How short-term goals are the key to long-term success

Who among us has ever given up on a dream? According to one study, a massive 92% of us throw in the towel. But while some childhood aspirations are a little overly ambitious — like being an astronaut (not impossible) or a dinosaur (less likely) — others are entirely within reach. 

The problem is that big goals can feel overwhelming. So we set our sights high, which gives us a dopamine hit, then face one setback and give up. Without a clear plan for moving forward, setbacks and all, the steps to get there can seem blurry. That’s where short-term goals step in. 

Short-term goals break the journey into manageable steps, giving us achievable milestones and the motivation to keep moving forward. So, instead of giving up on what matters most, let’s rethink how we approach the climb.

What is a short-term goal?

A short-term goal is an achievement you hope to achieve soon, typically within days to a few months. 

Think of these goals as stepping stones that lead to bigger achievements. For example, completing one chapter on Duolingo is one step closer to being fluent in Latin. Or squatting 150lbs in the gym is one step closer to your 200lbs target — which itself might be a step towards competing at the Olympics. 

What are the benefits of setting short-term goals?

Short-term goals give you a clear focus on what needs to be done right now, helping you stay busy and moving forward. 

Because short-term goals break big, overwhelming tasks into manageable steps, progress is easier to see. Like apps that gamify learning or a weightlifter tracking improvements, these small wins are the key to staying motivated. 

Short-term goals also give your confidence a boost via a series of quick wins. These give you that all-important dopamine hit (that’s the brain’s reward chemical), which inspires you to keep pushing forward. 

The key benefits of short-term goals:

• Clarity: They show you what to do next.
• Momentum: Small wins keep you motivated and on track. 
• Focus: They help prioritize tasks.
• Adaptability: You can adjust them as needed.
• Confidence: Accomplishing them boosts self-belief. 

What is a long-term goal?

A long-term goal is a bigger objective that takes several months or years to complete. For example, earning a degree or saving for a house. 

These goals call for consistent effort and planning. You’ll also need a lot of patience and perseverance, as well as a clear vision to guide your efforts. 

Long-term goals need to be broken down into smaller short-term tasks to keep you on track, even when progress is slow.

The benefits of setting long-term goals

Ticking off short-term goals without a long-term strategy? Long-term goals give you purpose and direction. They help you focus on what truly matters. 

By working toward a big-picture objective, you build discipline, patience, and resilience while achieving meaningful success.

Key benefits of long-term goals:

• Direction: They give a clear vision for your future.
• Purpose: They align with your values and long-term aspirations.
• Growth: They encourage skill-building and personal development.
• Resilience: Working toward them builds persistence.
• Fulfillment: Reaching them brings a deep sense of accomplishment.

Short-term vs. long-term goals: A side-by-side comparison 

What’s the difference between short-term and long-term goals? It mainly comes down to time and scope. 

Short-term goals are smaller, immediate objectives that are usually pretty easy to accomplish. They tend to be tied to your daily or weekly to-do list.

Long-term goals, on the other hand, are broader and take much longer to reach — often years.  

• Scope: Short-term goals focus on specific, smaller tasks or outcomes. Long-term goals are broader, often representing big-picture visions.
  
• Timeline: Short-term goals are completed within days to months. Long-term goals take months to years.
  
• Number: You can have multiple short-term goals running in tandem. Long-term goals are fewer in number. You generally have two, maybe three of them. Any more, and it’s overwhelming.
  
• Strategy: Short-term goals call for straightforward, tactical planning. Long-term goals demand strategic, big-picture thinking and may involve breaking them into smaller milestones.

• Difficulty: Short-term goals are quick wins. Long-term goals are a marathon, calling for sustained effort and resilience.
  
• Motivation: Short-term goals help you maintain daily focus. Long-term goals require ongoing motivation, often tied to personal values or a strong vision.
  
• Flexibility: Short-term goals are more adaptable since they involve immediate actions. Long-term goals can adapt over time but need careful thought if priorities change.
  
• Impact: Achieving short-term goals builds confidence and keeps you on track. Reaching long-term goals leads to lasting change or major accomplishments.
  
• Measurement: Short-term goals are easier to measure with immediate feedback. Long-term goals may have less visible progress and rely on periodic milestones to track success.

36 short-term goal examples

Skill development

• Learn a new software or tool (e.g., Excel, Photoshop, or Python) within two months.
• Complete an online course or certification relevant to your job.
• Read one industry-related book this month.
• Improve your public speaking by practicing for 10 minutes daily for a month.
• Take a workshop to strengthen a specific skill, like negotiation or time management.

Career advancement

• Update your resume and LinkedIn profile within the next two weeks.
• Research and apply for three job opportunities in the next month.
• Prepare for and schedule an informational interview with a professional in your field.
• Attend one industry networking event or webinar this month.
• Request feedback from your manager on a recent project to identify areas for growth.

Productivity and organization

• Organize your email inbox by sorting and deleting unnecessary messages within a week.
• Create a daily or weekly to-do list to manage your tasks effectively.
• Block off an hour each day for focused, distraction-free work.
• Develop a system for tracking your professional achievements.
• Set up and stick to a morning routine that boosts productivity.

