7 Tips in Creating Your Short- and Long-Term Plans

You know it’s really hard to build your future goals, and most often than not, it becomes too overwhelming. Why? Well, it’s because it will actually dictate what direction you want your life to go.

Having a well-thought-out plan for our future lives is extremely important in anyone’s life, but more than this, it’s staying on the path and with your goals that actually brings us success in the long run.

And though there will be times when our plans fall out of order or they just completely go up in flames, being able to create contingency plans (plan A, B, or C) on an already set-up plan resolves this dilemma. I’ve also learned that just because our short-term plans did not go as intended, it doesn’t mean our long-term plans will follow suit (even if they may seem like dominoes).

To prevent this from happening, here are 7 Tips in Creating Your Short- and Long-Term Plans that I’ve collected through the years to help you effectively structure your goals:

1. Make sure that you label your goals, whether they are short- or long-term.

This seems simple, right? But it’s actually significant, especially that they actually have a connection between them. These short-term plans may actually be the minute parts of your long-term goals. Does that make sense? Well, yes! Neglecting one of each may actually affect the other.

It also helps that you know the difference between short- and long-term goals. For a refresher, short-term goals are those you can accomplish in a short period of time⎯they function as your stepping stones for your bigger plans. Long-term goals, on the other hand, are those that can be achieved in longer periods and mostly require hard work and patience to complete.

2. Use the SMART framework in creating your goals.

There is nothing greater than imagining yourself achieve the biggest and finest things in life, but the reality isn’t always easy—particularly in planning, or even achieving them. But to ensure that we get what we want in life, we have to make sure that we not only make clear-cut, but also attainable goals. To help us achieve our goals—using the SMART criteria (Smart, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound)⎯is the best way to plan, especially it also prevents our plans from falling apart.

If you ever find yourself facing challenges along the way, you might find my article Navigating Life’s Toughest Moments: Steps to Conquer Reality helpful in overcoming obstacles and staying resilient.

3. Being flexible with anything saves you from goal roadblocks.

While it is always good to have a firm, stable plan to achieve our goals, we just have those moments where it becomes counterproductive, especially when we only follow one plan. By this point, many of us should have realized that life has always been known to throw surprises here and there, and being complacent by staying on a straight path, isn’t really good.

Adapting to changes, with the ability to alter your plans accordingly, is important, especially that life can pull the biggest pranks on you and throw you from your game. Though this may not always be the case, being able to arrange your plans is a lifesaver.

4. Following a step-by-step process is crucial for goal attainment.

I haven’t heard someone achieve all their goals, may it be short- or long-term goals, in just one sitting. But just like how we take the stairs, attaining goals is similar to that. We always have to take that one step and then ascend from there⎯no shortcuts, but a step at a time. If things become overwhelming for you, you can always break your plans into smaller pieces, making it easier for you to attain.

5. Checking where you are in the goals you’ve set is important.

This is an important tip, and this can be done by organizing a personal goal tracker. Checking where you are already at with your goal is important to ensure that you are making the right choices for you. You can actually check it depending on how frequent you want it—daily, weekly, or monthly—as long as you track your success.

While doing so, ask yourself this, “Am I on the right track? Am I really progressing or should I tweak this to work?” Reflecting on your goals is crucial as it will allow you some leeway to fix your track and ensure that you achieve all your set goals.

6. Be consistent.

Waiting is such a hard game, I know. I’ve been there. But just like the saying goes, “Good things come to those who wait, but better things come to those who are patient,” something I live by every single day. What is for you will be for you in the right time, trust me.

To do this, just stick to your plan and make sure that you are choosing the things aligned to this plan to push it forward. If you think it isn’t working as much, change it, work around it. Eventually, if you stay on this path, success will just be around the corner.

7. Contingency is key.

Do you know how important back-up plans are? Well, they are key to your success. In goal attainment, it’s highly advisable that you prepare for the unexpected. Life has already enough surprises in store for you, so failing to plan for these uncertainties will hurt your goals in the long run.

Consider options for your goals and do not stick with just one—putting more contingency plans on your current plan is best. This does not only protect you from extreme losses, but also provides you a safety net, avoiding frustrations from the delay that it might cause along the way.

These tips may or may not help you, but it’s a good starting point. Remember that with goal attainment, it’s all about progress, and not how perfect you were in attaining them. There isn’t just a one-line success, it’s always a zigzag line. Start planning today and prepare to reap the rewards of it in the right time.