Every year, I sit down and write out 50 goals for myself (or I can it: my 50 dream）, then pick a few key ones that I really want to achieve. Looking back over the years (2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, and every year since then), I feel incredibly grateful. I know that achieving these goals isn't solely due to my efforts—having some blessings from above has also played a significant role.
People often ask me: “50 goals? What if you don’t achieve them all?” My answer is simple: Writing them down doesn’t guarantee you’ll achieve them, but if you don’t write them down, you won’t even know what you want to pursue! If you don’t achieve them, just keep writing them down and keep trying! Listing 50 goals is a way to give yourself a clear sense of direction, helping you know where to put your efforts.
Trust me, if you try this exercise even once, you’ll quickly realize that writing down 50 goals is no easy task! The first 10 or so are often traditional goals—like getting a house, a car, or saving money. But then, you have to think deeper. These goals aren’t just about work; they also include personal growth (like furthering your education or earning a black belt in Aikido), travel goals (I had planned to visit Tibet in 2011, but my daughter’s arrival delayed it. I still want to bike there and climb Jade Mountain), and even material goals (like savings, income, or getting a new car).
Some goals can be achieved in the short term (within a year), while others might take 5 or even 10 years to accomplish. As you write, you’ll find that your desires and ideas gradually become clearer. You might even discover what truly matters most to you. For me, the process of writing these goals down is already incredibly rewarding!
Naturally, among all these goals, a few key ones stand out—the ones you really want to achieve or would regret not accomplishing. That’s why it’s essential to narrow down your list and pick out, say, the top 10 goals that matter most.
Reflecting on Two Decades of Goal Setting
While revising this article, I took the opportunity to review the goals I’ve written over the past 20 years. Of course, not everything has been fully achieved. However, my career, life, and the overall direction I’ve taken have largely aligned with (and sometimes even surpassed) my earlier expectations. Writing down my 50 dreams each year has helped me gain a clearer sense of where I want to go in life!
One of my most vivid memories is from about 20 years ago when I first wrote down my 50 dreams. Sitting at my desk, I scribbled down goals like these:
- Learning to play the saxophone ... Done! Although my playing is still pretty rough 😅
- Visiting Washington, D.C., and sitting on the steps from that iconic scene in Forrest Gump ... Check!
- Learning Aikido ... Achieved! I’ve even earned my black belt.
- Writing a book ... Ended up way ahead of schedule, and I’ve written 8 books so far!
- Swimming across Sun Moon Lake ... Done it 3 times!
- Biking around Taiwan ... Didn’t complete the island loop, but I did conquer Wuling Mountain! (Even JJ did it! As for Kun, he’s now reached legendary status.)
- Traveling through Europe ... Achieved it with my whole family!
As for climbing Jade Mountain ... I still haven’t found the time to do it, but I’m keeping it on my list. When the time is right, and all the conditions align, I believe I’ll make it to the top.
The big goals I set—without even realizing it—seemed to be achieved one by one each year, all thanks to consistent effort and perhaps a bit of heavenly guidance. I even accomplished some things I hadn’t initially written down!
This approach has truly worked for me. What about you? Why not give it a try?
Dream Big, Pursue Your Dreams, and Make Them Come True!
As I wrote this article, I also reflected on my goal-setting and progress over the past several years. I have genuinely practiced the method I’m sharing with you here. If you don’t believe me, the past records don’t lie. I just hope that after reading this, you won’t just stop here. Grab a pen and start writing down your own 50 goals right now!
Postscript: On Different Types of Goals
There are many kinds of goals:
- Some are short-term (achievable within a year).
- Some are long-term (requiring 5 years, 10 years, or even longer).
- And some goals aren’t really about achievements but more about aspirations, like wishing for your family’s health or learning to control your temper.
No matter what your goals are, every year, I review and rewrite mine. This process helps me gain clarity on the path I want to take. As long as it’s something you truly desire, it’s a great goal! Don’t hold back—write it down and start making it real!
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