Goal setting for newcomers can be a large task. Choosing the perfect goal may be difficult because there are plenty of new opportunities in Canada. It’s important to remember that goal setting is a process that requires careful planning. There isn’t going to be a perfect goal. Instead, you may need to create several goals that need to be completed – you need to identify different types of goals.
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Length of Goals
Goals can be distinguished between three lengths: short, medium, and long-term goals. Generally speaking, short-term goals are goals that can be accomplished immediately from now until a year. Medium-term goals may take from two to five years. Lastly, long-term goals are goals that may take up to ten years. Goals that are beyond ten years may be difficult to plan as the world may be completely different in 2030.
How do you determine goals?
Determining your short, medium, and long-term goals require you to envision your future life. Ask yourself, what will my life look like in 1, 3, 5, 10 years? Use the question as an exercise for determining different goals.
In addition, you will want to focus on various aspects of life. Aspects of life may include social, family, health, career, finance, learning, and personal development. For example, ask yourself about your desired job, living situation, fitness level throughout the course of the next decade. Set goals that relate to your ideal future.
How to set term goals?
Now that you have envisioned your future, it’s time to start setting several goals. Think of your long-term goal as your top goal. Short and medium-term goals are the stepping stones that will bring you towards the top goal.
Start with the long-term goals that are broad and may have multiple requirements in order to achieve. Secondly, consider medium-term goals that are the large stepping stones that bring you closer towards a long-term goal. Short-term goals should be those that are most easy to achieve; these are goals that can be accomplished immediately and put you in a position to achieve your medium-term goals
For example:
- Long-term goal: become a registered tradesperson in Alberta
- Medium-term goal: attend and complete training programs to receive certification
- Short-term goal: research trades schools and network with trades professionals
Remember to use SMART goals
Whether you are creating a short-term or long-term goal, set SMART goals that put you in a position to succeed. Read more about SMART goals by clicking here.
Need More Help with Goal Setting?
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Register now and make your career goals a reality!
