I recently wrote a post where I came up with 100 life goals.

I kept it somewhat impersonal, though! It was a list for other people who might be seeking life goal-related inspiration.

So, I thought it might be fun to put together a related piece detailing my dreams in life.

Knowing someone’s personal goals provides an insight into who they are. I figured writing this might help you guys get to know me a bit better. Likewise, I find it inspiring to learn about someone else’s dreams. Maybe you will, too?

And, from a selfish perspective, there’s something powerful about writing down the goals in your head. It helps you commit to them!

With all that said, here are 40 of my dreams for the future.

My Dreams in Life: 40 Personal Aspirations and Goals

This dream list is in no way exhaustive. I fully expect it to shift and alter over time.

Equally, it’s awful as far as goal-setting goes! The best goals are clearly defined, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-constrained.

The ones below tick none of those boxes!

I don’t mind, though. The main aim of this list is simply to remind me of my goals and keep me on track by making them public. Hopefully, they’ll inspire you guys in the process! With that said, here are 40 of my dreams in life.

1. To Work Online (one of my life dreams I’m already doing!)

Technically, this is one of my life dreams that I’m already doing!

And I have no intention of stopping any time soon.

The internet provides an incredible opportunity to break away from the norm, be your own boss, and earn money on the go. I look forward to seeing if I can make it work long-term.

2. To Make a Business from Blogging (My Current Dream in Life)

This is my primary focus at the moment.

I aim to make a living through writing, blogging and running websites. I’m still at the start of this journey. However, I feel more motivated about this at the moment than I have about almost anything else in the past.

With the right focus, hard work over time, and a commitment to keep learning, I’m determined to make it happen.

3. To Be Financially Free

This, ultimately, is what I’m working for overall.

I hate money, and I love it.

I hate how intoxicating it is. I hate how it often dictates your access to opportunities and what you can do in life. I love (sort of) the process of earning it, saving it and having it in the bank as security.

My overall goal is to get to a point where I’m financially free. For me, that means earning enough each month that I don’t have to worry about what I spend.

Again, that’s an awful, ill-defined goal! I’m still figuring out the precise details of what financial freedom means for me.

Is this one of your dreams too? You might like this post full of money affirmations!

4. My Major Dream of Life: Control My Time

I want to act like time is my main currency.

You can get more money. You can’t get more time.

The fact that it’s ticking steadily away with every moment is terrifying! But it motivates me too.

I want to take full control. Unless I’m in a role I’m passionate about, I don’t want others to dictate how I spend my time.

5. To Earn Passive Income

My dream future involves earning a living through passive income.

It’s been a focus of mine for a while now.

I’m still at a point where I’m swapping my time for money. But I want that to change!

It’s one reason I like blogging as a business model.

Right now it’s a hefty investment of time upfront. But it offers the potential to earn money with minimal input. And, as I enjoy the process of running them, this seems like a worthy investment.

6. To Write a Book (High on My Dream List!)

This one is in pole position on my mental list of aspirations.

I absolutely intend to write a book. I’m still working out the details, though! Whether it’ll be a novel or a work of non-fiction, I don’t know.

However, I’m determined to do it. I have the semblance of an idea right now and am beginning the process of reading up on the subject. Fingers crossed, I can cross the threshold into further action soon.

7. To Read as Much as Possible

Say hello to another loose goal!

It’s definitely a big one for me, though. I just think reading is an essential part of writing. And, given that I intend to write a book and make a business from blogging, it seems important!

Equally, I love reading- regardless of what type of book it is. Ongoing learning is vital to a happy life. I’d like to read every day, but so far, it’s a work in progress. This is an area I really want to improve in and make a priority.

8. To Have a Book Published

If I’m to write a book, then I’d quite like to have one published too!

It would be cool to write it anyway.

But, if I’m honest, the thought of being a published author resonates with me even more.

9. To Build My Own House

I’d say this life dream is currently in my top 3 aspirations.

I think about it almost every day!

I would have no idea where to begin. But I love the idea of learning how to do it and then setting about the task. I love working hard, learning new skills, and getting stuck into creative projects with a tangible reward at the end. Equally, I like the idea of having total control of what my living space would look like.

The thought of having a base to call my own, which I built, is a lovely one.

Building a house speaks to me for all those reasons and more.

10. To Invest in Property

This one feeds into my desire to earn passive income.

I’ll need a hefty amount of capital to begin. But property seems a good investment. Hopefully, over time, I can make this a reality too.

11. To Have a Dog

I am determined to have my own dog at some point.

There’s not a lot more to say on this one! I just love dogs and think having one would be a one-way ticket to a happier life.

12. To Own, Travel and Live in a Van

Van life has appealed to me for a long time now.

I’m on the cusp of making it happen. I’m determined to own one and deck it out so I can travel and sleep in it as I go. The thought of the freedom and simplicity involved really appeals to me.

