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How To Set Goals and Top 100 Inner Goals Examples [Marcus Aurelius]

By Effluo | Published April 22, 2022 | No Comments

Imagine having a Roman emperor as your own personal ‘self-help’ guru helping you navigate through setting goals and providing inner goals examples.  This Roman emperor is no other than Marcus Aurelius himself, considered one of the best emperors in Roman history.  Receiving this guidance from a person who lived 2,000 years ago is not as far-fetched as you may think.  In his personal writings, Meditations, Marcus Aurelius wrote down a list of personal goals he was striving to achieve. 

Meditations begin with a list of character traits that he admired in people that were part of his life.  These character traits that Marcus Aurelius listed referred to external and internal character development.  There are 100 character traits that he listed and will be explored here.  If you want to read them in their entirety, spend time reviewing Book 1 of Meditations.

Click on the following titles to skip ahead to specific sections

Table of Contents

• Types of Goals
• Life Balance Wheel Exercise
• Best Way to Approach Goal Setting [Instructions]
• 100 Personal Inner Goals Examples from The Study of Marcus Aurelius
• Personal Outer Goals Examples
  • Physical Health and Body Goals
• Personal Inner Goals Examples
  • Intellectual Development and Hobbies
  • Emotional and Spiritual Goals
• External Goals Examples
  • Financial and Professional Goals
  • Family and Relationship Goals
  • Social and Environmental Goals

Types of Goals

There are many different types of goals that you can begin focusing on.  Goals can be related to your career, health, relationships, and personal development.  When reviewing the goals of Marcus Aurelius, it became evident that they could be categorized into personal goals and external goals.   

Personal goals  

Personal goals focus on personal development: your health, intellect, and spirituality.

You are a little soul bearing about a body

Marcus Aurelius

• Physical Health and Body Goals
• Intellectual Development and Hobbies
• Spiritual and Emotional Development

External Goals 

External goals focus on your external environment.  This is in your home, your family and friends, your work, and neighborhood and society you live in.

• Financial and Professional Goals
• Family and Relationship Goals
• Social and Environmental Goals

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Life Balance Wheel Exercise

To set the right goals, you need to evaluate your satisfaction in every area of your life.  We recommend that you use a life balance wheel. 

Life Balance Wheel blog reviews the use of the life balance wheel printout in depth. 

In short, think through each area of the life balance wheel and color in your satisfaction with each area of your life.  This very simple exercise will help you to focus and identify which goals you should pursue.  For your convenience, we provide you with a free downloadable Life Balance Wheel PDF here.

Whether it’s a short-term or a long-term goal, the important part is setting the goal.  Once you know what to aim for,  you can make it happen.  

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Best Way to Approach Goal Setting [Instructions]

Deciding what specific goals you need to set is an important step, and completing the Life Balance Wheel exercise can provide you guidance.

The next step is to proceed with the actual goal setting.  There are two different types of goals: specific goals and vague goals.  Because vague goals will not get you far, the remainder of this article will focus on setting specific goals as they will help you reach your personal objectives.

The s.m.a.r.t. goal setting strategy is used as a baseline.  We use this approach and take it a step further making it easier for you to set your goals. Each step of the approach is reviewed in detail and a free worksheet if provided for you to download.

This worksheet will make setting s.m.a.r.t. goals easy and intuitive.  

S = Specific Goal

Begin the goal setting process with identifying what you would like to achieve and why you would like to achieve it.  Having the why in the statement is as critical as having the what.

Let no act be done without a purpose

Marcus Aurelius

The first step in beginning goal setting should be a single goal statement summarized in one sentence. The following format is recommended:

“I would like to [….. fill in the goal you would like to achieve], so that [….  fill in the ‘why’ behind the goal that you need to achieve]”

Keep this sentence short, there is no need to write paragraphs. You will elaborate in the following steps.

Example of a Specific Single Goal Statement

• I would like to read business books and take classes in my field, so that I can increase my business acumen and improve my financial situation by getting a promotion.  

M = Measurable Goal

To make a goal measurable it is typically implied that you put in specific measurements within the goal.  This is a good practice, but consider taking it a step further.   In this next step define what it means to have this goal completed.  Be specific.    We call this adding the goal completion criteria.  

• Imagine that you have completed the goal, what does completed goal look like? 

This is an essential step; it gives you something to aim for.  This important step takes any vagueness out of goal planning and provides very specific measurable steps for your goals. This step also provides a clear definition of what it means to have your goal completed.

Example of Goal Completion Criteria

• Read 3 business books related to finance management
• Read 2 business books related to leadership and team development
• Sign up for and attend a conference related to my field of work with three break-out sessions (classes) related to growing my business know-how.  

A = Achievable Goal

The next step is to make sure that the goal is achievable.  On our downloadable goal details worksheet you will focus on answering the following questions that will help you determine if the goal is achievable.

