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: Personal Development Goal Examples 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. For more specific activities, include things like: Examples of Personal Development Goals at Work Personal development goals play an important role in leadership and management as well. Just as setting personal goals at work is important, setting personal development goals for managers is crucial. Learning new management skills, developing positive thinking, learning new techniques of human resource management, adopting negotiation skills, learning the art of dealing with difficult people are some examples of personal development goals for managers. The following are examples of the kind of personal development goals that can be set in the workplace. For more specific activities, include things like: Goal setting is very personal; but the examples provided herein should help you in getting a general idea of what personal development goals are like and give you inspiration for forming some of your own. While setting new goals, you should look inward to understand what it is you truly want to accomplish. Setting personal goals requires discipline, time, and an ardent desire to make changes in your personality and lifestyle.