Why Our Brains Like Short Term Goals

1. The brain is wired to seek out short term goals

The brain is wired to seek out short-term goals.

It's a survival mechanism. Our ancestors didn't know when their next meal was coming, so they had to be constantly on the lookout for food. Today, we don't have to worry about where our next meal is coming from, but we're still wired for short-term thinking.

The problem is that short-term thinking can lead to bad decision making. We're more likely to make impulsive decisions that satisfy our immediate desires, even if those decisions are not in our long-term best interests.

Here's how our brains like short-term goals:

1. short-term goals are more exciting than long-term goals.

The brain is designed to seek out pleasure and avoid pain. Short-term goals are more likely to produce an immediate sense of pleasure, while long-term goals may require effort and discipline that can feel painful in the moment.

2. Short-term goals are more concrete than long-term goals.

The brain is wired for concrete thinking. We're more likely to be motivated by a specific, tangible goal than a vague, abstract goal. For example, it's easier to get excited about losing 10 pounds than it is to get excited about "being healthy."

3. Short-term goals are more certain than long-term goals.

4. Short-term goals are more immediate than long-term goals.

5. Short-term goals are more familiar than long-term goals.

The brain prefers familiar things over unfamiliar things. We're more likely to be motivated by a goal that's similar to something we've done before than a goal that's new and unfamiliar. For example, it's easier to commit to eating healthier foods if you've done it before, rather than if you're starting from scratch.

2. The rewards of achieving short term goals are immediate and gratifying

setting and achieving goals is a major part of what drives success in life. It's what gives us a sense of purpose and motivation to keep going when things get tough.

There's no question that reaching our goals can be incredibly rewarding. We feel a sense of accomplishment, pride, and satisfaction when we finally achieve something we've been working towards.

But what about the rewards of achieving short-term goals? Are they really all that different from the rewards of achieving long-term goals?

In many ways, the rewards of achieving short-term goals are even more immediate and gratifying than the rewards of achieving long-term goals. Here's why:

1. Short-term goals give us a sense of control.

When we set a long-term goal, we often feel like we're at the mercy of time, chance, and circumstance. We have to wait patiently for the results we want, and there's no guarantee that things will work out the way we want them to.

2. Short-term goals are less daunting.

Long-term goals can seem daunting and overwhelming. They can make us feel like we're not good enough or like we don't have what it takes to succeed.

3. Short-term goals provide immediate feedback.

Long-term goals can take months or even years to achieve. This can make it difficult to get feedback on our progress. Are we on track? Are we making the right decisions? It can be hard to tell.

4. Short-term goals boost our confidence.

Achieving short-term goals gives us a much-needed confidence boost. We feel good about ourselves and our abilities when we see that we're capable of achieving our goals. This confidence carries over into other areas of our lives, making us more likely to achieve our long-term goals as well.

5. Short-term goals are less risky.

Long-term goals often involve some degree of risk. We might be worried about failing or making a wrong decision that could set us back.

The rewards of achieving short-term goals are immediate and gratifying. They give us a sense of control, boost our confidence, and provide immediate feedback on our progress. So don't discount the importance of setting and achieving short-term goals on your way to reaching your long-term objectives.

3. Short term goals are easier to achieve than long term goals

Many people have a hard time setting and achieving goals. This is because they try to set goals that are too difficult or unrealistic. When you set a goal, it is important to make sure that it is something that you can actually achieve. Otherwise, you will just end up feeling disappointed and discouraged.

One of the best ways to set goals is to break them down into smaller, more manageable pieces. This is why short-term goals are often easier to achieve than long-term goals. When you set a short-term goal, you can focus on it and put all of your effort into achieving it. This makes it much more likely that you will actually reach your goal.

Of course, there are some goals that can only be achieved in the long-term. But even for these goals, it is important to set smaller milestones that you can reach along the way. This will help you stay on track and motivated as you work towards your ultimate goal.

No matter what kind of goal you are trying to achieve, remember that it is important to start small and take things one step at a time. By setting realistic and achievable goals, you will increase your chances of success and feel good about yourself along the way.

4. Accomplishing short term goals gives us a sense of control and mastery

Setting and achieving goals is a fundamental part of human nature. We are constantly striving to better ourselves and our situation. Whether it is a personal goal, such as quitting smoking, or a professional goal, such as landing a promotion, the process is the same. We set a goal, we work towards it, and we feel a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment when we achieve it.

The sense of control and mastery that comes with accomplishing short-term goals is incredibly empowering. It gives us the confidence to take on bigger challenges and the motivation to keep pushing forward. The key to success is to set realistic goals that are within our reach. Once we start seeing results, we will be more likely to stick with our plan and reach our ultimate goal.

One of the best ways to achieve short-term goals is to break them down into smaller, manageable steps. For example, if your goal is to lose weight, you can start by making simple changes to your diet and lifestyle. Instead of trying to overhaul your entire way of eating, start by cutting out processed foods or adding an extra fruits and vegetables to your meals. Small changes like these are more likely to stick, and they will add up to big results over time.

Another important tip for achieving short-term goals is to keep a positive attitude. Believe in yourself and your ability to reach your goals. When you hit a setback, don't give up just get back on track and keep going. Remember, every step you take gets you closer to your destination.

Achieving short-term goals is a great way to build confidence and momentum. By setting realistic goals and taking small steps, you can accomplish anything you set your mind to. So what are you waiting for? Get started today!

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5. Meeting short term goals boosts our confidence and motivation

Its human nature to want to feel a sense of accomplishment. That's why its important to set goals both big and small. Achieving a goal, no matter how small, can give us a much-needed confidence boost and help keep us motivated to continue working towards our larger objectives.

