Why Do People Struggle with Long-Term Planning?
Many individuals find long-term planning challenging. Discover the reasons behind this difficulty, the importance of planning ahead, and effective strategies to improve this vital skill.
CloseAriane Resnick, CNC is a wellness author, certified nutritionist, and mental health writer dedicated to promoting accessibility and inclusivity.
Have you ever noticed friends advancing in life while you feel stuck? Perhaps someone close has purchased a home, while you haven't even started saving for a down payment. Or maybe a peer has started a family, and the idea of raising children feels overwhelming to you.
These differences don’t imply you’re less successful or making mistakes. Often, those who seem to be "adulting" effectively are simply better at envisioning and preparing for their future. Some people excel at this, while others find it difficult.
If you’ve ever wondered why long-term planning is so hard for many, you’re not alone. Studies reveal that around 25% of Americans rarely consider what their lives will look like five years from now, and over half seldom think about the next 30 years. Moreover, only about 35% reflect on their future at least once a week.
In the following sections, we’ll explore why long-term planning is crucial, why it’s challenging for many, and practical ways to enhance this skill.
Why Long-Term Planning Is Essential
You might understand that planning ahead benefits your life, but the specific reasons might not be clear. Here are key benefits of cultivating long-term thinking.
Financial Security
Ideally, everyone would be financially secure in their later years. However, the reality is often different, and preparing for retirement is necessary for most.
Relying solely on social security often means a very modest lifestyle. The more you save for retirement, the higher your quality of life will be during those years.
Unexpected expenses can arise at any time—medical bills not covered by insurance, car repairs, or supporting family members in emergencies.
Building a financial cushion or "nest egg" helps you face these surprises with less stress, fostering peace of mind in daily life.
Energy Levels Decrease Over Time
While some seniors travel and enjoy life to the fullest, many experience reduced energy as they age. This decline can limit your ability to work extra hours or save money later in life.
Your younger years often provide the most vitality, so accomplishing more now can allow you to rest more comfortably in the future.
Creating a Sustainable Future
Climate change exemplifies the consequences of short-term thinking. Ignoring the long-term impact of our actions has led to significant environmental challenges.
Even a slight increase in global temperatures causes severe consequences we are already witnessing.
Long-term thinking helps us recognize that our choices affect future generations.
When we neglect the future, we tend to disregard the risks we pose. Conversely, thinking ahead encourages actions that protect and improve the world we’ll inherit.
Why Long-Term Thinking Is Difficult
Struggling with future planning is not a personal failing; it’s often linked to how our brains are wired. Here are some reasons why long-term thinking can be tough.
Focusing on Details Over the Big Picture
People who concentrate on immediate details rather than overarching goals are sometimes described as:
- Micro thinkers versus macro thinkers
- Short-term thinkers rather than long-term planners
- Detail-focused instead of big-picture oriented
This tendency means you might know every small aspect of a situation but struggle to understand the broader, long-term context — in other words, you can’t see "the forest for the trees."
Difficulty Connecting with Your Future Self
Interestingly, many people perceive their future selves as strangers, creating an emotional gap that reduces motivation to plan ahead.
Research shows that individuals who can vividly imagine their future selves tend to save more and make better long-term decisions.
Being able to picture your future self clearly encourages behaviors that support your long-term wellbeing.
Brain Wiring Challenges
Only about 60% of people think about the next month on a daily basis, and just 30% regularly consider the upcoming year. Brain imaging studies reveal that we often treat our future selves as different people, which makes planning ahead inherently difficult.
Strategies to Enhance Long-Term Planning
Fortunately, even if long-term planning doesn’t come naturally, there are effective techniques to develop this skill and navigate life with greater foresight.
Define Your Aspirations
If you’re unsure about your future goals, start by outlining broad aspirations rather than rigid plans. Identify what you hope to achieve in life in general terms.
Next, create a flexible timeline indicating when you’d like to reach these milestones. Remember, your goals can evolve over time, so stay open to change.
Writing down your dreams clarifies your desired direction and provides valuable guidance.
Take Immediate Steps
After setting your aspirations, focus on initial actions to move toward them. Concentrate on short-term tasks without stressing about the entire journey.
Try listing one or two steps, then schedule a check-in in a few weeks or a month to evaluate progress. Regular self-reflection enhances your connection with your future self.
Repeated practice will strengthen your ability to envision and prepare for the future.
Break Goals into Manageable Segments
To improve long-term planning, divide your objectives into smaller, achievable tasks that feel relatable.
For instance, if you aim to save for a home in five years, start by saving a modest amount monthly. Assess your comfort level and adjust the amount as needed. Flexibility is crucial for sustained success.
Managing Financial Stress
Final Thoughts from Verywell
Finding it hard to think ahead can be frustrating, especially when others seem to reach their goals effortlessly. Remember, you’re not alone in this struggle. If planning for the future feels overwhelming, consider seeking support from a counselor or therapist.
Explore more on how to set and achieve your goals with less stress in our sections on Living Well and Self-Improvement.
Institute for the Future. The American Future Gap.
AARP. Stories from individuals living on social security benefits alone.
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Ersner-Hershfield H, et al. Future self-continuity and saving behavior. Judgm Decis Mak. 2009 Jun;4(4):280–6.
Hershfield HE. Future self-continuity and intertemporal choice. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2011 Oct;1235:30–43.
By Ariane Resnick, CNC
Ariane Resnick is a mental health writer, certified nutritionist, and wellness author committed to promoting accessibility and inclusivity.
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