How to set your short and long term goals

Summary

This video offers guidance to high school graduates who may feel overwhelmed by future decisions, emphasizing that it's normal not to have all the answers right away. The narrator, Sam, suggests focusing on big-picture goals, such as the type of person one wants to be and the lifestyle they envision. The video stresses that goals can evolve, and the first step is to break them down into actionable short-term steps. By setting priorities and taking small steps toward those goals, viewers are encouraged to stay flexible and confident in their journey, knowing they're on the right track.

Takeaways

• 😀 Don't worry if you don't have everything figured out after graduation—it's normal to feel uncertain.
• 😀 Your goals will change over time, and that's perfectly fine. Start with a direction and adjust as needed.
• 😀 Big-picture goals are about the kind of person you want to become and the lifestyle you want to lead.
• 😀 Take time to think about your values, what inspires you, and what you want to contribute to the world.
• 😀 Closing your eyes and imagining your perfect life can help clarify your long-term vision.
• 😀 Write down your big-picture goals to help guide your decisions and stay focused on your future.
• 😀 Short-term goals are actionable steps you can take today, in six months, or in a year.
• 😀 Be realistic when setting short-term goals. Ask yourself: What will help me achieve my long-term vision?
• 😀 Consider practical actions like taking a class or learning a new skill to move closer to your goals.
• 😀 Flexibility is key—your goals may evolve as you learn and grow, and that's part of the process.
• 😀 Think of your short-term goals as baby steps that bring you closer to your bigger dreams.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the speaker's message?

The speaker emphasizes the importance of setting both big-picture and short-term goals as starting points for future success, regardless of whether someone is thinking about college or other life paths.

Why does the speaker suggest starting with big-picture goals?

Big-picture goals help you envision the kind of person you want to be and the lifestyle you want to live, which can serve as a guiding framework for decision-making in life.

What does the speaker mean by 'the kind of person you want to be'?

The speaker is referring to the personal values, impact, and lifestyle that are important to you, which are more important than specific career choices or jobs.

How can you begin thinking about your big-picture goals?

You can start by imagining a perfect life, thinking about what inspires you, and writing down those ideas to create a vision of where you want to be in the future.

Why are short-term goals important?

Short-term goals are practical actions you can take immediately or within the next few months that help you make progress toward your long-term, big-picture goals.

What should you consider when setting short-term goals?

When setting short-term goals, ask yourself what actions or behaviors will help you get closer to your long-term objectives, ensuring that your efforts are focused and aligned.

What are some examples of short-term goals that could help with future success?

Examples include taking an accounting class or learning how to code, which provide useful skills and knowledge that can support your long-term career or personal development.

How do short-term goals contribute to long-term success?

Short-term goals act as small, manageable steps that guide you toward achieving bigger, long-term aspirations, creating momentum and making your larger goals more achievable.

What is the speaker’s perspective on changing goals over time?

The speaker acknowledges that goals will likely change over time, which is normal and expected, as long as you continue to think and act smartly toward your evolving objectives.

How can setting priorities help with achieving goals?

Setting priorities helps you focus on what matters most, ensuring that you allocate your time and energy effectively toward the actions that will have the greatest impact on reaching your goals.