Welcome to your 2026 self-study goal-setting exercise! This template will help you move from vague aspirations to intentional learning by connecting your study goals to the life you actually want to build.

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Remember

Start smaller than you think. One deep pursuit beats five shallow ones. You can always expand later.

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How to Use This Template

1. 📝 Start with the Journal Prompts below to reflect on your purpose.
2. 🎯 Add your self-study goals to the Goals Database, filling in each field.
3. 🔍 Review the Example Goals for inspiration.
4. 🔄 Return to this template throughout the year to track progress and adjust.

Part 1: Journal Prompts

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Reflect Before You Plan

Before adding goals to the database, spend time with these prompts. Write freely; this is for you. Your answers will reveal your purpose: the life you're building and where self-study fits in.

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Reflecting on 2025

Designing Your 2026

Synthesizing Your Purpose

Part 2: Self-Study Goals

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From Purpose to Action

Now translate your purpose into concrete goals. For each goal, define:

• Purpose: How does this connect to the life you want?
• Research Questions: What specific questions will guide your study?
• Outcome: What concrete thing will you accomplish?
• Output: What will you create or do with what you've learned?
• Community: Who will you learn with or share your learning with? </aside>