you possible—improving your mind, body, and spirit so that you can show up in your life more fully, more confidently, and more authentically.

You, struggler, deserve that. You deserve to be the person who faces challenges with grace, who builds better habits, who takes care of themselves, and who isn’t afraid to go after their wildest dreams. But to do that, you need a roadmap. And that roadmap starts with goals—clear, actionable personal development goals.

Now, I’ll be honest with you. Setting goals is easy. Staying committed to them? That’s where the real struggle lies. You will face setbacks. You will doubt yourself. But each time you do, remind yourself that the journey is worth it. Each little goal you achieve moves you closer to the person you want to be.

Understanding What Personal Development Goals Are (and Aren’t)

Personal development goals are much more than a to-do list. They are intentional actions you take to develop skills, habits, and mindsets that contribute to your overall growth. These goals are deeply personal and unique to each individual. What might work for someone else might not work for you, and vice versa. That’s why, as you read this, think about the specific areas in your life where you most want to see change.

But personal development goals aren’t just about achieving something externally—they’re about the internal work, too. It’s about becoming someone who can handle life’s ups and downs with resilience, wisdom, and an open heart.

Let me give you a few examples of personal development goals:

• Developing Emotional Intelligence – Learning to manage your emotions and empathize with others can make a massive difference in both personal and professional relationships.

• Building Healthy Habits – Whether it’s working out, eating healthier, or getting more sleep, small health-related goals can have a profound effect on your energy, mood, and outlook.

• Enhancing Your Mindset – Shifting from a fixed mindset (where you believe your abilities are static) to a growth mindset (where you believe you can develop new skills with effort) is crucial in achieving your personal development goals.

• Becoming More Self-Disciplined – Discipline is the cornerstone of personal growth. The ability to say no to distractions and yes to your bigger vision will move you forward faster than anything else.

These are just a few examples. But remember, personal development goals are as diverse as the individuals setting them. What’s most important is that they align with your values and the person you want to become.

How to Set Personal Development Goals That Stick

Okay, so we’ve talked about why personal development goals matter, but how do you actually set them? Let’s break it down.

1. Be Specific

Vague goals are the quickest way to set yourself up for failure. If you say, “I want to be healthier,” that’s great, but it’s not specific enough. How will you measure it? What exactly will you do? Instead, set a goal like, “I will walk for 30 minutes every morning for the next month.” Specific goals allow you to track your progress and give you something concrete to work toward.

2. Make Them Measurable

You need to know when you’ve achieved your personal development goals. For example, if your goal is to read more books, don’t just say, “I want to read more.” Set a measurable target: “I will read one book a month for the next six months.” This way, you’ll have a clear sense of accomplishment when you hit that goal.

3. Start Small

One of the biggest mistakes I’ve made in the past is setting overly ambitious goals. Sure, it’s great to dream big, but you have to break down those dreams into manageable steps. Start with small, achievable goals that you can work on daily or weekly. These mini-goals are easier to attain and will build momentum for bigger goals down the line.

4. Write It Down and Review Regularly

Writing down your personal development goals is a game-changer. Not only does it help you commit to them, but it also gives you something to refer back to when life gets busy. Set aside time each week to review your goals and assess your progress. Are you on track? What needs to change? Keeping yourself accountable will ensure that you stay focused on the bigger picture.

5. Don’t Fear the Setbacks

You will slip up. You will have days (or weeks) where it feels like you’re not making progress. But guess what? That’s part of the process. The key is to keep moving forward, even if it’s just one small step at a time. Personal development is a marathon, not a sprint.

The Role of Mindset in Achieving Personal Development Goals

If you want to be successful in achieving your personal development goals, you need to have the right mindset. Personal development isn’t just about doing; it’s about being. If you don’t believe you can grow, it’ll be harder to make progress.

A growth mindset is essential here. It’s the belief that your abilities and intelligence can be developed with effort and perseverance. When you have this mindset, you’re more likely to embrace challenges, persist through difficulties, and view failure as an opportunity to learn.

Book Recommendations to Help You Reach Your Personal Development Goals

If you’re serious about setting and achieving personal development goals, I highly recommend these books. They’ve helped me in my own journey and have provided countless tools and insights that can accelerate your growth.

1. "Atomic Habits" by James Clear If you struggle with habit formation (and let's be honest, who doesn't?), this book is an absolute must-read. It offers practical strategies for creating small habits that compound over time into lasting change.

2. "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen R. Covey
   Covey’s book is a classic for a reason. It provides a framework for personal and professional effectiveness, emphasizing principles like proactivity, goal-setting, and prioritization.

3. "Mindset: The New Psychology of Success" by Carol S. Dweck
   This book will change the way you think about learning and growth. Dweck introduces the concept of a "growth mindset" and explains how adopting it can transform your approach to challenges.

4. "You Are a Badass" by Jen Sincero
   If you’re looking for a no-nonsense, empowering guide to personal development, this book is for you. Sincero’s humor and practical advice will inspire you to take action and stop doubting yourself.

5. "The Power of Now" by Eckhart Tolle
   Sometimes, personal development isn’t about doing more. It’s about being more present. Tolle’s book teaches you how to live in the present moment, free from the weight of past regrets and future anxieties.

Final Thoughts: Keep Going, Struggler

Personal development is a journey, not a destination. There will be bumps along the road, days when you feel like quitting, and moments of doubt. But remember this: every step you take, no matter how small, is progress. You are doing the work, and that alone is something to be proud of.

So, keep pushing. Keep growing. And above all, keep showing up for yourself, struggler. Your personal development goals are within reach—you just have to believe it and stay committed to the process.