long term goals in life essay

How to Write an Awesome Essay About Your Career Goals

• Before you begin, ask yourself a few key questions like:
• What are my short-term and long-term career goals?
• Where do I see myself in ten years?
• What events in my life have led me to have these goals?
• What major will help me reach my goals?
• What skills do I need to reach my goals?
• What impact do I want to have on society?

Career Goals Essay Template

Need more inspiration.

After you brainstorm the responses to these questions, look for common themes, or pick out the most interesting stories. You can build your main essay “thesis” or idea around this.

Once you’ve got the main idea, create an outline to put your ideas into essay format. This will give you a general idea of structure.

You can use the career essays template below to give you some ideas. But remember that some rules are meant to be broken, so don’t be afraid to be innovative and think outside the box!

Also, when you’re done, head over to Going Merry to apply for the Career Goals scholarship essay bundle (one essay, one application, multiple scholarships!). You might as well make that essay count. Sign up for Going Merry to apply for scholarships more efficiently.

Here’s a paragraph-by-paragraph breakdown:

Paragraph 1 : Establish the main theme of what you’re going to talk about. It should also grab the reader’s attention. For example, instead of starting your essay with something generic (e.g. Ever since I was a little girl, I wanted to be a zoologist), get creative with it! Try something like My greatest memory as a young girl was going to the zoo for the first time or While most kids play house or school, I always wanted to play zookeeper.

Paragraph 2 : Elaborate on what inspired your career goals. Perhaps it was a relative, a TV show, or simply an experience that you had. Remember that old writing adage, “Show, don’t tell.” In other words, try to demonstrate your interest with story or description. 

Paragraph 3 : Discuss your short-term career goals and your intended major. How will your intended major help you reach these goals? What skills do you need to learn to reach them? At the end of the paragraph, try discussing how your short-term goals can help you achieve your long-term goals.

Paragraph 4 : Focus on your long-term goals and the impact that you hope to have on society. If you’re not sure what your long-term goals are, don’t sweat it; they’ll probably change anyways. You can instead focus on the difference you’d like to make overall. And don’t worry too much about the size of the impact…remember that just doing what you’re truly passionate about has a massive impact on those around you.

The last paragraph is your conclusion. You can use this paragraph to summarize what you discussed in the previous few paragraphs. If you want to be even more creative, try ending your essay with a question for your readers or a new insight. Good luck!

And now that you’re ready with that essay, put it to good use! You can recycle that same essay, when applying for the Career Goals Scholarship Bundle. We’ve joined together multiple scholarships (all requesting essays on career goals), into just ONE simple application! See more info here , or just sign up to get going.

Check out examples from other students just like you. Here are links to some great career goal essay examples:

• Example 1  
• Example 2  
• Example 3  

Or maybe you’re looking for help with an academic goals essay — we’ve got you covered there too.

Also, check out this helpful list of the 10 most common scholarship essay topics !

Sign up for Going Merry today, and upload your career goal essay right to your profile. It’s that easy!

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Insideout Mastery

Create a Life You Love

67 Long-Term Goal Examples for More Growth and Success

October 24, 2023 by Mick

Long-term goals provide direction and purpose in life . 

But setting long-term goals the right way is essential for success. And the New Year’s resolution statistics show why:

Only 9% succeed in keeping their resolutions.

Do you want to become part of the few who do?

Learn how to set goals and keep reading this article for examples of long-term goals to inspire you to set your own.

Let’s dive in!

• Definition of a long-term goal
• Importance of long-term goals

7 Benefits of long-term goals

• Setting good long-term goals
• 67 Examples of long-term goals
• Secret to long-term goal success
• Tracking long-term goals

What is a long-term goal?

A long-term goal is an ambitious objective that takes at least a year to achieve – even up to several lifetimes. Popular types include life goals , yearly goals, 5-year goals, and 10-year goals.

A personal mission statement and personal vision statement are also great to have – although they’re technically not goals. However, they do serve a similar purpose.

Some examples of long-term goals include:  

• Become a full-time freelancer within 3 years.
• Travel to 100+ countries before 2050.
• Start your own business in 18 months.

What’s the key difference between long-term and short-term goals ?

Long-term goals reflect your aspirations whereas short-term goals provide the actionable steps to achieve them.

But do you really need long-term goals?

Why are long-term goals important?

Long-term goals are important because they focus your efforts on what’s most meaningful to you. They provide direction and instill a sense of purpose, guiding your decisions and actions.

Without a long-term vision, you end up dabbling.

However, when you stack short-term achievements towards a long-term vision, you’ll experience more success and fulfillment. 

In short, a long-term strategy is essential to maintain focus and direction toward your dreams and aspirations.

And here are the…

Here’s what you can expect when setting long-term goals:

• A clear direction: Aspirational targets channel your efforts into a focused direction, shielding you from shiny objects and distractions.
• A sense of purpose : Long-term goals reflect your most important objectives in life, providing meaning and joy.
• Personal growth : A bold vision requires you to learn new skills , gain knowledge, and step outside of your comfort zone .
• Ongoing satisfaction: Achieving short-term goals in pursuit of a more significant goal ensures continuous progress and fulfillment.
• Leave your legacy : The greatest aspirations often make a lasting impact on the lives of others, such as a personal mission statement.
• More resilience: A long timeframe instills a sense of patience and hope, enabling you to overcome setbacks .
• They offer guidance: Long-term objectives form a framework for prioritization, making them excellent tools for time management and decision-making.

In essence, long-term targets provide a framework for purposeful living, continuous self-improvement , and success. 

But you’ll only reap those benefits if you learn…

How to set good long-term goals?

The purpose of long-term goals is to identify a clear direction so you can live with intention .

And while long-term goals are aspirational, they should still follow the SMART goal-setting framework – with a few adjustments.

SMART long-term goals

SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timely. And here’s how this framework applies to long-term goals:

• Be specific by stating exactly what you want to achieve. The more specific your goals, the easier it is to stay focused. For example, to travel to 50 countries is better than to travel the world .
• Make it measurable to keep track of your progress and stay motivated. Say you want to buy a house within 5 years . You can make it measurable by changing it to save $50K to buy a house within 5 years .
• Only set relevant goals that align with your values and interests . Because if they’re inauthentic or lack meaning, you’ll struggle to stay consistent . That may sound obvious. But it may surprise you how many people set irrelevant goals, including me when I was chasing a million dollars. In short, you’re more likely to succeed if you know WHY your goal is relevant – and feels authentic – to you.
• Achievable vs aspirational goals: The SMART framework states that your goals should be realistic and achievable . However, the longer your timeframe, the less important this idea becomes. After all, predicting long-term outcomes is challenging – and you want to avoid setting a ceiling too low for what you can achieve. While your yearly goals should feel somewhat achievable, your 10+ year goals can be wild and crazy.
• Set deadlines: Your goal remains merely a wish without a deadline. So decide on a timeframe. This creates clarity and helps you prioritize and plan your short-term goals.

What else do you need to know for…

Long-term goal success

Setting good long-term goals is the first step – and pursuing them provides meaning and joy. 

It makes life worth living.

But while setting long-term goals provides a motivational sugar rush, it never lasts.  

A few months – at best.

And that’s not enough to reach far-away goals…

You see, achieving long-term objectives takes a lot of time, effort, and dedication. And once the initial rush wears off, your ambitious goals can feel daunting or even demotivating.

The solution?

Make your aspirational targets achievable by setting short-term goals . These goals form the stepping stones that drive action , instill self-confidence , and provide several victories that fuel momentum.

Combine the two for continuous success and fulfillment.

With that said, let’s look at…

67 Long-term goal examples

The only long-term goals that matter are those most meaningful to you.

That’s why I recommend you skim through the list below and use the long-term goal examples to generate ideas. Then, set your life goals .

There’s no good or bad approach.

What matters is that you find something that inspires YOU.

Let’s dig in for inspiration.

Long-term personal goals

• Read: Read 100 self-improvement books in 24 months.
• Study: Complete a master’s program in the next 5 years.
• Language: Speak a new language fluently within 2 years.
• Meditation: Meditate for 200 hours this year.
• Gratitude : Write a daily gratitude note and add it to a gratitude jar. Review your notes every month for an entire year.
• Creativity : Spend one day per week working on a personal creative project for the next 5 years.
• Experiment: Try a new activity every month for the next 3 years.
• Self-reflect: Journal for 30 minutes about your thoughts, goals, and experiences once a week for 100 weeks.
• Goal-setting : Set monthly goals at the beginning of each month – and commit to this process for 36 months.
• Music: Practice any instrument for 200 hours this year.
• Skills: Master your favorite skill by practicing it for 10,000 hours in the next 25 years.
• Write: Create 500 posts for your blog this decade.
• Travel: Explore 50 different countries in the next 25 years.
• Relax: Take a 1-month sabbatical this year.
• Contribution: Volunteer for 50 hours each year.

Long-term career and business goals

• Career plan: Develop a comprehensive 5-year plan and set yearly career goals to help you achieve it.
• Network: Triple your LinkedIn network within 2 years.
• Events: Take part in 12 industry events and write email summaries for your colleagues over the next 36 months.
• Coach: Invest in your career or business with a monthly coaching session for 30 months.
• Productivity : Do twice as much by spending only 50% of your current time expenditure within 3 years.
• Focus : Try deep work strategies for 12 months.
• Prioritization: Spend the first 2 hours of each day on your most important and meaningful task for the next 18 months.
• High-income skill : Practice a high-income skill for at least 2 hours per day for 2 years.
• Certification: Achieve an advanced industry certificate this year.
• Dream job: Engage with people who are connected to your dream career for at least one hour per week for the next 2 years.
• Freelance: Earn $100K per year with your freelance business within 3 years.
• Side hustle: Earn $10,000 per month from your passion project by the end of 2030.
• Business: Start your dream business within 5 years.
• Personal brand: Share one valuable insight each week within your industry for the next 5 years.
• Present: Speak on [insert a popular industry event] in 5 years.
• Leadership: Create a plan to achieve a leadership position within the next 3 years – and stick to it.
• Performance: Identify the most important performance metrics at work and increase yours by 5% every month for 24 months.

Long-term fitness goals

• Health check: Check your blood annually to identify deficiencies.
• Alcohol: Limit your alcohol consumption to one glass of wine each week for 24 months.
• Weight-loss: Lose 20 pounds this year. 
• Cook: Learn to cook 50 healthy recipes in 2 years.
• Intermittent fast : Try different fasting methods for a year. 
• Consistency: Go to the gym 250 times this year.
• Walk: Hike 10,000 miles in the next 10 years.
• Run: Finish a marathon within 3 hours in the next 5 years.
• Dance: Master salsa by taking a weekly class for 2 years.
• Flexibility: Learn the middle split within 18 months.
• Calisthenics: Unlock a 5-second one-arm handstand in 5 years.
• Strength: Participate in a powerlifting competition in 2 years.
• Recovery: Take a one-week wellness retreat every year.
• Massage: Enjoy 52 massages this year.
• Experiment: Take a weekend or week-long workshop to learn the traits of a new sport like sailing or mountaineering this year.

Long-term relationships goals

• Connect: Visit each friend at least twice this year.
• Meet people: Go to 52 meetups to meet strangers this year.
• Family time: Plan a family holiday in the next 18 months.
• Shared meal: Go out for dinner with your partner, friends, or family twice a month this year.
• Date: Go on 100 dates this year (with strangers or your partner).
• Adventure: Go on a 3-month backpacking adventure with your partner or friend in the next 5 years.
• Confidence: Travel by yourself for 6 months within 3 years.

Long-term financial goals

• Net worth: Become a millionaire by age 40.
• Debt: Pay off your mortgage within 10 years.
• Retirement: Have a $1 million retirement fund by age 60.
• Save: Save $100,000 to start your business within 4 years.
• Emergency fund: Have a $20,000 backup fund in 3 years.
• Invest: Build a $1 million diversified investment portfolio with an annual return of 8% over the next 20 years.
• Income: Earn $100K a year within 5 years.
• Side gig: Earn $2,500 per month in passive income in 3 years.
• Frugality: Live on 80% of what you earn every year.
• Credit: Attain a credit score of 800+ within 5 years.
• Charity: Donate $10,000 to charity in the next 10 years.
• Fun: Spend 5% of your income on travel and holidays each year.
• Luxury: Pursue your dream car within 10 years.

The ultimate secret to long-term goal success

The most important part of a long-term goal is to understand why it’s important to you.  

Although that may sound obvious, you’ll be surprised how many people set goals in pursuit of external validation , not personal fulfillment.

For example, becoming rich is a popular goal. 

And I, too, had the goal to become a millionaire. 

But it just didn’t inspire me enough for one simple reason: I lacked a strong reason WHY.

Why did I want to become a millionaire?

The answer seemed obvious to me: buy a luxury car, travel around the world, and take my parents on the best holidays. 

But I couldn’t really care about the first two…

Even if I made billions, I’m not interested in driving the most luxurious cars. And a mansion with a gazillion rooms won’t feel much like a home to me.

Only the latter two reasons resonate with me.

Now, I’m far from a millionaire but I can already travel as a freelancer. And I don’t need a million dollars to take my parents on nice holidays.

In other words, I lacked a strong reason WHY to strive for a million.

No wonder I lacked the motivation to go after it…

Instead, what I learned is that I’m motivated by a sense of meaning, freedom, and autonomy.

And my long-term goals should reflect that.

So a better personal goal is to earn $100K per year, doing meaningful work that I can do from anywhere in the world.

What about you?

Do your goals reflect what’s truly meaningful to you?

Or do they reflect others’ definition of success ?

Some food for thought.

How to track and stay consistent with long-term goals?

Measuring long-term goal progress helps you stay motivated. And reviewing them frequently keeps them top of mind.

Here are some ideas to try:

• Use a goal-tracking app to help you set and track long-term and short-term goals. Read my complete review of Goals on Track , the goal planning and tracking software I use every day.
• Get the best goal planner if you prefer a physical option to set and track your goals. Invest in a quality planner and pen to seal your commitment and make goal-setting a premium experience.
• Create a vision board with inspiring images, words, and quotes that represent your goals. Look at your vision board regularly to increase motivation and focus.
• Get an accountability buddy who’s pursuing their own goals. You can support each other to stay consistent. And most people perform better when they’re accountable to someone else.
• Join a support group. There are many support groups for people who are working on achieving their goals. Find a group online or in your local area for support and motivation.
• Track your progress regularly. When I set quarterly goals, I’ll reflect on all other goals too. And when I set monthly goals , I’ll reflect on my quarterly and yearly goals.
• Make adjustments as needed. Not everything will go to plan and your aspirations may change. For example, I realized some of my goals were for external validation, not because they truly inspired me. So I changed or removed them.

Tracking your long-term goals can be challenging, but it is worth it. By measuring your progress, you’ll stay on track to achieve your goals .

What’s next?

Long-term goals reflect your deepest aspirations, providing a clear direction and a sense of purpose. They act as a north star, guiding your decisions and actions.

And together with short-term objectives, they create a meaningful path for lasting success and fulfillment.

Key takeaways:

• Long-term objectives provide direction and purpose.
• Aspirational objectives ignite personal growth and fulfillment.
• The longer your timeframe, the less reasonable your goal has to be. And it’s okay if your greatest ambitions scare you a little bit.
• Set short-term goals to fuel progress on your larger ones.

Also read the ultimate goal-setting guide to understand how long-term goals fall into the bigger picture.

Further resources:

• View this list of the best books about goal-setting
• Course: Goal-Setting Mastery: 10X Your Results in 12 Months
• Tool: Goals on Track is the tool I use for all my goals. You can read my Goals on Track review to learn more about the tool. 

Take action: Identify a long-term goal that resonates with you. Break it down into smaller, actionable steps. And start taking action.

Do you want to transform your life for good? Sign up below for weekly tips to achieve your goals and live a meaningful and fulfilling life!

Mick is a personal growth enthusiast and was able to use it to transform his life. He now helps others pursue their dreams, create positive change, and build better lives through self-improvement.

Essays About Goals: Top 5 Examples Plus 10 Prompts

Goals could be a one-time event or a lifelong growth process. Write effectively with the help of our essays about goals and writing prompts in our guide. 

Having goals helps us have a sense of purpose. We find our determination, discipline, and strategic thinking tested to their limits. The road toward any goal, especially ambitious ones, is full of thorns and spikes. Some walk away and accept that these goals are not destined for them. Some, however, keep pressing forward, determined to achieve these goals. Gaining confidence in writing can help you achieve your goals by putting pen to paper and starting a plan.

5 Essay Examples

1.  are you goal or growth conscious by katherine beneby, 2. how to help an employee figure out their career goals by dorie clark, 3. no goals: why is it so hard to do something for enjoyment’s sake by jenny valentish, 4. get inspired: how four hikers accomplished their 2021 hiking goals by anna roth , 5. does sharing your goals on social media make you more likely to achieve them by kristan russell, 1. my goals in life, 2. travel goals, 3. the goal of forming better study habits, 4. climate goals: are we progressing, 5. importance of fitness goals, 6. fiscal policy goals, 7. failing at your goals, 8. setting lofty vs. light goals, 9. poverty reduction goals, 10. my academic goals.

“The difference between goals and growth is that goals are seasonal, while growth is lifelong. Goals focus on a destination while growth focuses on a journey.”

In this essay, the writer discusses how achieving our goals may be possible if we reframe our minds to think of them as a growth process. This essay enumerates the difficulties of achieving our objectives and offers guidance on what will help put structure in how we formulate our growth plans. You might also be interested in these essays about bad habits .

“It’s not always possible to help the people we supervise identify and work toward their career goals… [S]o when we can assist our employees in getting there, it’s a meaningful way we can make a difference in their lives and their professional success.”

As per our list of topics to write about , this essay looks at how managers must realize their critical roles in the lives of the employees they handle. Their biggest contribution to the development of their employees is helping them achieve their tasks at work while ensuring these victories lead to their broader career goals. You might also be wondering, why write goals down?

“Once, to stave off depression, I set myself the goal-tastic mission of doing something new every day for a year – from flying in a glider to blowing things up – and blogging about it. Right from day one, the sense of focus lifted my mood, and there was frankly no time to overthink.”

In this essay, the writer looks at how atelic activities, or those we do for fun, positively influence our outlook. Our goal-driven world, however, hinders us from seeing the pure joy of doing things without goals. You might be interested in these essays about dream jobs .

“Last year, she set a goal to simply go hiking at all. And she’s thrilled to have made it happen, saying it was one of the best things she could have done for herself and her family during such a challenging year.”

This writer describes points to inspire people to start hiking and to set personal fitness goals. Look no further and turn to the inspiring stories of people who have targeted to hike across states, hike for the first time, hike once a month for health purposes, and hike a hundred miles yearly. For more inspiration, check out these essays about achievement .

“Wellness gurus and fitness bloggers seem to be divided between whether sharing goals on your social media sabotages you or holds you accountable.“

This essay revolves around a nascent study that aims to see if sharing your goals on social media make them more attainable. While initial results show that those who posted made significant progress compared to people who did not post, more questions need to be explored. You might be inspired by these essays about success .

10 Prompts on Essays About Goals

In this essay, delve into your short-term, medium-term, and long-term goals. Before anything else, elaborate on what drew you to set these goals. Then, share your action plans to make them a reality. Discuss the obstacles you’ve faced and how you’ve conquered them. 

What is the one destination you dream of? For this essay, daydream about your travel goals. Direct that excitement and write your travel itinerary, the duration of your stay, where you will be staying, and what daring activities you will dare yourself to plunge into. You can also talk about whom you would like to be with when you fulfill your travel goals or if you prefer going solo.

It is a challenge to hit the books when we live in a world with unlimited distractions. In this topic prompt, share effective study habits to help students focus on their studies. One helpful tip, for example, is designing your environment to be conducive to a habit change. In the case of study habits, this means temporarily eliminating access to social media and other digital distractions. Cite more tips and conclude your essay with a few words of motivation.

Under the Paris Agreement , the landmark international agreement to fight climate change, countries must jointly strive to arrest global warming and cap it to 1.5 degrees Celsius by 2030. The question is: is this goal still on the table? Read recent news articles on how countries are following through on their Paris Treaty pledges. Listen to what environmentalists say about national efforts and tackle what more must be done to attain the climate goals. 

