The Roadmap to Achievement: Distinguishing Short-Term Goals from Long-Term Goals pt. 2
In our previous post, "The Roadmap to Achievement: Navigating Goals with Confidence pt. 1," we discussed the importance of setting specific, actionable goals. They help us overcome obstacles and achieve success.
Developing the skill of goal setting is crucial in a professional environment. It prompts individuals to reflect on their genuine aspirations. However, achieving these goals can be challenging with a well-defined action plan.
Today's blog post takes a step further. We're taking a deep dive into the distinction between short-term and long-term goals.
Understanding their significance and how they fit into our framework is essential.
Short-Term Goals: A Brief Overview
Short-term goals are like stepping stones that pave the way. They're steps to achieving your objectives. These smaller tasks can be accomplished over a few months. They gradually bring you closer to your ultimate aim.
We like to think of them as lighthouses along the route.
“I can think of no other edifice constructed by man as altruistic as a lighthouse. They were built only to serve.”
Each of them is a waypoint to which we're navigating. After reaching the first one, we're setting our sights on the next one.
Let's say your long-term goal is to circumnavigate the globe. You're starting from the Port of Gibraltar and taking the Clipper Route. One of your short-term goals would be plotting a course to the Canary Islands.
The clipper route was the traditional route sailed by clipper ships between Europe and the Far East, Australia, and New Zealand. The route ran west to east through the Southern Ocean to use the strong westerly winds of the Roaring Forties.
You can establish attainable milestones by breaking them into daily or weekly objectives. This will enhance your focus even more.
Another example is if you are striving to reduce credit card debt. You can start by bringing your lunch to work. It may seem insignificant at first, but results pile up over time.
Small, consistent steps allow you to make incremental progress in pursuing your larger objective.
Andrew Huberman discussed this at length in his podcast episode dedicated to "The Science of Setting & Achieving Goals".
Defining Long-Term Goals
Think of goals as lighthouses.
They illuminate safe passage for ships at sea, preventing them from breaking apart on the same treacherous cliffs they're often built on.
So, it's not the destination. It's the process.
Long-term goals provide significant insights into your aspirations, direction, and values. Moreover, they serve as a representation of the life you envision in an ideal world.
It doesn't matter if you aspire to transform your passion into a successful career. Or maybe accomplish an ambitious feat like an Ironman triathlon.
These goals typically require extensive planning. But also unwavering dedication and a sense of accountability over an extended period.
Anything is possible
An official Ironman slogan nicely sums it up. Set your sights on a goal, make a plan, and tackle it day by day.
Lighthouse Advisory founder Janko Brlecic, after finishing the Ironman 70.3 race in Porec, Croatia.
While the journey towards long-term goals may appear daunting, it should encourage you.
Remember, anything is achievable when you establish "SMART" goals.
Those are the goals that are:
Specific
Measurable
Attainable
Relevant
Time-bound
In next week's post, we'll discuss SMART goals and how achieving these encompasses multiple dimensions of effectiveness.
Lighthouse Advisory runs workshops that help you gather better leads, shorten the sales cycle, increase revenue, and build a sales culture within your organization. Schedule a call to learn more.