Set Long-Term Goals

Think back to what your life was like two years ago, or five years ago. What would you have done differently?

Now think ahead two years. Where would you like to be working? What do you want your life to be like in a few years? Ten years?

What choices can you make today that will make your life better in the future? Write down these choices or goals. These are your long-term goals.

Make goals that you believe you can achieve. Give yourself a set amount of time to complete each goal. Think of the people and resources you will need to achieve each goal.

Your long-term goals should cover all parts of your life -- career, education, financial and personal. These goals can be related to each other. You might have one goal that affects all areas of your life.

Example:

• Career: I want to work as a chef.
• Education: I want to get a degree.
• Finances: I want to have at least $2,000 in savings.
• Personal: I want to work out three times a week to stay healthy.

Use Long-Term Goals (pdf) to write down your goals. You may not have goals in all areas.