I swear, my goal setting system is the only thing keeping me from spiraling into a hot mess of unproductivity, sitting here in my cramped Boston apartment with rain smacking the window like it’s personally offended. Seriously, I’m surrounded by empty LaCroix cans and a half-eaten bagel, trying to make sense of my dreams while the radiator hisses like it’s judging me. I’m no guru, trust me—I’m just a dude who figured out a way to get stuff done after years of, like, spectacularly screwing it up. This blog post is me spilling the tea on how I built a system that actually works, even for someone as chaotic as me. It’s raw, it’s real, and yeah, it’s a little embarrassing. Let’s dive in.
Why I Needed a Goal Setting System, Like, Yesterday
Okay, so picture this: last year, I was living in this tiny studio in Somerville, thinking I’d “figure it out” with no plan. My big dream? Write a novel. My reality? Binge-watching The Great British Bake Off while stress-eating Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. I’d set these vague personal goals like “be successful” or “get fit,” but they were fluffier than Paul Hollywood’s sourdough. No structure, no follow-through—just me, a laptop, and a vibe that screamed “failure.” I’d scribble ideas on napkins, lose them, and cry into my pillow at 2 a.m. Sound familiar?
That’s when I realized I needed a goal setting system that could handle my chaos. Not some cookie-cutter app or a guru’s 10-step plan, but something that worked for me. I was drowning in self-doubt, and my apartment smelled like regret and burnt toast.
My Messy-But-Effective Goal Setting System
So, here’s the deal. My system isn’t pretty—it’s like a thrift store sweater, functional but kinda frayed. I call it the “Sticky Note Chaos Method” (trademark pending, lol). It’s built on three things: brutal honesty, small wins, and forgiving my own screw-ups. Here’s how it works:
- Write it down, but make it specific. None of this “be happy” nonsense. I write stuff like “Run 2 miles without wheezing like a broken accordion” or “Write 500 words of my novel without checking X for three hours.” I use sticky notes—bright ones, because my brain needs the neon to care. They’re plastered on my fridge, my laptop, even my bathroom mirror.
- Break it into stupid-small steps. I used to aim for “publish a novel” and then freeze. Now, I break it into “outline one chapter” or “write one paragraph.” It’s like tricking my brain into thinking it’s easy. Spoiler: it works.
- Track it like a paranoid detective. I use a cheap notebook (not some fancy bullet journal—those intimidate me). Every night, I jot down what I did toward my personal goals. Even if it’s just “thought about running,” I write it. Keeps me honest.
- Forgive the flops. Some days, I achieve nothing. Like, I’ll plan to write 1,000 words, but instead, I’m arguing with strangers on X about pizza toppings. I don’t beat myself up anymore—just shrug and try again tomorrow.
This system saved me from myself. I started hitting my goals—like, actually running those 2 miles and finishing a novel draft. It’s not perfect, but it’s mine.
The Embarrassing Moment That Changed Everything
Alright, true story: last month, I was at a coffee shop in Cambridge, trying to look like a “serious writer” while secretly scrolling X. My goal setting system was still new, and I’d written “Pitch article to local magazine” on a sticky note stuck to my laptop. This barista—cute, by the way—leans over and goes, “Dude, your laptop’s covered in sticky notes. You planning a heist or what?” I turned redder than the sriracha bottle on the counter and mumbled something about goals. Mortifying? Yes. But it hit me: I was trying. That sticky note wasn’t just a note—it was proof I was showing up for my dreams.
That moment pushed me to pitch that article. Got rejected, but I pitched another. And another. Last week, I got a “yes” from a small Boston mag. My system didn’t just help me set goals; it gave me the guts to keep going, even when I looked like a dork.
Tips for Making Your Own Goal Setting System
Look, I’m no expert—my socks don’t even match today—but here’s what I’ve learned about setting goals from my messy journey:
- Be brutally real with yourself. Don’t set goals to impress anyone. I wanted to “be a runner” to flex on X, but I hated running. So, I switched to “walk 10,000 steps” because that’s me.
- Start where you are. My first goal was literally “drink water instead of LaCroix for one day.” Small, but it built momentum.
- Embrace the chaos. Your system doesn’t need to be Instagram-worthy. My notebook’s a mess—coffee stains, random doodles—but it works.
- Check out resources for inspo. I stumbled on this article from Psychology Today about goal psychology, and it helped me understand why small steps matter. Also, James Clear’s blog on habits is gold for practical tips.
Wrapping Up This Chaotic Chat
So, yeah, my goal setting system is less a system and more a survival tactic for my scattered brain. Sitting here, with rain still pelting my window and my bagel now fully eaten (whoops), I’m kinda proud of how far I’ve come. I’m not some productivity god—I still lose my keys daily—but I’m achieving more than I ever thought possible. If a mess like me can do it, you totally can too. Try my Sticky Note Chaos Method, or make your own. Just start somewhere, okay?
