We all have goals in life, but how far ahead do you think about them? Do you know where you want to be one year from now? What about five years from now? While we can’t predict the future, we can plan for it. Imagine who you want to be, how you want to feel, and where you want to be five years from now. Once you have those answers, you’ll have a clear vision for your future.
The last time I wrote down long-term goals was in college. I didn’t enjoy thinking that far ahead. Whenever I did, I could only think of a few goals. Maybe you’re like me and don’t have a lot of goals either. But the number of goals doesn’t matter—it’s more about having a sense of what you want for the future. When you think about setting goals, consider what you want financially, personally, and professionally.
Who Do You Want to Be?
This question isn’t about changing who you are but growing into who you are. Like a caterpillar transforms into a butterfly, think about the person you want to evolve into. The path to becoming your best version is transformative, but it can be uncomfortable. It’s not a quick process, so be patient with yourself. As long as you are making progress, that is all that matters.
How Do You Want to Feel?
While many people associate happiness with positive emotions, it’s just one of many. If you want excitement, you might need to step outside your comfort zone and try new things. Or perhaps peace is what you’re after, which might involve finding quiet moments throughout your day. Take time to reflect on all the emotions you want to experience and set goals that align with them. By doing this, you can start creating a life you feel good about.
Where Do You Want to Be?
You can answer this question from a professional, financial, or personal place. You might want to be married with kids. You might want to move to another state. You might want to get promoted at work. Or you might want to make more money. Depending on what stage you are at in life, where you want to be can change. Reflecting on where you want to be can serve as a roadmap to the life you want.
Final Thoughts
The next time you think about your goals, I want you to think long-term. Consider who you want to be, how you want to feel, and where you want to be five years from now. By reflecting on these goals, you can create a vision for your future. This vision will lead you toward creating the life you desire.