Is setting long term goals a requisite? What are the benefits and how do I set them?

I would want to begin by quoting these lines of HENRY FORD.

“Thinking always ahead, thinking always of trying to do more, brings a state of mind in which nothing seems impossible.”

One of the greatest laws of nature is that what you focus on constantly with deep emotion and expectation will become a reality. Clear goals are the essential foundation of success.

Whenever people hear about goal-setting as a topic, there is something the majority of the population would recite:

“I don’t have any goals in life. I will just go with the flow” or “I don’t have specific goals. I just want to earn and stay happy.”

I’m wondering as to why these people say they don’t have goals for themselves, but are working day and night to accomplish the targets and goals of their BOSS & organization. How foolish these guys have been!

Kudos to you for not belonging to that bunch of people. I know you are different and truly wanna identify and set goals for yourself first and then fulfill your boss’s. Give yourself a pat on your back. I’m glad you are here.

Now let us move on to first identify what your goals are.

=> KNOWING WHAT YOU WANT is the first step:

One of the biggest tip is to figure out what you love doing. Don’t tell me you love your 9 to 5 job. Of course, you might like it. But go on deeper now.

• What are your secret ambitions?

• What have you always enjoyed and loved doing?

• What has always excited your soul?

Don’t be in a rush. Take your own time, think, and write down. They can be activities you were enthusiastic about since your childhood.

NOTE: Even if they seem impossible to be done now, don’t ignore them. They are exactly what you yearn for. They will definitely come true someday. WRITE THEM.

The second step is extremely predominant. 

=> FIX DEADLINES & DEVELOP A STRATEGY: 

Now that you know what you want in life, go on and write down when you want to attain them. In a year, 3years, 5 years, or even later.

Break these large goals into yearly, monthly, and daily bite-sized chunks. I have a separate blog on a step by step guide to help you make monthly goals.

For eg: Let's say you want to direct a movie and turn to be a film director. Say you want to do it within the next 5 years. Break it into yearly, monthly, weekly, and daily goals. Daily you can learn something about film-making online or by watching different movies and understanding them. In a week you can try and apply what you have learnt. In a month you can expand your expertise or probably enroll for a film-making course. You can do it part-time and learn & experiment simultaneously. In 2 years you can work on small projects and learn. In 3 years you can direct small budget projects. In 4 years you can work as an assistant director and who knows, in 5 years you can turn to be a director.

Visualize and make it happen. They are in your control. 

After you fix deadlines, it is fundamental to;

=> ASK FOR HELP & RESEARCH:

Tell your friends and family what plans you have. Get as much support and encouragement as possible. Have a support network that will always keep you focused, motivated, and inspired.

For eg: If you prefer to enter the media industry, then follow people in the industry who are willing to assist and ask for guidance. 

Do your research well before you want to excel in any field. Watch what other people are doing and try making contacts.

I can understand, it is not easy as it is said. But if you want it at any cost, you should never give up at any cost.

=> REWARD YOURSELF THROUGHOUT:

“Enjoy the journey”. Treat yourself when you achieve even the smallest of your goals, because if not for you, who else will?

Also, be flexible with you. If one approach doesn’t work, try a different strategy, but never think about quitting.

Enough of all those beautiful lectures I was giving you. I know what you are thinking right now, “ Tell me how do I start with setting these goals? Should they be categorized? What should I do?”

Okay! I get that! LET'S BEGIN

What you should do precisely?

Categorize the goals into 3 broad sections

·        Personal Development goals

·        Financial goals

·        Material and fun goals

What goes inside each category?

Allow me to explain;

• Personal Development goals ( THINK EVERYTHING LONG-TERM)

-> Think of how fit you want to be both physically and mentally

-> What personal qualities you wish to develop?

-> What strategies you want to master?

-> What kind of knowledge and memory you want?

-> What habits you want to inculcate long-term?

• Financial goals (LONG-TERM FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS)

-> How much net worth you wish to accumulate?

-> How much savings you wish to have?

-> How many investments you want to hold?

-> What amount would truly make you happy and give you that sense of freedom?

Your financial destiny will affect your personal destiny, so think carefully.

NOTE: The maximum amount can be endless, write the minimum you want to have (Don’t think far below your capability – let them be a bar for which you would fight for)

• Material and fun goals (THIS SECTION IS MY FAVORITE – AGAIN THINK LONG-TERM)

-> What materialistic things you wish to own – a house, car or any major property (anything)

-> List the places you wish to visit – the countries, the tourist spots, the holiday destinations (when and with whom?)

-> Fun activities you want to explore – parasailing, bungee jumping, sea-diving etc.

-> Any purchases you want to make for yourself – an expensive laptop, a smart watch, an iPad ( write each of them down)

A BIG NOTE: You are not going to write all of them in one, but three sub-categories.

1.      For this year (1 year period)

2.      For 3 years

3.      For 5 years

Each category will have these 3 sub-categories as shown below;

It is essential that you write quickly everything that comes to your mind. NO DREAM IS BIG OR SMALL. Do not think your goals are too large to come true. 

I really hope these tips take you one step closer to bringing your dreams into realities.

I personally suggest that you write these in a planner or have a personal diary for the same.

IF YOU WANT A PLANNER EXCLUSIVELY FOR THIS PURPOSE, I AM HERE TO THE RESCUE. 

PS: The above image is not the planner

If you have downloaded my FREE E-BOOK on the Optimal Self-care guide, you guys would be getting this planner via e-mail straight to your inbox.

If you haven't, make sure you subscribe and download the guide from HERE.

You guys will get the Free Long-term Planner straight in your inbox.

KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR E-MAIL INBOX!!

Until then; 

Happy goal-setting folks!!