Nicely done! A clear, specific short term goal is a great way to bring the long term goal closer; it seems to be working for you. Good luck on those last few steps!

I choose this example because it was a goal I set when I joined CAP and a goal I have almost completed. I am just a few steps away. My actual short term goals (being a competitive sort) were more along the lines of “I’m going to try to beat Cadet Soandso to whatever grade I was going for, and most of the time, I did.

Yes – stacking goals in a sequence is another great way to get to a higher, longer-term objective; focus on each step as you go, make sure it meets SMART criteria, and then take action every day to get closer. Looks like you have some great goals in mind and have sorted out the necessary steps to get there; good luck!

All good advice below. I’ll add three points – 1. Earlier is better. As you get older your life gets busier – sports, activities, driving, jobs, college search. Set up a timeline and try to stick to it. Put specific, achievable goals on the calendar,…