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Live Life with a Purpose: The Ultimate Guide to Creating Long-Term Goals in 2024

Where do you see yourself five, ten, or even 20 years into the future? Where will you be? What will you have achieved? The vision you have in your mind is the key to creating long-term goals. But drafting long-term goals isn't just about scribbling down some lofty aspirations. It's a deliberate process of self-reflection, exploration, and strategic planning that requires you to dig deep into your values, uncover your passions, and define what true success looks like to you. 

Whether you're a young professional climbing the ladder, a parent juggling work-life balance, or an early retiree seeking new adventures, setting long-term goals is your secret weapon for a fulfilling and purposeful life. 

This article will serve as your north star as you hone your vision into workable actions that will take you where you aspire to be. Read on!

What are long-term goals?

Goals are things we want to achieve, keep doing, or avoid. Let’s say you want to be a successful small business owner or the best professional juggler in the world. Those are goals. If a goal takes a long time to achieve, then it becomes a long-term goal. A long-term goal may take months or years to achieve and become a defining aspect of your life. It may even affect the decisions you make in other areas of your life.

A long-term goal requires 3 key things:

  • Meticulous planning
  • Consistent effort
  • Willpower

Short-term goals vs. long-term goals

While long-term goals are goals that require an extended timeline, short-term goals are smaller, more immediate objectives. They are often less intimidating and less complicated than long-term goals. The timeframe for setting and completing long-term goals typically takes years or even decades, while short-term goals are usually achieved within months or a year. Long-term goals provide direction and motivation, while short-term goals offer a sense of accomplishment and keep you on track.

Source: www.togetherplatform.com 

Here are a few examples showing the difference between short-term and long-term goals.

Education

Long-term: Earn a PhD in astrophysics

Short-term: Pass the next qualifying exam

Career

Long-term: Become a CEO of a tech company

Short-term: Get promoted to senior software engineer

Health & Fitness

Long-term: Run a marathon

Short-term: Train for and complete a 5K race

Personal Finance

Long-term: Retire comfortably

Short-term: Save $10,000 for downpayment on a house

Why set long-term goals?

Deciding to set and work on long-term goals is one of the best decisions you can ever make in life for more reasons than one.

People with a purpose are happier

According to research published in the Journal of Positive Psychology, people who are fulfilling their life’s purpose are significantly happier, more satisfied, and more hopeful about the future than those who don’t. Among teenagers, those who have a sense of purpose are more likely to work resiliently towards their objectives. They are also more likely to perform well academically.

Gives you a sense of direction to everyday actions

Relating to the first point, waking up with a purpose gives meaning to one’s daily actions. Once you understand that your actions, no matter how small, have the power to influence your life as a whole, you will be much more likely to engage in tasks that are valuable and avoid ones that do not serve your bigger goals.

Encourages organized behavior

Working on long-term goals is a complicated process that requires meticulous planning and problem-solving. It will teach you to handle complexity and prioritize tasks that matter. An organized way of thinking results in an organized way of living. Chasing after long-term goals might make you feel uncomfortable in the beginning but it will transform the way you think for the better.

Urges you to use your full potential

Won’t you give everything you got for something you wholeheartedly believe in? When you really know what you want, you won’t think twice about using your time, energy, effort, and skills towards its achievement. You will find it challenging, yes, but you also find it enjoyable. In this way, the effort becomes its own reward.

Helps you live a fulfilled life

Is there anything more fulfilling than living a life of purpose? Many people feel stuck and stagnant because they don’t have a clear path in life. But when you do, things in your life take color. Not only will your continued efforts bring you motivation, but it will also help you improve yourself one day at a time. But most importantly, actually achieving the goal will bring you an immense sense of accomplishment.

Urges you to use your full potential

Won’t you give everything you got for something you wholeheartedly believe in? When you really know what you want, you won’t think twice about using your time, energy, effort, and skills towards its achievement. You will find it challenging, yes, but you also find it enjoyable. In this way, the effort becomes its own reward.

Helps you live a fulfilled life

Is there anything more fulfilling than living a life of purpose? Many people feel stuck and stagnant because they don’t have a clear path in life. But when you do, things in your life take color. Not only will your continued efforts bring you motivation, but it will also help you improve yourself one day at a time. But most importantly, actually achieving the goal will bring you an immense sense of accomplishment.

