Setting goals for the short term

[Brett Antisdel]

Growing up we were always taught to set 5 and ten year goals. I remember being asked what I wanted to be when I grew up. I always told people I wanted to be an architect when in reality I never thought I would ever be as old as my parents. Fast forward to 39 years and I have found growing up is a reality and having long term goals solely for motivation can be a hindrance for most, in personal and professional life. We set these seemingly unattainable goals 2 years, 5 years, 10 years down the road with the hopes we’ll arrive there someday.

The problem I see, and have dealt with personally, is how fast ten years go by without even a dent in my overall goals. Why? Because I set goals that were seemingly unattainable in the near future and “I had time”. If I had rock in my shoe at the beginning of the work day, I wouldn’t until I got home and took off my boots to pull it out. The rock is making my situation uncomfortable and I need to remedy it asap.

Our life situations are no different. It’s great to set goals in the long term if you’re also setting goals for tomorrow, the next day, and the day after to achieve those goals. Start breaking down your goals (whether it be 10 or 1,000 units) into actionable goals you can accomplish today.

Good luck and God Bless