Fitness is a common new year’s resolution but try convincing your readers to start their fitness goals today. First, help your readers explore the right dietary program and workout schedule based on their daily demands. 

Then, underscore the importance of a fitness goal for gaining self-esteem and improving physical and mental health. Entice them with the idea of gaining a new exciting skill from a new workout activity and motivate them to start unlocking the fit version of themselves today. 

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, several countries recorded ballooning debts as governments spent heavily to fight the pandemic and also support struggling sectors. So first, determine whether your country is in a tight fiscal space. 

The fiscal space assessment framework created by the International Monetary Fund may help you identify the metrics and data to gather. Then, shed light on your government’s fiscal policy goals to address debt while spending in sectors that guarantee an economy’s long-term health, such as education and social services. 

How do people receive failures? Write about people’s attitudes and actions when they fail at their goals. Can people develop depression, and how can they recover from the fall? Try to answer these and share your experience of failing at your goals. 

Ask yourself: How did you move forward after that? Then, share your opinions on whether a failure signifies that it would be best for someone to find a new goal altogether or try again with stronger determination and a better-calculated strategy. 

Which is better: aiming for a lofty goal that opens risks of failure, which many fear, or light goals that might do little in stretching out your potential? Answer this by listing the pros and cons of each. Then help readers strike the optimum balance between a loft or light goal. Cite examples of lofty and light goals to help your readers better differentiate the two.

For this essay, take a deep dive into the poverty reduction efforts of your government. First, give an overview of an ongoing flagship poverty reduction program and uncover its outcomes since its implementation. Read through government reports about the breakthrough goals of the program and which ones are gaining momentum. 

Then, look at the other side of the fence by listening to what critics say about the program. Take note of their laments about bottlenecks in the program and what more can be done to attain poverty reduction goals swiftly. 

Start with a descriptive paragraph detailing your academic goals. Writing about it vividly, as though it is the reality, is a creative way to show readers how much you have played out the scenarios of success in your head while helping your readers fully understand your goals. Then snap back to reality and discuss your action plan to realize these goals.

For related topics, you may check our essays about dreams in life . Don’t forget to proofread your essay with the best grammar checkers .

Yna Lim is a communications specialist currently focused on policy advocacy. In her eight years of writing, she has been exposed to a variety of topics, including cryptocurrency, web hosting, agriculture, marketing, intellectual property, data privacy and international trade. A former journalist in one of the top business papers in the Philippines, Yna is currently pursuing her master's degree in economics and business.

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Essay on Goals in Life

Students are often asked to write an essay on Goals in Life in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Goals in Life

Introduction.

Goals in life are like a compass, guiding us towards our desired destination. They provide a sense of direction and purpose, helping us focus and organize our efforts efficiently.

Importance of Goals

Goals are important as they motivate us to strive for success. They make us resilient, enabling us to overcome obstacles and challenges that may come our way.

Types of Goals

Goals can be short-term or long-term. Short-term goals are achievable quickly, while long-term goals require time and persistent effort.

In conclusion, setting goals is essential for personal growth and success. Always remember, a goal without a plan is just a wish.

250 Words Essay on Goals in Life

Life is a journey filled with opportunities and challenges. Goals, acting as navigational tools, direct our path through this journey, providing focus, motivation, and a sense of purpose. They are the stepping stones to achieving our ambitions, and they shape our personal, academic, and professional lives.

The Importance of Setting Goals

Setting goals is integral to our growth and progress. They serve as a blueprint for our future, guiding our actions and decisions. Goals foster resilience, as they urge us to persevere despite setbacks. They also encourage self-development, pushing us to acquire new skills and knowledge.

Goals can be broadly classified into short-term and long-term goals. Short-term goals act as immediate milestones, while long-term goals shape our vision for the future. Balancing both is crucial, as short-term goals often pave the way to long-term accomplishments.

Goal Setting and Achievement

Effective goal setting requires specificity, measurability, attainability, relevance, and timeliness (SMART). This approach ensures our goals are realistic and achievable. Moreover, consistent evaluation and adjustment of our goals is essential, as it allows us to stay aligned with our evolving aspirations and circumstances.

In conclusion, goals are fundamental to our life’s journey. They provide direction, foster resilience, and encourage personal growth. Balancing short-term and long-term goals, along with effective goal-setting strategies, can lead us to success. Ultimately, it is through setting and achieving our goals that we write our own life story.

500 Words Essay on Goals in Life

Goals are the compass that guides us through life, providing direction and purpose. They are the stepping stones towards achieving our ultimate dreams and aspirations. Goals, whether personal, professional, or academic, are significant as they shape our lives, fuel our ambition, and give us a sense of accomplishment.

Setting goals is a fundamental component to long-term success. The basic reason for this is the ability of goals to create a bridge between our present and our desired future. They serve as motivators, pushing us to step out of our comfort zones, face challenges, and strive for improvement. Goals act as a roadmap, providing clarity and focus, enabling us to make informed decisions and avoid distractions.

Goals also foster resilience, as they often require sustained effort and dedication. They teach us the value of perseverance, as the journey towards achieving them is usually filled with obstacles and setbacks. However, these challenges serve to strengthen us, enhancing our problem-solving skills and fostering personal growth.

Goals can be broadly categorized into short-term and long-term goals. Short-term goals are immediate objectives that can be achieved within a relatively short timeframe. These could range from completing a project, passing an exam, or learning a new skill.

Long-term goals, on the other hand, are more extensive and require a significant amount of time and effort. Examples include obtaining a degree, launching a successful career, or buying a house. Short-term goals often serve as stepping stones towards the achievement of long-term goals.

Goal Setting Strategies

Effective goal setting requires thought and planning. One popular method is the SMART framework, which stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This approach encourages us to set goals that are clear and precise, have a defined timeline, are realistically attainable, and align with our broader life objectives.

Another crucial aspect of goal setting is maintaining flexibility. Life is unpredictable, and circumstances can change unexpectedly. Therefore, it’s essential to be adaptable and open to modifying our goals as needed.

In conclusion, goals are integral to our lives. They provide us with a sense of direction, motivate us to strive for improvement, and offer a sense of accomplishment when achieved. Whether they are short-term or long-term, personal or professional, goals give our lives purpose and meaning. Therefore, the process of setting and achieving goals is a lifelong journey that leads to personal growth and fulfillment.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

• Essay on Yoga a Way of Life
• Essay on The Day I Decided to Change My Life
• Essay on Parents Role in Our Life

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

Happy studying!

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Career Goals Essay For Scholarships (With Examples)

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Scholarship programs often want you to write a career goals essay to see that you have a clear plan for how you’ll apply your education to a specific career path. This helps show a scholarship committee why you’re seeking funds for the next step on the path toward your success.

Answering “what are your career goals” effectively can help increase your odds of impressing landing a scholarship opportunity. If you’re a prospective student applying for scholarships, this article will provide tips on how to write a career goals essay, along with essays on career goals examples to help you get an idea of what scholarship committees are looking for.

Key Takeaways:

When you’re writing a career goals essay, make sure to write about the goals that are relevant to the scholarship.

Be honest and use your own voice to stand out in your scholarship essay.

Go into detail about how the scholarship will help you achieve your goals.

What is a career goals essay?

Why scholarship essays ask about career goals, example career goals essay prompts, career goals essay examples, tips for writing a scholarship essay about career goals, what to write in a career goals essay if your goals have changed, career goals essay for a scholarship faq.

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A career goals essay is a personal written explanation that discusses your background, why you’re interested in participating in the program, and what career you’d like this degree to lead into. A scholarship essay functions to explain why you want to achieve your professional goals and how you intend to get there.

In almost every application process, a portion asks the candidate to answer an essay question. When applying to an educational program, like an MBA, the essay prompt usually relates to your career goals .

Scholarship essays ask about career goals to assess your enthusiasm for the program, learn more about how the scholarship will help you, and ensure that you’ve considered how the program will help you achieve your goals for the future:

Assess your enthusiasm. Passion is important for scholarship administrators, and if you’re able to articulate your enthusiasm for a specific career path , it will show that you’re determined to meet the requirements to reach that goal. The most specific and well-thought-out your essay is, the easier it will be for a reader to understand your devotion and commitment to the program and the field it will allow you to enter.

Learn how the scholarship will help you. Having a firm grasp of your career goals is great, but it’s equally important that you express exactly how the specific program relates to those goals. This shows that you’ve researched the merits of the program and understand exactly how it fits into your professional goals.

Show you’ve considered your future. This goes along with the first two points — show that you know how to set goals and consider the path toward achieving those goals, and you’ll have an easier time convincing the reader that you’ll know how to set goals while participating in the program. They’ll see that you know how to prioritize education because you have a clear vision for navigating your career path.

While some scholarships might come right out and simply ask, “What are your career goals?” most will rework the question into something different that still accomplishes the same goal.

Below are some examples of career goals essay prompts that a scholarship program could pose to its applicants:

Discuss your career goals. Many scholarships prefer the most direct approach when giving an essay prompt to their applicants. This type of question gives the candidate a lot of wiggle room to discuss their passions, motivations, and career goals.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years ? This question is often used as a prompt for a career goals essay because it gives the applicant a timeline to describe their aspirations. It forces them to be realistic about where their career will be and how they will accomplish this within the next ten years.

How will this scholarship contribute to your professional success? A scholarship committee wants to be sure that the money they’re giving will contribute to a student’s overall professional success. This question asks about the applicant’s game plan in the long-term and evaluates how this program is going to assist in their future.

What is your dream job ? Since a dream job is often categorized as a person’s career goals, this is a common question phrasing in scholarship essays. Asking about a candidate’s dream job answers whether this program aligns with the student’s long-term career goals.

What matters most to you and why? Sometimes, a scholarship essay prompt won’t ask about your career or future at all. Instead, they’ll ask a question like this that assesses your motivations , values, and character.

Use these examples of career goals essays for scholarships to help write your own. Pay special attention to how they’re organized, rather than the content, to inspire your own career goals essay:

Career goals essay example 1 – Discuss your career goals

When I was six years old, I was riding bikes with my older sister around our neighborhood. She had just taught me how to ride, and I was excited to have to freedom to explore with her. When she was rounding a particularly difficult bend to see around, a car happened to be coming along at the same time. It struck her. That bike ride changed our lives forever. Over the next year, I went with my sister every Tuesday and Thursday to her physical therapist ’s appointments to help her regain walking strength. Watching her physical therapist patiently assist my sister back to becoming herself awoken something in me. A passion for helping others in the same way eventually turned into a career goal of becoming a physical therapist myself. I decided to get my bachelor’s degree in exercise science. After graduating in 2019, I knew that the next step for me was to attend a graduate program in physical therapy. I was accepted to Lassell University Master of Science in Rehabilitation Services. This presented me with my latest goal along my career path, and I’m eagerly waiting to start. This scholarship would help me afford the wonderful opportunity to be a part of the Lassell University class of 2023, allowing me to continue working towards my ultimate career goal of becoming a physical therapist and helping others to become themselves again.

Career goals essay example 2 – Where do you see yourself in ten years?

In ten years, I will have been successfully running my own construction business for about five years. I’m currently a second-year student at the University of Texas, pursuing a master’s degree in business administration. I decided to get my MBA because I knew it would be a positive asset toward my long-term career goal of owning a construction business. In my high school years, I worked as a construction apprentice for a local business. I loved many aspects of the business, such as building something from nothing. I knew that I wanted to incorporate this work into my long-term career, but I didn’t want to work as an apprentice . This led me to pursue business. In ten years and with the help of this scholarship, I will have graduated with my MBA almost a decade prior . After graduation, I plan to take a business administration internship with a carpentry business to help myself get a footing in the field. After about two years of this, I will have started my own construction business.

Career goals essay example 3 – What matters most to you and why?

The people I surround myself with matter most to me. Whether it be my relatives, friends, or professional acquaintances, I always care the most about the happiness of the people around me. Making the people around me happy matters the most to me because I truly because we find our happiness through others. I believe that this drive to make a positive impression on the people around me is what drove me towards a career as a nurse . I always thought of hospitals as places where people need someone to support them and make their day a little happier. I wanted to be one of those who spend their careers positively impacting people in need. This scholarship will enable me to finally afford nursing school and go after my dream job full force.

Career goals essay example 4 – What are your short- and long-term career goals, and how will earning this degree contribute to achieving those goals? Please provide a minimum of 200 words.

My short-term career goals involve working directly with underprivileged young people to increase the literacy rate in my community. As a student of an underfunded and understaffed school, I’ve seen firsthand how much of an impact early literacy education makes on long-term achievement. It broke my heart to see my peers embarrassed at their struggle with reading at an advanced age, and this shame added another dimension to their lack of opportunity. Being a literacy educator for young people would allow me to serve this community directly to show them not only the necessity of strong written communication skills, but the joy of reading for pleasure. This program focuses specifically on early literacy, and would provide me a direct route to a career in serving the community I hope to serve. As for long-term career goals, I hope to one day create a program where socioeconomically parents can bring their children for literacy education, not only to increase their ability to navigate the world of language, but also to instill confidence and joy in the written word. What drew me to this program was that it also has administrative, legal, and business dimensions that would set me on the path toward achieving this goal.

Here are some tips to keep in mind for writing a career goals scholarship essay:

Write about goals relevant to the scholarship. Although you may have many different kinds of goals for your personal and professional future, a scholarship essay only discusses objectives that are relevant to the program you’re applying for.

Be honest. Applying for a scholarship is stressful because the applicant’s education is usually reliant on receiving these funds in one way or another. Even though it’s tempting to exaggerate your skills or pretend you’re more passionate about something than you are to make yourself a more competitive applicant, it’s a bad move.

Use your own, unique voice. The essay portion of a scholarship application is your chance to stand out by using your voice. Nobody else, regardless of their academic or professional achievements, is you. Make this clear in your career goals scholarship essay by keeping your unique written voice engrained in the words you produce.

Be specific. A big reason that scholarship committees ask applicants to write a career goals essay is to determine how prepared they are in planning their long-term professional goals. They aren’t interested in providing a scholarship to students who aren’t going to follow through with their career plans.

Explain long and short-term goals . Even if the essay prompt asks you to describe where you see yourself in ten years, you still need to tell them the steps leading towards this picture of success.

Include the short-term goals that add up to your larger career objectives in your essay response. Explain how accomplishing the smaller goals gives you an advantage when tackling long-term ones.

Explain how the program and scholarship will help you. Before writing your career goals essay, consider how this program and scholarship will help you in your career. The answer to this question is essential.

Follow the essay formatting guidelines. This may sound obvious, but it’s surprisingly easy to forget this step when your essay is finally flowing and when you’re scrambling to get it submitted on time.

Check, double-check , and triple-check the essay guidelines for content, word count, and formatting requirements. If you miss any of these steps, your essay may be immediately disqualified no matter how good it or the rest of your application is.

Many times career goals essays are written by students who have already completed at least some college or are applying to a post-graduate program and need more money to continue.

There’s a good chance that your career goals have changed since you started or graduated college. For example, say you wanted to be an engineer , so you got your undergraduate degree in engineering but realized you didn’t like it after working in the industry for a few years.

You decided that nursing would be more up your alley, and now you’re applying for a scholarship for a nursing program. While this isn’t unusual, it can make it more difficult to write a career goals essay since your past work doesn’t necessarily match your future goals.

In this case, you’ll simply need to explain why you changed your career path and why this next one is the best choice for you. Share your decision-making process to show that you haven’t taken the switch lightly, and talk about what you’ve already done to try to pursue this path.

How do you write a career goal for a scholarship essay?

You write a career goal for a scholarship essay by sharing your passion, explaining both your long- and short-term goals, and relating your goals to the scholarship.

Explain why you want to pursue the career you’re pursuing, where you hope to be in the future and how you plan to get there, and how the scholarship will help you do this.

How do you describe your career goals in an essay?

You describe your career goals in an essay by explaining what you want to do in your career, why you decided on this career path, and what you’ve done so far to make that a reality.

You can usually work these factors into any prompt you receive, so think through them before you start writing so that you can use them as an outline of sorts.

What are career goals examples?

Examples of career goals include:

Working as a grant writer for a nonprofit organization.

Becoming a department manager and eventually an executive in your field.

Owning your own plumbing company.

Caring for underserved communities as a nurse practitioner .

What are some goals for success?

Some goals for success include growing in your role, building your network, and finding joy in the job. Most careers don’t just happen overnight and require you to set the right milestones that work best for you. Not everyone will have the same goals for success.

How do you start a career goals essay for a scholarship?

You can start a career goals essay for a scholarship by directly answering the prompt. Most scholarship prompts include a word count of between 200 and 500 words, so it’s essential that you immediately respond to the prompt. Attention-grabbing sentences and narratives can be helpful for setting the scene, but an efficient and direct answer will show a clarity of mind that helps enhance the quality of your answer.

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Sky Ariella is a professional freelance writer, originally from New York. She has been featured on websites and online magazines covering topics in career, travel, and lifestyle. She received her BA in psychology from Hunter College.

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What Is a Career Goals Essay?

An opportunity to expand, what to avoid in a career goals essay, final thoughts, how to write a career goals essay.

Updated January 15, 2024

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As the name suggests, a career goals essay is a personal document that outlines your professional plans.

It describes your educational and work history, and your ambitions for the future.

A career goals essay is generally used in three situations:

• When applying to a school or college
• When applying for a scholarship to fund education
• When applying for a new job

It allows the reader to better understand your personality and fully appreciate why you are making the application.

Career goals essays help admissions staff and hiring managers to select the ideal candidates for a position.

What Should a Career Goals Essay Contain?

A little backstory.

This essay is an opportunity for you to allow your personality and experiences to shine, so avoid generic statements.

The document should be personal and concisely describe your life experiences.

You should explain why you have chosen this career path.

If there was a pivotal moment in your life that led you to this application, be sure to highlight it.

Outline Your Goals

The main focus of the essay should be your goals for the future.

Readers want to see that you are ambitious and driven, with a genuine passion for the role or course you are applying for.

These career goals should be split into your short-term goals (looking over the next one to three years) and your long-term goals (which might look as far as 10 years into the future).

Show How This Application Will Help You Reach Your Goals

Critically, your career goals essay must show how this degree or job will help you achieve your goals .

If your long-term goal is to become a veterinary surgeon, studying a veterinary medicine program will obviously be essential.

However, your goal may be more nuanced than that. For example, you might want to become an expert in a particular piece of technology or software. Your application must show how your success in this role will enable you to become an industry leader.

This will also emphasize to the reader that you have done your research and understand the skills required for that particular sector.

You will have likely submitted a CV and covering letter at other points throughout the application process.

Remember, your career goals essay should complement these documents rather than repeat them.

This letter allows you to expand on the points mentioned in the earlier documents, aligning your previous experience with your goals for the future.

If you are writing a career goals essay as part of an application for a new job, be sure to refer back to the job description and person specification.

These documents highlight the exact type of individual the employer is searching for, so be sure your career goals essay matches the content in them.

Most career goals essays will be submitted via email, so an appropriate title is essential.

‘The Career Goals of [Name]’ isn’t a title that will make you stand out from the crowd.

Don’t forget, whether you are applying to a school or an employer, the reader will have the job of sifting through hundreds, if not thousands, of applications .

Where candidates have very similar experiences and education, their creativity and personality will be used to make the final decision.

Example titles:

How a Digital Marketing Degree Will Allow Me to Support Sustainable Businesses

How My Next Role in Nursing Will Help Me Help Others

An Introduction

Your introduction should set the theme for the essay, and crucially, outline your why .

Many candidates find the introduction the most challenging part of the essay to write. Therefore, it often makes the most sense to write it last.

Your introduction should be an honest and personable account of why you have chosen this field of study.

Starting with a generic opening paragraph will not inspire or motivate your reader. Stay away from phrases such as “I have wanted to be a lawyer ever since I was a little girl.”

This sentence tells the reader very little about your current aspirations.

It can also damage your integrity, as we all know most small children dream of being a movie star or astronaut before the job of lawyer ever springs to mind.