• Is this goal in conflict with your other goals?
• Is this goal fair to everyone concerned?
• Can you see yourself reaching this goal?
• Can you commit to finishing this goal?

Each of these questions put you in the right mindset and make you consider the circumstances in your life and how they relate to the specific goal you are setting.  

For everything you have missed, you have gained something else, and for everything you gain, you lose something.  

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Answering these questions is vital in goal setting. 

If you answer “no” to any of these questions, reconsider pursuing the specific goal.

R = Relevant Goal

In writing the goal statement, so far you have identified what you want to complete and why you want to complete it.  Relevancy of the goal elaborates on your ‘why’.  The downloadable goal detail worksheet has a list of questions that help you determine if the goal is relevant.

The first and very important question asks:

• Is this truly your goal?  

This is important to answer.  If you are not doing something because you believe in it, most likely you will not want to pursue it.  If you answer, that it is not truly your goal, stop and reconsider pursuing it further.

Next answer the following questions by putting checkmarks next to them.  Achieving this goal will….

• make me happier?
• make me healthier?
• improve my relationships?
• make me wealthier?
• give me a peace of mind?

Of course, feel free to add anything else that pursuing a specific goal will achieve for you.

T = Timebound Goal

Finally make sure that the goal is timebound.  Add a start and end date to the goal. The important thing to remember at this junction is to be realistic.

As an added bonus the downloadable worksheet has an area to write down high level steps necessary to achieve the goal.

Take a look at your life, at your schedule and determine the right timeframe you will need to accomplish the steps towards achieving the goal.

SMART Goal Setting Worksheet

Following the outline provided in the goal details worksheet will make s.m.a.r.t. goal setting quick and easy.  

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100 Personal Inner Goals Examples from The Study of Marcus Aurelius

Now, having been equipped with the tools for goal setting, lets take a look at some examples of the goals that Marcus Aurelius focused on.  In his Book 1 of Meditations he listed sixteen people whose character traits he admired and wanted to imitate.  These added up to 100 character traits that can be translated to specific goals.  These were categorized into the six sections that formed the life balance wheel.

Physical Health and Body Goals
Intellectual Development and Hobbies
Emotional and Spiritual Goals
Financial and Professional Goals
Family and Relationship Goals
Social and Environmental Goals

Personal Goals

Personal development goals focus on your inner world, and your personal growth.  These inner goals comprise of your physical health, intellectual development, and spiritual growth.

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Physical Health and Body Goals

Physical health and body are considered outer goals as they look at improving your physical appearance.  Looking good may seem superficial and vain, not something a stoic would focus on.

Marcus Aurelius being a stoic, did not put too much emphasis on the outer appearance, but he did not ignore it. He explicitly stated that you should not care for your body due to vanity or because you want to live forever. He pointed out that taking care of your health is important to avoiding being ill.  Simply put, it is difficult to achieve any other goals without good health. Without good health, all other goals become irrelevant.

Physical Health and Body Character Traits Outlined by Marcus Aurelius

Stepfather Antonius

[1] He took reasonable care of his body, not as one who was greatly attached to life, or out of regard to personal appearance, or in a careless way, but so that, through his own attention, he very seldom was in need of the physician’s art or medicine. 

Physical Health and Body Inner Goals Examples of Specific Single Goal Statement

• I would like to  exercise regularly; So that I can have the strength and energy to pursue my goals
• I would like to get 7-8 hours of sleep; So that my body has adequate time to recover and rest.

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Intellectual Development and Hobbies

Intellectual development and hobbies are considered to be geared toward internal goal setting.  Increasing your knowledge base and your overall IQ is regarded as intellectual development. The traditional methods such as reading, taking classes, attending conferences will still get the job done.

In addition to the traditional methods of improving your intellect, pay attention to hobbies. Hobbies often improve your creativity and critical thinking; therefore, hobbies are just as essential for your intellectual development and should not be overlooked.    Whether you choose to paint, write poetry, or start bird watching, remember it will not only relax you but will add your intellectual development.

Marcus Aurelius listed six different people and identified specific traits he admired in them related to intellectual development.

Intellectual Development and Hobbies Character Traits and Inner Goals Examples Outlined by Marcus Aurelius

Stepfather Antonius

[2] I observed too his habit of careful inquiry in all matters of deliberation

[3] he never stopped his investigation through being satisfied with appearances which first present themselves;

[4] he examined all things carefully, as if he had abundance of time

Great Grandfather

[5] not to attend public school but have good teachers at home

[6] on good teachers be willing to spend

Diognetus

[7] to become intimate with philosophy

[8] To write my letters with simplicity

Rusticus

[9] To read carefully, and not to be satisfied with a superficial understanding of a book

Apollonius

[10] I learned freedom of will and undeviating steadiness of purpose

[11] to look to nothing else, not even for a moment, except to reason;

Sextus

[12] he possessed much knowledge without pretention

Intellectual and Hobbies Inner Goals Examples of Specific Single Goal Statement

• I would like to learn to write with simplicity, clearly, and concisely; so that I can improve my communication skills with coworkers and friends.
• I would like to read and expand my knowledge; so that I can look to nothing else except to reason.