How to set long-term goals

"The future belongs to those who prepare for it today." — Malcolm X

Preparing well is a big part of achieving long-term goals. By preparing well, you chart your course through uncertainty and anticipate obstacles that might arise, helping reduce the anxiety that comes with the unknown and the potential for failure. So where do you start?

Self-reflection

Research shows that self-reflection makes a key difference between extraordinary individuals and mediocre ones. Self-reflection helps you understand your values, passions, and aspirations. It lays the foundation for creating long-term goals that resonate with your authentic self.

Exercises

  • Taking personality quizzes
  • Doing a life audit (reflect on different areas like career, relationships, health)
  • Gratitude journaling
  • Freewriting
  • Writing a letter to your future self
  • Creating a vision board
  • Mind mapping
  • Art therapy
  • Meditation
  • Taking walks through nature

Key questions

  • What truly matters to me? 
  • What am I passionate about? 
  • What do I want to achieve in life?
  • How far am I willing to go?

For a more in-depth introspection, here are 40 self-reflection questions to serve as your guide.

Brainstorming

Brainstorming allows you to generate a wide range of ideas without immediate judgment. Long-term goals often involve uncertainty and complexity. Brainstorming helps you explore various possibilities and scenarios, which will enable you to consider different paths to pursue. 

When it comes to brainstorming, the more ideas you have, the better. Use the following brainstorming techniques to generate as many ideas as possible.

  • Mind Mapping - a visual representation of interconnected ideas related to your long-term goals
  • SWOT Analysis - lets you analyze the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats related to your long-term goals
  • Future scenarios - consider best-case, worst-case, and most likely future outcomes along with potential obstacles and opportunities
  • Visioning - use visualization techniques, storytelling, or guided imagery to evoke a vivid picture of success, inspiring innovative ideas and fostering motivation
  • Provocation - intentionally introduce provocative or unconventional statements or questions to stimulate creative thinking and challenge assumptions 

For more helpful brainstorming strategies, refer to this guide from Asana.

Prioritization

Prioritization is one of the most useful skills to have when it comes to achieving long-term goals.  When you know your priorities, you know which actions will contribute the most progress toward their achievement. But that’s just one reason. You will reap the following benefits when you know how to prioritize.

Prioritization helps you identify where and what to focus on

Our time, energy, and resources are limited. By prioritizing, you identify the goals that are most important to you and align your efforts toward them. This avoids spreading yourself thin and ultimately increases your chances of success in the areas that matter most.

Prioritization makes decision-making easier

With clear priorities, making daily and short-term decisions becomes easier. When faced with choices, you can ask yourself if an option aligns with your top priorities, therefore helping you stay on track and avoid distractions.

Prioritization helps clarify your values

Prioritization forces you to reflect on what truly matters to you. Aligning your goals with your values ensures that your journey towards them is meaningful and fulfilling, increasing your enjoyment and commitment.

Prioritization helps you become more flexible and adaptable

Life throws curveballs. Prioritization doesn't mean being rigid. Instead, it provides a framework for making adjustments when needed. By understanding your core priorities, you can adapt your strategy while still moving toward your overall vision.

Prioritization reduces stress

With numerous long-term goals, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Having clear priorities provides a sense of direction and control, reducing stress and anxiety associated with feeling lost or unclear on what to do next.


Source: airfocus on Unsplash

How to prioritize effectively

Step 1: After you’ve written everything down in your brainstorming session, the next step is to identify your core values and principles. This will act as a filter for your goals.

Step 2: Evaluate each goal. Ask questions like:

  • How important is this goal to me in the grand scheme of things?
  • Does it align with my values?
  • What impact will achieving it have on my life?
  • What are the potential benefits and drawbacks?
  • What are the resources and level of effort required?

Step 3: Group similar goals together. You may organize your goals by theme or category to gain a clearer picture.

Step 4: Use prioritization frameworks like the Eisenhower Matrix (urgent/important), MoSCoW method (Must have, Should have, Could have, Won't have), or ABC method (A - Most important, B - Important, C - Less important) to rank each item on each group.