[2020 Update- after an epic van-packing trip to Australia, I’ve now ticked this dream off my list!]

13. To Travel around the World

I’ve done a reasonable amount of travelling now.

But, to date, it’s never felt like enough! I’m absolutely set on travelling more extensively. And now that I’m earning money on the road, I feel I’m set up to make this happen.

14. To Start a Community

This goal is a fairly new one for me.

It stemmed from my desire to build a house. A good friend listened to the idea and suggested I invite others to be part of the project and to live at the property thereafter.

“Why?” I asked.

“Because what’s the point in living somewhere without others to share in it?” He answered.

His response resonated with me. Since that conversation, I’ve thought more about it and think I agree. For now, though, it’s still something I’m contemplating.

15. To Help Others (One of My Main Dreams and Aspirations in Life)

I want to live a life that has other people at its heart.

As far as dreams and success go, this is a big one for me.

I know it sounds lofty and do-gooder-esque (for lack of a better word). However, it’s been a goal of mine for at least a decade since I started considering my future more seriously.

I’ve been living a life full of self-interest over the last year or two. However, I’m still determined to do some good for others in whatever I end up doing in the future.

16. To Work in Disaster Relief

One area I’ve thought seriously about is disaster relief.

My rough goal right now is to get to a financial state where I can earn money passively (or have enough saved up) to enable me to travel to places that need support and volunteer my time in any way that might help.

I’ve done similar work in the past and loved every second. If my blogging business plans don’t work out, this is an area I can imagine myself seeking ‘real’ employment.

17. To Contribute My Time to a Worthy Cause

This is another related goal.

However, it doesn’t necessarily pertain to helping other people. It might be a political cause, an environmental issue, a charitable cause, and so on.

I’d like to find a cause I’m passionate about and involve myself in helping out.

18. To Become a Leaf on a Tree

By this, I mean being part of something bigger than myself.

My dad was the one to introduce me to the concept.

It speaks to being connected with others, part of a community, and part of a greater overarching task. This relates to my desire to do some good for others and be part of a worthy cause.

19. To Meditate Every Day

I think meditation is a central part of happiness.

I try and start each day with a short mindfulness practice. It doesn’t always happen. But I’m always left feeling far more positive when it does.

20. To Remain Present as Much as Possible

Similarly, I want to spend as much of my time feeling present as possible.

I’m all too often caught in the past or contemplating the future. I’m prone to a bit of anxiety and melancholy! I find it all too easy to drift from the here and now.

I hope to improve my ability to stay rooted in the present in a bid to become more content overall.

21. To Become More Politically Aware

I was in no way interested in politics until about five years ago!

Since then, I’ve got a bit better. However, I’m still massively ignorant when it comes to most political issues. It’s an area I need to know more about.

22. To Live a Minimalist Life

I’d like (and already attempt) to live as simply as possible.

I don’t want to accrue things. I don’t want to spend my money on material possessions. I just don’t think it makes anyone happy in the long term.

Instead, I aim to invest in experiences, personal growth, and other people.

23. To Get Out of My Head and Face Outwards

All too often, I’m inward-facing.

There’s a whole world out there with lots of issues that need addressing. I aim to improve at getting out of my head! Excessive introspection is good for nobody.

24. To Learn to Ride a Motorbike

I don’t really know why this appeals to me.

I’m actually quite scared of the prospect of riding a motorbike. But I also think it would be exceptionally cool to be able to do it.

I love the idea of owning and riding an old-school motorbike. I’d love to travel around a country on one in the future.

25. To Complete a Crazy Fitness-Related Challenge

I want to do some crazy fitness challenges. An ironman, an ultramarathon, walking around the world…something of that nature.

A couple of years ago, I ran the length of the UK, from John o’Groats (Scotland) to Land’s End (Cornwall, England). I did it entirely unsupported over 66 days.

And it was epic. Bloody hard work, but epic. I’d like to do similar stuff in future.

26. To Do Physical Activity Every Day

This is something I’m reasonable at already but could definitely improve upon.

I live a fairly active life. However, as I get more involved in my blogging, I’m increasingly tempted to spend all day working on it! At the time of writing, I spend far more time sitting down at my computer than I’d like to.

Regardless, the plan is always to prioritize my physical health.

27. To Prioritize Sleep and Wellbeing

I’m rubbish when I’m tired! I get grouchy and irritable and just find it far harder to enjoy my day.

Remove caffeine from the equation, and I’m even worse!

If I’m truly going to get the most from my life, then I have to prioritize my sleep. Late nights, drunken nights, and so on don’t go hand in hand with that.

This links in with my overall well-being. I plan on prioritizing my mental and emotional health alongside my physical health.

28. To Practice Gratitude Every Day

Gratitude is a powerful tool.

I aim to regularly remind myself of what I’m grateful for. It’s easy to be grateful for the good stuff. The real trick is to find genuine thanks for the hardships that come too. This is still a work in progress.