Creative projects

• Design and launch a personal website or portfolio within two months.
• Start a blog and publish your first post by the end of the month.
• Create a presentation template you can use for future projects.
• Work on a side project that enhances your professional skills (e.g., coding an app or designing a logo).

Networking and relationships

• Reconnect with three former colleagues or classmates within the next month.
• Join a professional association or group in your industry this month.
• Write and share one LinkedIn post showcasing your expertise.
• Follow and engage with five thought leaders in your field on social media.
• Ask for a mentor’s guidance and schedule your first meeting.

Financial goals

• Save a specific percentage of your paycheck for the next three months.
• Track your spending and create a budget within the next two weeks.
• Pay off a small debt or bill within the next month.
• Set up an emergency fund and add to it regularly for the next three months.

Health and wellbeing

• Take a 10-minute walk during lunch breaks every day for the next month.
• Incorporate a stress-relief activity, like meditation, into your routine for the next 30 days.
• Limit screen time to two hours after work for the next two weeks.
• Bring a packed, healthy lunch to work for a full week.

Time-bound tasks

• Finish a pending project or assignment by the end of the week.
• Research and book a course or conference within the next two weeks.
• Draft a personal development plan by the end of the month.
• Submit a proposal for a new project idea within two weeks.

36 long-term goal examples

Career advancement

• Earn a leadership role, such as a manager or director, within the next five years.
• Transition into a new industry or career field over the next three to five years.
• Work toward a significant promotion by building expertise and taking on more responsibilities.
• Start your own business or consultancy within the next five to ten years.
• Become a recognized expert in your field, speaking at conferences or writing industry articles.

Skill mastery and education

• Complete an advanced degree, e.g. a master’s or Ph.D., within the next five years.
• Gain an industry-recognized certification in three to five years.
• Learn a second language to boost career opportunities. 
• Develop high-level technical skills, like coding, data analytics, or UX design, over the next few years.

Financial goals

• Save enough for a home down payment within the next five to seven years.
• Build a diversified investment portfolio that generates passive income over the next decade.
• Reach financial independence, allowing you to retire early or pursue passion projects.
• Establish a consistent retirement savings plan and contribute regularly over the next 10 — 15 years.
• Pay off all major personal debts, like student loans or a mortgage, within the next decade.

Personal branding and networking

• Build a strong personal brand, including a professional website, blog, or social media presence, within the next three years.
• Write a book or create a major piece of work that showcases your expertise in your field.
• Grow your professional network to include key industry leaders and influencers.
• Join a board or committee relevant to your career or interests within the next five years.
• Create a mentorship program or mentor younger professionals in your industry.

Creative and entrepreneurial goals

• Launch a successful side business or passive income stream within the next five years.
• Develop and monetize a unique product or app.
• Build a portfolio of creative work that earns recognition or awards.
• Grow a personal passion project into a profitable venture.
• Open your own studio, store, or workspace to support creative or professional projects.

Lifestyle and work-life balance

• Achieve a flexible work arrangement, like remote work or a four-day workweek, within the next few years.
• Relocate to a city or country that aligns with your career and lifestyle goals.
• Build a career that allows for regular travel or sabbaticals to recharge and gain new perspectives.
• Work toward a role that offers financial stability while providing more time for family or personal pursuits.
• Retire early or semi-retire to focus on hobbies, family, or community service.

Legacy and impact

• Establish a scholarship or fund to support education in your field.
• Start a nonprofit or social enterprise to address an issue you’re passionate about.
• Develop and implement a program that improves your workplace culture or community.
• Be recognized with awards or honors for contributions to your industry or field.
• Leave behind a positive, lasting legacy through meaningful work or mentorship.

Two strategies for setting short-term goals

In the world of goal-setting, two approaches shine bright: OKRs and SMART goals. These are techniques to help you refine your thinking, which in turn helps you create goals (both long and short-term) that are practical and achievable. 

1. SMART goals

SMART is a well-known framework for setting clear and achievable goals. Each goal needs to hit the following criteria: 

• Specific: Define exactly what you want to achieve. A vague goal like “improve my skills” becomes more specific as “complete a course in graphic design.”
• Measurable: Include a way to track your progress. For example, “finish 10 lessons in two weeks.”
• Achievable: Make sure the goal is realistic, given your current resources and time.
• Relevant: Ensure it aligns with your bigger career or personal goals.
• Time-bound: Set a clear deadline, like “by the end of this month.”

Example: “I will complete a Google Analytics certification within the next four weeks by dedicating two hours every evening to the course.”

Why it works: SMART goals bring clarity and focus, helping you take actionable steps toward hitting your objectives. 

2. OKRs (Objectives and Key Results)

OKRs tend to crop up in big companies (alongside KPIs), but they’re just as useful for personal goals. The method involves two parts:

• Objective: A broad, inspiring statement of what you want to achieve.
• Key results: Measurable outcomes that define how you know you’ve achieved the objective. 

Example:

• Objective: Build a professional online presence.
  • Key result 1: Publish three blog posts about industry topics within the next month.
  • Key result 2: Gain 200 LinkedIn connections by engaging with others and sharing posts.
  • Key result 3: Create a polished personal website within six weeks.

