If we don’t think about it, it’s easy for us to pass through days, weeks, or months without considering where we want to be or what we want to achieve. Goals give us a sense of purpose and something which to work toward. They help us to stay on track and make the fruits of our labor more fulfilling. In terms of work, goals give us something to focus on and help us to pursue our professional endeavors. However, in order to fully achieve these goals, it is important for goal setters to define both their short term and long term goals. Success is a marathon, not a sprint, and it takes the combination of both short term and long term goals to truly reach success.
Importance of Short-Term Goals
It’s one thing to set long-term goals but we must remember that in order to get there we must first accomplish several smaller goals. We can’t neglect all of the work that it takes to reach our long-term goals and that’s why short-term goals are so important. Short-term goals act like a guide for getting you further on the path toward your long-term goals. They remind you of what steps you need to take to get there. In addition, short-term goals give us something to focus on in the near future. Otherwise, we can get begin to get frustrated and lose sight of where we are headed. When you set smaller goals that can be reached in the near future, it gives you a boost of confidence each time you achieve them. This confidence helps to propel you forward so you continue to work toward your long-term goals.
Importance of Long-Term Goals
Long-term goals are necessary for self-improvement. They give us something to strive for and help keep us focused on where we want to be. Long-term goals help us shape the direction of our lives and careers. For example, you might have a long-term goal of becoming a manager or director. This long-term goal gives you something to constantly keep working towards and it reminds you of how all of the hard work you have put into achieving your short-term goals will finally pay off.
Combining Your Goals
It may take years to accomplish a long-term goal so setting and achieving short-term goals along the way will remind you to be persistent. Everyone has a different path to success, but those who can set clearly defined short-term goals and continuously achieve them will have the stamina to remain on course to achieve their long-term goals. It is important to make a list of all of your long-term goals and write them down. Underneath each one you should write down the steps that it will take to get there. These are your short-term goals. Stick to your plan and work toward your long-term goal one step at a time. Each time you accomplish a short-term goal you are one step closer to achieving your dream.