How To Set Short-Term and Long-Term Goals

Have you guys seen the "THAT GIRL" trending on TikTok? One of the things the videos always spend a bit of time on is the fact these women set out goals... and there's a reason for that!

The end of last year I was feeling pretty aimless - I know where I want to be in like five or ten years, but not quite sure how to get there. So, I decided I’d research how to set achievable and attainable goals. And boy did I learn a lot... and wanted to share some of that with you!

short term vs long term goals

Short-term goals tend be ones that can be finished within a six-month to three-year time frame whereas long-term goals may take anywhere from three to five years (or even longer)! Often a long-term goal is made up of many smaller, short-term goals.

Which are better?

When creating goals, it's important to have a mix of these two - that way you’ve got a long term vision that’s driving you and your overall actions, but also have the specific things to focus on so that it’s easier to achieve your goals. Those who sometimes feel aimless, like myself, usually lack one or both of these kind of goals.

Neither are "more important," as you need both to succeed. The smaller goals that make up the big goals are just as important as the big picture! Use the "big picture" to create small, actionable steps or vice versa. There's no wrong way of doing this...

remember this...

You might think of this as a no brainer, but make sure you are setting goals you actually want to work on making happen. I know I am not the only who struggles with people pleasing, and in recent years I've noticed that some of my "dreams" actually aren't mine... I've inherited them from family members, friends, past versions of myself. Here's the truth you may need to hear: the goals you create need to be for you and only you!

How do I start?

1. Start with your Vision (Board)

This is the hardest step - doing a braindump of all the things you’d love to do, whether they are "realistic" or not. It personally helps me thinking on a paper, so I pour myself a yummy drink and let my mind dream big. Once you've laid everything out, go over what you've written and start narrowing down what you actually want to achieve. Get specific!

2. Make Smaller Goals

Once you’ve got an overarching goal that you want to work towards, start to break it down into the smaller things that you can focus to get you there. It may seem overwhelming - and sometimes it is - but try to come up with at least one short-term goal that will move you a step forward.

3. Get Schedulin'

Once you’ve got your short-term goals written out, set up a schedule to start achieving them! 

Goals are hard work in many ways, but damn are they rewarding when you get to cross that off your list! And here's one more tip that has helped me in the past: it can sometimes help having a friend (or group) who keeps you accountable. 

how do you create goals?