29. To Live in another Country

I don’t just want to travel the world.

I’d like to set up shop in new countries too. I was born in the UK, but (haven’t to date) felt a major compulsion to settle there.

I’ve ‘lived’ for reasonable periods in other countries already. However, it’s a goal of mine to spend years in other places too. I want to learn their culture, history and ways of life.

As it stands, the closest I’ve come to this is living in New Zealand. I’m currently here for the 4th time, and I’m renting a place with my girlfriend. I suppose that counts?

30. To Learn an Instrument

This has always been an aspiration of mine.

I love music and would love to be able to pick up an instrument and play it well.

I used to be able to play a few tunes on the piano, but it’s definitely not enough to really claim I can play properly…

While I’m on the road, a more realistic instrument I could learn is the guitar. For now, though, it’s still one of my dreams in life!

31. To Learn (and Become Fluent in) Another Language

I speak a little bit of French.

But I am definitely not bilingual.

I’d love to be, though. It’s another major goal of mine. Having a second language is an incredible skill.

I’ve actually thought about combining this goal with my desire to live in another country. Living in a new place is a great incentive to master the language.

Likewise, house prices in certain parts of France are a steal compared to England!

Something I’ve often considered is the idea of building a house, learning a language, and living in a new place all at once…in France.

32. To Learn How to Cook

Okay, so I can cook.

But I can’t cook cook. I’d love to understand the use of flavours better and how to work with ingredients to create beautiful dishes.

A chef has the same special ability as a musician- they can bring and bond people together by virtue of their craft.

33. To Learn How to Grow My Own Food

I’ve been born and raised in the city. So, for most of my life, I’ve associated food with the supermarket!

I’m absolutely ignorant when it comes to all things horticulture.

The thought of being self-sufficient and growing my own organic produce is a lovely one. Combining this with the community venture I mentioned above? Even better.

34. To Have My Own Art Studio

One of my longstanding dreams in life has been to have an art studio.

I’ve loved drawing and painting since I was a kid, and miss having the space and means to do it.

Strangely, I very rarely sit down and do either these days. However, I still like the idea of having a studio in my future house. Hopefully, that would provide the incentive to start it up again…

35. To Surround Myself with Inspiring People

You’re only as good as the people you surround yourself with.

I want to spend my time with people who inspire me. Whether it’s by their intellect, abilities, achievements, kindness, compassion, or joie de vivre, it doesn’t matter.

36. To Have a Family (a Personal Dream for Many!)

When I first wrote this post a few years ago, I wrote that, “I can’t imagine a future without having my own family around.”

I had no plans on having kids any time soon! However, it’s happening. My girlfriend and I recently found out that she’s pregnant. So, as of July 2024, I’ll officially be a dad! It’s scary. But in a good way…

37. Prioritise Contentment (Another Biggie in My Personal Dreams)

Happiness is overrated.

It’s relative. To know it, you have to experience sadness, too. By nature, it waxes and wanes. So to pursue constant happiness is to set yourself up for failure.

Contentment is the opposite.

It’s consistent. It exists independently of any other emotion. To be content is to want for nothing, which seems a beautiful state to aspire to.

38. Learn to Surf!

This is another relatively new dream of mine.

But, after my first proper try at surfing in Bali a few years ago (…I was shockingly bad), followed by more attempts in Ireland and then Cornwall (…definitely still a work in progress), it’s something I’d like to do more of!

Surfing’s just an awesome way to spend a day. Not only is it good exercise, but you’re out there in the elements. You focus on nothing but your board, the next wave…and trying not to drown each time you get rolled by one.

39. Complete a Long-Distance Hike

I was on a day hike in Italy a couple of years ago when I met a girl who’d trekked all the way there from Canterbury (southeast England).

She was doing the Via Francigena Pilgrimage– an epic 1900km thru-hike. She’d been walking for months by the time I met her and was just a couple of weeks away from her final stop: Rome.

She was very cool. And inspirational. …And it made me want to do something similar!

40. Do a Silent Retreat

The last item on this dream list of mine is to stop talking for a while! I want to go on a silent retreat for several reasons.

First, I’m tired of how busy my head can be. Maybe a week or two of silence will help? Second, I know people who’ve done them, and they’ve all said the experience is amazing. Challenging, but life-giving.

And, lastly, I’ve never done one before! I want to see and feel what it’s like. How will I cope? What will I learn? Only one way to find out…

---

What’s On Your Dreams List?

There you go then: a dream list of 40 personal goals and aspirations.

It’s been fun to think about and write down my dreams in life.

Having a concrete and public list of goals is a recipe for greater action! I hope it’s been useful for you guys too.

Were there any on there that resonated? What is your dream? Or what are your dreams in life?

Drop me a comment to let me know! You deserve to give them a chance, and I hope this post will help inspire you to do exactly that. 🙂

Oh, and if you feel stuck right now, check out this post about what to do with your life. It might help!