Example introduction:

Most individuals in the US are lucky enough to never need the law to protect them. However, many fail to see how the intricate details of the constitution support their life every day. I have a particular fascination with criminal law after being introduced to the field by a family friend. The monumental impact a lawyer can have on the life and welfare of an individual truly astounded me, and I have spent the years since investigating the effects of the American legal system. This is why I have tailored my education so far to prepare me for a legal career. I work every day on developing my research and analytical ability, and now feel ready to dedicate myself fully to the legal field.

School-Specific Content

Admissions staff, tutors and hiring managers want to know that their applicants have done their research.

You can show them that you have done yours by adding a small paragraph straight after your introduction showing why you chose this school to study at or this company to work for.

First example of school-specific content:

[Insert company name] has an incredible global reputation, with clients in every continent. I can see that staff retention rates are incredibly high, indicating strong career opportunities and the prospect of continuous development. The company values show that diversity and integrity are of the utmost importance, and I would love the opportunity to work for an organization whose principles align with my own.

Second example of school-specific content:

[Insert school name] is well known for producing the highest caliber of graduates, with an excellent global reputation. The school leaderboards show that the grades from [insert school name] ranked within the top five in the country for the past 10 years. I would be proud to associate myself with an establishment that holds itself in such high regard and am thrilled at the prospect of learning alongside the best.

Your Long-term Vision

Remember, it is crucial you show why and how you are actively working towards these goals. For example, merely stating, 'My long-term goal is to become a lawyer with my own practice’ is worthless.

The reader wants to see how this goal aligns with your personality and why you have chosen this route.

The goals set out in this essay should be precise and meaningful .

Example of long-term vision:

Law is an area of study that affects us all. The law protects us, and I am fascinated by its impact on both an individual and global scale. Of course, I want to graduate with a top-class degree, but I am also passionate about the connections and network I will build along the way. My goal is to open my own practice one day, specializing in family law. At the moment, I volunteer in my local practice, gaining experience and building a network that will help me later in my career. I believe the combination of world-class education and hands-on legal experience will help me to achieve this ambitious long-term goal.

Your Short-term Vision

Next, it is crucial to discuss your short-term goals .

If you're applying to school, your short-term goals will explain what you aim to achieve throughout the degree or program.

For a job application, these goals will outline your targets for your first year in the role.

Example of short-term vision:

In the short term, my goal is to build a network in the legal sector. I have already begun doing this through my weekly volunteering role. However, this degree will undoubtedly allow me to meet a much broader spectrum of people. I am excited to curate this network with a range of legal specialists, from students at the start of their careers to tutors with many years of experience in the industry.

The Conclusion

As with any essay, your conclusion should summarize what you have discussed throughout.

You should not throw in any new ideas, subjects or theories at this point. Otherwise, it indicates to the reader that you have not cohesively written the essay.

Your conclusion should be about the same length as the introduction, mentioning your final goals and the name of the establishment you are applying to.

You must outline again why you want to work for this company or study at this school. Using a statistic or fact will show that you have conducted thorough research.

Example conclusion:

I am immensely excited to begin my experience with [insert school name]. Ultimately, this education will allow me to fulfill my dreams of becoming a lawyer and one day opening my own practice. I will bring hard work, determination and enthusiasm to the law school, never forgetting why I began this journey.

Vague or Weak Statements

Every sentence in your essay should be specific to you.

For example, statements such as ‘I want to study medicine because it will allow me to get a good job’ does not show the reader that you are passionate or enthusiastic about this position.

Discussing Financial Remuneration

Whether the essay is aimed at a prospective employer or a college admissions office, they want to see why you want the position personally.

Someone solely focused on the financial rewards will likely not have longevity in the career.

Controversial Topics

Of course, there will be times where politics and current affairs are relevant to the discussion.

However, showing a one-sided argument that doesn’t align with the readers can alienate your application before you even begin.

A career goals essay is an opportunity for your personality to shine through. It isn’t a test of who has the best grades or the most experience , but a chance to show how this job or degree can change your life.

Although the reader is excited to hear about your goals, they are more interested in how this role links to your ambitions.

Be sure to constantly reflect upon how obtaining a place on this course, or securing the job role, is intrinsically linked to your goals.

A word limit is often applied to career goal essays. Where there is no limit, be sure to write no more than 1,000 words.

This piece should be concise and to the point, showing the reader you can effectively convey your thoughts and ideas.

You might also be interested in these other Wikijob articles:

Or explore the Jobs & Careers / Career Planning sections.

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Accepted Admissions Blog

Everything you need to know to get Accepted

February 29, 2024

• Writing Your Career Goals Essay

Check out all the blog posts in this series:

• Identifying the Ingredients of a Winning Essay
• Finding a Theme for Your Statement of Purpose
• Revise and Polish Your Application Essays

Your career goals essay demands a laser-like focus. A personal statement, by contrast, allows for some flexibility in its content, though you can – and often should – discuss your career goals. But a career goals essay has a particular and packed agenda. In fact, the prompt for a career goals essay could actually include multiple questions, and in such cases, you want to make sure you address each of them.

For example, in 2022, Kellogg asked applicants to its one-year program to respond to the following prompt: “Please discuss your post-MBA career goal, the current experience you will leverage to support the transition, and the Kellogg 1Y opportunities that will help you reach this goal.” 

This prompt has three parts: (1) What do you want to do post-MBA ? (2) Why is the 1Y program appropriate for you? And (3) what experience has so far prepared you to succeed in your target role? 

So, always pay close attention to your target school’s prompt to ensure that you answer all the questions within its “single” question. 

Three elements of a successful career goals essay

In addition to having a distinct theme , your career goals essay should achieve the following:

• Highlight specific career achievements. Choose from your most notable or defining experiences. These could be related to your work, community involvement, or extracurricular activities. The experiences you select should showcase your leadership skills , creative thinking, collaborative abilities, and personal reflections about what you learned or gained.
• Explain why your experiences and influences make your career goal a logical and wise choice.
• Demonstrate why you are suited to a particular field as a result of your education, experience, abilities, and enthusiasm. Ideally, the material you choose to include will also allow you to prove your knowledge about industry trends and suggest how your abilities and strengths can help you contribute to that field.

It’s a very tall order to achieve all this.

Putting these elements together to create your goals essay

Let’s take a look at a sample MBA Goals Essay and see how these three key elements are incorporated.  

You should be able to easily recognize why the writer’s opening is attention-getting for all the right reasons. The writer introduces herself as the supremely busy executive she visualizes becoming in the future. She trades large amounts of stock, rushes off to a Zoom conference, hurries downstairs, flags down a taxi, then hops on a plane. As she describes this whirlwind of activity, we can practically feel her heart pumping.

After establishing her voice and personality in this opening, she offers context for her MBA goal. Notice that in writing about her work as an accountant for a major firm, she provides relevant details, including how many years she has been in the field, her bilingualism, and her specialty area as an auditor. This information is her springboard to explain why she is pursuing an MBA: she’s bursting out of her limited role as an accountant. Her eyes and ambition are set on a larger playing field as an international investment manager.

Write an essay, not a list or CV

Outstanding career goals essays are not lists of an applicant’s roles and achievements. Instead, they have a narrative flow and arc that convey the candidate’s palpable excitement about their career choice. This writer’s enthusiastic, dreamy first paragraph achieves this, and she returns to that image at the end, where she paints her idealized (if frantically busy) future. She also proves her seriousness by noting that she registered for the CFA exam.

Connect your career goals to your reasons for choosing a particular program

Many essay questions, especially those for MBA programs , will ask why you have chosen the school you’re applying to. Be prepared to respond knowledgeably and enthusiastically. And the only way to become knowledgeable – and enthusiastic – is by visiting campus in-person or virtually, attending student recruitment meetings, participating in forums, reading student blogs, watching videos of students speaking about their experiences, communicating directly with students and/or recent alumni, and otherwise doing your homework. As part of your research, make sure you have familiarized yourself with the courses and specializations that are relevant to your goals.

Summary Tips

• Focus on answering each and every question asked in a career goals essay prompt. Often, there is more than one.
• Highlight specific achievements vividly and in a way that shows that your career choice is logical for you.
• Do the research so you can write about why the school is a good fit for you and do so with genuine enthusiasm.

In the next post in this series , we’ll explain how to take all this advice and apply it to create an exemplary first draft.

Work one-on-one with an expert who will walk you through the process of creating a slam-dunk application. Check out our full catalog of application services . Our admissions consultants have read thousands of essays and know the exact ingredients of an outstanding essay.

By Judy Gruen, former Accepted admissions consultant. Judy holds a master’s in journalism from Northwestern University. She is also the co-author of Accepted’s first full-length book, MBA Admission for Smarties: The No-Nonsense Guide to Acceptance at Top Business Schools . Want an admissions expert help you get accepted? Click here to get in touch!

Related resources:

• The Winning Ingredients of a Dynamic MBA Goals Essay , a free guide
• Grad School Personal Statement Examples
• Focus on Fit , podcast Episode 162

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25 Long Term Goal Examples for Your Career & Personal Life

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Most people, especially those with a doer personality , strive for achievement and a sense of accomplishment. Long-term goals are the blueprint for helping us achieve these outcomes.

Long-term goals are your vision for the future . They are your definition of success in life.

A long-term goal can be as practical as saving up money for your kid’s college fund. Or it can be as abstract as leaving a lasting legacy for the future generations.

Regardless of what you want from life, creating a series of long-term goals can help you get there.

So if you're stuck with “what” you want to achieve, then check out the 25 long-term goals examples that we profile in this post.

Here, you'll discover a wide range of objectives that include fitness & health, financial security , learning , career, and personal development goals . We hope that you can draw inspiration from these examples to help you shape a better future.

Let's get to it…

Table of Contents

What is a Long-Term Goal?

A long-term goal often takes years to achieve. You won’t complete this type of goal this week, or even this year. Instead, a long-term goal (or a stretch goal ) requires you to plan the specific habits and actions to systematically work your way to this important milestone.

For example, let's say a woman has a long-term goal is to create a million dollar's worth of assets.

This won't happen overnight. So, she’ll set a series of short-term goals that will help her “stair step” her way to a million dollars.

(Check out our roundup of the best personal development plan templates and life planning worksheets to help you get started.)

Maybe her first short-term goal is to pay off all her debts . Then she will learn the basics of saving money and investing for long-term growth.

After that, she'll set a short-term goal of becoming more productive at work to get noticed and get a pay raise. Then she'll start focusing on intermediate goals or medium-term goals .

Throughout this journey, her long-term goal is to create a million dollar's worth of assets, but they way she gets there is to set a series of short-term goals. (You can learn more about the differences between a short-term goal and a long-term goal in this article .)

Wording your long-term goals right is an important first step in achieving them. So before we proceed, take a few minutes to watch the video below and learn how to create SMART goals.

Okay, now that you understand what a long-term goal is, here are 25 examples.

Long-Term Health and Fitness Goals

1. complete an ironman triathlon.

If you are bored with your usual workout routine and you want to challenge yourself athletically? Trying to complete an Ironman race can be a massive goal that takes years to complete.

(For the uniformed, an Ironman race is 2.4 miles of swimming, 112 miles of cycling, and 26.2 miles of running — back-to-back-back. Needless to say, this is a very challenging endurance race to complete.)

If you’re planning to join for the first time, you have to consider the fitness requirements of the sport. It means you have to train and condition your body to meet the challenges of cycling, swimming, and running long distances.

Trainers advise newbies to start training for a triathlon 1 to 3 years before the event.

2. Lower your cholesterol levels

High cholesterol levels put you at risk for heart diseases, strokes, and cardiac arrest. To lower cholesterol, you might need to make some modifications in your lifestyle and diet.

By avoiding eating foods high in saturated fats, such as red meats, can help bring down cholesterol levels.

A consultation with your health care provider is also essential to determine if treatment through medication is necessary. And you can also permanently lower your cholesterol levels by building a daily workout routine like a walking program .

If you're concerned about your health, you can use this app to integrate data from your blood and DNA, then use a fitness tracker to give you a real-time, holistic snapshot of your health & wellness .

3. Live a healthy life so you can play with your grandkids

Don’t we all want to live longer to enjoy life more and share it with the people we love the most? This long-term goal helps you make wise choices related to your health and well-being.

When you take care of your health, it’s more likely for you to reach advanced years, be free from debilitating illnesses, AND enjoy your days with your beloved grandkids.

4. Get a toned body (with abs, of course)

Being in an optimal state of health is the ideal way to live. The  exercises that burn fat and toned muscles also strengthen your heart.

Moreover, a toned body is more capable of protecting you from muscle and joint injuries.

I had a friend in high school. He was very skinny and was often teased about it. He told me that he wanted to become a bodybuilder. After graduation, my friend and I lost touch. Just recently, we reconnected through social media.

It was slightly surprising to see his pictures. One striking thing about him is that he has changed physically. He’s now so ripped.

He currently works as a fitness instructor and bodybuilder. It took years (more than 15) of dedicated study and training. Yet, he has achieved his goal. Not only that, he won several competitions in bodybuilding both locally and internationally.

5. Lose 20 pounds the healthy way and keep it off for good

In a bid to lose weight quickly, some people have tried going on fad diets. These diets usually don’t work and they gain back the pounds (or more) after stopping.

More importantly, the people who try these diets inadvertently put their health in danger. If losing the excess weight is part of your long-term health goal, choose to do it the healthy way to ensure that the excess weight stays off for good.

One of the simplest strategies to permanently lose weight is to create meal plans that fit into your busy lifestyle. For more on this, check out these 11 apps that can help coordinate your meal-planning efforts , and this weight loss app that uses a psychology-based approach to change your eating habits for the better.

Long-Term Financial Goals

6. save up for your retirement.

Do you want to maintain the standard of living you currently enjoy well into your retirement? Maybe you are concerned about meeting your medical and other needs in the future.

Financial experts strongly suggest that you must put aside money to give you peace of mind for the time you retire.

To learn more about this long-term goal, here are 18 books that can help you with retirement planing and the M1 investment platform that helps you make smart, financial decisions .

7. Buy your own property

Owning a property is one of the major indicators of financial success. It is also one of the soundest financial investment you can make.

Since mortgage is considered a good debt, it improves your credit profile. Tax incentives from the government also help homeowners lay down the foundation of their personal wealth. (For more on this, read our review of the 16 best real estate investing books .)

You can also check out these posts to help you achieve your real estate goals:

• 9 Real Estate Vision Board Ideas & Examples
• 6 SMART Goals Examples for Real Estate Agents

8. Secure and maintain a good credit record

Currently, most companies and businesses are looking into the state of your credit profile to determine if they will provide you with the product or service you need. And it’s most likely not going to change.

A good credit score positively impacts on your way of life. It opens up more opportunities that boost your quality of life compared, which are often inaccessible if you have a questionable credit record.

Now, there are many routines that can you can build into your daily routine that will improve your personal finances.

To get started, you can get a free credit score from Credit Karma .

9. Set aside money for your children’s education

Help your children secure a better future by investing in their education. Start saving money for an educational fund early (the moment they are born, if possible).

Another way to help your children avoid taking huge college loans in the future is by applying for an educational insurance plan. Not only will it free them from financial burdens, it ensures that you leave them with a positive legacy.

To learn more, here's a comprehensive overview of 529 plans , which is the main investment vehicle that parents use to pay for their children's education.

10. Start a business

Having your own business allows you to earn your livelihood while you pursue your real passion. By being a business owner, you have the opportunity to enjoy all that life has to offer and not being worried about having the means to support your needs.

It is really risky to start a business, but the joy of doing something you love, being your own boss, and being able to make a difference in other people’s lives often outweighs the challenges.

That was what spurred another friend of mine to quit a high-paying job in the corporate world to start her own cake shop. The transition for her was difficult and she was ready to give up the first year she started.

Yet, with encouragement and support from family, she persevered and now her shop is one of the top businesses in her city. Her greatest (and happiest) achievement is that she is able to provide employment for single moms.

To learn more, here are 33 books that every new entrepreneur should read .

11. Earn your first $1,000,000

Setting a specific amount to reach in your earnings or savings is a good long-term financial goal. This challenges you to tap into all your resources in order to achieve your goal.

By the time you achieve this goal, you’d have become more financially savvy and – most importantly – you’d have a million dollars to your name.

Long-Term Learning Goals

12. obtain another degree.

Have you ever heard of the  growth mindset ? It is a belief that your most basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work—brains and talent are just the starting point.

Put simply: You can develop any skill by focusing on life-long learning.

Getting another degree is one way of refreshing your knowledge and improving your skills and specialization.

As employers are more likely to notice those who take the effort for personal development, getting another degree is a worthwhile long-term goal for students that can impact your career in a positive way.

13. Learn to play a musical instrument like an expert

The ability to play a musical instrument  benefits brain health . It strengthens long-term memory. It also protects the sense of hearing from decline related to age.

Moreover, playing music improves your mood so you feel happier. It also decreases stress and depression levels.

To get started, here are great resources to learn:

• How to play the piano
• How to play the guitar

14. Learn to speak a foreign language like a native speaker

Being fluent in a foreign language gives you an edge in this fast-paced world. What are some of its benefits?

You get better employment opportunities. You’ll be able to establish friendships with people from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Moreover, it improves your brain and actually makes you smarter.

A simple tool to lea rn a foreign language is Rocket Languages , which offers 12 different language options.

15. Obtain an in-depth understanding of a different culture by living abroad

Leave your  comfort zone . Go somewhere you’ve never been before and immerse in the culture.

There are so many things we can learn while travel – about the world, others, and ourselves. Most of these lessons have not been taught to us in school. And keeping a travel journal can help you retain lessons you learn in your travels.

Long-Term Goals for Your Career

16. gain experience in a leadership role.

If you are given the opportunity to be in a leadership position, take it. It will allow you to be involved in wider aspects of the company.

Most importantly, being a leader offers you the chance to make a positive impact in lives of the people you lead. People take their cue from you. Your attitude towards work will influence those around you. Make it count.

Check out our tips for  overcoming the impo ​​ stor syndrome and these 14 characteristics of becoming a leader in the workplace .

17. Improve your work performance

There are a number of benefits in improving your performance at work as a long-term career goal . Top-performing workers are an asset to any company.

When you perform well, job security and other perks usually follow. Who knows, a promotion is just around the corner ?

You might want to read our tips on  becoming more productive at work , writing a career goal statement , and creating your professional goal statement .

If you're looking for help on creating career SMART goals, check out these specific examples:

• 8 SMART Goals Examples for Your Nursing Career
• 9 SMART Goal Examples for Teachers
• 7 SMART Goals Examples for Administrative Assistants
• 15 Leadership SMART Goals Examples for Your Workplace

18. Get hired for your dream job

There is nothing more satisfying than doing something you love. It comes with a lot of positive benefits.

Moreover, when you are happy with what you’re doing, it’s likely that your self-esteem is higher. You are in a healthier state of mind. Your potential to earn more rises. Lastly, are appreciated for your efforts.

Identifying your dream job can be tricky if you feel trapped in your current employment situation. One solution is to look for a job that's based on what you personally value.

If you'd like to learn more, I recommend reviewing these items:

• 5 Example Answers to the “What Are Your Career Aspirations” Question
• A service to create the perfect resume and cover letter
• Our recommended resource for answering tough interview questions
• How to Identify Your “Why”
• 70 Examples of Personal Core Values
• 5 Core Values Quizzes to Identify What’s Important to You
• How to Use the “80/20 Rule” to Focus on What's Important

19. Increase your earnings

Today’s cost of living is constantly increasing. It’s only natural to aspire to earn more to make ends meet.

You can do this by getting promoted or getting a raise. However, some people look for additional sources of income such as doing side hustles in their spare time.

Some people have catering services. Others offer tutorial services. There are those who make and sell crafts. Consider your skills and talents – you might be able to earn when you offer it to the world.

20. Become a mentor

Sometimes people only highlight the benefits mentoring can give to the mentee. However, being a mentor can add value to your leadership experience.

It can help you realize your goal of achieving a leadership position. By being a mentor, you can help shape the leaders and workers of the future.

Lastly, mentoring someone boosts your feelings of  self-worth for having helped another person find their place in the world.

If becoming a mentor (or finding one) sounds appealing, then here is an overview of this concept .

Long-Term Personal Goals

21. be the best parent to your kids.

Families serve as a foundation through which children learn important values to become good members of society. The way you raise your kids contributes to the future of the entire world.

It will take years to see the effect of how you raised your kids. You might want to be a good example to them now.

