how to set short term and long term goals

I remember when I first say down to attempt to write goals and I was amazed at how difficult the process was. When I had the pen and paper there in front of me, suddenly I had no idea of what I wanted in life. I knew I wanted a million dollars, Porsche and a beautiful girl but those where things that I just saw in a movie and that I wanted to emulate. But, I could not find how in the world to set short term and long term goals. As a result I set unrealistic goals. (Side note: there is no such thing as unrealistic goals only unrealistic timeframes.)

So here are some guidelines to help you set successful goals.

1. Forget Long Term Goals – What? Writing goals is like building muscle and you would not go into the gym having never lifted and put 225lbs on the bar and attempt to bench press. And neither should you worry about goals that are 5 to 10 years away. Just focus on setting short term goals that are no more than a year in length.
2. Start Small – When most begin writing goals they make themselves out to be Superman or woman, as I did. I said I was going to be making 6 figures one year from when I first started and I was waiting tables and had never made more than $25,000. The idea is to build momentum. If you set too big of a goal and miss then you will get discouraged, if you set a smaller goal and over achieve then you will be motivated. Increase your goals gradually, building confidence and momentum along the way.
3. Write It Down – A goal is not a goal if it is not writing down with a date attached. Why? If your goal is not written down then chances are that your desire is not clear and if there is no date attached you are not accountable to do anything. How many people say, “One day I am going to…”? They never get around to it.
4. Set the Goal, Forget the Goal – Now every personality type is different but I have found what works the best for me is to write the goal down on one side of the paper, and then write the activity goals that are going to help me achieve my goals on the other side of the paper. Your activities are directions to your destination (goal). This helps me not to get discouraged if 5 months out I do not feel like I am hitting my mile markers.

Remember a goal is a reference point of direction not of distance least you get discouraged or distracted along the way.