Step 5: Think long-term. While some goals require immediate action, some might be stepping stones or prerequisites for others. Think about the dependencies that may be required and the sequence of achievement.

Step 6: Don't overload yourself. Choose a manageable number of top priorities and be prepared to adjust your plan as circumstances change.

Step 7: Periodically assess your progress, re-evaluate priorities based on your evolving values and circumstances, and make necessary adjustments.

Specificity

Specificity in creating long-term goals means defining your ambitions with clear details and concrete elements. While long-term goals can be aspirational and exciting, having more details can make them feel more achievable and guide your actions in the present.

Benefits of having specific goals

  • Affords you clarity. Specificity brings direction and reduces ambiguity. You understand exactly what you're striving for, enabling you to make decisions aligned with your vision.
  • Boosts your motivation. Achieving milestones along the way boosts motivation and keeps you committed.
  • Turns goals into actions. This makes the entire journey feel less overwhelming and provides a roadmap for action.
  • More chances of success. By identifying potential obstacles and resources needed, specificity allows for effective planning and problem-solving, maximizing your chances of reaching your long-term aspirations.

Examples of Specificity in Action

Instead of: "Become a writer."

Try: "Publish a bestselling novel within 5 years by writing 500 words daily, attending writing workshops, and securing a literary agent within the next year."

Instead of: "Travel more."

Try: "Plan and budget for a 2-week backpacking trip through Southeast Asia next year, learning basic Thai before departure."

For more guidance, read this guide on creating SMART goals with examples.

Creating actionable steps

This is the meat of the matter. Creating actionable steps for your long-term goals is the step that will urge you to get started and make progress towards them.

Step 1: Break down your goal into smaller milestones. This will help you visualize the progress you're making and stay motivated. For example, if your long-term goal is to become a data scientist, some milestones could be:

  • Complete a data science boot camp or online course
  • Earn a data science certification
  • Get a job as a data analyst or data engineer

Step 2: Identify key tasks or activities for each milestone. Once you have your milestones, brainstorm the specific tasks you need to complete to achieve them. For example, to complete a data science bootcamp, you might need to:

  • Apply and get accepted into the program
  • Attend all classes and complete assignments
  • Work on a data science project

Step 3: Make each task actionable by using the SMART criteria. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. By making your tasks SMART, you'll be more likely to complete them. For example, instead of saying "Learn Python," a SMART task would be "Complete the Python for Data Science course on Coursera by the end of the month."

Here's a table summarizing the steps involved in creating actionable steps for long-term goals.

By following these steps, you can create a clear roadmap for achieving your long-term goals. Remember, the most important thing is to start and take action! The sooner you start, the closer you'll be to achieving your dreams.

Regular review and adaptation

When it comes to creating long-term goals effectively, having regular goal reviews is essential for staying on track and adapting to any changes in your life or circumstances. By regularly revisiting your goals, you will be able to identify weak points in your strategy and decide how to proceed moving forward.

Schedule regular reviews

Decide on the frequency. Set specific times for review. Quarterly or bi-annually works well, but adjust based on your goal pace and complexity. And most importantly, establish a clear structure. Dedicate uninterrupted time for focused reflection. Consider journaling, mind mapping, or using specific review tools.

Conduct a thorough analysis

Simply looking at your progress won’t do. Evaluate the status of your goal and identify areas that need improvement. It’s also useful to do a motivation check-in. Ask yourself if your goals still align with your values and aspirations. Be honest about any shifts in your desires. And lastly, try to anticipate potential obstacles that might arise along your path in the near future. It also helps to recognize any challenges or roadblocks holding you back. Brainstorm solutions for these potential challenges and adjust your plan accordingly.

Take actionable steps

Based on your assessment, consider revising your approach to certain goals and break the new approach down into its component steps. Next, prioritize. Reassess your priorities if needed and allocate more resources to goals that you currently identify to be the most important. And finally, acknowledge your progress and celebrate achievements to fuel your motivation and inspiration.

Share your goals with someone you look up to

When you share your goals with others, you increase your chances of achieving them, according to a review of 138 studies involving almost 20,000 participants. There could be multiple reasons for this.

  • You don’t want to disappoint others
  • Other people can you give much-needed support
  • Others can help see flaws in your thinking
  • It helps you connect with others who have the same goals

Another study revealed that you are much more likely to achieve your goals if you share them with someone you look up to. The results showed that this might be because you are much more likely to care about what they will think of you.

