The Secret of Setting Goals to Move Your Life in the Right Direction

In life, it can sometimes feel like we are stuck. As if we have no power to change our situations and we are left to remain unhappy from one day to the next.  

Everybody needs change in their life if they hope to feel a sense of progress. But there are so many things that each of us needs to do to make changes, it can feel overwhelming and sometimes impossible to move the needle so much as an inch.  

If you are struggling to make progress towards the life you want, then setting goals can be a massive help in getting you to where you want to be.  

To set a goal, you need just two things, an objective, and a timeframe.  

However, setting goals on your own is hard. Everybody needs a little bit of outside help so Child Focus has assembled a list of types of goals you can set to help move your life in the right direction.  

The Two Main Types of Goals 

Before we go any further, let’s look at the two distinct types of goals you can set.  

First, are time-based goals. These are objectives you want to accomplish over a set time. Planning a time-based goal involves setting a metric goal for an activity (ex: I want to read four hours a week) and then breaking that goal down into smaller bite-sized accomplishments that you can do on a regular schedule.  

Second, are life-based goals. These are achievements you want to accomplish to change your life. They are often career, financial, or fitness related. Life-based goals are all about patience and progress. 

Let’s take a closer look at each of these goal types. 

How to Accomplish Time-Based Goals 

Time-based goals might be easier to achieve than life-based goals if you are new to goal setting as a practice.  

These goals are all about how you invest your time.  

Let’s break time-based goals down into three different categories. 

Short Term Goals 

Short-term goals are best for beginners. You can think of them as bite-sized accomplishments that add up to something bigger.  

These are the types of goals you set for something you want to accomplish in the near future.  

You can think of short-term goals as stepping stones to larger goals.  

Here are a few examples: 

• Lose five pounds in the next month 
  
  
• Read one book over the next 30 days 
  
  
• Save up $500 for a vacation 

These goals all have specific metrics for accomplishment and a short time frame to get them done.  

Long Term Goals 

Long-term goals are objectives you want to accomplish in the more distant future. Think years instead of months or weeks.  

They are often the culmination of short-term goals.  

Here are a few examples: 

• Obtain a bachelor’s degree 
  
  
• Own your own home 
  
  
• Start your own business 
  
  
• Save up 50% of your retirement fund 
  
  
• Learn to speak a foreign language fluently 

Long-term goals are designed to connect your life to a bigger purpose and help you become the person you want to be. Don't be afraid to break long-term goals down into many short-term goals to help get you started.  

How to Accomplish Life-Based Goals 

Life-based goals are like time-based goals, but they are less about timeframes and metrics, and more about how you feel and the control you have over your body and life.  

Let’s break life-based goals into a few different sections.  

Health and Fitness Goals 

Many people struggle to get fit and healthy. Taking care of your body is one of the most important things you can do.  

Making goals for healthy eating a physical fitness are great ways to get you on the right track.  

Here are a few examples.  

• Run one mile without stopping 
  
  
• Get thirty minutes of exercise in a day 
  
  
• Cut processed foods from your diet 
  
  
• Drink two liters of water per day 
  
  
• Reduce your blood pressure 

You can break down these goals into pieces to help you reach your health goals. 

Career Goals 

Your career is the best way to help get you ahead in life and make a difference in the world.  

Setting goals is the best way to ensure that you are continuously making progress in getting to the next level of your professional development. 

Here are a few examples. 

• Earn a higher education degree 
  
  
• Become a consultant in your field 
  
  
• Rise to a management position 
  
  
• Find a position with a better welfare package 

These goals help you improve your professional happiness and can turn a job into a career. 

Financial Goals 

Everyone could use a little bit more money. Setting financial goals is the best way to help you learn to save and earn more money.  

Set financial goals to better understand how much you can spend per month and how much you need to earn to get the things you want.  

Here are a few examples. 

• Create a monthly budget and stick to it 
  
  
• Save $500 per month 
  
  
• Create an alternative income source 
  
  
• Pay off all debt 

Financial goals not only help you have more pocket money, but they also help you attain a higher standard of living.  

Set Better Goals with Child Focus 

No matter what your goals are in life, Child Focus is here to help you accomplish them.  

We offer education and training, and crisis help to get your life moving in the right direction.  

Ready to take the next step? Reach out to Child Focus today!