4 long-term goals you need to start setting today (if you want to be successful)

There’s a major difference between just coasting by and being genuinely successful.

The difference? Well, it’s all in the planning.  

As Stoic philosopher Senaca once wrote, “If a man knows not to which port he sails, no wind is favorable.”

He may have written that a long, long time ago but it remains as true today as it was then.  

Research backs it up.

As noted by experts “Over 1,000 studies have consistently shown that setting high and specific goals is linked to increased task performance, persistence, and motivation.”

And wise individuals know that there are certain key goals that can pave the way for a successful journey.

Today we dive into 4 such goals. 

1) Fitness goals

As noted by Healthline, regular physical exercise offers a host of benefits.

It helps keep the weight down, but that’s just the beginning.

Exercise can improve your mood, sharpen your focus, and even reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes.

Basically, it’s a no-brainer when it comes to your overall well-being and goals help to keep us motivated and disciplined.

But here’s where many people make a mistake: setting fitness goals that are based solely on outputs like “lose 20 pounds.”

For a long time, I thought that way too, and it always left me frustrated. 

The problem with output-based goals like these is that they’re often out of your control.

Factors like genetics, metabolism, and stress can all influence your results, which can make it hard to stay motivated if you don’t see progress right away.

Instead, it’s far more effective to set goals that are focused on inputs—the things you can control day to day.

For example, instead of aiming to “lose 20 pounds,” set a goal to “run 20 km each week” or “do strength training three times a week.”

These habit-based goals build consistency and create positive routines that ultimately lead to better results over time.

When you focus on the actions rather than the outcomes, you shift your mindset from quick fixes to sustainable change.

Not only does this reduce frustration, but it also allows you to celebrate smaller wins that keep you motivated and on track for the long term.

2) Career goals

Career success doesn’t happen by accident, it requires planning and purpose.

This is where setting long-term career goals come into play.

Career goals serve as a roadmap for your career journey, giving you a clear path to follow.

Whether you wish to climb the corporate ladder, or aim to start your own business, having clear goals can give you the motivation and direction you need to keep moving forward.

Think about it. It’s the idea behind every successful entrepreneur’s story, as well as the key to every top executive’s rise to the top.

When confronted with multiple career paths, having clear long-term goals can help guide your decisions and keep you focused on what truly matters to you.

Just remember – these goals should be realistic and align with your skills and passions.

After all, success is not just about achieving your goals, but enjoying the journey as well.

3) Learning goals

I’ve always believed that knowledge is power.

And I’ve found this to be especially true in my own journey to success.

A few years ago, I found myself in a job that wasn’t challenging me anymore.

I wasn’t learning anything new and I felt stuck. That’s when I realized the importance of continuous learning as a long-term goal.

I started setting aside time each week for personal development.

Whether it was reading a book, attending a seminar, or taking an online course, I made sure to keep learning and growing.

This decision not only opened up new opportunities in my career, but it also revitalized my passion for what I do.

It gave me the confidence to take on new challenges and strive for more.

The world is constantly changing, and the only way to keep up is by continuously learning and adapting.

So if you’re aiming for success, make continuous learning a priority.

Trust me, the investment you make in your knowledge will pay off in the long run.

4) Self-care goals

This one might seem a bit out of place, right?

After all, when we think about success, we tend to focus on career, finances, and fitness. 

But self-care is just as important—if not more so. 

In fact, as noted by the folks at Psych Central, a lack of self-care can lead to feelings of hopelessness, burnout, and can even worsen symptoms of depression and anxiety.

On the flip side, self-care practices are linked to better relationships, greater happiness, and increased productivity.

Sounds great, right? 

Right. 

But here’s the thing—just like anything we want to prioritize, self-care requires intentionality and planning.

Most people treat self-care as an afterthought, something to get to when there’s time.

But without specific goals, it often ends up falling by the wayside.

So, what exactly is self-care? 

Well, for me, it’s things like getting enough sleep, practicing journaling, and playing golf.

For you, it might be completely different. 

Whatever self-care looks like for you, the key is to make it a priority.

Set clear goals around it, just like you would for your fitness or career.

Maybe that’s committing to 30 minutes of “me time” each day, or making it a goal to unplug from work on weekends.

The point is to ensure you’re consistently nurturing your own well-being, so you have the energy and mental clarity to pursue the other goals on your roadmap to success.

Final thoughts: It’s all in your hands

Success isn’t just about luck or talent—it’s about having a clear vision and the determination to work toward it. 

Whether you’re focused on advancing your career, staying fit, learning new skills, or simply taking better care of yourself, the long-term goals you set today will shape the future you create.

But keep in mind, you don’t need to do it all at once. Start small, stay consistent, and keep moving forward.

Every step you take brings you closer to the life you want.

 So, what goals will you set today? The future is yours to design—make it count!