As wellness coaches, we generally separate the various goals we work through with our clients into Short Term Goals (STGs) and Long Term Goals (LTGs). Often the LTGs help lay out the roadmap for the STGs and the STGs do the same for the daily/weekly strategies our clients identify. It’s a valuable process that can have quite the impact over time. But what about the REALLY Long Term Goals (RLTGs)? How often do we look beyond the immediate horizon and dream a little dream? How often do we stick our neck out and share something we’d like to pursue in 5, 10 or even 20 years from now?
Oh yes – I know this is common for the high school or college student, identifying a future degree or career or family situation. In fact, it’s one of the most common topics of discussion at this age – and it does help guide decisions during that phase of life as we move forward. However, I’m talking about you – and me. We graduated many years ago… we’re engrossed in our job or career… our family life established… So does that mean RLTGs no longer have a place in our lives? our discussions? our dreaming?
Whether you’re 25, 55 or 85, take a moment to ponder your own RLTGs. What would you like to accomplish over the next 10-15 years? Rather than falling prey to the Alice in Wonderland virus (“Which way should I go?” asked Alice… “That depends on where you want to end up” replied the cat… “I don’t much care where” responded Alice… “Then it doesn’t much matter where you go” answered the cat). Where do you want to end up? Does the setting of goals insure you’ll see them come to fruition? Of course not. Dreams are often “best case scenario” visions, dependent upon good health and a little break along the way. At the same time, without the vision, they’re certain not to take place, with each day ending very much like the one before (at best)…
So let’s ponder… stretch… dream together. In a truly best case scenario, what would a few of your RLTGs include? Have you ever shared them? Have you put them out there to be told “you can’t do that!”? (which really just means THEY can’t imagine themselves doing it). Maybe it never happens. Maybe your priorities change over time.
But maybe… just maybe… those dreams (RLTGs) become a reality.
