Dream Big, Start Small: Making Short-Term Goals Work for You

Short term goals—because progress doesn’t always have to be huge.

Have you ever set a goal and then felt like it slipped through the crack? You’re not alone. The rush of goal-setting can quickly fade when you’re unsure how to start or how to stay motivated. Short term goals can feel elusive, often overshadowed by larger dreams. But here’s the catch: These tiny triumphs are what keeps the ball rolling.

We’ll show you how to set short term goals that actually fit your pace and offer easy ways to track them. No more feeling lost—just simple, actionable steps to help you move forward. It’s the goal-hitting time! Let’s get going!

What are Short Term Goals?

Short-term goals are those little steps that keep you going—things you can tick off in a few days, a week, or maybe a few months. They’re like mini-milestones that make the big goals feel doable and are a great way to focus on self improvement.

Whether planning to ace that test, clean out your cluttered closet, or finally wrap up work in time for an evening stroll, these goals help you move forward without feeling stuck.

Short term goals can be stepping stones to your dream career or a big project. However, they don’t always have to tie it to a grand plan. They can also just be things that make life better right now. Big or small, they all matter.  

The trick is to keep them SMART—specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time bound. That way, your goals stay transparent and manageable, not something that feels out of reach. Planning for the short term helps you set realistic goals. No matter how tiny, each keeps you moving on the right path.

How are Short Term Goals Not the Same as Long Term Goals?

The biggest difference between short term and long term goals is the timeline. Short-term goals are typically set for less than a year, while long term goals stretch over years or even decades. But here’s the thing—they’re not separate worlds. In fact, multiple short-term goals help bring a long term goal to life.

Think of it like this: Your long term goals are the big picture, the dream home you want to build. Short term goals are the bricks you lay down, one by one, to make that dream a reality. The smaller steps make the bigger ones less challenging and help keep procrastination at bay.

For example

• Long term goal: A marketing team aims to increase brand visibility by 200% in the next two years.
• Short term goal: The team plans to improve social media engagement by 20% for the first quarter.

You can then break this short-term goal down further. For instance, employee A will work on creating four viral-worthy posts each month, while employee B will aim to grow the follower count by 1,000 monthly. These small, targeted, actionable steps will keep everyone on track and make progress manageable.

By focusing on short term goals, you’re not only making steady progress—you’re also staying motivated until you see the desired result.

Medium term goal

Although we're all about short term goals here, mid term goals are those that fall between the quick wins and the long haul. You can achieve medium term goals anywhere from six months to two years. These goals are a bit more challenging than short term ones, but they’re still achievable with a bit of planning. Some examples could include:

• Saving for a vacation
• Paying off a significant portion of debt
• Getting a promotion at work

Think of these goals as stepping stones for bigger dreams. For instance, let’s say you want to save up to $20,000 for a down payment on a house. Trying to do that in six months might feel impossible, but if you give yourself a year and a half to save $1,100 each month, it becomes much more doable. You can make steady progress without feeling overwhelmed by breaking the big goal into smaller chunks.

The Upsides of Setting Short Term Goals

Short-term goals help you focus on what’s right in front of you, making it easier to stay motivated and get things done. Here’s why they’re worth setting:

a. Improves confidence every step of the way

Achieving short term goals, no matter how small, is a great confidence booster. Checking them off your list gives you a sense of accomplishment and a dopamine rush that keeps you going. On those tough days when you feel like giving up, looking back at all the short-term goals you’ve already smashed can remind you of your capabilities and push you toward your desired outcome.

b. Clear and measurable goals

Short term goals have a significant advantage—they’re specific and focused. Setting goals with a short timeline makes it easier to break them down into smaller, measurable goals. Instead of vague goals like “I want to get fit,” you’ll think of tasks like “I’ll walk 30 minutes every day” or “I’ll meal prep for the week.” These goals give you a clear direction, making it simpler to get started and stay on track.

c. A quick jumpstart for action

Sometimes, the hardest part is just getting started. Short-term goals are like a kickstart to action. By focusing on smaller, immediate tasks, you break through that initial resistance and build momentum. Once you’ve taken the first step, it becomes easier to keep going and tackle bigger tasks.

d. See results fast

One of the biggest perks of short term goals is how quickly you can see progress. Whether you’re crossing something off your to-do list or noticing positive changes, short term goals let you measure your success in days or weeks. This quick feedback improves your motivation and keeps the cycle of goal setting going, helping you stay closer to your broader vision.

d. Helps you stay focused

Life can get busy, and it’s easy to lose track of your bigger goals. Short-term goals act as checkpoints, helping you stay on course and reevaluate your strategies if needed. Whether for career growth, personal development, or school, these goals help you consistently check in and make sure your efforts align with your larger objectives.

How Do You Set Your Short Term Goals?

When you set your short term goals, it’s important to get specific about what you want to achieve. The SMART goal formula is a great way to do just that:

• Specific: Be clear about what you want to accomplish and how you’ll go about it.
• Measurable: Decide how you’ll know when you’ve reached your goal.
• Achievable: Set a goal that’s just outside your comfort zone but still within reach based on your current skills.
• Relevant: Make sure your goal connects to something bigger in your work, business, or personal life.
• Time bound: Set a clear deadline, whether it's 15 minutes or three months. This will help you stay focused.