If you're a mom, here are seven habits you should consider to be the best possible parent and here is a free 60-minute online class, where you'll learn how to get kids to listen without nagging, yelling or losing control.

22. Become a founder of a non-profit organization

Gandhi said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” If you want to make a positive impact in the lives of others, then one way of doing it is to establish a non-profit organization that supports your advocacy.

23. Travel to 5 different places for leisure

Perhaps your long-term learning goal includes traveling to places to know more about culture. You can include traveling purely for leisure as part of your personal goal.

Make this a part of your  self-care ritual.

Take the time to unwind and leave the pressures of work and of life in general behind (only for a few days!). You’ll come back refreshed and able tackle the challenges that may have seemed insurmountable before your trip.

24. Become known for your craft

Being a master of your craft can catch other people’s attention. However, there are deeper positive benefits to mastery.

It allows you to  discover yourself and gives you a sense of fulfillment that nothing else may be able to duplicate. It also allows you to grow as you search for ways to exceed your previous efforts in your chosen craft.

And if you'd like a few resources that can teach you lifelong skills, then I recommend checking out these platforms:

• Skillshare (You can read the review of it here .)
• Udemy (You can read the review of it here .)
• Coursera (You can read the review of it here .)

25. Leave a lasting positive legacy

Legacies spur the succeeding generations to new heights. It is a noble long-term personal goal to provide a legacy that inspires people to reach their highest potentials.

Final Thoughts on Long-Term Goals

Long-term goals are like the stars guiding a ship across uncharted waters. They give us direction, purpose, and the drive to make our dreams a reality.

Whether you're eyeing career heights, personal achievements, or a balanced combination of both, remember that your goals are your North Star, always there to guide you forward.

Take your time to plan and execute them with care. Every step you take, no matter how small, brings you closer to the dreams you're striving for. Stay persistent, stay passionate, and stay true to yourself.

Now, if you're looking for more resources to help you create goals, these articles might provide some inspiration:

• 5-Year Goals: 15 Examples to Guide You
• How to Create a Ten Year Plan for Your Life [with a Template]
• 11 Big Hairy Audacious Goal (BHAG) Examples & Ideas

Finally, if you want to take your goal-setting efforts to the next level, check out this FREE printable worksheet and a step-by-step process that will help you set effective SMART goals .

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Examples of Scholarship Essays for the “Career Goals” Question

Emily Wong is a writer at Scholarships360. She’s worked as a social media manager and a content writer at several different startups, where she covered various topics including business, tech, job recruitment, and education. Emily grew up and went to school in the Chicago suburbs, where she studied economics and journalism at Northwestern University.

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Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.

Writing an essay is often the trickiest part of the scholarship application, not to mention the most time-consuming. However, the essay section also allows room for creativity and individuality. If you can communicate effectively, you can use the essay portion to stand out from the crowd. Let’s go over some tips for writing, as well as a couple of scholarship essay examples about career goals.

How to write a scholarship essay 

At this point, you’ve probably gained plenty of experience writing papers for school. However, it may still take a couple of tries to nail the scholarship essay. Since scholarship teams often have to get through a lot of applications, it’s important to stand out while staying concise. Here are some simple guidelines for writing scholarship essays.

See also: How to write a winning scholarship essay (with examples!)

Take five minutes to brainstorm

Before you even start your essay, take some time to gather your thoughts. Think about what you’ll want the paper to focus on. Why did you choose to pursue your career path in the first place? Where do you want to be in five years? How would this scholarship help you further your studies and work toward your goals?

Once you’ve jotted down a few ideas, choose one or two to center your essay on. Identifying the focus of your paper, it’ll make it easier to keep your thoughts organized. In turn, it’ll make it easier for the reader to follow.

Related : How to start a scholarship essay (with examples!)

Stay within the word limit

Unlike the four-page essays that you may have written in English class, scholarship essays are often only a paragraph or two. In order to respect the selection committee’s time, be wary of going too far about the specified word count. A general rule of thumb is to stay within 20 words above or below the limit. That may entail a few rounds of edits to get the wording just right.

Stay positive!

Feel free to use part of your essay to talk about your life’s challenges. After all, the selection committee often wants to give the award to a candidate who needs it. However, make sure your anecdote doesn’t devolve into a sob story. If you’re going to bring up hardships you’ve endured, try to balance it by talking about how you’ve overcome them. By demonstrating resilience, you can show readers how you would use the scholarship to succeed in your current situation.

Leave time to proofread

Especially for a short scholarship essay, proofreading can take as little as 5-10 minutes. Still, it can be tempting to just hit “submit” after your first draft. However, being too impulsive can leave your essay riddled with typos and grammatical errors.

Try to avoid unnecessary mistakes by finishing your draft at least 24 hours before the scholarship deadline. That way, you can proofread it with fresh eyes before you submit it.

If you’re struggling to close out your essay, read how to end a scholarship essay in five steps .

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How to write a 100-word “career goals” essay.

When writing a 100-word essay, you’ll have to choose your content carefully. Since space is limited, you’ll want to identify the most important details to include beforehand.

First and foremost, make sure to clearly communicate your current pursuits. Talk about your academic and extracurricular activities related to your career goals. Additionally, it’s important to be specific about what you plan to do in the future. Then, if you have extra room, you can talk about how the scholarship will help you reach your goals.

My name is Alison MacBride, and I’m a sophomore at the University of Illinois. I’m currently pursuing a major in Journalism with a minor in Natural Resource Conservation. After completing my program, I plan to combine my areas of interest to become an environmental journalist.

During high school, I volunteered at an eco-conscious farm, where I learned about how our actions affect the earth. Since then, I’ve been set on raising awareness for the environment. This scholarship would go a long way in helping me finish my degree with the skills I need to investigate and report about critical issues.

Word count: 100

How to write a 250-word “career goals” essay

For the 250-word essay, you can go into more detail. Give the readers some context by talking about how you first got interested in your chosen career. Storytelling can be especially effective in engaging your audience. Try to capture their attention by choosing one or two concrete examples and relaying them vividly.

Additionally, you can spend more time talking about the scholarship and how it’ll make a difference in your studies. Go into more detail about how and why you need the award, but remember to keep it positive! For more help, check out how to write a 250 word essay . 

I first decided that I wanted to pursue a career in environmentalism in early high school. The summer after my freshman year, I joined a volunteer program at an eco-conscious farm in my community. In addition to helping out with the operations, I learned about current environmental issues related to farming and other consumer industries.

After learning about the agricultural industry’s impact on the planet, I was inspired to make a difference. The next year, I started a monthly earth magazine at my high school in which we broke down environmental issues and offered tips on how to be more eco-friendly. When I started college, I founded an on-campus publication with the same mission.

In recent years, I’ve been troubled to see how some media outlets downplay the gravity of issues like climate change and deforestation. I’ve admired reporters who publish trustworthy and comprehensible information about environmental issues, and I aim to follow in their footsteps.

When I entered college, I was initially concerned that I wouldn’t have enough money to finish my degree. Fortunately, I’ve been able to cover most of my tuition using merit scholarships and paychecks from my part-time job on campus. Receiving this scholarship would allow me more time to focus on acing my classes and pursuing environmental advocacy work on campus.

Word count: 261

Final thoughts

Planning is essential in making your “career goals” essay clear and concise. Hopefully, these scholarship essay examples about career goals can be your guide to writing a scholarship-winning essay. Good luck!

Additional resources

Maybe you need to write a longer scholarship essay? We can help with our writing a 500 word essay guide ! Be prepared and learn how to write essays about yourself and how to craft an impressive personal statement . Learn the differences between a personal statement and a statement of purpose as the terms might come up on college websites. If you haven’t decided on a college already, check out our guide on how to choose a college . No matter where you are in your educational journey, make sure that you apply for all the scholarships you qualify for!

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Home — Essay Samples — Life — Life Goals

Essay Titles About Life Goals

If you're looking to craft a life goals essay that truly stands out, you've come to the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the art of creating an impactful life goals essay that captivates your readers and effectively communicates your aspirations. So, let's get started with the essentials!

1. Life Goals Essay Prompt

Before you embark on your essay-writing journey, it's crucial to grasp the nuances of the essay prompt. Let's take a look at some sample prompts to help you get a better understanding:

Prompt Sample 1: "Discuss the most significant life goals you hope to achieve and explain why they are important to you."

Prompt Sample 2: "Reflect on your long-term ambitions and how they relate to your personal growth and development."

These prompts encourage you to explore your life goals, their significance, and how they align with your personal journey. Understanding the prompt is the first step toward crafting a compelling essay.

2. Brainstorming and Selecting a Winning Essay Topic

Selecting the right essay topic is pivotal to your essay's success. Here are some points to consider when brainstorming and choosing your topic:

• Passion and Personal Connection: Opt for a topic that genuinely resonates with you. Your enthusiasm will shine through in your writing.
• Specificity: Focus on a particular life goal rather than attempting to cover all aspects. Specific goals make for more engaging essays.
• Relevance: Ensure your chosen topic is relevant to your life stage and experiences. It should reflect who you are.
• Uniqueness: Avoid common or clichéd topics. Aim for a unique angle or perspective on your chosen goal.

3. Examples of Unique Essay Topics

To spark your creativity, here's a list of distinctive life goals essay topics that stand out from the ordinary:

• "Becoming a Published Author: My Journey Towards Sharing My Stories."
• "From Broken Dreams to Thriving Reality: My Quest to Open a Sustainable Animal Sanctuary."
• "Overcoming Adversity: How My Goal to Climb Mount Everest Rewired My Mindset."
• "The Art of Giving Back: Nurturing My Vision for a Non-Profit Organization."
• "A Symphony of Dreams: Pursuing My Aspiration to Become a World-Class Pianist."

These topics are not only unique but also offer ample opportunities for in-depth exploration and personal connection.

4. Sample Paragraphs and Phrases for Inspiration

Now, let's dive into some sample paragraphs and phrases to ignite your creativity:

Opening Paragraph: "In the quiet corners of my mind, amidst the chaos of daily life, there exists a profound yearning – a vision of a future where I stand triumphant atop my personal Everest."

Body Paragraph (Discussing Obstacles): "As I embarked on this journey, I encountered a formidable adversary – fear. The sheer magnitude of the goal I'd set for myself was overwhelming, and self-doubt became a constant companion."

Body Paragraph (Discussing Personal Growth): "Through this pursuit, I discovered that my journey was not just about conquering physical peaks but also about scaling the internal mountains of resilience, determination, and self-belief."

Closing Paragraph: "In conclusion, my life goals are not mere aspirations but the guiding stars that illuminate my path. As I continue to chase my dreams, I realize that they are not the destination but rather the catalyst for my personal growth and transformation."

Remember, the essence of a compelling life goals essay lies in your ability to convey your passion, determination, and unique perspective. By following these steps and staying true to your authentic self, you'll craft an essay that leaves a lasting impression.

So, go ahead, set your goals, pick up your pen, and let your aspirations shine through your words. Your life goals essay awaits its moment to inspire and captivate your readers!

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Essay: How Will This Scholarship Help You Achieve Your Goals? (With Example) – 2023

Jennifer Finetti May 23, 2023

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Many scholarship applicants often have to write a “How will this scholarship help you achieve your goals” essay. This gives the scholarship committee an understanding of how the scholarship will help students pursue their goals.

Needless to say, the essay is very important for the scholarship application. This is where students can show off their personality. Students should make sure to write a unique composition which answers the essay question.

Think About Your Goals

It can be challenging to think about what your goals are after college. This is especially true if you haven’t decided on a major and have no idea what you want to study.

If you find yourself struggling to determine what your career goals are, try brainstorming before you start writing. Think of what your short-term and long-term goals are and write them down. What skills do you need to achieve these goals?

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Writing Tips – Getting Started

When starting to write your essay , make sure you open with a catchy introduction. This can be a question, an anecdote or a personal story. You want to grab your reader’s interest right away. Start with something unique, rather than using a generic sentence that any other student can use.

Explain the Inspiration Behind Your Goals

You’ll then want to explain the inspiration behind your goals. What led you to want to pursue these goals? What experiences have you had in life which have influenced you and your dreams?

Discuss Your Goals

After discussing your past experiences, talk about your education and career goals . Do you have a major? How will it help you achieve your goals?

Do you have long-term goals you can talk about? The scholarship provider doesn’t expect you to have long-term goals set in stone so don’t worry if you don’t. Instead, you can write about how you wish to impact others.

Make a Creative Conclusion

In your conclusion paragraph, you should summarize the major points in your essay.  Then finish with a closing thought. You should try to make it creative and unique. You want to leave a lasting impression on the reader.

After you finish writing your essay, make sure you proofread it several times. The last thing you’d want to do is turn in an essay with grammar mistakes.

Scholarship Goals Essay Example

It was November, 2016, a few days before Thanksgiving. My class took a field trip to a soup kitchen to serve lunch. I poured piping hot soup into bowls while people started to fill the room. It was a great way to warm up on the frigid November day. Their eyes seemed empty and sad. “Happy Thanksgiving” we said to one another, as our eyes locked.

A few days later, as I sat surrounded by family, turkey, gravy and pumpkin pie, I couldn’t help but feel like something wasn’t right. Why was I so fortunate to have access to all this food? I thought of the people from the soup kitchen and wondered where they were. I knew right then and there that my purpose in life was to help people.

I returned to the soup kitchen as a volunteer a week later, and a week after that.

I envisioned the realm of possibilities for these people. “I would connect him with a rehab program, her with daycare for her baby so she could find work,” I thought to myself while volunteering. I have dreams of one day being able to help people make changes in their lives.

For this reason, I will be starting my undergraduate degree in social work at Boston University in the fall. I am certain that my studies will instill within me the skills and knowledge I need to pursue a career as a social worker. I hope to be able to help those who are less privileged find hope in their lives.

This scholarship will help me achieve my educational and career goals. I have been working hard to save up for college, but with the exorbitant costs of tuition, my part-time jobs haven’t been enough. I am planning to work during my undergraduate degree, but I do wish to focus a lot of my time on my studies. This scholarship will help by lowering the costs of college and the amount of hours I’ll need to work throughout my studies. This way, I’ll be able to continue with my academic achievements. It will also give me time to find an internship. I am hoping to find an internship at a homeless shelter in the Boston area.

It has been two and a half years since I first walked into that soup kitchen. That day without a doubt has changed the course of my life. My experiences there, talking with people and hearing their stories, have instilled within me a passion to help people make positive changes in their lives. This scholarship will allow me to pursue the education I need to achieve my goals.

• Scholarship Essay

Jennifer Finetti

As a parent who recently helped her own kids embark on their college journeys, Jennifer approaches the transition from high school to college from a unique perspective. She truly enjoys engaging with students – helping them to build the confidence, knowledge, and insight needed to pursue their educational and career goals, while also empowering them with the strategies and skills needed to access scholarships and financial aid that can help limit college costs. She understands the importance of ensuring access to the edtech tools and resources that can make this process easier and more equitable - this drive to support underserved populations is what drew her to ScholarshipOwl. Jennifer has coached students from around the world, as well as in-person with local students in her own community. Her areas of focus include career exploration, major selection, college search and selection, college application assistance, financial aid and scholarship consultation, essay review and feedback, and more. She works with students who are at the top of their class, as well as those who are struggling. She firmly believes that all students, regardless of their circumstances, can succeed if they stay focused and work hard in school. Jennifer earned her MA in Counseling Psychology from National University, and her BA in Psychology from University of California, Santa Cruz.

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My Goal In Life Essay

A goal is a vision for the future or the desired outcome that an individual commits to imagining, planning, and achieving. People try to achieve their goals in a restricted time by setting deadlines. Here are some sample essays on my goal in life.

100 Words Essay On My Goal In Life

A goal is a desire you have to accomplish yourself. If one wants to succeed in life, one must have a goal. Being a teacher is my life's ambition. A wonderful and responsible profession is teaching. I have made the conscious decision to do all in my ability to promote knowledge among the people. Some people believe that money is life.

However, in my opinion, morality is what makes life truly sweet. In the future, I hope to be a beloved and reputable teacher. I have no clue how far I will get in achieving my goal but I'll give it my best.

200 Words Essay On My Goal In Life

A goal is a vision for the future or a desired outcome that an individual or group of individuals commits to envisioning, planning, and achieving. By setting deadlines, people try to accomplish their goals by setting deadlines.

My current goal is related to my education. I want to come in first place and achieve the top marks in every subject because this will increase my chances of receiving an overseas scholarship. I am putting a lot of effort into achieving this as my objective. Any student wants the chance to pursue their studies overseas, and I have that chance. I also take my coursework seriously and educate myself on all topics pertaining to my field of study, including research, literature, and academic journals.

Additionally, studying overseas will help me get a superior education and a diploma that is recognised across the world, both of which will allow me to compete for prominent jobs. So that I may accomplish my goal, I don't waste time on pointless activities and instead pay attention to my studies. My family is undoubtedly a tremendous benefit for me; they support me at all times and provide me whatever I require. Additionally, I owe a lot of credit for my success to my professors, who are a big help to me in my studies.

500 Words Essay On My Goal In Life

Everybody has a life goal. The aim or aspiration of man is his inner desire. One will not take any action if his or her goals are unclear.

What Is A Goal

The goal of an individual is to achieve a particular objective or target. Goal may also refer to the finish line of a race or the object that a player is attempting to insert as part of a game. As a noun, "goal" has other meanings. A goal is something you strive to achieve after working hard and persistently towards it.

Types Of Goals

Mastery goals | A mastery goal, such as "I will score higher in this event next time," is one that someone sets to attain or master a certain skill.

Performance-approach goals | A performance-approach goal is one where the person aims to outperform their peers. This kind of objective might be to improve one's appearance by dropping 5 pounds or to receive a better performance evaluation.

Performance-avoidance goals | When someone sets a goal, they frequently want to avoid performing worse than their peers, such as setting a goal to avoid receiving negative

Importance Of A Goal

A goal is similar to a specific objective, the anticipated outcome that directs behaviour, or an end, which is a thing, whether it be a tangible thing or an abstract thing, that has inherent worth.

Everyone should have a life goal. When you have a goal, you work hard every day to attain it and live for it. And when you succeed in those efforts, you feel more confident.

Goals provide us a path to follow. We can hold ourselves accountable by having goals. We are able to clarify what we genuinely desire in life when we set goals and strive toward obtaining them. We can better organise our priorities by setting goals.

Goals can be long-term and short-term. For instance, finishing your schoolwork might be a short-term goal. Learning a musical instrument, pursuing a profession as a doctor, or other long-term goals examples.

Due to the length of time required and the fact that we pick our professional objective, long-term goals play crucial roles in life. The most significant effects of choosing a certain career occur both during and after the effort to attain it.

Setting goals encourages us to create plans of action that will help us reach the desired level of performance.

Example Of A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam overcame obstacles to achieve his aim while serving as India's 11th president from 2002 to 2007. Dr Abdul Kalam was raised by Muslim parents who spoke Tamil. Being from a low-income household, Dr Abdul Kalam began delivering newspapers after school at a young age to help augment his family's income. This fact allowed him to help support his father financially. He did not succeed academically, but he was a dedicated student who enjoyed mathematics.

Even during his senior project in college, the dean expressed displeasure with the lack of progress and threatened to revoke his scholarship if the assignment wasn't completed by the next three days. He later put forth a lot of effort on his assignment and finished it on time, impressing the dean. From that point on, Dr Kalam worked as a scientist with the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) , eventually rising to the position of organisation chief. What follows is history.

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Setting Long-Term Goals: 8 Examples and Tips

Published May 20, 2024

Author Suze Dowling

Have you ever wondered how some people seem to achieve incredible things over time, seemingly effortlessly? What's their secret? Well, it's all about setting long-term goals. Whether it's building a career plan, mastering a new skill, or saving for a dream vacation, long-term goals give you a roadmap to turn your biggest aspirations into reality. 

Let’s explore the ins and outs of setting impactful long-term goals. We'll dig into why these goals are essential for both personal fulfillment and professional success, and provide you with practical tips and inspiring examples to get you started. So grab your favorite Poketo notebook , and let's start sketching out a future that's as bright and bold as you are!

Why Set Long-Term Goals Anyway?

If you’re already skilled at setting short-term goals, you may think that long-term goals are just the sum of your existing efforts. But you would be mistaken.