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Emotional and Spiritual Goals

In addition to developing your intellect, another aspect of inner goals focuses on spiritual and emotional development.  The Emotional Quotient, EQ, is an important factor in leading a fulfilling life.  Daniel Coleman in his book Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ does a great job redefining what it means to be smart. Therefore, developing your EQ is just as, if not more, important as developing your IQ. 

Spiritual growth should not be overlooked.  Whether you have found God and are working on growing your relationship with Him, or you’re in a search for God, do not overlook setting goals in this vital area of your life.

Given that stoics focused most of their energy on self-control and discipline, it is not surprising that most of the character traits that Marcus Aurelius listed fall into this category. It may seem that Marcus Aurelius would also agree with Daniel Coleman that developing your EQ is more important then your IQ.

Spiritual and Emotional Development Character Traits and Inner Goals Examples Outlined by Marcus Aurelius

Grandfather

[13] good morals

[14] govern my temper

Father 

[15] modesty

[16] manly character

Stepfather Antonius

[17] mildness of temper

[18] an unchangeable resolution in the things which he had determined after due deliberation

[19] no excessive pride in those things which men call honors

[20] he considered himself no more than any other citizen

[21] to be satisfied on all occasions

[22] cheerful

[23] to provide to others without display

[24] instead he showed steadiness in all things, and never any mean thoughts or action, nor love of novelty.

[25] He was most ready to give way without envy to those who possessed any particular faculty, such as that of eloquence or knowledge of the law or of morals, or of anything else; and he gave them his help, that each might enjoy reputation according to his merit;

[26] There was in him nothing harsh, or unreasonable, or violent

[27] that he was able both to abstain from, and to enjoy, those things which many are too weak to abstain from, and cannot enjoy without excess.  But to be strong enough both to reject that which should be and to be sober is the mark of a man who has a perfect and invincible soul.

Mother

[28] belief

[29] generosity

[30] abstinence from evil deeds and thoughts

Governor

[31] to want little

Diognetus

[32] to have little desire, simply a plan for a bed and sheet

Apollonius

[33] and to be always the same, even in sharp pains, on the occasion of loss, or in long illness

Sextus

[34] a kind character

[35] he never showed anger or any other passion, but was entirely free from passion

Fronto

[36] to observe what envy, and duplicity, and hypocrisy are in a tyrant

Brother

[37] to love truth

[38] to love justice

[39] disposition to do good

[40] to give to others readily

[41]  to cherish good hopes

Maximus

[42] I learned self government

[43] not to be led aside by anything

[44] cheerfulness in all circumstances, as well as illness

[45] A just and moral character mixed with sweetness and dignity

[46] in all he did he never had any bad intention

[47] He was never confused or depressed.

[48] He never laughed to disguise his vexation, and he was never passionate or suspicious.

[49] He was accustomed to do acts of kindness,

[50] was ready to forgive

[51] was free from all falsehood

[52] he presented the appearance of a man who could not be diverted from doing right.

Emotional and Spiritual Inner Goals Examples of Specific Single Goal Statement

• I would like to sign up and volunteer at a local homeless shelter; So that I can practice doing acts of kindness.
• I would like to regularly give to a charity; So that I can work on my generosity

External Goals

External goal focuses on your interaction with the external environment, the outer world.  These external environments are your family and friends, your work, and your society and environment.

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Financial and Professional Goals

Professional goals are also known as career goals. Your financial situation depends not only on how you make your income, but also on how well you manage the money that your receive.  This life area is typically the one that causes much anxiety.  There are many things that you may not be able to control within this area, but there are definitely things that are within your control.  

Marcus Aurelius throughout his writings, was very specific on pointing out that we should only focus on changing what is in our power to do so. Even as an emperor, he realized that there are things that are outside of his control.  His goals included working hard, being persistent, taking accountability for decisions, and not to procrastinate.

Financial and Professional Development Character Traits and Inner Goals Examples Outlined by Marcus Aurelius

Stepfather Antonius

[53] to foresee things a long way off

[54] love of labor and perseverance

[55] his persistency

[56] and to be ever watchful over the things which were necessary for the administration of the empire, and to be a good manager of the expenditure,

[57] The things which bring about the commodity of life, and of which fortune gives an abundant supply, he used without arrogance and without excusing himself; so that when he had them, he enjoyed them without pretention, and when he didn’t have them, he did not want them.