Why it works: OKRs focus on results rather than just effort. They help you keep your eye on the bigger picture while offering clear metrics to measure success.

It’s a good idea to begin with OKRs, because they feature the long-term vision, before using SMART goals for your short-term tasks. 

A step-by-step guide to setting short and long-term career goals

Not sure how to get started? Just follow these steps. And remember, while these are career-focussed, you can easily flex them to personal goals.

1. Start with self-reflection

Before setting any goals, take some time to think about where you are in your career and where you want to be. 

Ask yourself questions like:

• What am I good at?
• What do I enjoy doing? (It can be helpful to think about how you spend your leisure time for insights here. Also think about the type of work you enjoy doing — which tasks help you enter flow state, and which feel like pulling teeth? 
• What areas do I want to improve or grow in? This helps you set goals that are meaningful and align with your personal strengths and interests.

2. Define your long-term vision

Think about where you want to be in the next five to ten years. Picture your ideal career — what kind of role do you want? How will you spend your day? What kind of work-life balance are you after? 

Keep what you enjoy doing, along with your values, at the forefront. 

• Be clear: The more specific you are, the easier it should be to beat a path to that goal. 
• Example: “I want to be a marketing manager at a modular home company.”
  Write down this long-term vision. It serves as the foundation for your smaller, short-term goals. 
• To help clarify your thinking, add a “why” section underneath your statement. And remember to cross-reference your “why” with your answers in step one. You might discover your answer here doesn’t correspond with your values and skills — in which case, you’ll need to revise your goal(s). 
• Example: “I want to be a marketing manager at my modular home company…because I enjoy creating campaigns that help businesses grow, and I’m passionate about using architecture to solve problems. This role aligns with my skills in communication and strategy, and it offers opportunities for leadership and creativity. It also fits my values of sustainability and social housing while allowing for a healthy work-life balance.”

If you’re using the OKR framework, this long-term vision will be the ‘Objective’. 

3. Break it down into short-term goals

Now let’s create some stepping stones that will help you get there.

• Start with skill-building: What skills do you need to reach your long-term goal? These will translate into some of your short-term goals. 
• Example: “I’ll take an online course in digital marketing in the next two months.”
• Set deadlines: Be realistic but firm about when you want to accomplish these goals.

Remember to make sure your goals are SMART:

• Specific: Clear definitions! 
• Measurable: Set criteria to measure your progress.
• Achievable: Make sure the goal is realistic.
• Relevant: It needs to align with your overall vision. 
• Time-bound: Set a clear deadline.

If you’re using the OKR approach, create short-term goals that are similarly specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. 

Key result 1: Publish three blog posts about industry tech industry topics within the next month.

Key result 2: Gain 200 LinkedIn connections over the next 6 months by engaging with other marketing managers and sharing posts.

Key result 3: Complete an online certification in digital marketing within the next three months to enhance my skills.

Key result 4: Develop leadership skills by taking on at least three small leadership tasks over the next 6 months, like managing projects or mentoring colleagues.

4. Plan your action steps

Once your goals are set, map out the steps you need to take to achieve them. This is more than listing the short-term goals that feed your larger objective — it’s a 

• For short-term goals: Some short-term goals can stand alone, but others you’ll need to break into smaller sub-tasks. Work out what these are and the order in which you’ll need to do them. 
• For long-term goals: Use those short-term goals to create a timeline with milestones. For example, if your goal is to become a manager, your stages could include gaining relevant experience, developing leadership skills, and building a network.

5. Track your progress

Regularly check in on yourself. For short-term goals, keep a daily, weekly, and/or monthly progress check.  

• Ask yourself: What have I done so far? What’s working? What’s not? Do I have the metrics I need to measure correctly? 
• Adjust as needed: If something isn’t going as planned, adjust your approach or timeline. 

6. Stay motivated and persistent

There’s no shortcut here, so celebrate small wins along the way to keep your spirits high. 

• Reward yourself: When you accomplish a short-term goal, take a moment to enjoy your success. You deserve it! 
• Stay focused: Keep your long-term vision in mind, and remind yourself why you started. 
• Don’t be afraid to revise: Life can change, and sometimes you’ll need to adjust your goals. That’s okay. 

7. Review and reassess regularly

Every few months, take a step back and review your progress toward both short-term and long-term goals.

• Are your goals still relevant? If your career interests or circumstances change, adjust your goals accordingly.
• Celebrate your progress: Recognize how far you’ve come, and keep pushing forward.

How project management software can help you stay on track 

From measuring metrics to staying on track, working towards a long-term vision is hard work. Luckily, project management software can lighten the load. 

With Backlog, our own tool, managing your goals is easy. Break down your long-term vision into actionable tasks, then track your short-term progress step by step. Visualize your workflows, set deadlines, prioritize tasks, and monitor your milestones, all from one easy-to-use hub. 

By keeping everything organized and visible, project management software helps you turn even your biggest dreams into real, well-earned achievements. (OK, maybe not the dinosaur one.) Give Backlog a try for free today!