Setting long-term goals can be like plotting a thrilling road trip on the map of your life — each milestone is a memorable stop along the way. 

Here’s why you should consider setting these goals:

• Unlock Your Potential : Long-term goals challenge you to explore and achieve beyond your current boundaries. They are about tapping into your untapped potential, setting the stage for discoveries and opportunities that might otherwise remain hidden.
• Strategic Planning : When you set long-term goals, you're essentially planning several steps ahead . This strategic foresight can make you more prepared for the future, helping you handle life's curveballs with grace and adaptability.
• Inspiration and Purpose : These goals provide a sense of purpose that daily tasks often lack. They inspire you to push forward, knowing that every effort contributes to a larger vision, one that is uniquely yours.
• Legacy Building : By setting ambitious, long-term goals, you're also thinking about the mark you want to leave on the world . Whether it's a professional achievement, personal influence, or a creative endeavor, these goals help you build a legacy that lasts.

Setting long-term goals can help you create a life that feels as vibrant and dynamic as the designs we create at Poketo . They remind us that with the right mindset and tools, anything is possible.

What Are 8 Examples of Long-Term Goals?

Ready to turn your aspirations into actionable long-term goals? From personal goals to professional long-term objectives, here are some practical examples to guide you through the process of setting and reaching your objectives.

1. Career Advancement: Step Into a Leadership Role

Example : You aim to transition from a team member to a leadership position within your organization over the next five years.

• Goal Setting : Identify key competencies and skills needed for leadership, such as strategic planning and team management.
• Action Plan : Enroll in leadership workshops, seek out mentorship opportunities within your professional network, and volunteer for project leadership roles to gain visible experience.
• Milestones and Check-Ins : Set quarterly review points to assess progress towards your leadership role, adjusting your strategies as needed to stay on track.

2. Financial Independence: Create a Strong Emergency Fund

Example : Your objective is to build an emergency fund that can cover six months of expenses.

• Financial Goals : Calculate your essential monthly costs and establish a savings target.
• Actionable Steps : Automate transfers to a dedicated savings account to consistently build your fund.
• Regular Reviews : Evaluate your savings growth every month and adjust contributions to respond to any changes in your financial situation or personal life.

3. Personal Development: Master a Foreign Language

Example : You want to achieve fluency in a foreign language to boost both your personal and professional life.

• Long-Term Goal Setting : Set a goal to reach conversational fluency within two years.
• Learning New Skills : Take formal classes, use language learning apps, and immerse yourself in the language through media and speaking practice.
• Benchmark Success : Define clear stages of language proficiency to achieve, and use regular practice sessions as stepping stones toward fluency.

4. Entrepreneurial Dream: Start Your Own Business

Example : You dream of opening your own cafe within the next three years.

• Business Plan : Develop a comprehensive business plan detailing your vision, market analysis, and operational strategy.
• Acquire New Skills : Learn essential business management and culinary skills through courses and real-world experience.
• Action Plan : Begin with a pop-up to test your concept and build a customer base before fully investing in a permanent location.

5. Skill Enhancement: Become a Thought Leader

Example : You aspire to be recognized as a thought leader in your field.

• Professional Goals : Publish insightful articles, conduct webinars, and speak at industry conferences.
• Career Development : Stay updated with the latest trends and research in your field to ensure your contributions are relevant and impactful.
• Measurable Goals : Set specific targets for publications and speaking engagements each year to track your progress toward becoming a thought leader.

6. Strengthen Professional Network: Build Influential Connections

Example : You aim to expand your professional network significantly within the next two years to enhance your career opportunities.

• Professional Life Strategy : Map out key industry events, online forums, and professional groups where you can connect with like-minded professionals and industry leaders.
• Action Plan : Commit to attending a certain number of networking events each quarter and actively participate in discussions and collaborations.
• Regular Check-Ins : Set a monthly reminder to evaluate the connections you've made and determine how they can be nurtured to help achieve your long-term career goals.

7. Achieve Work-Life Balance: Design a Sustainable Lifestyle

Example : You want to cultivate a lifestyle that balances your career demands with personal well-being over the next year.

• Long-Term Plan : Outline what a balanced week looks like for you, incorporating elements such as job responsibilities, personal development activities, and downtime.
• Actionable Steps : Prioritize your tasks weekly, using tools like digital planners or apps to allocate time effectively between work and personal life.
• Benchmark Progress : Use a journal to track your feelings and productivity, adjusting your approach as necessary to ensure you are maintaining a healthy balance.

8. Develop New Skills: Advance Your Technical Expertise

Example : Your goal is to master advanced software development skills to move into a more specialized field within your industry.

• Career Development Goals : Identify the specific technical skills required for the career path you aspire to, such as mastering certain programming languages or software tools.
• Learning Plan : Enroll in relevant courses, participate in workshops, and engage in self-directed projects to apply your new knowledge.
• Measure Success : Set up a timeframe with clear milestones for completing educational modules and applying them to real-world projects, evaluating your progress through feedback from peers or mentors.

What Are Strategic Tips for Effective Long-Term Goal Planning?

After discussing the how-tos of setting impactful long-term goals, let's shift gears and talk about the fine art of maintaining momentum. It's all about making the goal-setting journey as enjoyable and effective as possible.

Invest in Quality Tools

One of the smartest moves you can make is to invest in quality tools that help keep you organized while inspiring and uplifting you daily. Take, for instance, our Self Planner . More than just a planner, it’s a mini-coach that fits right on your desk. 

With spaces for daily inspirations, room for reflective journaling, and prompts that encourage you to explore new activities or revisit old passions, it’s designed to make sure that every day you're living a fuller, more creative life.

Keep It Fluid

Your goals need to evolve as you do. So, while it’s great to have a clear plan, it’s equally important to stay open to change. Maybe you’ll find a new passion, or perhaps an unexpected opportunity will come knocking. Stay adaptable and be ready to tweak your goals so they continue to align with your current reality and future aspirations.

Embrace the Whole Picture

When setting long-term goals, it’s easy to focus on career achievements or personal milestones, but how do these fit into the big goals of life? It's important to make sure that striving for these ultimate goals enriches rather than exhausts you. Think about how achieving these goals will affect other aspects of your life and strive to maintain balance across the board.

Regular Check-Ins Are Key

Set regular check-ins for yourself, be it monthly or quarterly. These aren’t just to track progress but to take a step back and look at the bigger picture. Are you heading where you want to go? Do your goals still make sense? Use these moments to adjust your course, celebrate wins, and strategize over any hurdles.

The Wrap Up

At Poketo , we want to inspire you to dream big and pursue your aspirations with ease. Setting long-term goals is a transformative experience that turns today's aspirations into tomorrow's reality. Whether you're planning a career move, cultivating personal growth, or sketching the outline of your future enterprise, never forget that each step you take is part of a larger journey — one that's uniquely yours.

As you move forward, remember that the tools you choose can shape your success. Equip yourself with items that inspire and motivate you daily, like our Journals and Notebooks designed to bring creativity into every day. At Poketo, we celebrate every milestone with you, encouraging a life that's not just lived but passionately experienced. 

Let's make each goal a stepping stone to an extraordinary life!

What is a Long-Term Goal? | MyMnCareers | CAREERwise Education

Benefits of long-term goals. How to accomplish long-term goals? | EDUFUND

Why Organizations Embrace Flexibility in the Workplace | CCL

8 Proven Ways to Network and Build Relationships with Influential People | Medium

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38 Long-Term Goals for Students

Long-term goals for students include getting a specific grade by the end of the year, getting a job in your industry, or winning a prestigious scholarship.

A long-term goal is a goal that’s achievable with hard work, but not achievable quite yet. It’s usually at least 6 months out into the future (or else you might call it a short-term goal ).

When setting your goal, make sure you use a framework such as the SMART Goals framework to flesh out the goal. SMART Goals are: smart, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound.

See Also: 101 Short-Term Goals for Students

Examples of Long-term Goals for Students

1. Achieve a 3.2 GPA – Change this one up depending on your current GPA. Follow the goldilocks principle: make sure your goal is hard enough to keep you motivated but not too hard (or easy) to cause you to give up.

2. Win an Award or Scholarship – Focus on a scholarship that’s at least 18 months into the future, or else this might be a short-term goal.

3. Become a Leader in my Industry – This is a great long-term goal to keep you motivated over the long term. This won’t happen overnight, but it’s the impetus for you to put your hand up to get involved and gain experience.

4. Become a Professor – Toward the end of your career, you might want to return to university to impart your knowledge on the next generation. This is usually a long-term goal because practitioners often become professors once they’re respected experts in their field.

5. Achieve Financial Security – Most students, at the end of the day, have come to university so they will have a more financially secure future for themselves and their families.

6. Write an Article in an Industry Magazine – An awesome goal for a good college student is to get an article (perhaps an excerpt from their thesis!) published into an industry magazine. This can look great on a resume.

7. Complete my Bachelor’s Degree within 4 Years – Setting a timeframe for your goals is a central feature of the SMART goals framework for students . Decide upon an achievable completion time, then figure out the things you need to do to get there.

8. Get a Master’s Degree – Many students who love their course program set themselves the goal of getting a Master’s Degree which both challenges them intellectually and lets them stand out in job interviews.

9. Get a Ph.D – If you’re particularly ambitious, you might want to say that you don’t want a Master’s Degree, but a Ph.D, to show you’re a peak expert in your field (see also: future goals examples ).

10. Start my own Business – Many students find areas of need within their niche when at college. They will want to address those areas of need by starting a business once they’ve gotten the requisite skills at university (this is a really common goal among business studies students).

11. Study Abroad – When I was in my first year at university, I set this as my goal. I ended up spending the first semester of my third year in Canada, achieving this long-term goal.

12. Get a Foot in the Door – Getting a foot in the door of your industry may involve getting a mentor who already works there, getting an internship, or getting a part-time job in the industry. Build on this to get more specific using the SMART goals framework at the end of this article.

13. Get an Interview – Many students come toward the end of their studies and the next pressing thing on their minds is to get an interview and, hopefully, a job. If you set getting an interview in a specific company as your goal, you can start building up your resume now.

14. Work for a Fortune 500 Company – You may decide that you really want a job in a major company with the idea that it’s prestigious and can help you climb the ladder. It’s a good idea to select 3 or 4 companies that you can name to make this a more specific goal .

15. Choose a Major – If you’re toward the beginning of your degree, your most pressing long-term goal might be to choose your major before the cut-off date, which might be 18 months or more away.

16. Get an Internship – This is an important stepping stone for getting your foot in the door in an industry. While this might be a long-term goal if you’re a high school student or freshman, if you’re getting toward the end of your college degree, it’s a good idea to apply for internships with a short-term timeframe, and also set internship goals!

17. Become a Recognized Leader – This one’s truly long-term. You might need to spend decades in your job and climbing the ranks before you’re recognized as a leader in your field.

18. Create an Invention – Inventing something can be extremely exciting, and is a great long-term goal for an engineering student or a similar field of study.

19. Get your Dream Job – Sometimes, having a dream board with your ‘dream job’ written up on the board can give you a guiding professional goal to aspire toward.

20. Save enough to Retire – It’s never too early to start thinking about how much money you’ll need to retire. This way, you can know how much you need to start saving now. The earlier you start, the less you have to save per week.

21. Own my own House – Another great goal that’s on the long-term horizon is having enough money to put a down payment on your own house.

22. Become a Millionaire – If you’re particularly ambitious, you might set the goal of saving a million dollars. The problem you’ll face here is that you next need to reverse engineer exactly how you might achieve that!

23. Obtain a professional certification – In many cases, you’ll finish your degree or diploma and still need to get professionally certified by sitting an exam or spending a certain amount of time as an intern.

24. Change Someone’s Life – One of the most altruistic long-term goals you could set is to do something in your career or life that changes a life. For example, if you’re training to be a nurse, your long-term goal could be to save a patient by going above and beyond in your job.

25. Give a Ted Talk – If you’re passionate about a certain aspect in your career path, you might aspire to giving a ted talk about that thing you’re passionate about.

26. Start a Podcast – Students who are passionate about a topic may also decide to start a podcast, which can open doors in interesting ways. For example, you can interview industry experts to build contacts, or use the podcast as a way to get well-known by businesses that may in the future employ you.

27.  Graduate summa cum laude – Graduating summa cum laude means that you graduated as one of the top students in the course. You graduated “with the highest honors”. To achieve this long-term goal, you’ll need to do your absolute best in every subject you study. You’ll need a GPA of 3.7 plus be in the top 95% of your graduating class.

28. Get an A in one Subject – If summa cum laude sounds like too high a goal, you could instead set yourself the goal of getting an A in just one subject. To achieve this, you might need to set in place a series of study routines.

29. Pay off my Student Debt – You could set a date for when you want your student debt paid down, then figure out how much you need to save per week to achieve this long-term goal.

30. Gain the Confidence to Give a Public Speech – Many students struggle with self-confidence . One way to work on this is to set a goal that requires a lot of confidence to achieve, like giving a public speech or a speech in class.

31. Find a Mentor – You may set yourself the goal of having a mentor who is already working in your profession. You obviously can’t do this right away, so you can set it as a longer-term goal that you can keep in mind when networking over the years.

32. Become a Mentor – Take the previous example further, by deciding you want to become a mentor for a student who is a few steps behind you.

33. Create a Stellar Resume – Your long-term goal might be to ensure your resume is up to scratch. This can’t be short-term because you need to get a stack of achievements to put on the resume, so each achievement can be a milestone along the path.

34. Get Accepted into a Better College – Some students go to a community college or lower-tier university then try to transfer to a better university once they prove they have a good GPA. The ends up being a one- or two-year goal.

35. Change Majors – You may decide that you don’t like your current major, so you want to change. To achieve this, you might need to first take a few specific subjects, making this a longer-term goal.

36. Get a Job Abroad – You may want to travel, but also want financial freedom. To achieve this, your long-term goal might be to get the degree, then apply for jobs abroad.

37. Write a Book – If you love to write, you might decide that your goal (once you’ve got the knowledge from your studies) is to turn all your knowledge into an engaging and detailed book.

38. Move to a Certain City – One of my goals when I was at university was to move to the nearest major city to my rural university, where I thought there were more career prospects than in my town.

See More Goals for the School Year

How to Set your Goals with the SMART Goals Framework

Once you have decided upon your educational goal , you’ll need to make sure it’s clear and detailed. The best way to do this is to set SMART goals.

A SMART goal is a goal that is specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound.

Let’s use this goal as an example: I will complete my degree within 4 years

• Specific : Specifically, I will have completed every required course for my degree to be conferred.
• Measurable : The measurement is a yes or no: did I get my degree certificate?
• Attainable: If I take a full course load every semester and follow a regular study schedule, this is attainable.
• Relevant: Obtaining my degree is the whole reason I’m a student, so it’s definitely relevant!
• Time-Bound: The goal will be completed exactly 4 years from today.

Get the Google Docs Template Here

See more SMART goals in education .

How to Achieve your Long-Term Goals

1. write down your goals.

A famous study by Dr Gael Matthews asked groups of people to come up with goals.

Here were the groups:

• The Thinkers: Group 1 was asked to think about their goals.
• The Writers: Group 2 were asked to write down their goals.
• The Actors: Group 3 were asked to write down their goals and commit to taking action.
• The Sayers: Group 4 were asked to write their action goals down and send a commitment to their friends saying they will achieve the goal.
• The Partners: Group 5 were asked to do all of the above, and meet with a friend once a week to give progress reports.

If we separate Group 1 from Groups 2-5, we get two clusters:

• Those who think about their goals
• Those who write down their goals.

According to the study, the people who wrote down their goals were 42% more likely to achieve them.

In other words, writing down your goals can make you more likely to commit to achieving them.

2. Get an Accountability Partner

The above study also reveals the value of accountability partners . The people in Group 5 (‘The Partners’) had accountability partners. All other groups didn’t.

And you guessed it – more people in Group 5 met their goals than the people in any other group:

3. Create Milestones

A key feature of long-term goals is that they can’t be achieved in one big burst of effort. They’re long-term!

If a short-term goal is like running a sprint, a long-term goal is like running a marathon.

To achieve longer-term goals, you’ll need to put in place milestones. Just like a marathon runner says “Okay I’ll get to the next mile marker in 10 minutes”, the goal setter needs to set intermediate goals to know they’re on track.

Right now, you can grab your goal and tell yourself: what are 5 steps I need to take to achieve this goal?

For example, let’s look again at the goal to complete your degree within 4 years. Here are some milestones to get there:

• Set a study schedule and stick to it for the next 6 months.
• Complete my Literature 101 and 102 subjects next semester.
• Ensure my Econ 202 subject is completed in the Fall semester as it’s not offered in the Spring semester.
• Start studying for my Chem 301 exam in September so I can ace it in December.

4. Create a Daily To-Do List

I create a to-do list every day because it motivates me to get started and gives me direction.

Here’s my trick.

If the list is too long, I know I won’t achieve it. So I give up.

If it’s too short, it’s not motivating.

Ideally, I choose three – just three – key things I need to get done today.

Three things are enough to get me out of bed, but also enough that make me want to get started – immediately. It literally makes me get out of bed in the morning!

Long-term goals are tough because you need to remain committed across a longer time horizon. But they’re also more rewarding once you’ve achieved them. Use the above examples as stimuli to come up with your own goal. Once you’ve selected one, make sure you flesh it out using the SMART framework and, most importantly, take regular action to ensure you stay on track until your long-term goal is reached.

[1] O’Neil, J. and Conzemius, A. (2006). The Power of SMART Goals: Using Goals to Improve Student Learning . London: Solution Tree Press.

[2]  Yemm, G. (2013). Essential Guide to Leading Your Team: How to Set Goals, Measure Performance and Reward Talent . Melbourne: Pearson Education. pp. 37–39.

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory (Pros & Cons)
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ Social Exchange Theory: Definition and Examples
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 10 Cognitive Dissonance Examples
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 10 Elaborative Rehearsal Examples

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Career goals Essay: Short-term and long-term goals

What career goals should you write in your MBA applications? How do you ensure that the short-term career goals are aligned with the long-term goals?

Vibhav Agarwal sure knows a thing or two about crafting winning MBA applications. He’s helped many applicants get into the most selective programs in the world.

In this post he shares some tips on tackling the career goals MBA essay .

by Vibhav Agarwal

I may probably know where I can be in the next 3-5 years. But beyond that who knows, right?

Think of it this way. MBA education is going to be one of your biggest investments – not just with money, but with the time and effort as well.

So, it’s very important that you focus on the right things in terms of coursework, network, placements etc. during those 1-2 years that you spend in the college.

( Take it from us, time flies in a b-school, the more your priorities and goals are clear, the easier it is to navigate those ten thousand opportunities that you will get at the school to do something or be a part of something)

Now, who better understands the importance of this prioritization than the ad-com? And this is their rationale of asking this question.

They want to see and understand the clarity a candidate has in terms of being able to understand and showcase the clarity in their short-term and long-term career goals.

Let us tackle the key requirements for short-term career goals first.  

Short-term career goals

Short-term goals are those where you see yourself as soon as you graduate out of the school. These goals need to be a very precisely defined in terms of industry, geography, set of companies you are aiming at and the role that you are looking for.

You are expected to have complete clarity on the skillset required to do this role, the key responsibilities you will be handling and the results that you are expected to showcase in the next 1-2 years.

The ad-com wants to understand the above from your essay and then ascertain whether “you” the candidate have a realistic chance with the MBA education and his current experience to gain that role in light of the skillsets required for that role and the competition posed by the typical MBA class.

In this context, there are typically 3 scenarios that candidates are likely to define their short-term goals. A quick disclaimer first.

Disclaimer: We’ll include some representative examples to clarify the key principles. Blindly copying these career goals in your essays, without understanding the bigger picture, is sure to backfire. More on this in the last section.  

1. Career Progression

This is the scenario when you are already performing a role in the similar industry and you would like to accelerate your progress in terms of the career ladder or in terms of the organizational brand.

