Your lifelong goals may look like an impossible task. Without breaking them down into smaller pieces, it’s hard to stay the course.
On the other hand, you’re not satisfied with daily goals because you hope to achieve more in less time.
This is where intermediate goals can be a game changer.
Intermediate goals fall directly in the middle between long-term and short-term goals. These goals can pay off in the long run without feeling like you’re losing fuel.
In this post, you will learn what intermediate goals are, examples, and how to set intermediate goals in the first place.
What is an Intermediate Goal?
When most people think about goal setting, they usually think about big, lofty goals that will take years or even decades to accomplish. But if you want to be successful, it is crucial to set intermediate goals too.
Intermediate goals are goals that you can usually achieve in one year. They can keep you motivated and on track by providing regular milestones to celebrate.
Whenever you reach an intermediate goal, you are one step closer to attaining your long-term goals.
And as you check off each goal, you’ll also gain a valuable sense of progress and accomplishment. So do not underestimate the power of intermediate goals.
They may not be as glamorous as big goals, but they can make all the difference in helping you attain your lifelong dreams.
12 Intermediate Goals Examples
Intermediate goals can create a roadmap toward success and plan out your dreams and goals in life. Here are 12 intermediate goals examples to consider:
1. Write a Book
If you’re seeking to write a book, you must ensure that it is well-written and properly formatted. Your book should also be well-researched and have a marketable angle.
To create a book that meets these requirements, it is necessary to put in a great deal of time and mental bandwidth.
From coming up with a compelling story idea to fleshing out the details of your book, there is a ton of preparation to be mindful of. Although writing a book can be daunting, it is truly rewarding to see your work in print or digital.
2. Grow Your Business
A fantastic intermediate goal is to ensure your business grows and succeeds. To do that, you’ll need to adapt your management style and business model to meet the needs of a larger company.
You will also need to invest in your team, attracting and retaining top talent. Finally, it would be wise to scale your marketing efforts to reach a wider audience. As you tackle these challenges, keep in mind that growth can be chaotic.
Be prepared to pivot quickly and experiment often. And above all, stay focused on your customers. They are the reason your business is growing in the first place.
3. Purchase a House
Buying a house is a huge decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly. There are many things to consider, such as location, size, price, and most importantly, whether or not the house is a good fit for your family.
Make sure to visit the house multiple times and to get a feel for the lay of the land before making an offer.
Once you’re ready to purchase a house, try consulting with a real estate agent to help you navigate the process. They will assist you in finding houses that fit your criteria and will be able to negotiate on your behalf.
This goal is a significant investment, but with the help of a professional, it can be a smooth and successful process.
4. Find a Partner
A partner can provide emotional support, financial stability, and practical assistance. But finding the ideal partner can be difficult.
There are a few things to consider when looking for a partner. You should ideally find someone who shares your values and who you can trust.
They should be compatible with you and communicate with relative ease. When you find a person who meets these criteria, you will likely have found a good partner.
5. Go on a Family Trip
A family vacation is a perfect opportunity to bond with loved ones and create memories that will last a lifetime.
There are many wonderful destinations perfect for families, such as theme parks, beaches, and hiking trails. The possibilities are endless!
Traveling with young children can be challenging, but it is also rewarding. Seeing the world through their eyes is an unforgettable experience.
With a little planning, a family vacation can be an enjoyable and stress-free experience. Don’t be shy to pack your bags and hit the road.
6. Volunteer for a Local Charity
Volunteering for a local charity is an amazing intermediate goal, and it’s a way to give back to the community. Not only will you be helping those in need, but you’ll also meet diverse people and gain new skills.
And best of all, you can choose how much time you want to commit—whether it’s a few hours a week or a few days a year.
7. Learn to Cook
It’s no surprise that learning to book is a practical skill that can save you money. It’s also a fun and creative hobby. There are actually numerous benefits to learning how to cook.
For one, you have complete control over what goes into your food. This means you can avoid unhealthy additives and ensure you get the nutrients your body needs.
You can also tailor your meals to your own taste, making them as simple or elaborate as you like. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or others, everyone should take the time to set this type of goal in life.
8. Get Good Grades
Every student wants to get good grades, but sometimes it can seem overwhelming. To boost your chances of success, ask your teacher or a tutor for help if you have trouble understanding the material.
And if possible, keep track of your objectives and stay organized. A planner or calendar is an invaluable tool to ensure you don’t miss any important deadlines. You’ll be on your way to getting the good grades that you deserve.
9. Learn a New Skill
For the sake of your professional career, it would be great to set an intermediate goal of learning a new skill.
From picking up a new hobby or brushing up on an old one, taking a class or working with a tutor is an excellent way to learn a new skill. With some effort, you’ll be shocked at what you can achieve.
10. Establish Passive Income
For those not in the know, passive income is a type of income that does not require active work to earn money.
This can include rental income, dividends from stocks or mutual funds, and interest from savings accounts. The goal of establishing passive income is to earn money without working for it.
While there is no guarantee of success with passive income, it can be valuable to any portfolio. With planning and a commitment to long-term savings, passive income can help you reach your financial goals.
11. Lose Weight
Losing weight is a great intermediate goal to set for yourself. While this goal can be a difficult and frustrating process, remember that everyone’s body is different.
There is no one perfect diet or exercise plan that will work for everyone. But some general guidelines can assist you in losing weight effectively.
You should first focus on making healthy choices, such as eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Exercising would also be a brilliant addition to your daily routine.
Lastly, be consistent and patient. Weight loss often occurs slowly, so stick with healthy habits even when you don’t see results immediately. By then, reaching your weight loss goals won’t be too far away.
12. Get Rid of Debt
Anyone who has ever been in debt knows that it can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. Deciding to get out of debt is the first step, but it can be arduous to know where to even begin.
You should hone in on your finances and figure out how much you can realistically afford to pay each month. Once you have a budget in place, you can start working on a payment plan.
If you have multiple debts, you may want to consider consolidating your debts into one loan with a lower interest rate. There are many options available, so do your research to find what best suits your needs.
Getting out of debt is a brave and empowering choice, and with the right plan in place, it is possible to achieve your goal.
How to Set Intermediate Goals
Regardless if you set intermediate, short-term, or long-term goals, they must follow the SMART criteria.
SMART is a goal-setting framework that stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-based.
Specific
The goals you set must be as specific as possible. Specific goals give you a clear target to work towards. You’ll know exactly the steps required to reach objectives and hence, direct your efforts to the most impactful tasks.
Measurable
Your goals should ideally be measurable. If you can’t track your goal progress, knowing how far you’ve come will be hard. Moreover, measurable goals can keep you motivated as you see every inch of your progress over time.
Attainable
Some people struggle to set goals because they make the mistake of setting too high a bar. If your goal is unrealistic and out of reach, it will be arduous for you to attain any form of success. So try to create goals that make sense given your current capabilities and skillset.
Relevant
A relevant goal aligns with your larger objectives. In other words, does this goal fit into a personal value or ideal? Perhaps you value physical health. In that case, the goal of exercising would be relatable.
Time-Based
Your goal should have an end date. A timeline keeps the pressure so that you continue making actionable steps toward a goal. Without it, there would be nothing edging you forward.
Final Thoughts
For any goal-setter out there, intermediate goals shouldn’t be ignored. These types of goals allow you to make huge strides while not being entirely overwhelming like long-term goals.
If you’ve been lacking a spark of inspiration to keep you going, then the intermediate goals examples above will benefit you.
Last, remember to make your goals SMART. Once you use the right techniques, you’ll find that goal attainment doesn’t have to be a bumpy, complicated process.