Keep these in mind when sharing your goals with others, especially when selecting an accountability partner for your goals. The right person will place as much value on your goals as you do. They will not only serve as support but also as a sounding board of your ideas, a coach who will provide much-needed feedback, and a friend whose confidence uplifts your own.

How to make progress towards your long-term goals

It’s not enough to have goals or to keep thinking about them, hoping that someday they’ll come true. Taking action is the only way to move forward in your path. But moving forward can be tricky. Some people rely on motivation alone. But motivation is fickle. So how can you consistently make progress towards your long-term goals?

Understand what motivates you

Research has shown that people’s source of motivation changes halfway through reaching their goals. In the beginning, people are more motivated by the positive aspects of their goals. 

For example, if their goal is to lose weight, they are more likely to envision their slimmer selves, buy new clothes, and have more energy, overall. But as they get nearer to their goal, they will start becoming more motivated by things they want to avoid for fear of falling short of their goals. People who are aiming to lose weight may start to avoid dessert or not exercise. 

Researchers suggest trying to understand the things that motivate you to move forward and using different motivation strategies depending on where you are on your journey.

Create your timelines

Now, let's break down your long-term goal into smaller, achievable milestones. Think of these as stepping stones leading towards your ultimate destination. Creating a timeline is like creating a map for your goal. By doing so, you reduce the friction to get started and you’ll know exactly every step of the way. Each milestone should have a specific timeline attached, creating a roadmap that charts your progress and instills a sense of accomplishment as you tick them off.

So how do you create a goal timeline?

Step 1: Define your North Star. Be unbelievably specific about what it is that you want and what that looks like.

Step 2: Work your way backward. Reverse-engineer your milestones. You can think of them as stepping stones leading to your destination.

Step 3: Research the realistic timeline for each milestone, what steps are necessary to achieve them, and what challenges you will most likely encounter along the way. 

Step 4: Rank your milestones and sequence them accordingly.

Step 5: Finalize the tasks and activities for each milestone.

Step 6: Assign deadlines for each task or activity. Factor in dependencies, life events, and other commitments.

Step 7: Schedule your activities. Treat it like an appointment. Block specific time in your calendar for each task and activity.

A word on deadlines

“A goal without a deadline is just a dream.” - Robert Herjavec

Long-term goals can feel abstract and overwhelming. Bringing them into focus requires setting meaningful deadlines. These aren't rigid pronouncements, but rather flexible guides that frame your journey. Consider factors like your overall vision, the availability of resources, and personal circumstances when creating your deadlines. 

If you really don’t have an idea how much time a particular step will take, do some research on similar goals or consult with experts to understand the typical timeline and anticipate the potential roadblocks that you might face.

Factors that might influence your deadlines

  • Dependencies such as approvals, availability of resources, etc.
  • Life events like family commitments, holidays, and vacations, etc.
  • Learning curve and the time needed for skill acquisition
  • Your energy levels, potential for burnout, etc.
  • Your level of motivation and sense of accountability

Remember, deadlines are adaptable; they can be adjusted as circumstances evolve. By considering these factors and tailoring them to your unique situation, you can create deadlines that serve as catalysts for progress, not sources of stress and discouragement.

Track your progress

Research says the more often you monitor your progress towards your goals, the greater the likelihood that you’ll achieve them. Choose a tracking method that suits the kind of goal you’re aiming for. Thankfully in the digital age, you’ll have a wealth of options. 

If you’re looking to build a habit, habit trackers like Everyday and Avocation are the tools for you. If your aim is to acquire a new skill, you can use any of the countless project chart sheets easily available online to monitor your assessment scores. If your goal requires multiple parts or you’re monitoring more than one goal at once, look into TaskSpur, a life management app to stay on top of your priorities.

Remember, progress isn't always linear; celebrate the small victories, and trust that every step, big or small, takes you closer to your ultimate goal.