For example:

• I am a consultant in big4 consulting firm or KPO who wants to move into McKinsey or BCG
• I am a software engineer with product development experience who wants to move into product management role in a Silicon Valley tech firm
• I am a commerce graduate with CA or CFA background who wants to move into Investment banking or Private banking in a top-tier bank
• I am working in a corporate law firm and want to shift into M&A or strategy team for a big conglomerate

  Such shifts are very logical and easier to explain and manage. The requirements remain the same when it comes to explaining in the short-terms goals essay, but your ability to visualize yourself in that role and showcase the skills you bring to the role are easier to explain since you are already have counterparts or seniors who are performing that role and can explain the difference between it and your current role  

2. Career Shift

This is the scenario when you want to “shift” into a more exciting role in probably a more exciting industry and organization. So basically, you are looking to change your industry, role profile and probably geography as well. This scenario accounts for more than 60% of the candidates who want to do MBA. For example:

• I am a project manager in IT services firm in India who wants to get into product management for a B2B SaaS product in US
• I am a team lead in a semi-conductor firm who wants to get into business development roles in an IT services or IT product firm
• I am a software engineer in a tech firm who wants to move into a business strategy role with a bigger tech firm/start-up
• I am a client-side consultant with an IT-services firm who wants to into corporate finance role with a top-tier tech firm
• I am an entrepreneur who wants to become a product manager in a tech firm

  Such shifts require a lot of introspection and research. The ad-coms would like to see what is your understanding of the role, what skills are “transferable” from your current role into the new role and on top of it, how will the MBA help you gain the skillsets that are missing.

They also want to get a clear understanding of the role from your viewpoint in terms of key responsibilities, performance metrics and impact areas.

In order to showcase all the above in the essay, we recommend that candidates leverage LinkedIn and their networks to connect with at least 2-3 people who are actually performing that role they aspire and have a frank conversation to gain a clear and deep understanding of the role.

Once they do that, they can also discuss their present roles and gain an understanding of the transferable skills that can be leveraged for the new role. This understanding is paramount to showcase in a good short-term goal essay.

This helps convince ad-com that you stand a good chance of being shortlisted for that role based on your CV and pedigree during the placement season..  

3. The management consulting bug

One of the biggest aspirations for all MBA candidates who want to shift roles and otherwise is to get into management consulting with a top-tier firm like McKinsey, Bain or BCG .

Irrespective of their current roles and backgrounds, the consultant role is actually the one where your MBA performance and business acumen take precedence.

But even then, when you are showcasing it as your short-term goal, you need to have a clear understanding of the skillsets that define a good consultant and where have you demonstrated those skills in current roles.

For example, skills like problem solving, management communication, data analysis are cornerstones of any good consultant and they need to be showcased in your CV as well as essay.  

Long-term career goals

Coming to long-term career goals, essentially the easiest path and the one taken by most of candidates is to showcase the career ladder growth as the long-term goal.

So, you see yourself as a partner in the consulting firm, you see yourself as a product management leader in the tech firm or as a CXO of a conglomerate.

These are all acceptable as long as there is a clear and straight-line path between short-term and long-term goals. The ad-com sees the logic and ambition here and that’s a tick from their side.   The other category is those who aim to turn entrepreneurs. That is also acceptable as long as there is a defined synergy in your short-term and long-term goals.

As long as ad-com sees that the skillsets you are gaining in short-term career and the industry knowledge and network you are building shall be used in the entrepreneurship venture you are aiming for, they are happy to give you the tick.   Now, if you have read till here, you get to know a little secret. The reality seldom matches the essay. Once you get into the school, there are new interest areas, new avenues that you may end up exploring or change your mind to take a safe bet and stick to same industry.

But it’s important that the story you present in your essay showcases your ambition in a logical way in line with your current career path and also in line with how the college can place you (Read How important are MBA essays ).

After all, their reputation is built on the alumni they have the best positions in top-tier firms!   A strong application generally is one which is able to create a cohesive and persuasive story not only about the career goals of the applicant, but also dovetail it into his past achievements, his extra-curriculars and his personal highlights.

This is the most important ingredient to a successful application.

An admissions consulting team like MBA Crystal Ball, can not only help you discover the right set of career goals, but also help you create an overall impactful story. One that will impress the ad-com enough to invite you for an interview.  

You’ll find some of Vibhav’s success stories at the end of this article: Career Change from Software IT to Product Management after MBA .

And here’s a success story of an ISB reapplicant who used career counselling for MBA admissions .

Mini-MBA | Start here | Success stories | Reality check | Knowledgebase | Scholarships | Services Serious about higher ed? Follow us:                

12 thoughts on “Career goals Essay: Short-term and long-term goals”

I have large experience (8+) in big CPG companies in India in varied sales and marketing (mid-managerial) functions (Sales, Sales Development, Trade Marketing, Customer Marketing). My short term goal is to leverage my experience and work as a strategy consultant with McKinsey for CPG clients. It will not only add to my managerial skills but also help me build and gain insights into cutting edge innovations in the industry.

(Long term Goal) After working 3-4 years as a strategy consultant, I would like to take up a senior management role (Head of Business, CXO) and work in a CPG startup firm in India providing and implementing cutting edge strategies and solutions to break ground and win the market. The startup setup in CPG is a new booming space in India and given the customer base and demand for CPG products, there is tremendous scope in the coming years.

How does my short term and long term goal look? Would this be put down as being too unrealistic? Pls help.

Tough to say per say since consulting is a very common goal. It’ll eventually depend on how well you explain the need for MBA to begin with, and then, why consulting. Why not say CPG itself? Start from there.

Dear Sir, I am currently pursuing B.Tech Marine Engineering and will be sailing in 2021. I plan on sailing 5-7 years and then settle onshore. Although, I am uncertain about the career options available to me. Certainly, I have considered doing MBA and pursuing a job. But at this point, it’s very confusing to have a clear mindset as to what is to be done. I’d highly appreciate if you could guide me and tell what I should be doing and where I should be looking for some more guidance.

Once you’ve sailed for a year or so, see if you want to explore this intervention with us, if still unclear: https://www.mbacrystalball.com/career-counselling

I am a BE (EEE) graduate with following details: 1. 10th – 85% 2. +2 – 94% 3.BE – 81% – 2008 passout

I have Two Years of Experience in Software Testing in ADP India Pvt Limted(2008-2010) and Currently working as Manager in Powergrid Corporation Of India Limited (A Central Govt Mahartna PSU) from 2010. Profile in ADP: Test (Automation) Engineer in ADP – Dealing with Tax and Financial Services for Clients in USA Profile in POWERGRID: 1.Was incharge of execution of Power Transmission Projects of 400kV ,765kV level with Cost of Projects ranging from 250Cr-700Cr. 2. Worked as Special Technical Assitant to Executive Director of Southern Region,India which exposed me to various functions of Organization line HR, Contracts (Procurement Services), Project Management, Supply Chain Management, Operation of one of the Largest Power grids in World etc.. 3. Was part of Competitive Bidding group in Transmission Project which involved preparation of Bids for the projects, Financial Modelling for calculation of returns, Cost Control etc.. As seen from above I have many dots and all of them needs to connected and hence want to pursue a proper MBA.

Now I am interested to do Global MBA in USA . GRE:320. TOEFL will write in July-2020.

How are my chances to get into reasonably Top MBA schools in USA.

Overall profile looks decently poised. We don’t do profile evaluation here. For that, you can start here: https://www.mbacrystalball.com/profile-evaluation

I have persuing my MBA in finance and human resource. I want to do study PHD in management in USA. Please guide me how it is possible.

@Jasbir, start here: https://www.mbacrystalball.com/blog/2018/04/11/phd-after-mba/

Sir i have completed my B tech in textile technology in 2017 since then i am unemployed and preparing for ssc and banking exam. Now in 2020 i would give cat ,mat exam . What are chances of getting a decent or mediocre mba college with a gap of 4 year with no experience and what problem will i face in getting my job

@Ravi, gaps are always very tough to explain: https://www.mbacrystalball.com/blog/2016/04/01/how-to-handle-career-gaps-in-mba-applications/

Beyond chasing another education, you should make a very hard attempt at starting your professional journey first.

Thank you for this amazing exposition. I am currently working as an in-house counsel in a reputable professional regulatory body and I intend to do MBA for the purpose of advancing my career. However, I am not exactly sure what are the career goals for an in-house lawyer like me who seeks to do MBA. I would be glad if I could get some perspectives from you.

@Mide, you are approaching the thing from the wrong end. Don’t decide to do MBA and then figure things out. Think first about what you’d like to do in your career ( https://www.mbacrystalball.com/career-counselling/ ) and then, work backwards from there to assess whether MBA is even needed. Don’t consider an MBA as a be all and end all.

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9 10 Academic Goals Examples to Supercharge Your Student Success

Becoming a successful student involves more than just going to classes and remembering facts for the test. It is about establishing a mentality of learning and evolving continuously, and distinct academic goals are a key aspect of that. These are the lights that lead the way and help you stay on track as you navigate through the trials and tribulations of your studies, whether it’s the demands of testing or the stuff that life throws at you. But, just as importantly, by clearly defining and outlining your academic objectives, you give your study a sense of intention and purpose. Whether it’s achieving a particular GPA, mastering a challenging topic, or participating in enriching extracurricular, strong academic Goals are the foundation of both short- and long-term academic success.  

Establishing concrete goals and the quest of excellence are frequently linked in the academic sphere. Before delving into these Academic Goals Examples, it is important to recognize services like Scholarly Help that provide workable ways to handle several Tasks. With options like pay someone to do my online class , Scholarly Help ensures you stay on track without compromising other responsibilities. This comprehensive guide explores ten powerful academic goals examples designed to elevate your student success to unprecedented heights. Whether your academic goals are designed to improve your critical thinking habits, advance your time management skills, or explore interdisciplinary thinking to further your academic career, they should provide students with a path toward overall intellectual and personal development. Rounding up different students through carefully structured college academic goals. All must necessarily form the basis of individual reality and opportunities.

Mastering Time Management

One of the building blocks for academic achievement is the effective management of time. The ability allows students to combine studies with other activities, namely work, daily life, or personal life. To manage time effectively, learners are recommended to:

• Plan a Weekly Schedule: set certain hours and days to work, study, and engage in other activities; 
• Set Priorities: determine poses that are urgent and important, then focus on a solution; 
• Do not Get Distracted: if some activities or processes are distracting, generate disadvantages.

Enhancing Study Skills

Improving study abilities might result in better comprehension and recall of course material. Students should focus on:

• Active Learning Techniques: Engage with the material such as holding discussions, teaching others, and transforming what one learned to real-life application. 
• Effective Note-Taking: Employ methods like Cornell Note-taking System to organize and refresh notes. 
• Regular Review Sessions: Set regular study dates to refresh one’s memory and prepare for exams.

Setting Specific Academic Targets

Setting clear, specific targets helps students stay motivated and measure progress. Examples of specific academic goals include:

• Achieve Specific GPA:   Aim to reach or maintain a specific grade point average each semester.
• Improving Grades in Challenging Subjects: Identify subjects where improvement is needed and set goals accordingly.
• Completing Assignments Ahead of Deadlines: Plan to finish assignments before the due date to allow time for revisions.

Expanding Knowledge beyond the Classroom

Gaining knowledge outside the classroom can enhance academic performance and provide a broader perspective. Students can achieve this by:

• Reading Extensively: Explore Books, Journals, and articles related to their field of Study.
• Attending Seminars and Workshops: Participate in events offering additional insights and networking opportunities.
• Engaging in Research Projects: Collaborate with professors or peers on research projects to deepen understanding of specific topics.

Developing Critical Thinking Skills

Critical thinking is vital for problem-solving and making informed decisions. Students can cultivate these skills by:

• Questioning Assumptions: Always ask why and consider alternative viewpoints.
• Analyzing Arguments: Evaluate the evidence and logic in different arguments.
• Reflecting on Learning: Regularly review what has been learned and how it applies to real-world situations.

Building Effective Communication Skills

Strong communication skills are essential for academic and professional success. Students can enhance these skills by:

• Participating in Class Discussions: Engage actively in discussions to practice articulating thoughts clearly.
• Writing Regularly: Practice writing essays, reports, and articles to improve writing abilities.
• Presenting Projects: Take opportunities to present work in front of an audience to build confidence and clarity.

Fostering Collaboration and Teamwork

Collaboration with peers can lead to better understanding and innovative solutions. Students should focus on:

• Joining Study Groups: Collaborate with classmates to discuss topics and solve problems together.
• Participating in Group Projects: Develop teamwork and leadership skills by working on group assignments.
• Engaging in Extracurricular Activities: Join clubs and organizations that encourage teamwork and collective problem-solving.

Seeking Feedback and Continuous Improvement

Constructive feedback helps identify areas for improvement and guide academic growth. Students should:

• Ask for Feedback: Request feedback from professors and peers on assignments and presentations.
• Reflect on Criticism: Use feedback to identify strengths and weaknesses, developing action plans for improvement.
• Commit to Lifelong Learning: Embrace continuous learning and improvement in all aspects of life.

Utilizing Academic Resources

Taking full advantage of available academic resources can enhance learning and performance. Students should:

• Visit the Library Regularly: Utilize resources for research and study.
• Use Online Databases: Access academic journals and articles online to support studies.
• Seek Academic Support Services: Utilize tutoring, writing centers, and academic advising offered by the institution.

Preparing for Future Careers with Academic Goals

Setting academic goals with future careers in mind provides direction and motivation. Students should:

• Identify Career Goals: Determine career aspirations and align academic goals accordingly.
• Gain Relevant Experience: Pursue internships, part-time jobs, and volunteer opportunities related to the field of study.
• Develop Professional Skills: Focus on skills like resume writing, interviewing, and networking to prepare for the job market.

Setting and meeting academic goals necessitates dedication, strategic planning, and consistent effort. By focusing on these ten academic goal examples, students can improve their learning experience, and performance, and set themselves up for future success. Remember that the key to academic success is to set specific, attainable goals and work hard to meet them.

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• Published: 21 May 2024

Goal setting in later life: an international comparison of older adults’ defined goals

• Elissa Burton   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0001-6470-8305 1 , 2 ,
• Jill Chonody 3 ,
• Barbra Teater 4 &
• Sabretta Alford 5  

BMC Geriatrics volume  24 , Article number:  443 ( 2024 ) Cite this article

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Studies of goal setting in later life tend to focus on health-related goal setting, are pre-determined by the researcher (i.e., tick box), and/or are focused on a specific geographical area (i.e., one country). This study sought to understand broader, long-term goals from the perspective of older adults (65 + years) from Australia, New Zealand (NZ), United Kingdom (UK), Ireland, Canada, and the United States of America (USA).

Through a cross-sectional, online survey ( N  = 1,551), this exploratory study examined the qualitative goal content of older adults. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data, and bivariate analyses were used to compare thematic differences between regions and by participants’ sex.

Over 60% of the participants reported setting goals, and participants from the Australia-NZ and Canada-USA regions were more likely to set goals than the UK-Ireland region. The following six overarching themes were identified from the 946 goals reported: health and well-being; social connections and engagement; activities and experiences; finance and employment; home and lifestyle; and attitude to life.

Conclusions

This study supports previous research that demonstrates that older adults can and do set personal goals that are wide ranging. These findings support the need for health professionals to consider different methods for elucidating this important information from older adults that builds rapport and focuses on aspects viewed as more important by the older adult and therefore potentially produces improved health outcomes.

Peer Review reports

Ageist assumptions likely influence gerontological health care workers’ perceptions of personal goal setting in older people in that they may falsely believe that they are not intent on pursuing goals beyond those related to functional abilities (e.g., improved mobility) [ 1 ]. However, “new paradigms are needed to provide guidance and support as adults move into the later decades of life, strive to maintain their independence, intent upon aging in place” [ 2 , p.205]. This change in perspective is consistent with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Active Aging Policy, which was developed to address the global growth in older adults and to facilitate and grow social and community connection [ 3 ]. “Active,” from the WHO’s position, is related to ongoing participation and was not meant to singularly describe health maintenance [ 4 ]. The aging process is influenced by six determinants—social, biological, behavioral, personal, health and social services, and economic—that act in concert to create individual experiences of growing older. Gender and culture are “cross-cutting determinants” given that each contributes to greater barriers and privileges. Moreover, aging is reframed as a life-long process, not something that happens at a predetermined age [ 4 ]. This framework directly informs a new paradigm of personal goal setting with its emphasis on self-determination that empowers individual decision making and inclusivity across the active aging spectrum.

Self-Determination Theory is “an empirically derived theory of human motivation and personality in social contexts that differentiates motivation in terms of being autonomous and controlled” [ 5 , p.416]. This theory emphasizes not just the need for goals, but also the content of one’s goals [ 6 , 7 ]. That is, goals may have an intrinsic motivation, such as personal growth, or health. On the other hand, goals may represent extrinsic content, such as social recognition, or financial success, which focuses on the positive evaluation of others [ 7 , 8 ]. Goal content is important given its association with subjective well-being. Those who are intrinsically motivated have greater well-being than those that are extrinsically motivated, which is associated with ill-being in at least some studies (e.g [ 6 , 7 ]).

Many contemporary studies address goal setting in later adult life stages; however, these studies tend to focus on health-related goal setting, such as care goals for serious illness (e.g., Ouchi, George [ 9 ]), health care preferences (e.g., Tinetti, Costello [ 10 ]) or diabetes (e.g., Kalyani, Golden [ 11 ]). Studies on personal goal setting are often dated (10 + years), and as the Baby Boomers enter older adulthood, shifts in personal goal setting is likely. The “me generation” may expect that choices are always readily available [ 12 ] and set their goals accordingly.

Personal goals have an important influence on life satisfaction and are often studied within this context. In a Canadian study of older adults, participants who had many future goals had less regret, which in turn supported a better quality of life [ 11 ]. Future goals also predicted greater life satisfaction for older people [ 13 ] as well as health and quality of life for frail older adults [ 14 ]. When examining goal content, older adults placed greater importance on intrinsic goals which were positively associated with well-being, whereas extrinsic goals were not [ 15 ].

Furthermore, studies exploring goal setting by older adults tend to be researcher driven in that pre-determined goals are provided and then rated for degree of importance, which creates a lacuna of research from the perspective of older people. For example, A study of older people in Hong Kong sought to understand differences for the young-old (i.e., 54–73 years old) and old-old (i.e., 74 years and up; Au, Ng [ 16 ]) with the six-domains of the “Goals Questionnaire Success Subscale” (as cited in Au et al. [ 16 ]). Thus, limiting respondents’ goals to these areas.

In addition, personal goal setting studies are typically conducted in a single country [ 13 – 18 ]. However, multi-country studies shed light on how culture may play a role and thus inform intervention development. Thus, there is much still to learn about personal goal setting by older adults. This study sought to address these gaps by elevating the voices of older people residing in Australia, New Zealand (NZ), the United Kingdom (UK), Ireland, Canada and the United States of America (USA) by initially identifying if they set goals, and for those that did, qualitatively examining their personal goals.

This was a cross-sectional, exploratory study, distributed by online survey (using Qualtrics). This study on older adults’ goals was part of a larger survey that included questions about successful aging, living a long life, where older adults would like to live as they age, and what they need to do to stay living in their home for the rest of their life. The current analyses focuses on older adults’ goals. This study received ethical approval from [Curtin] University (HRE-2021-0587). The first question of the survey required participants to provide consent to being involved. Those who said no to giving consent were not permitted to continue completing the survey.

Setting and sample

Prior to the distribution of the survey, a pilot test was conducted with four older adults. Two were Australians living in a regional area, one was Australian living in the suburbs surrounding a capital city and one was Scottish. Changes suggested by the pilot participants were made, such as asking age rather than birth year. At the conclusion of the pilot study, the survey was sent out to older adults through multiple channels including: (1) to older adults who previously agreed to be included in a research participant database; (2) a link in the Council of the Ageing Western Australia newsletter and the Strength for Life newsletter; (3) an advert on the Injury Matters website; (4) multiple Facebook adverts that included Australia, NZ, the UK, Ireland, Canada and the USA; and (5) multiple X (formerly twitter) posts, posted from Australia and the USA accounts. These countries were included because they were all English speaking, included at least two countries within a region of the world, and had large Facebook memberships, which allowed a large sample of people to be surveyed. The survey was distributed, and data were collected between September 2021 until April 2022.

