Short-term Goals - I achieve most of my micro goals

Introduction

A short-term goal is a goal that focuses on the now. Short-term goals help you to break down your medium-term goals so that they can become more achievable. A short-term goal usually takes less than a year to complete. Your micro goals can then be used to create weekly to-do lists on the tasks needed to achieve those goals. Plant an idea and see its roots strengthen by autumn’s end. Grow your ideas now so that you may harvest them later. 

Benefits of short-term goals

1. Short-term micro goals help us to achieve our medium-term meso goals. 

2. Enables short-term victories that will keep us motivated.

3. Provides us with information to set weekly and daily tasks.

Skill example

My long-term macro goal is to setup an only career film show. One medium-term meso goal is to film five shows to approach potential sponsors with. One short-term micro goal is to approach five people in the next three months who are passionate about their careers and ask them to be on the show. I use this goal to set my weekly task list which includes tasks such as preparing a concept note on the show so that the people I approach can understand what I am trying to achieve. 

Beth’s story

Beth is a 17-year-old, who is in grade 11. Beth has a dream of becoming a Chartered Accountant (CA) someday. She realises that to become a CA, she will need to attend university and obtain a CA qualification. Beth also realises that for her to be considered and accepted into a university, she must obtain very good marks in school, especially in the necessary subjects required for admission into a CA qualification.

Beth realises that to achieve her goal, she must improve with her grades. So, with renewed vigour, Beth sets micro goals such as studying for two hours a day and attending two extra classes each week. She rewards herself each week by making herself a picnic and spending time with friends in her local park. By the end of her grade 11 year, Beth is ecstatic to have passed with 5 A’s. Beth keeps this up in her grade 12 year and her application to study further is accepted and approved based on her results. Beth is happy she created micro-goals for her studies as they have helped her achieve a part of her medium-term meso goal which is to get her accounting degree. 

How to set short-term goals

Setting short-term goals is an effective way to establish specific objectives that you can achieve within a relatively short timeframe. Here are some steps to help you set short-term goals:

1. Define the timeframe: Determine the timeframe for your short-term goal. This could be anywhere from a few days to six months, depending on the complexity of the goal and your personal or professional development needs.
2. Identify your medium-term or long-term goal: Consider your medium-term or long-term goal and how your short-term goal will contribute to achieving it. This will help you ensure that your short-term goal is aligned with your overall vision.
3. Be specific: Define your short-term goal using specific language. Avoid vague or generalized goals that are difficult to measure.
4. Make it measurable: Establish metrics that will help you track your progress and determine when you have achieved your short-term goal. This could include numbers, percentages, or other quantitative measures.
5. Be realistic: Set short-term goals that are challenging but achievable within the timeframe you have established. Avoid setting goals that are too easy or too difficult to accomplish.
6. Prioritize: Prioritize your short-term goals based on their importance and urgency. This will help you focus your efforts on the most critical tasks first.
7. Develop a plan of action: Develop a plan of action that outlines the specific steps you will take to achieve your short-term goal. Include the resources, skills, and support you will need to make it happen.
8. Stay motivated: Stay motivated and focused on your short-term goal by reminding yourself of the vision and the benefits it will bring. Celebrate your successes along the way and learn from your setbacks.

Remember, setting short-term goals takes careful planning and effort, but it can help you achieve specific objectives that contribute to your overall success and fulfillment.