How to stick to your long-term goals

The hardest part of chasing after a long-term goal is figuring out how to keep the commitment going in the long run, especially when your motivation levels begin to fall. On some days, it can be hard to remember why you’re trying so hard in the first place. But this is the crucial part. Choosing to stick to a promise you’ve made to yourself is the best decision you can ever make at that moment. It’s bound to happen sooner or later, no matter how hopeful or driven you feel at first. It’s a fact of life that is useful to know before you begin so you’ll know how to prepare for it when it comes.

Reflect on your strengths and weaknesses

Identify skills, habits, and resources that will naturally support your journey. Do you have an unwavering sense of commitment? Perhaps a great work ethic? Similarly, it’s going to be very useful to be aware of your personal weaknesses. Acknowledge areas where you might struggle, like procrastination, perfectionism, fear of failure, or lack of specific skills. Planning to address these weaknesses helps avoid roadblocks.

Plan how to deal with distraction

Distraction can take various forms: social media, video games, people, etc. If you can’t address them, they will take away much of your precious time and you’ll find it hard to make any kind of progress on your goals. When you’re continually giving in, you might easily find yourself giving up on those goals even before you reach your first clear milestone. There’s no one-fits-all strategy to fighting the temptation of distraction but there are a few things you can do to avoid them.

Here are a few techniques you can use to deal with distraction.

  • Identify your distractors. Social media, emails, TV, or specific people in your environment. Have a plan in place for how you can address these factors.
  • Create distraction-free zones. Set aside dedicated time and space for focused work on your long-term goal. 
  • Practice mindfulness. Short meditation or breathing exercises can help you refocus when distracting thoughts arise. It helps calm down an overstimulated brain when practiced regularly.
  • Use time management tools. Apps like timers, website blockers, or productivity trackers can help you stay on track.
  • Practice working on one task at a time. Avoid multitasking, which erodes your focus and increases errors. Instead, prioritize one task at a time and dedicate your full attention to it.
  • Practice writing your To-Dos the night before. This reduces decision fatigue the next day and you’re training your brain to stick to a routine.
  • Develop a routine. A routine is good for training your focus. Make time for breaks, and schedule time for distraction, but make sure you guard your focus hours with rock-solid resolve.
  • Take a walk. A short walk is a simple but powerful way to recharge your batteries, clear your head, and increase your focus.
  • Have one goal a day. Train yourself to be laser-focused on finishing at least one important task per day. You may not finish everything on your to-do list but you’re at least making a headway towards your big dreams.


Source: Rachel Martin on Unsplash

Build willpower

The road to achieving long-term goals isn't paved with good intentions alone. Sure, dreaming big is essential, but it's willpower that acts as the fuel, propelling you forward through challenges and distractions. This inner strength allows you to resist temptations, stay focused, and persevere even when motivation wanes. But fear not; willpower isn't a fixed entity – it's a muscle that can be trained and strengthened over time.

Below are tips for boosting willpower according to clinical psychologist Dr. Frank Ryan.

  • Reward the effort even if at the end of the week you didn’t finish your objective. It’s important to feel proud of your effort, regardless of the result.
  • Practice self-confidence. Self-confidence builds your self-esteem and the more you believe in yourself, the more likely it is you’re going to put effort into achieving what it is you set out to do.
  • Clarify your goals. Planning in advance will help you focus on the action instead of making decisions all the time.
  • Develop a routine. Let your body do the work for you. On days when motivation is low, having a routine can be a lifesaver.
  • Build it up gradually. Overdoing it erodes your willpower and will set you up for failure.
  • Choose the right time. Try to do it when you are less physically busy or mentally occupied.
  • Get support. It doesn’t hurt to have cheerleaders who like to see you succeed. They can also be a valuable source of feedback and insight during trying times.

Practice self-compassion

Often, individuals can be their own harshest critics. Self-criticism can lead to feelings of inadequacy or failure when setbacks occur. But when you’re working for a long-term goal, doing so only sets you up for failure. Remember: progress over perfection. Every time you feel like you fell short of your target, don’t beat yourself up for it; embrace the art of resilience. Getting back up after you stumble is the greatest and most useful skill you can have when working toward a goal you believe in.

Dr. Kristin Neff, Co-Founder of the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion, tells us what self-compassion really is about.

“With self-compassion we mindfully accept that the moment is painful, and embrace ourselves with kindness and care in response, remembering that imperfection is part of the shared human experience. This allows us to hold ourselves in love and connection, giving ourselves the support and comfort needed to bear the pain while providing the optimal conditions for growth and transformation.”