Participants were eligible to participate in the study if they were 65 years or older, able to understand and communicate in English, and had access to the internet and/or social media. If a person did not meet these criteria, they were unable to complete the survey. Sample size calculations were based on older populations (i.e., 65 years and over) of the three regions participating in the study: (1) Australia and NZ, (2) the UK (i.e., England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales) and Ireland, and (3) Canada and the USA. Considering a confidence interval of 95% and a 5% margin of error, a sample size of at least 385 survey completions was required for each region.

Instrumentation

Participants were asked to complete demographic questions that included age, sex, where they lived (i.e. capital city and surrounding suburbs; regional city; regional area (i.e. small town, farming, etc.) or remote), who they lived with, education level, employment status, number of children, number of prescribed medications and ability to complete activities of daily living such as going to the toilet, completing own shower or bath and dressing (i.e., no difficulty, some difficulty, moderate difficulty, need help). They were also asked to complete the following questions: “Have you set goals for yourself that you would like to achieve?” (yes/no). Those who answered yes, were then asked, “If you are happy to share, can you please describe what goals you are trying to achieve currently?” (open-ended). This reduced the opportunity for the researchers to influence their answers.

Additionally, a back button was also not included on the survey. As the pilot study participants moved through the survey and were asked different questions, they explained how they thought of additional answers to previous questions due to these new questions. The researchers did not want the participants’ previous answers to be led by these new questions and therefore did not allow the back button to be included in this final, distributed survey. No incentive was offered for completing the survey.

Data analysis

Participant demographic data were checked for normality of distribution and summarized using means and standard deviations for continuous data and frequency distribution for categorical data or non-parametric tests where required. T -tests, ANOVAs and chi-square tests were used for continuous and categorical group comparisons, respectively. SPSS v27 was used for data analysis, and significance levels were set at alpha = 0.05.

Qualitative data (i.e., open ended questions) were initially analyzed using thematic analysis [ 19 , 20 ]. Familiarization of the data was essential, and the data set was read multiple times prior to commencing analysis. Codes were then generated initially by one researcher (EB) across the entire data set, with many codes interconnected between each other. Codes were then developed into potential sub-themes and were reviewed and discussed amongst the four authors (EB, BT, JC, SA), these sub-themes were then reviewed multiple times, and themes were generated that encapsulated a number of sub-themes within each. These themes were then reviewed and discussed by the research team (EB, BT, JC, SA) and final names of themes were agreed. A thematic map was then developed illustrating how the sub-themes were placed within themes. Given the large number of survey participants involved, after completing the thematic analysis, (multiple) themes and sub-themes were then aligned to each participant in SPSS based on their answers, to allow for further analysis between sexes and regions. For example, ID1471 reported their goals were “ Stay active Travel Be open minded Listen to grandchildren Express gratitude.” In SPSS, ID1471’s answers were added to over-arching theme columns: Health and wellbeing; Social connection and engagement; Activities and experiences; and Attitude to life. These answers were then added to the sub-themes columns in SPSS, and for this participant included Exercise/physical activity/get fitter; Travel; Being positive and open; Spending time with family (or help them); Be kind-happy-respectful. This process was completed for each participant by the lead researcher and then checked by two authors (BT, JC).

Study participants

Fifteen hundred and fifty-one participants completed the online survey. The mean age was 72.6 (± 5.7) years, and three-quarters were female. A third (32.5%, n  = 530) of participants were born in the UK, 20.1% ( n  = 327) in Australia, 17.1% ( n  = 279) in Canada, 8.9% ( n  = 145) in the USA, 6.6% ( n  = 108) in NZ, and 6.7% ( n  = 110) in Ireland. Country they were living in when they completed the survey included Australia, 29.2% ( n  = 479), UK, 21.3% ( n  = 350), Canada, 20.9% ( n  = 342), USA, 7.6% ( n  = 124), Ireland, 7.9% ( n  = 129), New Zealand, 7.4% ( n  = 122). The full demographics data for the participants including a breakdown for each of the three regions: Australia/NZ; UK, Ireland and Europe; and Canada and the USA are in Table  1 . The number of participants from Europe was very small ( n  = 5, Italy = 4, Portugal = 1) and were therefore combined into the UK and Ireland region.

Statistically significant differences were found between the UK-Ireland region and Canada-USA region for age, with the Canada-USA region being older. Significantly more participants from the Australia-NZ region lived in a capital city or the surrounding suburbs compared to the other two regions. Significantly more from Australia-NZ, Canada-USA lived in regional cities compared to the UK-Ireland and significantly more participants from the UK-Ireland lived in a regional area compared to the other two regions. The UK-Ireland and Canada-USA regions both had significantly more participants who had completed an undergraduate degree than the Australia-NZ region. Whereas post-graduate degree completion was reported significantly more often by Australia-NZ participants compared to the other two regions. The Australia-NZ region reported significantly more children than the Canada-USA region. Australia-NZ also had significantly more participants who had help in the home compared to the UK-Ireland region. No significant differences for sex, employment status, medications prescribed and ability to complete activities of daily living were found.

Do older people set goals they would like to achieve?

Almost two-thirds (63.0%, n  = 977) of the survey participants stated they set goals they wanted to achieve. The Australia-NZ (67.1%; n  = 403) and Canada-USA (65.5%; n  = 305) regions were significantly more likely to set goals than the UK-Ireland region (55.6%; n  = 269), χ 2 (2, n  = 1,551) = 16.875, p  < 0.0001. Of the 63.0% who reported they set goals, 67.4% ( n  = 659) described their goals in an open-ended response. Many participants reported multiple goals within their response. In total, there were 1,773 goals themed, Australia-NZ averaged 1.66 per participant ( n  = 683 total number of goals), Canada-USA 1.42 per participant ( n  = 538), and UK-Ireland 1.12 per participant ( n  = 552) (see Table  1 ). UK-Ireland averaged significantly fewer goals per person than Australia-NZ and Canada-USA.

Types of goals – overarching themes

Six overarching themes were identified from 946 goals reported, these are presented in Table  2 . ‘Activities and experiences’ was the most frequently mentioned theme, followed by ‘health and wellbeing’ and ‘social connections and engagement.’ There was a statistically significant difference for ‘social connections and engagement’ with the UK-Ireland reporting these fewer times than participants from Australia-NZ and Canada-USA. Australia-NZ participants were significantly more likely to report ‘activities and experiences’ as a goal compared to Canada-USA and ‘home and lifestyle’ significantly more than both of the other regions. Canada-USA were significantly more likely to report goals around ‘finances and employment’ compared to the UK-Ireland.

Due to the small number of participants identifying as non-binary ( n  = 3), transgender ( n  = 1) and intersex ( n  = 1) the analysis only included those identifying as male or female for the differences between sexes questions. Females provided on average 2.06 responses and males 1.86. ‘Activities and experiences’, followed by ‘health and wellbeing’ and ‘social connections and engagements’ were the three highest reported goals respectively for females (see Table  2 ). Males reported ‘activities and experiences’, ‘social connections and engagements’ and then ‘health and wellbeing’ as their top three reported goals. There were significant differences between the sexes for ‘health and wellbeing’ and ‘home and lifestyle’ where it was more likely to be reported by females, whereas males were significantly more likely to report ‘finance and employment’ as part of their goals.

Types of goals – sub-themes

The overarching themes were derived from 38 sub-themes, which are illustrated in Fig.  1 Conceptual map. ‘Activities and experiences’ included the largest number of sub-themes with 10 identified. Examples included hobbies, learning new skills, gardening, writing books, breaking records, being useful, travel and doing things that are fun. ‘Social connection and engagement’ included eight sub-themes, such as spending time with family and friends, volunteering, engaging with the community or outdoors and having a pet. ‘Health and wellbeing’ and ‘attitude to life’ both had six sub-themes, whereas ‘finance and employment’ and ‘home and lifestyle’ included four sub-themes respectively.

Conceptual map of the goals

Table  3 presents the 38 sub-themes by region. The most prevalent sub-themes were exercise/physical activity/get fitter (35.6%), travel (28.6%), general health and wellbeing (22.6%) and spending time with family (or helping them) (20.6%). The Australia-NZ region was significantly more likely to report general health and wellbeing and gardening as important goals compared to both the UK-Ireland and Canada-USA. Australia-NZ and Canada-USA regions were also significantly more likely to state helping others and volunteering, and spending time with friends as goals compared to the UK-Ireland region. Healthy eating and maintaining weight was reported significantly more often by participants from Canada-USA than Australia-NZ. The Australia-NZ region was also significantly more likely to report spending time with family (or helping them) and stay living independently than participants living in the UK-Ireland region. Faith and spiritual connection, including going to church and meditating was reported significantly more often for Canada-US compared to both Australia-NZ and the UK-Ireland. However, the UK-Ireland were significantly more likely to state starting or completing educational courses and learning new skills as goals compared to those in the Canada-USA region. Finally, Canada-USA were more likely to report staying alive as a goal compared to the UK-Ireland.

Table  4 presents the sub-theme goals by sex, with 963 goals identified. Females identified exercise/physical activity/getting fitter (38.8%), travel (30.3%) and general health and wellbeing (22.3%) as their three most reported sub-theme goals. This was the same as the males, however only 23.8% of males reported exercise/physical activity/getting fitter as the most important sub-theme goal and 22.3% general health and wellbeing and travel, at equal second. Travel, healthy eating and maintaining weight, exercise/physical activity/getting fitter, losing weight, and learning new skills were all reported significantly more by females than males. Whereas males reported competing/breaking world records/challenging oneself, financial security/independence/getting out of debt, living to 100/growing old gracefully and in good health, remarrying/marry/relationships/sex life and staying alive significantly more often than females.

This study found that the majority of older adults, living in different regions of the world, are setting personal goals. Six over-arching themes were identified from the data and not only included “health and well-being,” like much of the previous research in this area, but also an array of other factors that were identified as important in an older person’s life. Additionally, some of the themes aligned with the six determinants of active aging identified in the WHO’s Active Aging Policy [ 4 ], such as health, social, personal, and economic factors.

“Health and well-being” were identified by more than half of the participants in this study, which is similar to other studies exploring older adults’ personal goals. However, many of the sub-themes, such as physical activity, exercise, improving nutrition, controlling pain, or maintaining function, were also identified as higher, overarching themes within previous research [ 2 , 17 , 21 ]. This may be because fewer goals were described by participants in previous research or closed questions (tick boxes) were used in data collection. Also, unlike previous research, this current study included multi-country perspectives using the same open-answer questionnaire during the same time period, which may have increased the breadth of goals that were provided when compared to single country studies.

Working with older people to create future goals has been found to increase life satisfaction and quality of life [ 13 ]; thus, this may be a key way to intervene after a health issue arises. However, health interventions geared toward older people tend to give them “what is considered to be needed, but not what they want or hope for” [ 22 , p. 299]. New ways to achieve goals that promote active aging continue to increase [ 2 ], and health care providers, social workers, and others may facilitate continued growth in this area by assisting older people in their goal setting and planning. For example, soliciting and focusing on self-defined goals when working with older adults can provide a sense of agency in creating a future that best supports and enhances their quality of life and overall well-being. Additionally, public health policies that aim to promote healthy aging could integrate elements of goal setting for older adults that focus on specific aspects of “activities and experiences” and “social connections and engagement” alongside health promotion and engagement. Those who work with older adults will need to shift their attitudes toward goal setting [ 2 ] by focusing their energy on self-determination and elevating the voices of older adults as well as moving beyond care goals. Arguably, health goals are essential to much of this work, but a holistic approach is needed to improve subjective well-being and overall life satisfaction and to build trust and rapport.

“Activities and experiences” was the most prevalent theme across the six regions, which have been described in previous research under the guise of leisure [ 22 ], cultural activities, volunteering, skill development [ 23 ], travel [ 21 ], and intellectual pursuits [ 2 ]. Yet none of this previous research covered the range of activities older people enjoy and how it differs depending on the country or sex of the participants. Nor have they illustrated that “activities and experiences” are perceived as more important as personal goals than “health and well-being” or “social connections and engagement” by older adults. This research illustrates the importance of “activities and experiences” for older adults and that they want to continue participating, and in some cases, achieving in activities they enjoy (e.g., breaking world records). Health professionals could consider discussing whether these are of importance to their older patients, and if so, linking their health and rehabilitative goals to the “activities and experiences” of their choice. This approach is often described in the reablement literature. Reablement being defined broadly as a person-centered approach aimed at enhancing a person’s physical and/or other functioning to increase or maintain independence in meaningful activities of daily living [ 24 ]. However, goals are often focused around health, function, or social connections rather than “activities or experiences” [ 24 , 25 ].

“Social connections and engagement” were also identified in the top three themes for both sex and region. Females in this current study placed greater emphasis on “health and well-being” (second highest) as a goal, whereas males identified “social connections and engagement” as more important than their “health and wellbeing” goals. This may be due to women already prioritizing “social connections and engagement” [ 26 ] and therefore not feeling a need to include it as a goal. Similarly, fewer males noted exercise or physical fitness as a priority, yet research shows older age males are often more physically active than females [ 27 ]. Thus, they may not include this as a personal goal if it is already being achieved. However, this is outside the scope of this study, and it is not possible to be certain on the reasons why these goals were prioritized by the different sexes. Focus groups or interviews could facilitate greater understanding of how gender influences goal-setting.

“Finance and employment” were perceived as important to participants in the Australia/New Zealand and Canada/USA regions, but not as much in the UK/Ireland. It is difficult to determine why this may be the case, but potentially the different pension systems and health and social care systems may play a role. Males were also significantly more likely to include financial security, independence, and getting out of debt as goals compared to females. This study did not explore reasons why, and we are therefore unable to speculate as to why this was the case. Perhaps traditional gender role socialization plays a role in personal goal setting. “Finances and employment” were not commonly described in previous research looking at personal goals of older adults, but it has been described within zero-sum, extrinsic frameworks [ 28 , 29 ]. Future research is needed to examine these connections, generationally and by gender identity.

The Australia/NZ region were significantly more likely to include “home and lifestyle” goals than both the UK/Ireland and Canada/USA regions. Also, the Australia/NZ region had almost twice the proportion of participants living in a capital city or regional city compared to the other two regions and far fewer in regional and remote areas. Study participants were not asked whether they owned their own home or rented, and this may have provided one reason as to why it was more of a goal for some than others. Other studies exploring personal goals of older adults rarely included “home and lifestyle” factors within their work. This is an area ripe for further examination as it relates to aging in place and what meaning the home has for older people as they age.

Enjoying life and having a positive attitude to life has been included in previous goals research for older adults [ 2 , 23 ], and like this current study, it was not of the highest priority when setting their goals. However, having a positive attitude, enjoying life, and being kind and respectful is viewed as important enough by older people to be included in their personal goals. Educating health care providers, social workers, and others who primarily work with older people through continuing education programs run by their disciplines (e.g., Australian Physiotherapy Association), online courses or webinars (national societies e.g., Gerontological Society of America) would allow them to think about goal setting beyond specific health care needs and promote greater generativity and well-being.

There are a number of strengths of this study, including open questions with no examples provided for types of goals to include, therefore reducing the opportunity for bias and only capturing the thoughts of the participants. Collecting data across multiple countries simultaneously using the same questionnaire has, to our knowledge, not been conducted previously in personal goal setting and provides an opportunity to directly compare perspectives of older people across three regions of the world. Multi-country studies have been undertaken previously, but they linked data between countries after data collection was completed, and often the questions being asked were not worded exactly the same across the different countries. Limitations included only involving English speaking countries in the questionnaire and predominantly including people with access to the internet and who were Facebook users. There was also an over-representation of females and ethnicity and income were not collected. There is also a chance that how we described where someone was living may have been misinterpreted between capital city and surrounding suburbs and how this is described across the different countries included in the study. We also combined countries to explore the three regions and there may have been differences between the countries, for example with USA and Canada having different healthcare systems.

This study supports the notion that older adults can and do set personal goals and that they are wide ranging. Goal setting is prevalent in health care, but research often states from the health professionals’ perspective that it is difficult to identify goals or that older adults either do not like or find it difficult to set goals [ 30 ]. Perhaps other factors, such as the approach to identifying these goals, the way the question about goal setting is phrased, or lack of time given to the older person to think about their goals are greater issues than their ability to identify them. Health professionals may like to consider different methods for elucidating this important information from their patients that solicits self-defined goals and includes programming that factor in elements of activities and experiences and social connections and engagement.

Data availability

The datasets used and/or analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Abbreviations

New Zealand

Statistical Packages for the Social Sciences

United Kingdom

United States of America

World Health Organization

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the thousands of older adults who participated in the research study and completed the survey.

This work was support by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Investigator Grant for Associate Professor Burton [Grant Number: APP1174739]. The funders had no role in this research outside of funding.

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Jill Chonody

College of Staten Island, Department of Social Work, City University of New York, Staten Island, NY, USA

Barbra Teater

The Graduate Center, PhD in Social Welfare, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA

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EB, JC, BT conceptualized the study, EB collected the data, EB analyzed the data, all authors interpreted the findings after initial analysis. EB, JC wrote the first draft, all authors read, edited and approve the final manuscript.

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Correspondence to Elissa Burton .

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Ethics approval was received from Curtin University Human Research Ethics Committee University (HRE-2021-0587). The first question of the survey required participants to provide consent to being involved. Those who said no to giving consent were not permitted to continue completing the survey. Informed consent was obtained from all participants.

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Burton, E., Chonody, J., Teater, B. et al. Goal setting in later life: an international comparison of older adults’ defined goals. BMC Geriatr 24 , 443 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-024-05017-x

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Received : 29 January 2024

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DOI : https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-024-05017-x

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My 6 Biggest Goals for 2024

Posted on Published: December 31, 2023

Categories Motivation

The new year is always a time to reflect on a past experiences and create a detailed plan for the future. But, creating personal goals and professional goals in isolation can be difficult. My hope is that sharing my goals and aspirations examples, you will get some clarity for your future plans.

Setting Goals That Truly Matter

It’s very common for people to set short-term goals and achieve short term success. Setting a specific goal and diligently working on an action plan to achieve it forms part of a larger picture. You need to have a clear idea about the long term vision for your life. In essence you need to think bigger.

A Journey of Self-Discovery and Achievement

Welcome to Nomad Veronica, my corner of the internet that includes a mash up of all my experience that I believe could have a positive impact on society. As a passionate advocate for personal development and a thought leader in lifestyle transformation, I’m thrilled to share with you my journey and insights. Today, we are discussing a skill set that is an essential aspect of our lives: setting goals and aspirations examples that resonate with our true selves. Smart goals are more than just a mental list, the best way is to create a physical document showing the next step to a future that aligns with our deepest desires and values.

• My 2024 Goals
• 14 Different Types of Goals

The Realization That Changed Everything

Seven years ago, I experienced a pivotal lightbulb moment. It dawned on me that the life I had meticulously built was a reflection of societal expectations, not my innermost dreams. Like many, I was caught in the roller coaster of living a life shaped by others’ opinions and social norms. But that moment of clarity was a game-changer. It taught me an invaluable lesson: our time on this earth isn’t meant for pleasing others, but for living authentically.

Goals and Aspirations: Your Personal Compass

This revelation led me to a profound understanding of the importance of goal setting. Each year, I dedicate time to reflect and set new goals, ensuring they are a true representation of what I yearn for in life. The focus extends beyond achieving long-term career goals or certain milestones, ensuring each step aligns with my core values and personal aspirations is crucial.

A Friendly Guide to Your 2024 Goals

As we step into 2024, I encourage you to join me in this journey of introspection and goal setting. Let’s dig into the essence of what makes us tick, steering clear of societal molds. The time has come to reflect on our true desires and  identify genuine goals  and aspirations. What are my true goals and aspirations examples? Remember, goal setting is not merely a task but a compelling method to live life according to one’s own terms.

Embark on a Path of Fulfillment

With each goal we set, we move closer to our ultimate career aspiration, personal growth, and true happiness. Each goal, be it in professional development, personal health, or embracing new challenges, acts as a foundation for an authentic life.

So, let’s embark on this journey together. Through this blog post, I’ll share my 6 biggest goals for 2024 and how I plan to achieve them. My hope is that it inspires you to create a list of goals and aspirations examples that truly reflect who you are and who you want to be.

Goal #1 Monetizing the Blog

Since you are currently reading my blog, you may be curious to know my goals as a business owner. Examples of career goals are by far the most common when it comes to articles about setting goals for the new year.