Now, let’s take this SMART formula and break it down into real-life examples of short term goals so you can see how to apply it to yours.

a. Short term professional goals

1. Wrap up your next major project by the end of Q3, overseeing everything from start to finish.
2. Earn a certification in a project management tool before the end of the year to prepare for a leadership role in the near future.
3. Aim to improve your net promoter score by five points this quarter to contribute to larger goals of team success.
4. Take your LinkedIn presence up a notch with five posts daily for the next 30 days to expand your professional network.
5. Set up three networking lunches this month to expand your people skills and build professional connections.
6. Reach out to 50 new prospects over the next three months to achieve your set targets and advance your professional life.
7. Log off at 6:00 PM every day this week to focus on work-life balance.
8. Cut down your creative requests backlog by 10% in Q1, prioritizing tasks that align with team objectives.
9. Publish six blog posts over the next two months to keep your content fresh and engaging.
10. Update your portfolio with your latest designs by the end of next month.
11. Start each Monday by arriving 15 minutes early to prep for the team meeting.
12. Identify and reach out to an industry expert for mentorship by next week to grow within your professional life.
13. Explore online courses and advanced education programs that align with your role by month’s end.
14. Create a first draft of rolling out a task management system before the month ends.
15. Schedule weekly coffee chats with a coworker for the next three months to build stronger connections.

b. Short term career goals

Dedicate 30 minutes daily during your commute to exploring career advancement opportunities.

1. Attend one leadership meetup every month for the next year to expand your professional network.
2. Within six months, host a dinner gathering for your team and boss to grow connections supporting larger goals.
3. Complete an online certification in Microsoft Office tools by the end of this month as a step toward advancing in the job market.
4. Connect with one new industry leader on social media each month to grow your network.
5. Schedule a 30-minute performance review with every team member over the next month.
6. Research local industry conferences and attend one each quarter.
7. Sign up for a university mentorship program within the next six months.
8. Read one book on improving workplace performance every month for six months.
9. Organize one monthly coffee meeting with a potential client for the next three months.
10. Listen to three podcasts about your industry standards each week while commuting.
11. Research the average salary for similar roles in your area by the end of this week to evaluate your monthly income potential.
12. Enroll in and finish a short online certification program within the next three months.
13. Update your CV with recent accomplishments and experience by next week to prepare for new job opportunities.
14. Schedule weekly discovery calls with international prospects over the next three months.

c. Short term business goals

1. Pitch yourself to five relevant podcasts as a guest speaker within the next three months to practice public speaking and increase visibility.
2. Join three affiliate marketing platforms before the month ends.
3. Record audio content for course materials and refresh the curriculum by the end of Q2.
4. Host a live Q&A session for your audience within the next two months to strengthen public speaking and engagement skills.
5. Commit to posting three TikTok videos weekly for the next 90 days.
6. Hire a skilled web designer to revamp the website layout by the end of the month.
7. Organize and lead one team brainstorming session for fresh ideas every quarter.
8. Create a lead magnet for your website to drive email sign-ups by next month.
9. Find and collaborate with a video editor for content creation by the next month.
10. Develop and finalize the script for a new online course by Friday.
11. Identify and participate in two virtual industry events over the next quarter.
12. Update all marketing collateral with the latest branding elements within the next 60 days.
13. Create a personal brand guide and apply it across social media profiles by mid-next month.
14. Write and complete content for five course modules by the close of Q1 to meet your set targets for course completion.
15. Connect with one course creator each month for the next six months to grow your network.

d. Short term personal goals

1. Commit to a 10-minute yoga session before bed for the next 30 days to foster a good habit that supports your personal development.
2. Walk for 15 minutes every day starting next week to improve your daily physical activity.
3. Starting next month, journal for 20 minutes each Sunday as part of your life planning strategy to measure progress.
4. Limit your coffee intake to one cup per day for three months to cultivate a good habit and maintain energy levels for a more focused morning routine.
5. Reduce your screen time by an average of 15 minutes each day this week.
6. Create a house chore schedule for the next six months and complete it by the end of this month.
7. Meet up with friends at least once a week for the next month.
8. Read two books this month to broaden your knowledge and explore a new hobby or deepen your understanding in areas of interest.
9. Play with your kids for 30 minutes every evening starting today.
10. Find one new recipe to cook at home every Friday for the next 6 months to explore new dishes.

e. Short term learning goals

1. Learn a new language in the next 3 months to upskill yourself.
2. Commit to reading more books to expand your knowledge and improve your chances of achieving good grades.
3. Spend three hours every afternoon this semester to complete your assignments and get the school help you need to stay on track.
4. Create a list of supplemental materials for this semester by Friday.
5. Dedicate 15 minutes every day for the next two weeks to mastering a new software tool relevant to your course and gaining new skills.
6. Dedicate 30 minutes each morning to reviewing extra course material for the next three months.
7. Organize a weekly study group every Friday for the next two months to enhance collaboration.
8. Reach out to your lecturer and propose a mentorship program for undergraduate students.
9. Schedule Sundays off for personal errands and rest throughout the semester.
10. Sign up for a newsletter that provides valuable insights related to your course.