Mother

[58] simplicity in way of living, far removed from habits of the rich

Governor

[59] endurance of labor

[60] to work with my own hands

Diognetus

[61] not to busy myself with unimportant things

[62] not to pay attention to what so called miracle workers

Maximus

[63] to do what was set before me without complaining

[64] was never in a hurry

[65] never put off doing a thing.

Financial and Professional External Goals – Specific Single Goal Statement Examples

• I would like to stay on top of business news and reporting; So that I can foresee what changes should be made in my business.
• I would like to complete tasks before their due date; So that I can avoid procrastination and stress that comes with being behind on a project.

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Family and Relationship Goals

Family and personal relationships should not be overlooked.  You were born into a family, and then there is the family that you chose to surround yourself with.  Regardless of the type of family you focus on, developing solid relationships is essential for your well-being.

Throughout the writings of Marcus Aurelius placed great importance on developing good relationships with his wife and his children. 

Family and Relationships Character Traits Outlined by Marcus Aurelius

Alexander the grammarian

[66] to refrain from fault finding

[67] not in a disapproving manner scold those who utter false words or strange-sounding expressions; but to introduce the very expression which should have been used, and by way of answering or giving confirmation, to join in an inquiry about what was said, not about the word.

Rusticus

[68] I received the impression that my character required improvement and discipline

Alexander

[69] to form platonic relationships

[70] Not frequently or without necessity express that I have no leisure

[71] nor to neglect duties required by alleging urgent occupations

Catulus

[72] to love my children truly

Severus

[73] to love my family

Family and Relationships External Goals – Specific Single Goal Statement Examples

• I would like to take two vacations with family per year, So that I can spend uninterrupted time with my family.
• I would like to have regular dinner dates; so that I can strengthen my relationship with my life partner.

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Social and Environmental Goals

Your society and your environment have a significant impact on your well-being.  This consists of having a good circle of friends and having an extensive network of people you can work with and run ideas by. 

Your environment is a reflection of you.  The neighborhood you choose to live in and the societal norms you decide to follow should not be overlooked when setting your life goals. Are you satisfied with your environment and societal interactions?

Marcus Aurelius stressed the importance of living conformably to nature and on being a reliable and trustworthy friend.  In his writings, he mentioned the importance of being neutral in your opinions, easy to talk to, and a great listener.

Social and Environmental Character Traits Outlined by Marcus Aurelius

Stepfather Antonius

[74] nor did he court men by gifts or by trying to please them, or by flattering them;

[75] a readiness to listen to those who had anything to propose for the common wealth.

[76] easy in conversation

[77] he made himself agreeable without any offensive pretention

[78] He was a man who looked to what should be done, not to the reputation which was to be gained by his acts

Governor

[79] neither to be in favor of the green nor the blue party

[80] be neutral and free from bias

[81] not to meddle in other people’s affairs

[82] not to listen to slander

Diognetus

[83] to enjoy freedom of speech

[84] to listen first before speaking

Rusticus

[85] not to be led astray by emulating others

[86] not to write on speculative manners

[87] not to deliver speeches which drive people to pointless action

[88] nor to show myself off as a man who practices much discipline, or does kind acts in order to make display.

[89] Not to walk about in the house in my outdoor clothes

[90] With respect to those who have offended me by words, or done me wrong, to be free of anger as soon as they have shown a readiness to reconcile

[91] nor to give my approval to those who talk too much.

Sextus

[92] the idea of living conformably to nature

[93] to look carefully after the interests of friends

[94] to tolerate ignorant people who form opinions without consideration

[95] He had the power of readily accommodating himself to all, so that communication with him was more agreeable than any flattery

Catulus

[96] not to be indifferent when a friend finds fault, even if he should find fault without reason, but try to restore him to his usual disposition

[97] to be ready to speak well of teachers

Severus

[98] the idea of kingly government which respects most of all the freedom of the governed.

[99] to believe that I am loved by my friends

[100] that his friends had no need to wonder what he wished or did not whish, it was clear to see.

Social and Environmental External Goals – Specific Single Goal Statement Examples

• I would like to host monthly dinner parties with my friends; So that we can get together and strengthen our relationships.
• I would like to attend meet ups and networking events; So that I can grow my network.

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Conclusion

It is no evil for things to undergo change, and no good for things to continue in the same manner during consequences of change. 

Marcus Aurelius

Remember that no matter what adversities you face and how you choose to live your life, you are not alone.  We are all going through this life together and can learn from each other and from past generations.  

We may not have the power to change the circumstances around us, but we do have the ability to choose the person we want to become. Your formal education, your life experience, and your intrinsic motivation defines your true self. 

Set your personal goals and follow your inner path and nature. This will help you find true inner joy and fulfillment in life.

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