10 years is a long time to accomplish great things. Start with the end in mind and work backwards to set goalposts that move the needle. This framework comes up often as I’ve been managing, mentoring, and coaching people. Goals are personal things, so feel free to change this template as I have.

This is a small, flexible goal planning framework that can be reflected on often. As life changes, people change, and goals change too. The purpose of this framework is not to cause you stress or lock you onto a target. It uses relative time so you don’t have to do it all in one sitting or set due dates to measure against. It’s a fluid reflection of who you were, who you are, and who you want to become.

Make this template a live page somewhere and revisit whenever you’d like (but on a regular cadence). You can save versions as snapshots to see your goals at different moments. I like to put ages as a strong reminder of the distance in time.

• 10 years ago reminds you of how much change can happen in a decade

• 10 years from now you can achieve goals of your wildest dreams

• 5 years is halfway, these goals should build towards 10 year goals

• 3 years is one third, these goals should build towards 5 year goals

• 1 year is one tenth, these goals should build towards 3 year goals

• 6 months is one twentieth, these goals should build towards 1 year goals.

[Your name]’s Goals

I am now [age]

10 Years ago - I was [age]

• Where was I in my life?

My Goals

10 Years from Now - I’m [age]

• Goal - Why? How does this fulfill my life?

5 Years from Now - I’m [age]

• Goal - Why? How does it contribute to my 10 year goals?

3 Years from Now - I’m [age]

• Goal - Why? How does it contribute to my 5 year goals?

1 Year from Now - I’m [age]

• Goal - Why? How does it contribute to my 3 year goals?

6 Months from Now - I’m [age]

• Goal - Why? How does it contribute to my goal this year?