f. Short term financing goals

1. As part of your life planning efforts to ensure financial stability, set aside 5% of your monthly income in a savings account beginning next month to build your emergency fund.
2. You can schedule an appointment with a financial advisor next month to discuss your financial goals and determine the key results you need to stay on track.
3. To improve your savings habits and avoid letting finances feel overwhelming, try a one-month no-spend challenge each quarter.
4. Pay off the highest-interest credit card debt by the end of this quarter.
5. Create a detailed budget spreadsheet in Excel and track your spending for the next 30 days to better plan for the near future.
6. Start contributing to an IRA account every month by the end of this month to secure your retirement.
7. Invest 5% of each paycheck every month for the next 12 months to build wealth.
8. Research easy-to-make recipes and create a meal prep plan by this Sunday to save time during the week.
9. Create a capsule wardrobe for work using your own clothing by the following Monday to simplify your routine.
10. Pay off any outstanding small debts within the next two months to reduce financial stress and improve your credit score.

The Best Ways to Track Your Short Term Goals

Short term goals keep you motivated and moving forward. Here are some simple and effective ways to track your progress and sharpen your attention to what’s ahead.

a. Journal your journey

Journaling isn’t just about writing—it’s a fantastic way to reflect on your progress. There’s no right or wrong way to journal, but a great place to start is by writing down what you’ve accomplished each day. Whether it’s a little win or a major step forward, jotting it down helps you see how far you’ve come.

Use your journal to track your short term goals and reflect on how each day brings you closer to your dreams. Remember to record your setbacks, too. Although they might feel like failures, those mistakes are just learning opportunities that will make you stronger next time.

b. Use a planner to stay organized

Planners are great for both scheduling and tracking your short term goals. Whether it’s a paper planner or a digital one, staying connected to your goals can keep you motivated. You can even find planners explicitly designed to set and track short term goals. This way, you’ll have a clear view of your progress, helping you stay organized and focused on your next steps.

c. Find an accountability buddy

Having someone by your side to cheer you on can make all the difference. Whether it’s a friend, coworker, or even someone from your social media circle, an accountability buddy can help keep you on track. When you share your goals, you’re more likely to stay motivated—after all, you don’t want to let down someone who’s rooting for you.

And if you can team up with a friend who’s working on their own goals, even better! You can turn goal setting into a fun activity. Try weekly or monthly check-ins over coffee or lunch to reflect on your progress. Those check-ins motivate you to keep going.

From Idea to Income: FreshLearn for Quick Wins

If you're looking to hit some short term goals, whether it's sharing your expertise or earning a little extra income, FreshLearn is here to help you get there. Sometimes, all it takes is breaking things down into manageable steps, and FreshLearn provides the perfect tools for just that.

1. Mini courses

For content creators, short-term goals often involve learning new skills or enhancing current knowledge to stay ahead of the game. This is where FreshLearn’s mini-courses can be a game-changer. These bite-sized learning experiences let you test the waters, ensuring you can see real results without committing to lengthy courses or overwhelming yourself.

The exciting part is you get to decide the selling price with 0% commission.

2. Digital downloads

One great way to achieve a quick win is to add digital downloads to your offerings. You can start generating additional income immediately by creating downloadable resources like eBooks, guides, or templates.

This is an excellent short term goal for content creators who want to monetize their expertise or can use it as a lead generation tool before creating a course. It’s an easy, no-fuss way to add value to your audience while moving towards larger financial goals.

3. Course idea validation

Course idea validation on FreshLearn allows you to test potential course topics before fully committing to creating them. This is perfect for content creators who want to validate ideas quickly. By setting a short-term goal to validate a new course idea, you can make sure that there’s demand before investing significant time and effort into development.

Sending newsletters

Another way to leverage FreshLearn is to send newsletters to potential students. Use your email list to share free courses, valuable content, and promotions, keeping your audience engaged and informed.

Setting a short term goal of sending out a weekly or monthly newsletter can help you stay connected to your audience and grow your following, which can, in turn, help with future course launches or digital downloads.

Summing Up

Short-term goals help you stay focused and keep things moving forward. They’re about making small, steady progress so you don’t feel overwhelmed. The key is finding balance—setting realistic goals you can work toward without burning out. Each small win adds up over time; you’ll be closer to your bigger ambitions before you know it. The trick is staying flexible, enjoying the process, and checking off those little wins.

FAQ

1. What is a short-term goal?

You aim to achieve a short-term goal in the near future, like within a week or a month. While these can be a small progression toward bigger ambitions, they don’t always have to be. Short-term goals can also help you progress on smaller tasks or ideas that require attention immediately.

2. Is 12 months a short-term goal?

Yes, Short-term goals are targets you can reach within a few months to a year, while long-term goals usually span several years, ranging from three to ten years or even longer.

3. How do I write my short-term goals?

Begin with the SMART approach: ensure your goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For instance, rather than saying, “Increase productivity,” try setting a goal like “Finish five tasks each day using a time-tracking app by next Friday.”

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