| Goal Setting | Short vs Long Term Goals - Worksheet |
Short Term vs. Long-Term Goals
When setting goals, you want to set both short-term and long-term goals. A short-term goal is a goal that is designed to be completed in a short period of time. Typically, short-term goals span a few days or a few weeks and never last longer than six months. Long-term goals span longer periods of time and can take six months or longer to complete.
Why is it important to have a mix of both short-term and long-term goals? As you set and reach short-term goals, you will be more motivated to reach your long-term goals. When you set long-term goals, you have something to motivate you and give you a sense of purpose.
Examples of Short-Term Goals
Some examples of short-term goals include:
- Losing a few pounds
- Saving a small amount of money
- Getting a good grade on a test
- Joining a school club or sports team
- Picking up a new hobby
- Making a new friend
- Breaking a bad habit, such as biting your nails
What are some examples of short-term goals you have set before?
- ________________________________________________________________
- ________________________________________________________________
If you have not set a short-term goal before, come up with a short-term goal you could start working towards today.
- ________________________________________________________________
Examples of Long-Term Goals
Examples of long-term goals include:
- Losing 50 pounds
- Saving up for a new bike or electronic device
- Getting into a specific college
- Getting perfect attendance for the year
- Finding a job in a specific field
- Raising a large amount of money
- Running a 5K
What are some examples of long-term goals you have set before and/or are currently working towards?
- ________________________________________________________________
- ________________________________________________________________
If you are not currently working towards any long-term goals, come up with one long-term goal you could start working towards.
- ________________________________________________________________
Enabling Goals
Sometimes you have to set short-term goals to help reaching your long-term goals more manageable. These are called enabling goals because they enable you to reach your long-term goal. For example, if your long-term goal is to get a new computer, some of your enabling goals may be:
- Save $10 from every allowance
- Get a job mowing lawns or babysitting
- Research the best computers to buy
If your long-term goal is to get into an Ivy League school, your enabling goals may be:
- Get a 3.5 GPA or above
- Join at least two school clubs
- Score at least a 30 on the ACT or a 700 or above on each section of the SAT
Think about a long-term goal of your own. Write at least three enabling goals to help you meet that goal:
- ________________________________________________________________
- ________________________________________________________________
- ________________________________________________________________
Once you have set your short-term and long-term goals, the next step is to start working toward meeting those goals.
- What do you want to be when you grow up? Write out a plan to help you get there.
- Use the short-term and long-term goal-setting worksheet to come up with a mix of short-term and long-term goals for your life.
- How can breaking down a long-term goal into smaller enabling goals make it easier to reach that goal?
- What are some examples of short-term and long-term goals you have set?