Go back to your why

When the going gets tough, remind yourself why you set this goal and what truly matters about it. It’s important to rekindle the passion and desire that fueled your initial commitment. Then, do a goal audit. Ask yourself: “Does this goal still align with my core beliefs and aspirations?” If so, reaffirming this connection can strengthen your resolve. And finally, reframe your challenges as opportunities for learning, growing, and becoming stronger on your journey.

Examples of long-term goals

Examples of long-term personal goals

  • Learn and speak Italian fluently
  • Master the guitar
  • Visit all the national parks in my country
  • Travel to 100 countries with mom
  • Do one three years of volunteer work
  • Earn a PhD or other terminal degree in my field of study
  • Improve emotional intelligence and develop stronger relationships with family and friends
  • Start a charitable foundation for deaf children

Examples of long-term professional goals

  • Become a CEO of my own company
  • Become a board member of a prestigious  organization
  • Become a recognized thought leader in my field
  • Publish a book on leadership
  • Become a consultant in a top organization
  • Become an expert data analyst earning more than $200,000 a year
  • Franchise a business
  • Become a serial entrepreneur

Examples of long-term health goals

  • Lose 100 pounds
  • Develop sustainable and enjoyable exercise habits
  • Participate in a triathlon
  • Build body mass
  • Develop strong coping mechanisms against stress
  • Build strong social connections
  • Quit smoking
  • Fix and maintain a healthy sleep routine

Examples of long-term finance goals

  • Be debt-free
  • Pay off my mortgage early
  • Consolidate my debts
  • Build a comfortable emergency fund
  • Save downpayment for a house
  • Max out my retirement contributions
  • Achieve financial independence
  • Develop multiple streams of income
  • Become financial literate

What is the neutral zone?

So you’ve everything you can. But now that you’re right before the finish line, the ground feels shaky, and doubt whispers in your ear. This is the dreaded neutral zone. Navigating this transition can feel like treading water with the shore tantalizingly close, yet just out of reach. Anxiety might bubble up, like the pre-travel jitters on the eve of your dream solo trip. But here's the secret: everyone encounters this, even those who seem to waltz through change.

Remember, change is inherently unsettling. It throws us off balance, questioning our path and the value of our efforts. It's normal to feel a cocktail of emotions – the excitement of the almost-achieved, coupled with the trepidation of the unknown.

Don't let the neutral zone drag you under. Here are some survival tips.

  • Embrace the student within. This is prime time to soak up new knowledge, skills, and perspectives. Think of it as fueling your journey with fresh insights.
  • Celebrate your milestones with a dash of panache. Ditch the cookie-cutter celebrations and do what ignites your spirit. Remember, this journey is yours, and your celebrations should reflect that.
  • Gather your tribe. Lean on your trusted circle – mentors, friends, family – share your wobble, and listen to their wisdom. They're your anchor in this choppy sea of change.
  • Don't shy away from a calculated risk. Sometimes, an unexpected opportunity pops up, or an inner nudge to explore something new. Take the leap! Stepping outside your comfort zone can lead to surprising discoveries.

The neutral zone might feel like a detour, but it's just a temporary pause. Focus on learning, celebrate creatively, lean on your support system, and be bold. You've got this! Remember, you're not alone in this journey.

Final word

So, there you have it! Crafting long-term goals might seem daunting, but remember, it's a marathon, not a sprint. Think of it like training for a race: you wouldn't expect to run a full marathon right off the bat. You start with manageable distances, build your endurance, and celebrate each milestone. Similarly, with your goals, it’s important to not get discouraged by setbacks. Celebrate the small wins, acknowledge the days when you falter, and most importantly, keep showing up.

Persistence is your biggest cheerleader. It's that voice that whispers, "Remember why you started?" when motivation wanes. It's the steady rhythm of your feet hitting the pavement, mile after mile. Consistency is your training buddy, holding you accountable and reminding you, "Progress, not perfection." Your future you will thank the present you for the sweat, the stumbles, and the unwavering commitment. So, take a deep breath, lace up your metaphorical shoes, and get ready to chase that amazing future, one determined step at a time. You've got this!

References

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