The Road to 600 New Posts: Content is King

Creating a Content Powerhouse

To truly monetize a blog, content reigns supreme. My first micro-goal is ambitious yet crucial: publishing 600 new blog posts within the year. This initiative goes beyond enhancing my personal website, it involves adding value, improving reader engagement, and solidifying my position as a thought leader in the realms of nomadic lifestyle, entrepreneurship, motivation, and travel spheres. Each post will be a blend of inspiration, practical tips, and personal anecdotes, aimed at driving substantial traffic and increasing visibility.

Family Travel Hacking E-Course

Sharing Knowledge, Building Revenue

An exciting venture on my monetization journey is developing and launching a Family Travel Hacking E-course to add to my existing course lineup . By tapping into my own experiences and expertise, this course aims to empower families to travel smartly and affordably. The synergy created by imparting knowledge, elevating my personal brand, and generating a new income stream is ideal. This new e-course represents more than a mere product, it serves as a significant milestone on my professional career and educational journey in the travel sector.

Achieving 50,000 Monthly Sessions: Expanding Reach

Growing the Audience, Growing the Blog

Another critical goal is reaching 50,000 monthly sessions. This goal, represented by a specific figure, symbolizes the blog’s influence and its monetization potential via advertising and sponsorships. Achieving this requires strategic planning, leveraging SEO, and continuously refining the user experience. Every session counts as a step towards a thriving, profitable blog .

YouTube Integration:

Embracing Multimedia for Wider Reach

Incorporating YouTube content is about adapting to the changing landscape of content consumption. By creating engaging videos that complement my blog posts, I aim to reach a wider audience and open up new monetization channels. This integration signifies a dynamic shift in my content strategy, catering to diverse preferences of my growing audience.

Expanding Product Lines Beyond Blogging

Crafting Unique Products for a Loyal Audience

Expanding digital and print-on-demand products is an extension of my creative expression and entrepreneurial spirit. From ebooks to customized travel gear, each product is designed to resonate with my audience’s lifestyle and interests. This not only diversifies income streams but also strengthens the connection with my community.

Launching a Public Speaking Career

Taking the Stage to Share and Inspire

Lastly, launching a public speaking career is about taking my message beyond the digital realm. Speaking engagements at conferences, workshops, and events will not only elevate my profile as an industry expert but also open doors to new monetization opportunities. Sharing my journey, inspiring others, and expanding my network intimately embodies this mission.

Goal #2 Expanding My Network

Direct connection with the audience.

Targeting a Broader Community

A key aspect of expanding my network involves growing my email list by 10,000 subscribers. The focus extends beyond mere numbers to nurturing a direct and intimate connection with the larger community. By offering valuable content, exclusive updates, and engaging newsletters, I aim to not only increase my subscriber count but also build a loyal and interactive audience. This effort plays a significant role in my long-term goals of creating a supportive and engaged community.

LinkedIn Growth

Cultivating a Strong Professional Network

Expanding my network on LinkedIn by 1,000 contacts is crucial for professional development and career advancement. LinkedIn serves as more than a platform for career transitions, it’s a nexus for engaging with industry leaders, potential employers, and professionals with similar interests. By actively engaging, sharing insights, and participating in discussions, I’ll be positioning myself as a thought leader and opening doors to new career development and collaborations.

Follow me on LinkedIn

Social Media Influence

Boosting Presence Across Platforms

Boosting social media followers across platforms is integral to my digital strategy. Social media, from Instagram to Twitter , is a powerful tool for personal brand promotion, professional aspirations, and connecting with a diverse audience. Through consistent, quality content and interactive engagement, I aim to attract and retain followers who resonate with my journey and aspirations.

Follow me on Pinterest

Find me on Facebook

Follow me on TikTok

Podcast Appearances

Engaging with Audiences through Conversations

Being interviewed on 6 podcasts is a strategic move to amplify my voice and story. Podcasts offer a unique platform for in-depth discussions, sharing experiences, and connecting with a new audience. These appearances are not just about sharing my journey, they’re about establishing myself as an authority in my field and contributing to meaningful conversations.

Guest Blogging

Writing to Reach New Audiences

Writing 12 guest posts on reputable blogs is a deliberate step towards reaching new audiences and strengthening my online presence. Guest blogging is a great way to share expertise, gain exposure, and build relationships with fellow bloggers and their audiences. Employing this mutually advantageous strategy perfectly supports my objectives of broadening my network and advancing professionally.

Joint Promotions

Partnering for Greater Impact

Finally, collaborating on 2 joint promotions is about leveraging collective strengths for greater impact. These collaborations are not just about boosting visibility but also about learning from peers, sharing resources, and creating valuable content that benefits both parties’ audiences. Adopting this strategic method facilitates both networking and professional advancement.

Goal #3 Personal Health

Embracing the run: 30 miles a week.

Committing to Consistent Movement

A cornerstone of my personal health goal to lose 50 lbs is running 30 miles per week. This commitment goes beyond mere calorie burning to encompass a lifestyle transformation, enhanced physical fitness, and improved  time management . Regular running will not only aid in weight loss but also boost my mental health and endurance. This disciplined approach is crucial for achieving my ultimate goal of a healthier self.

Health related goals and aspirations examples are the most broken New Year’s resolutions. Be extra vigilant to stay focused if you have a health goal for 2024.

Water as the Primary Drink

Choosing Health with Every Sip

Switching to drinking exclusively water marks a significant shift in my dietary habits. By phasing out sugary drinks and caffeine, I’m prioritizing hydration and purity in my diet. This simple yet powerful change is a stepping stone towards better health and plays a vital role in my weight loss journey. It’s a clear plan that’s easy to follow and highly effective.

Mindful Eating: Portion Control and Daily Activity

Balancing Diet and Exercise

Integrating portion control and physical activity into my daily routine is about creating a sustainable lifestyle change. The goal emphasizes mindful eating and integrating consistent physical activity , from brisk walks to home workouts. This approach involves deliberate decisions that support both personal health goals and long-term wellness.

Cutting Out Coffee: Reducing Dependence

A Step Towards Healthier Habits

Phasing off coffee is part of my broader strategy to reduce dependency on stimulants and embrace natural energy. Reducing caffeine intake plays a role in enhancing sleep quality, lowering anxiety, and improving overall health. Undertaking this challenge is a vital part of my journey towards better health.

Diet Transformation: More Vegetables, Less Meat

Revamping Eating Habits for Better Health

Adjusting my diet to reduce meat consumption and increase vegetable intake is a crucial part of my weight loss plan. This shift towards a more plant-based diet is not only beneficial for weight management but also for long-term health and sustainability. Nourishing my body with what it genuinely needs represents a deliberate decision for my well-being.

Setting a 6 PM Cut-Off

Discipline in Dining Times

Implementing a rule of no eating after 6 PM is about instilling discipline in my eating habits. This practice aids in better digestion and weight management. Employing this strategy helps curb late-night snacking, aligning with my aspiration for a healthier lifestyle.

Goal #4 Move to Portugal

Finding the perfect rental with a pool.

Laying the Foundations of a New Life

More than just moving, this is about creating a living space that brings comfort and joy to my family and me. The first step in my journey to move to Portugal is finding the ideal rental house , complete with a pool. A home with a pool symbolizes the leisurely lifestyle I aspire to in Portugal, enhancing our quality of life and providing a serene retreat. This goal is the starting point of a significant life transition and a crucial part of our strategic planning for the move.

Enrolling the Girls in School

Prioritizing My Children’s Education

An essential aspect of our move is finding a suitable school for my daughters. Selecting the right school involves more than logistics, it’s crucial for ensuring a seamless transition and ongoing academic success for my children. By researching and selecting the right school, I am investing in their personal development and making sure that our move positively impacts their academic journey. This decision plays a significant role in our family’s successful adjustment to life in Portugal.

Establishing Friendships and Citizenship Steps

Forming Bonds and Navigating Legalities

Establishing friendships and understanding the steps towards citizenship are vital for integrating into our new community in Portugal. This goal encompasses networking, building relationships with locals, and navigating the legal aspects of becoming residents. By actively participating in community life and understanding the citizenship process , we aim to lay down roots and truly belong in our new home.

Learning Portuguese

Connecting Through Language

Mastering Portuguese transcends learning a new language, it’s an immersion into the culture, enhancing effective communication in our new environment. This endeavor is key to feeling connected and making the most of our experiences in Portugal. By dedicating time to language learning, I am taking a significant step towards integration and understanding, essential for our family’s successful transition.

Moving My Parents to Portugal

Bringing the Family Together

A heartfelt goal in our move is to bring my parents to Portugal. Moving my parents represents not only a change in location but a continuation of our family narrative in a setting that enriches our lives, keeping us united and supportive throughout this transformative journey.

Cultural Immersion

Diving Deep into Portuguese Culture

Engaging with Portuguese culture, through educational classes and tours, extends beyond mere recreation, it’s an integral aspect of understanding and valuing our new surroundings. Participating in activities like cooking classes, historical tours, or art workshops is a journey towards forming a deeper bond with Portugal and its rich heritage. Embracing Portugal’s unique culture, traditions, and history is the essence of this journey.

Goal #5 Invest in Assets

Purchasing grandmother’s house in japan.

A Connection to Roots and Legacy

The journey to invest in assets begins with purchasing my grandmother’s house in Japan. Investing in my grandmother’s house goes beyond mere finance, serving as a means to preserve our family legacy and connect with my ancestral heritage. Acquiring this property symbolizes a blend of personal values and smart investing, ensuring a piece of my family history continues to be part of our future.

Using a DSCR Loan for Oregon Property

Expanding Portfolio with Calculated Moves

Utilizing a Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) loan to invest in an Oregon property marks a strategic step in expanding my investment portfolio. Acquiring the Oregon property involves smart financing strategies to enhance the returns on this investment. The Oregon property represents a calculated choice to diversify my assets and strengthen my financial foundation.

Investing in Startups JetSet Sidekick and Toger

Empowering New Ventures

Investing in my startups JetSet Sidekick and Toger to catapult into the dynamic world of entrepreneurship. These investments go beyond financial contributions, they’re about supporting innovation and being part of emerging business success stories. By investing in these startups, I’m not only diversifying my investment portfolio but also aligning with my passion for travel and technology.

Employing Kids for Roth IRA Contributions

Educating and Investing in Family’s Future

A unique aspect of my investment strategy is employing my children to contribute to their Roth IRAs. This approach serves dual purposes: providing them with an opportunity to earn and learn about financial responsibility while securing their financial future. Employing my children for their Roth IRAs teaches them about diligent work and the early benefits of saving and investing.

Contributing to Investment Accounts

Strengthening Personal Wealth

Regular contributions to my personal investment accounts are a cornerstone of my asset-building plan. Regular contributions to my investment accounts signify a dedication to securing my financial future and achieving independence. Through diversified investments, I aim to create a robust financial buffer that supports my personal and professional aspirations.

Enhancing Real Estate Value

Adding Value through Property Improvement

The final goal in my asset investment plan is to upgrade my existing  Oregon rental property  with a new deck. This enhancement is a strategic decision to increase the property’s value and appeal. Enhancing the profitable rental with a deck is a strategy to increase the value of my current assets, ensuring they continue to yield consistent returns.

Goal #6 Be Present

Technology-free hours with kids.

Fostering Deep Connections

One of the key elements to being present is dedicating technology-free time with my kids. Allocating technology-free time is crucial for fostering uninterrupted attention and enriching interactions with my kids. These moments are precious, offering an opportunity to strengthen our bond and share experiences that are not overshadowed by the digital world. Making a concerted effort to be entirely engaged, actively listening, and participating in my children’s lives is my focus.

Child-Led Weekends

Empowering Choices, Building Memories

Another step towards being present involves letting my kids choose our weekend activities. Allowing my kids to choose our weekend activities demonstrates the value I place on their interests and decision-making abilities. Engaging in activities like park visits or home-based craft projects is a great way to nurture their creativity and spend valuable time together.

Cooking and Homework Together

Collaborating in Daily Life

Collaborating on cooking and homework is about turning everyday tasks into bonding moments. Engaging in these activities together not only teaches responsibility and skills but also provides a platform for conversation and learning. Maximizing our time by turning everyday tasks into chances for bonding and personal growth is the key focus.

‘Yes Day’

Celebrating Freedom and Joy

Organizing a real ‘Yes Day’ is a unique way to be present and engage with my kids. For one day, saying ‘yes’ to their requests (within reason) allows them to feel heard and valued. Organizing a ‘Yes Day’ offers a delightful and thrilling break from the norm, fostering happy memories and emphasizing the value of spontaneity and adaptability.

Hiring a Maid for Cleaning

Creating Space for What Matters

Hiring a maid for cleaning is a strategic decision to free up more time to be present with my family. By delegating this task, I can focus more on being with my kids and less on household chores. Giving priority to quality time with family over other duties ensures treasured moments together are maximized.

Play and Reading Time

Nurturing Through Active Participation

Finally, dedicating time for active play and reading with my kids is essential. These activities are not just entertaining, they are vital for their development and our relationship. Through play, we bond and learn from each other, and through reading, we explore new worlds together. This dedication strengthens both our familial bonds and supports their personal development.

Goals and Aspirations Examples to Follow

14 Different Types of Goals You Could Set for 2024

Setting goals is essential for personal and professional development. If people around you aren’t looking to the future than researching goals and aspirations examples is a smart idea.

Below are various types of goals you might consider in different areas of your life, each vital to your overall well-being and success.

1. Career Goals

Advancing Professional Aspirations

Career goals relate to your professional life and might include earning a promotion, changing careers, starting a business, or enhancing your skill set for better job opportunities. Setting career goals is important for job satisfaction and achieving your ultimate career aspirations.

2. Educational Goals

Pursuing Knowledge and Academic Achievements

Educational goals involve advancing your knowledge and academic qualifications. This could be pursuing a degree, taking online courses, attending workshops, or achieving certifications in your field of interest. Educational goals are vital for intellectual growth and can open up new career opportunities.

3. Relationship Goals

Fostering Stronger Personal Connections

Aiming to enhance relationships involves deepening connections with partners , family, friends, or colleagues, fostering stronger interpersonal ties. This could involve improving communication skills, spending more quality time with loved ones, or building a supportive network.

4. Financial Goals

Achieving Financial Stability and Growth

Financial goals involve managing and growing your finances effectively. This might mean setting a budget , saving for retirement, investing in stocks or real estate, or working towards being debt-free. Financial goals help secure your future and relieve the stress associated with money matters.

5. Self-Care Goals

Prioritizing Your Own Well-being

Self-care goals are about taking time to look after yourself. This might mean regular spa days, taking up a hobby, or simply ensuring you get enough sleep each night. Self-care is crucial for maintaining mental and emotional health.

6. Health Goals

Prioritizing Physical and Mental Well-being

Health goals focus on improving physical fitness, mental well-being , and overall health. These could include regular exercise routines, adopting a balanced diet, or practicing mindfulness and stress management techniques. Health goals are crucial for maintaining energy levels and overall quality of life.

7. Personal Development Goals

Continuous Learning and Self-Improvement

Personal development goals are about self-improvement and growth. They can range from learning a new skill or language , reading a certain number of books each year, or working on personal attributes like patience or empathy. These goals contribute to a richer, more fulfilled life.

8. Home Goals

Creating a Harmonious Living Environment

Home life goals might include organizing and decluttering your living space, undertaking home improvement projects, or creating a garden. A comfortable and pleasant home environment can significantly impact your daily mood and productivity.

9. Passion Goals

Enjoying Leisure and Recreational Activities

Passion goals are about making the most of your leisure time. Whether it’s traveling, participating in sports, or engaging in creative pursuits like painting or writing, these goals are important for relaxation and personal enjoyment.

10. Spiritual Goals

Exploring and Deepening Spiritual Beliefs

Spiritual goals are centered around exploring or deepening your spiritual beliefs. This might include regular meditation, joining a spiritual community, reading religious texts, or taking time for spiritual retreats. These goals can offer a sense of peace, purpose, and connection.

11. Environmental Goals

Contributing to Environmental Sustainability

Environmental goals focus on contributing to the sustainability of the planet. This can involve reducing your carbon footprint, engaging in recycling and conservation efforts, or supporting eco-friendly initiatives. These goals help in making a positive impact on the environment.

12. Community Goals

Engaging in Social and Community Activities

Goals related to community involvement include volunteering, participating in local events, or engaging in community service. These goals foster a sense of belonging and contribute to the well-being of your community.

13. Technology Goals

Keeping Up with Technological Advancements

In today’s digital age, setting goals to improve or acquire new technology skills can be crucial. This might include learning to code, understanding digital marketing, or becoming proficient in the latest software relevant to your field. These skills are increasingly important in both personal and professional contexts.

14. Travel Goals

Exploring New Places and Experiences

Adventure and travel goals involve experiencing new cultures, exploring different parts of the world, or undertaking adventurous activities like skydiving or scuba diving. These goals can broaden your perspective and enrich your life experiences.

Embracing Goals and Aspirations Examples to Fulfill in 2024

Setting goals that resonate.

The process of setting goals and aspirations transcends mere checklist completion, aiming to craft a life aligned with one’s deepest desires and core values. From monetizing my blog to moving to Portugal, each goal outlined is a step towards a more fulfilling personal and professional life. These aren’t just aspirations, they’re blueprints for a future that aligns with my core values and personal development.

Your Own Goals and Aspirations Examples

Now, I turn to you, my readers. Think about your goals and aspirations examples for 2024. Are they aligned with your true self? Every goal, from career progress and health improvement to honing interpersonal skills, should mirror the overarching aim of achieving a desirable life. Remember, the first step towards achieving your goals is to have a clear plan and the motivation to see it through.

Share Your Goals and Grow Together

I invite you to join me on this exciting journey. Share your goals and aspirations examples for 2024 in the comments below. Let’s create a community of support and inspiration, where we can share experiences, offer advice, and celebrate our successes together. Participating with positive feedback, offering helpful suggestions, or simply sharing good energy will kick off 2024 right!

Together Towards Success

As we move forward, let’s embrace the challenges and opportunities that come with pursuing our goals. With hard work, strategic planning, and a commitment to our aspirations, we can turn our dreams into reality. Let’s make 2024 a testament to what we can achieve when we set our minds to it and work towards our goals and aspirations examples with passion and determination.

FAQ: Goals and Aspirations Examples

How can i start setting my own goals and aspirations examples.

Start by reflecting on what truly matters to you. Identify areas in your life you wish to improve or change. Set ambitious goals. Regularly review and adjust your goals as needed.

What are some effective strategies for monetizing a blog?

To monetize a blog, consider strategies like incorporating ads, affiliate marketing, sponsorships, launching digital products or courses, and offering paid memberships. Consistently produce high-quality content and engage with your audience to build a loyal following.

How important is networking for professional growth?

Networking is crucial for professional growth. It opens doors to new opportunities, provides insights into your industry, and can lead to mentorships or partnerships. Expand your network through social media, professional events, and by actively engaging in your industry community.

What are some tips for maintaining personal health goals?

For personal health goals, focus on creating a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and good sleep habits. Set realistic targets, track your progress, and be patient with yourself. Remember, consistent small changes can lead to significant long-term results.

What should I consider before moving to a new country?

Before moving, research the legal requirements, cost of living, healthcare, education system (if you have kids), and cultural aspects. Also, consider learning the local language and connecting with expat communities for smoother integration.

What are some beginner tips for investing in assets?

Start by educating yourself about different types of investments, such as real estate, stocks, or startups. Assess your risk tolerance, set clear financial goals, and consider consulting with a financial advisor. Diversify your investments to spread risk.

How can I be more present in my personal life?

To be more present, prioritize quality time with loved ones, engage in activities together, and minimize distractions like technology. Practice mindfulness and actively listen when interacting with others. Balancing work and personal life is key.

What are some ways to track and measure progress towards goals?

Use tools like planners, apps, or journals to set milestones and track your progress. Regularly review your goals, celebrate small achievements, and adjust your strategies if needed. Staying organized and reflective helps maintain focus and motivation.

Veronica Hanson blogs from whatever country she happens to be in at the time, currently she's hanging out in Japan. She's been living as a nomad remote entrepreneur with her family since 2020.

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