One of the things that makes humans “human” is our goals. We are wired to set them, and there are no small or big goals for us. We are, by nature, constantly striving for something more.
Still, another thing about us humans: we sometimes get caught up with the excitement in almost every endeavor, even when setting goals. What are we really aiming for? Is it a mid-term or a long-term goal? It is important that you know the difference between these two.
What Are Mid-Term Goals, Anyway?
Stepping stones often lead us to bigger stuff, and that’s what mid-term goals are for. They connect us to our long-term goals. They may be smaller, yes, but they are also manageable and can actually help us move towards our bigger aspirations.
Mid-term financial goals are like your regular savings habits that eventually add up to achieve your long-term financial vision. Suppose you want to save $100,000 for a down payment on a house as your long-term goal. In that case, you may start setting aside $500 per month, or $125 per week, for the next five years. As you can see, these smaller goals are manageable and easily achievable. You won’t have to feel overwhelmed by the large sum, and you’ll be making steady progress towards your dream of owning a home.
The Power of Long-Term Goals
Now, long-term goals are the big targets! Obviously they are much bigger than our mid-term goals, so expect that you might need to strive and wait for a decade or more in order to achieve them. These goals light up your belly – buying a house, starting your own business, mastering a new language.
Long-term goals require patience, dedication, and a whole lot of planning, including a loan from a licensed money lender. They often involve multiple mid-term goals that build upon each other, creating a roadmap to your ultimate vision.
Why Differentiation Matters
So, why is it so important to differentiate between mid-term and long-term goals? The answer is simple: it helps us stay focused and motivated. When we set only long-term goals, we can become overwhelmed by the sheer scale of what we want to achieve. This can lead to procrastination, frustration, and eventually, giving up. On the other hand, if we only set mid-term goals, we risk losing sight of the bigger picture and feeling unfulfilled, even when we’re making progress.
Here’s the magic trick: your mid-term goals should directly contribute to your long-term aspirations. They’re not separate entities; they work in perfect harmony. Remember the travel example? Saving for that Southeast Asia trip is directly aligned with the larger goal of world exploration.
By achieving those smaller milestones, you’re not just checking things off a list, you’re actively building momentum and confidence. Each success fuels your drive and brings you one step closer to that big, beautiful dream.
Conclusion
Setting goals is a crucial part of living a fulfilling life. By understanding the difference between mid-term and long-term goals, we can create a clear roadmap to success. Once you understand the difference, you’ll be amazed at how much more achievable your aspirations become.
