It’s often hard to stay motivated for a long-term goal. The key is to design short-term rewards that drive you towards your long-term target
Have you ever found yourself staring down the road of a long-term goal, feeling your motivation waning with each step? It's a common struggle, isn't it? The journey toward our dreams can feel like an endless marathon, with the finish line nowhere in sight. But here's the thing: every marathon has its checkpoints, its water stations, its moments of respite. And just like in life, these short-term rewards are essential to keep us going.
Think of it like this: You're on a cross-country road trip, heading to your dream destination. The miles stretch out before you, daunting and seemingly endless. But along the way, you spot signs for quirky roadside attractions, promising a break from the monotony of the road. These stops become your short-term rewards, little bursts of joy and excitement that make the journey feel more manageable. They keep you energized, focused, and eager to press on toward your ultimate destination.
In the same way, when we're pursuing our long-term goals, it's crucial to sprinkle our path with short-term rewards. These can be anything that brings us joy, satisfaction, or a sense of accomplishment in the moment. Whether it's treating yourself to a favorite meal after a week of hitting the gym, taking a day off to recharge after a month of hard work, or celebrating small milestones along the way, these rewards serve as fuel for our journey.
Picture yourself climbing a mountain. The summit looms high above, obscured by clouds, but you can see the trail winding its way upward, rocky and steep. With each step, the air grows thinner, your muscles ache, and doubt begins to creep in. But then you remember the little rewards you've tucked away in your backpack: a snack to savor at the halfway point, a breathtaking view to admire at the overlook, a sense of pride in reaching each new milestone. Suddenly, the summit doesn't seem so far away anymore.
It's easy to get caught up in the grandeur of our long-term goals, to fixate solely on the summit without considering the journey it takes to get there. But the truth is, the journey is where life happens. It's where we grow, learn, and discover who we truly are. And by embracing short-term rewards along the way, we make that journey not only bearable but enjoyable.
Imagine you're building a house. The end goal is a beautiful, sturdy structure that will stand the test of time. But to get there, you have to lay each brick with care, ensuring that the foundation is strong and secure. Each brick represents a small victory, a step forward toward your ultimate goal. And just like a builder takes pride in each brick laid, we should take pride in each small accomplishment on our journey.
So, the next time you find yourself feeling discouraged on the path toward your long-term goal, take a moment to pause and reflect. Are you acknowledging and celebrating the small victories along the way? Are you giving yourself the short-term rewards you need to stay motivated and energized? Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination, and by embracing short-term rewards, you can make every step of that journey count.
What short-term reward can you give yourself today to fuel your journey toward your long-term goal?
* If you’re seeking extra motivation and inspiration on your journey of personal growth, I recommend taking a look at my SMART growth goals page, This page offers thousands of goal ideas that can assist in the establishment of new aspirations and the attainment of greater heights in one's life. In fact, it was instrumental in my creation of a list of 100 goals, which I pursued for a decade.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
