Goal setting examples? Ugh, I’m no expert, but I’ve got stories—mostly me fumbling through life in my cramped Queens apartment, where the radiator screeches like a banshee and my coffee’s always cold. I got a sticky note on my laptop that says “STOP PROCRASTINATING,” but here I am, writing this at 2 a.m. with a cat on my keyboard. These Goal Setting examples are raw, kinda messy, and definitely not Instagram-worthy, but they’re real, from my own screw-ups and wins in the US right now. I’m spilling my guts here, so bear with my typos and tangents. Let’s do this.
Why Goal Setting Examples Keep Me Sane
I’m a mess at planning, but setting objectives is like my lifeline. Back in my 20s, I scribbled “don’t flunk outta college” on a pizza box—classy, right? I still flunked a math class, but I graduated, so… win? Psychology Today says goal setting wires your brain to stay focused, which is probably why I haven’t fully lost it yet. My Goal Setting examples are from me or folks I know, and they’re proof you can be a hot mess and still make progress. Also, my desk’s buried under empty LaCroix cans, so forgive any typos.
Teen Years: Big Dreams, Tiny Steps
When I was 16, I wanted to be a YouTuber. Lame, I know. My goal was “post one video without dying of embarrassment.” I filmed a cringey skateboarding vlog, uploaded it, and got three views—two were my mom. But it felt huge. Goal Setting examples for teens:
- Join a school club and actually go (I bailed on chess club, oops).
- Save $50 for something dope, like AirPods or a game.
- Learn a skill, like not burning toast (still working on that).
MindTools has this guide on Breaking Goals into tiny chunks, which would’ve saved me from freaking out over that video.
Goal Setting Examples for Your 20s: Total Chaos
My 20s were a dumpster fire. Moved to Chicago with $300 and a dream to “be somebody.” Ended up waitressing and crying in a dive bar bathroom when I got rejected from 12 writing gigs. My goal? Pitch one article a week, even if it sucked. Landed a $75 blog post about tacos—huge flex. Other Goal Setting examples for 20s:
- Pay off one student loan payment without panic-calling your parents.
- Run a 5K, even if you’re wheezing by mile one.
- Meet three new people in your industry (LinkedIn’s awkward, but it works).
HarvardBusiness Review talks about how Small wins in your 20s build confidence, which I can vouch for, even if I still spill coffee on my keyboard weekly.
My Epic Fail: The “Get Ripped” Goal
True story: I signed up for a gym in 2022 to “get jacked.” Lasted three weeks before I pulled a muscle trying to deadlift. Now my goal’s “do 15 squats a day,” and I do ‘em while brushing my teeth—multitasking, baby. It’s humbling, but it’s something. Forbes has tips on Realistic Goals, which I clearly needed.
Goal Setting Examples for Your 30s: Adulting-ish
I’m 30 now, and my Goals are less “be a rockstar” and more “don’t ruin everything.” Last year, I aimed to save $500 for a rainy day. Took me 11 months, and I ate instant noodles way too often, but I did it. Goal Setting examples for 30s:
- Start a side gig, like freelancing or selling old band tees.
- Learn one new work skill (I’m eyeing a UX design course, maybe).
- Take a weekend trip somewhere new, even if it’s just to Jersey.
Lifehack’s guide on Balancing Goals is gold—I wish I’d read it before I bought that $150 productivity app I never used.
Goal Setting Examples for Later Life: Still Kicking
My dad’s in his 60s and decided to “learn guitar” last year. He’s terrible, but he’s happy, strumming away in his Ohio backyard. Other Goal Setting examples for later life:
- Try a new hobby, like painting or birdwatching.
- Volunteer somewhere, even if it’s just reading to kids.
- Write your life story, even if it’s just for your grandkids.
AARP’s article says Goals keep your brain sharp, and I see it in my dad’s goofy grin when he nails a chord.
My Current Struggle: Stop Procrastinating (Help)
As I write this, my cat’s knocking over my water glass, and I’m ignoring a deadline for a freelance gig. My 2025 goal is “finish stuff on time.” I track it in a Google Doc that’s a mess of typos and random smiley faces. I’m learning to cut myself slack when I mess up, which is, like, daily. Goalcast has inspo on sticking to Goals without hating yourself.
Wrapping Up My Goal Setting Ramble
Goal Setting examples aren’t about being flawless—they’re about trying, even when you’re a mess like me. My apartment smells like burnt popcorn right now, and I’m still figuring out how to adult, but these Goals keep me going. Try one, screw it up, try again. Got a goal you’re chasing? Spill it in the comments—I’m nosy! Or peek at Goalcast for more ideas to keep your dreams less chaotic.