There's nothing quite like the feeling of ticking something off your to-do list. Its a physical representation of your progress and a reminder that you are capable of achieving what you set out to do. This sense of accomplishment can be a powerful motivator, encouraging you to keep going even when the going gets tough.

Of course, not all goals are created equal. Its important to set realistic goals that are within your reach. Trying to achieve something that's impossible or out of your control is only setting yourself up for disappointment. But if you set a goal that's challenging but achievable, you'll not only boost your confidence but also your sense of self-efficacy the belief that you can actually succeed.

Breaking down a larger goal into smaller, manageable steps can also help you stay motivated. Seeing regular progress even if its slow can help keep you on track and prevent you from getting discouraged.

And finally, don't forget to celebrate your successes! Whether its treating yourself to a new book or taking a well-deserved break, taking the time to appreciate your accomplishments will help keep you motivated and focused on your goals.

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6. Pursuing short term goals can help us avoid feelings of disappointment and discouragement

It can be easy to get bogged down by long-term goals. We may have our sights set on a promotion at work, or a new house, or becoming debt-free. And while its important to have these big-picture aspirations, its also crucial to focus on smaller, more immediate objectives. Why? Because accomplishing short-term goals can help us avoid feelings of disappointment and discouragement.

When were working towards a long-term goal, we may not see results for months or even years. This can be frustrating, and its easy to become discouraged. But when we break that goal down into smaller pieces, were more likely to see progress and that progress can keep us motivated.

Consider a weight-loss goal. It may seem daunting to think about losing 50 pounds, but if we focus on losing five pounds at a time, it becomes much more manageable. And as we start to see the needle move on the scale, well be more likely to stick with our plan.

The same goes for financial goals. It may be overwhelming to think about saving $10,000, but if we focus on saving $50 each week, its much more achievable. Seeing our savings account balance grow will keep us motivated to keep going.

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7. Focusing on short term goals can help us stay motivated when faced with setbacks

When we set goals, we usually have a specific end-point or target in mind. For example, we might want to lose 10 pounds, save $5,000, or run a marathon. These are all great goals to have, but they can also be quite daunting. It can be easy to get discouraged when we don't see results as quickly as we would like, or when we have a setback.

For example, let's say your goal is to save $5,000. You might break this down into smaller goals, such as saving $500 per month for 10 months. This way, you can see that you are making progress each month, even if you don't reach your goal right away. And if you have a month where you don't quite hit your $500 target, you haven't failed; you've just set yourself back a bit. You can simply adjust your budget and try again the next month.

It's also important to remember that not every goal is going to be reached perfectly. There will always be bumps along the way. The important thing is to stay focused on your overall goal and to keep taking steps in the right direction.

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8. Achieving short term goals can provide a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment

It's no secret that achieving goals can be a great source of satisfaction. The sense of accomplishment that comes with ticking items off your to-do list can be incredibly motivating.

But what about when those goals are small and seemingly insignificant? Surely crossing something like "take out the trash" off your list isn't going to give you the same feeling as, say, landing a new client or finishing a big project.

Or is it?

Recent research suggests that the answer may be yes. Achieving short-term goals, even when they're mundane, can provide a real sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.

In one study, participants were asked to choose between two different types of tasks: ones that were easy and could be completed quickly (e.g., sending a text message) and ones that were more difficult and would take longer to complete (e.g., writing a paper). The researchers found that people were more likely to choose the easy tasks when they were trying to boost their mood in the moment. In other words, when people wanted to feel good right away, they were more likely to choose tasks that would give them an immediate sense of accomplishment.

But the researchers also found that people were more likely to choose the difficult tasks when they were trying to achieve long-term goals. In other words, when people wanted to accomplish something bigger and more significant, they were willing to put in the extra effort required to complete a tougher task.

So, what does this all mean?

Well, it suggests that there may be value in setting small, easily achievable goals, even if they don't seem particularly important. Why? Because completing these goals can give you an instant shot of satisfaction that can help keep you motivated as you work toward bigger things.

Of course, this isn't to say that you should only ever focus on small goals. Achieving big goals is still important and can provide a deep sense of satisfaction. But if you're struggling to get started on something big, or if you're feeling stuck in a rut, setting and achieving small goals can be a helpful way to get yourself moving forward again.

9. Setting and achieving short term goal can help us create lasting change in our lives

Setting and achieving short-term goals can help us create lasting change in our lives. When we set a goal, we are more likely to achieve it if we have a plan and a timeline. Achieving short-term goals can give us a sense of accomplishment and motivate us to continue working towards our long-term goals.

The first step in setting a goal is to identify what you want to achieve. Once you know what you want, you can develop a plan of action. This may involve breaking the goal down into smaller, more manageable steps. For example, if your goal is to lose weight, your plan of action may involve making changes to your diet and exercise routine.

It is important to set realistic goals. If a goal is too difficult, you may become discouraged and give up. On the other hand, if a goal is too easy, you may not feel a sense of accomplishment when you reach it. When setting goals, it is important to consider your current situation and lifestyle.

Once you have set a goal, it is important to develop a timeline. This will help you stay on track and motivated. Make sure to review your timeline regularly to ensure that you are making progress towards your goal.

Achieving short-term goals can help us create lasting change in our lives. When we set a goal, we are more likely to achieve it if we have a plan and a timeline. Achieving short-term goals can give us a sense of accomplishment and motivate us to continue working towards our long-term goals.

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