Ask HN: Personal Goal Setting Method (Jim Rohn) | Hacker News Reader

Ask HN: Personal Goal Setting Method (Jim Rohn)

2 pointsurnicus2 comments

I complete Jim Rohn's goal-setting exercise at least once every two years (and I make my wife do it with me — she's a good sport).

Curious if you all have other methods you utilize for personal goal setting?

I highly recommend Rohn's methodology. Set aside an hour and invest it in thinking about your future. I looked back at my 2025 list this morning and was pleasantly surprised to find I'd hit 5 of my 9 one-year goals. I've also hit 3 of the 6 three-year goals I set back in 2023.

Fair warning: Rohn is straight out of the '80s and '90s, so if one of your wishes is to have a fax machine in your bathroom, you're going to love this.

Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDvxsoCqipA

Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYSz4D92700

I don’t have a formal process I go through, but each year before new years I usually sit down and list out goals or things I’d like to do/accomplish in different areas of my life. Instead of a New Year’s resolution that I quit in 2 weeks, I have a list of dozens of things that I’d like to do at some point.

I don’t actively try and do everything on the list all the time. Some of it just exists there and it’s enough to keep me more aware to capitalize on an opportunity when it comes up. Other things are sections that I can add to throughout the year. For example, I know I want to travel somewhere… if the trip is known, I’ll put it down, but if something comes up mid-year, I’ll add it so I can remember looking back. I do this for things like concerts as well.

I’ve been doing this for about 10 years now. The format has evolved over time and continues to evolve.

I keep it simple. Every morning, I write in a notebook listing my long term goals and cross them off as they get done. It reminds me of what I need to do every day and it is quick. I put a number next to the goal and if there is an immediate subgoal, I add a letter with one sentence explaining what it is.

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