By Clement Stone
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
"You, too, can determine what you want. You can decide on your major objectives, targets, aims and destination." These words from the classic Clement Stone quote about goals serve as a gentle but powerful reminder of personal responsibility and potential. In a world filled with competing messages about what success should look like, this thoughtful insight offers both encouragement and clarity. Whether you are at a turning point or simply seeking renewed direction, Clement Stone’s wisdom can inspire a meaningful shift—emotionally and practically—toward your own unique path.
What Does This Quote Mean?
This Clement Stone quote about goals centers on the idea that each person truly has the power—and the right—to choose their own path in life. On its surface, the quote highlights personal choice. It says that you are not limited to following someone else’s dreams or living by rules that don’t fit you. Instead, you can select your own major objectives and targets, choosing where you want to go and how you want to live.
Looking deeper, the message goes beyond just setting goals. Clement Stone is not saying that anyone gets what they want just by wanting it. He is emphasizing that the first, most vital step toward achievement is deciding for yourself what truly matters to you. It’s about self-awareness and committing to your own direction, not passively waiting for life to pick for you or following a path set by others.
This quote also suggests an active process. Decide—do not drift. Aim for clear destinations instead of vague wishes. Whether your dreams are big or small, the act of intentionally setting your targets transforms wishful thinking into genuine aim. That shift in mindset can be the difference between feeling lost or feeling in charge. Clement Stone’s message assures us that every person—regardless of their background—can claim their goals and shape their destiny by taking this first, empowering step.
How Can You Use This Quote in Life?
1. Set Your Own Priorities
Look at your life honestly. Instead of taking on goals that others expect or demand, identify what you really want. Maybe it’s a certain career, a healthier life, or more time for your family. The point is to get specific about your wishes so your path is personal—it’s about you, not about comparison.
2. Write Down Your Major Objectives
Put pen to paper and list out your main goals. Seeing them written makes them real—and easier to work toward. Take Clement Stone’s approach seriously: choose your "objectives, targets, aims and destination." Review your list often and update it as you evolve.
3. Take Small Daily Actions
Break big goals into manageable steps. For example, if you want to run a marathon, start with walking or jogging a few minutes a day. If you want to earn a degree, sign up for your first class. Each step, however small, is a real sign you are claiming your own direction, just as expressed in the Clement Stone quote about goals.
4. Learn to Say No
Not every opportunity matches your chosen destination. Practice saying no to things that distract you from your main aims. This keeps you from spreading yourself too thin or drifting away from your priorities. It takes courage, but it’s a direct way to honor your own decisions.
5. Reassess and Adjust
As you learn and grow, the goals that once felt right might change. That’s okay. Return to your list of aims regularly, and don’t be afraid to refine or change your objectives. What matters is that the journey still feels like yours.
By using these steps in everyday life, you actively put Clement Stone’s advice into practice. The focus is always on conscious action: choosing, committing, moving forward, and giving yourself permission to change course when needed. This is not just positive thinking—it’s practical, visible progress toward what you value most.
✨ The Motivation Message
You have more power than you think! Deep inside, you know what excites you and what you want out of life—even if it’s hidden under doubts or worries. When you trust yourself and pick your own goals, you’re putting yourself in control. Every decision you make plants a marker for the person you are becoming!
Things might not always be easy, but what matters is that you choose where to direct your energy and attention. Setting your own objectives is an act of courage and self-love. It says: "I matter. My dreams matter." 🚀 Your journey starts with one clear choice, and every step, no matter how small, is valuable.
Jump in—claim those aims and see what happens! Trust your gut, stay curious, and never let fear of making mistakes steal your chance to grow. We believe in your ability to decide, to act, and to become. Are you ready to take that first bold step today?
About Clement Stone
Clement Stone, who was born in 1902 and died in 2002, was an American businessman, philanthropist, and self-help author. He is best known for his rags-to-riches story and his work inspiring others to improve their lives through positive mental attitude, hard work, and self-belief. Raised in Chicago during difficult times, Clement Stone began working at a young age and eventually built a large insurance company from scratch.
His background gave him a unique perspective on determination and choice. Throughout his life, Clement Stone shared techniques and ideas with millions through books and lectures, most famously co-authoring the influential book "Success Through a Positive Mental Attitude." The quote about goals fits his overall message: that anyone, regardless of their starting point, has the power to choose their goals and follow a personal vision.
Clement Stone’s teachings continue to resonate because they speak directly to people’s desire for control and purpose. His insistence on self-determination wasn’t just theory—it was a lesson he lived, offering encouragement for every person to decide for themselves what matters and to act confidently toward it.
