Dream Big, But Don’t Forget The Small Stuff
Jul 2nd, 2008 | By Dan O'Neil | Category: Goal Setting, action planning, motivationI work with a great deal of people who are fantastic at setting massive goals and dreams. For some people this is enough and they have a goal which consumes them and they single mindedly work towards it and ultimately achieve it. For others, they generally set off with a great attitude and then slowly as time passes, they lose interest in the journey and the goal.
Don’t forget the small stuff! It can take such a lot of effort and time to reach our big life goals, that most people adapt, shrink or simply quit their dreams. Something I like to do with my clients is to get them into the habit of setting smaller, short and medium term goals too. Things that will keep them interested along the journey and as they progress towards their main goal, they get into the habit of being focused on what they want in life. For some this takes the form of setting small steps towards their bigger goals, for others it involves setting short term goals that are independent of their bigger goals. The majority of people mix the two – myself included.
From observation it appears that men are particularly good at setting medium to long term goals and not so good at setting small, short term goals whereas women are good at the small, short-term goals and less inclined to think long term. Obviously, this is certainly not always the case, it’s simply an observation from my experience.
To me, a healthy balance of short, medium and long term goals is essential as I progress through my life. I love being able to tick off my goals, even the smallest ones are immensely satisfying. If you are not used to setting goals, or are really good at the big ones, but give no thought or attention to the little ones, then set a goal for today. How about setting a goal to make someone smile, or even better to make someone’s day?
Get a dream/goal book and begin to write down everything you want from your life and then spend time with it daily, making additions, notes, sticking in photos or magazine clippings. Really focus your attention on what you want from your life in every day and every moment and you’ll be on the road to a life of your dreams. As a guide, you can use the following categories to prompt you:
Career, Money, Health, Friends, Family, Romance/love, Personal Growth/Spiritual, Fun and Recreation, Physical Environment
I really like the pointers you gave here. I think, too, that short term goals are important to keep you on track in life and keep you satisfied on the way to achieving your ultimate goals. I really like your blog and the things you help people with here, by the way.
@Mel Thanks for visiting the site and your kind comments. Dan.
This is definatly true about me and my boyfriend.
He has not problem going after the major obstacles in our life where as i focus on keeping the place organized which helps keep the lubrication in the engine to make those long term goals achievable.
I think in this instance me and my partner compliment each other well.
Thanks Chloe I think you have a great strength there. It’s really important to remember to include each other in the whole goal setting process too! Dan.
Some true tips that hit home. I am and always have been a dreamer, but I also expect more from myself than I should. If someone can do a task in three days, I expect myself to get it done in one day. Usually it just causes burn out and makes me lose interest in what I am doing.
However, I have been working diligently to set smaller, more realistic and obtainable goals along the way. This way, even though I am still pushing myself, I also get a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment along the way as I meet those smaller goals.
The point is, smaller “milestone” goals are the way to go.
@Jessica Thanks for your visit and comments, Dan.
You’re so right here, Dan.
I keep a daily accomplishments list and it really helps me to stay focused on all the little things I do within a day.
Thanks for the great post!
,Tessa
Dan O’Neil says… Thanks Tessa – a daily accomplishments list is a great name for that! Much nicer than a daily task list. Thanks.
Great post Dan!
I find setting the smaller goals daily and weekly to be the most important goal setting components. It helps me take action on a daily basis.
Lately I started putting all my goals onto a software called “The Journal” to keep them in front of me all day.
-Riggie
Riggie’s last blog post..Marketing Mistakes Checklist and some Examples
Dan O’Neil says… Thanks for stopping by Riggie, I’ll take a look into this software you mention.
Good post, and all very true. Only for me I think just having a big “dream” or long-term goal works best. It allows be to be single-minded in my dogged pursuit of this goal and also helps because there is no space for me to get distracted from spending time doing things that are not going to help me achieve this goal.
I understand that short and medium term goals are good and all its just for me, they don’t work as well. Yes I am a young guy so yes your stereotype holds true.
Dan O’Neil says… Whatever works for you is great!