What’s the best way to encourage my child to work towards long-term goals when they crave immediate results? 

Parenting Perspective 

For a child accustomed to instant results, the idea of a long-term goal can feel overwhelming and abstract. The key is to make the journey feel just as rewarding as the final destination. 

Help Them Visualise Progress 

Break the goal down into smaller, clearer milestones so they can experience the feeling of progress along the way. For example, if they are learning an instrument, celebrate the first full song they master. Visual trackers like a chart or a jar they can fill with marbles can also help them to ‘see’ their advancement and stay motivated. 

Make Progress Feel Rewarding 

While the main goal may be far away, you can add smaller, meaningful rewards for reaching each milestone. These do not have to be material; they could be words of specific praise, extra time on a favourite activity, or a special outing. These interim rewards bridge the gap between instant gratification and the patience required for bigger achievements. 

Teach the Value of Consistency Over Speed 

Talk to your child about how many wonderful things in life, from growing a plant to mastering a sport, require steady effort over time. Use examples from your own life to show that patience and perseverance lead to a deeper satisfaction than quick wins. This helps to build a habit of steady, consistent progress. 

By making long-term goals feel achievable, enjoyable, and connected to their personal interests, you help your child form a mindset that values effort as much as results. 

Spiritual Insight 

From an Islamic perspective, there is great honour in patience, perseverance, and striving for good outcomes over time. Long-term goals reflect the important principle that the most valuable results are often the product of steady, sincere effort. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Inshirah (94), Verses 5–6: 

‘Thus with (every) hardship there is facilitation (from Allah Almighty).Indeed, with (every) hardship there is facilitation (from Allah Almighty).‘ 

This reminds us that periods of sustained effort and challenge are always followed by relief and reward, encouraging us to persevere even when progress feels slow. 

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 783, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The most beloved of deeds to Allah are those that are most consistent, even if they are few.’ 

This teaches us that lasting value is found in steady, regular actions that are maintained over time, not just in immediate, grand results. 

By guiding your child to see the beauty in persistence, you nurture both their resilience in worldly matters and their capacity for patience and steadfastness in their spiritual growth.