Who do you want to be? What kind of person do you want to become? People often say, “I want to be more compassionate, kind, productive, etc.” We tend to have these ideas of certain traits we want to develop, but don’t really know how to start. In order to tap into our potential to grow, we have to start engaging in sustainable activities and investing in our future now. Here are five simple monthly goals that will kickstart your journey to becoming the person you want to be.

1. You are what you read.

Read at least one book a month. It doesn’t have to be a certain type. Just start reading. Build the discipline and then start reading books that are more about lifestyle and character. The more you read, the more your mind will be working. The more your mind works, the more knowledgeable and inspired you’ll be.

2. Have lunch with a mentor.

There is such a huge value in having someone older than you pour into your life. Find someone who is willing to speak truth to you—whether it hurts or not. A mentor will be able to help you navigate through difficult situations and big decisions. Meet with them at least once a month starting out, and then as you get more comfortable talking with them, you can meet more frequently. Even if you don’t have anything specific to talk about, ask them to tell you about their life. You can learn a lot from someone else’s experience. Maybe even go through a book with them. Then you’ll be knocking out two goals at the same time.

3. Have lunch with someone you can mentor.

You have your own experiences and truths you’ve learned from this life, so you have the ability to pour back into someone else. Look for someone that you can give what is being given to you through the train of mentorship. Not only will you be making a difference in their life, but you will also be growing in leadership.

4. Work on a big project.

Whether it is painting a self-portrait, building a bookshelf or table, or even writing a short ebook, work on something big that you can look back and see the progress you made. You will be ten times more productive when you work on something that takes time because you learn how to invest your time, energy, and money into something with great quality.

5. Participate in a service project.

When you serve other people, you realize how blessed and fortunate you really are. You lose focus on the worries of your life and become more selfless as you give to people who need your help. This is the best way to fight selfishness because you learn that the world doesn’t revolve around you and that there is a greater purpose for your life than making sure you ace all of your finals.

These goals will break you out of complacency, and will build disciplines in your life that help you along the path to the person you want to be. Do you have an idea for another goal for this list or a suggestion that has worked for you? Leave it in the comments section below!