This is the first post in the 101 Goals in 1,001 Days series.

We’ll start by brainstorming as many goals as we can, and refine the list later.

When most of us look towards our futures, we think that there is a near-infinite number of goals we’d like to accomplish in our lifetime. However, when it comes to committing to a list of them, brainstorming 101 unique goals can be harder than it seems.

The following guiding points can help maximize your goal choices. Don’t worry about thinking of “too many” goals or writing down the “right” goals…just write down whatever comes to mind.

Use the the Goal Generator form (PDF) to keep track of your brainstorming.

Want one-on-one brainstorming help?
Check out the Rocket Power support program at 101goalsin1001days.com.

Places to Visit:

• Countries
• Cities
• Landmarks
• Bodies of water
• Attractions
• Restaurants
• Specific concerts or shows

Finances:

• Debt (credit cards, mortgages, car loans, student loans)
• Emergency fund
• Improve credit score
• College fund
• Savings plan
• 401(k)
• IRA

Content to Consume:

• Specific books
• All books by a certain author
• Every issue of a magazine
• All movies with a certain actor/director/producer/writer
• All movies or books on a certain list
• Books or movies of a certain genre
• Types of food or drink

Physical Changes

• Weight loss
• Waist size
• Clothes size
• % body fat
• Cholesterol
• Blood pressure
• A1c (for diabetics)
• Improve complexion
• Straighten or whiten teeth
• Plastic surgery
• Attain certain fitness level
• Run a marathon
• Increase flexibility
• Increase strength
• LASIK
• Get your tubes tied/vasectomy

New Things to Learn

• Mathematics
• Economics
• Science
• Nutrition
• Anatomy
• Increase vocabulary
• Languages
• History
• Programming language

Things to Create

• Quilt/dress/sweater
• Interior design
• New business
• New blog
• New website
• Write a book
• Write an article
• A baby
• Poems
• Demo tape
• Write a play
• Make a video

Skills to Learn

• Shoot a gun
• How to taste wine, beer, cheese, bread, etc.
• Play games (i.e. poker, scrabble)
• Ride a bike
• Shoot a gun
• Fly an airplane
• Dance
• Crossword puzzles
• Drive
• Ski
• Whistle
• Cooking

Risks to Take

• Volunteer in a foreign country
• Skydive
• Public speaking
• Admit a crush
• Give up alcohol
• Give up caffeine
• Quit smoking
• Quit your job
• Take a random road trip

Relationships

• Spend more time with family
• Go on a date
• Get married
• Reconnect with friends
• Go on vacation
• Make new friends
• Attend a reunion

Things to Own

• Cars
• Property
• Books
• Music
• Antiques
• Memorabilia
• Pets
• Clothes
• Accessories
• Jewelry
• Collectibles

Business

• Start a new business
• Sell a business
• Get a raise
• Get a promotion
• Telecommute
• Complete a key project
• Increase revenue
• Earn more clients
• Close more deals
• Increase market share
• Earn recognition

Pieces of Paper

• Associate’s degree
• College degree
• Graduate degrees
• Concealed weapons permit
• CPR certification
• Personal training certification
• Join MENSA

Have more brainstorming ideas? Feel free to share them in the comments!

Next, we’ll read other people’s goal lists for even more inspiration.