IELTS Expert User A2 Term 8 subject 2 lesson 6

Understanding Life Goals

Everyone has goals, and they don’t always have to be big or life-changing. Sometimes they’re small, everyday things that help us grow or feel better. For example, someone might have a goal to drink more water every day. A friend might be trying to go to bed earlier to feel more rested. Another person could be working on reading one book a month. You might even have a goal to smile more or talk to someone new each week.

These kinds of smaller, regular goals are just as important as bigger ones because they build good habits and keep us moving forward. Whether your goal is to learn something new, take better care of yourself, or make a difference in someone else’s life, it matters. Goals don’t have to be big to be meaningful—they just have to be yours.

What Are Life Goals?

Life goals are the long-term dreams and aspirations that give our lives direction and meaning. They are the things we hope to achieve over time—not in a single day or week, but throughout the course of our lives. Life goals can be personal, like becoming a kind and patient person, or practical, like owning a home, starting a business, or traveling the world. Some people want to leave a positive mark on the world, help others, or simply live a peaceful and happy life. These goals often reflect what we truly value.

Even though life can be unpredictable, having goals helps us stay motivated and focused. They give us something to look forward to and remind us of who we want to become.

How Goals Change Over Time

As we grow and go through different stages of life, our goals naturally change. What matters to a child isn’t always the same as what matters to an adult. Still, no matter our age, having goals gives us something to work toward and helps us feel motivated and hopeful. People often have different goals depending on where they are in life. As we grow, our priorities and dreams shift. While each person is unique, there are some common goals that many people share during certain stages of life.

Childhood (up to age 12)

Children often focus on learning and having fun. Common goals include:

• Making new friends
• Learning to read, write, or ride a bike
• Exploring talents like drawing, music, or sports
• Feeling more independent

For example, children might set goals like doing well in school, or learning to ride a bike for the first time.

Teenage Years (13–19)

Teenagers begin to think more seriously about their future. Their goals might include:

• Getting good grades and passing exams
• Building self-confidence
• Making strong friendships
• Discovering passions and future career ideas

Teenagers often aim to improve in a sport or explore a personal talent or passion that could shape their future.

Young Adulthood (20s to early 30s)

This is a time of exploration, responsibility, and personal growth. Common goals are:

• Finding a job or career path
• Going to university or learning a trade
• Saving money and gaining financial independence
• Traveling or trying new experiences
• Learning life skills like cooking or managing money

Young adults tend to focus on building their independence and creating the life they want.

Midlife (30s to 50s)

During this stage, people often focus on stability, family, and long-term planning. Goals might include:

• Advancing in a career
• Raising children or supporting loved ones
• Buying a home
• Saving for the future or retirement
• Maintaining health and work-life balance

People at this stage often work on creating a comfortable and stable life while still pursuing personal and family goals.

Older Adulthood (60+)

In later life, goals may shift toward reflection and enjoyment. Common goals include:

• Staying physically and mentally healthy
• Spending time with grandchildren or loved ones
• Traveling or doing things they didn’t have time for before
• Giving back through volunteering or mentoring
• Finding peace, meaning, and happiness in everyday life

Many people use this time to enjoy the present, reflect on their achievements, and share their wisdom with others.

Why Goals Matter

No matter your age, goals help you grow, give you direction, and add purpose to your life. They can be big or small, simple or complex—but what matters most is that they are meaningful to you.