One of the default interview questions, and I don’t like it. What is the correct answer? It suggests to me a lazy interviewer. They ask it because they had to respond to it. I may not be the only one. An internet search reveals many ways to answer. So it’s almost a tickbox question, with a - say the right things answer. So arguably pointless.

Why not discuss how the company sees your first five years? What they expect and what they will provide to get you there. That way you know if you’re a good fit for the company and vice versa.

It’s a process you can apply to yourself. Don’t think so much about a goal that is a long way off.

What do you want from the next five years?

What will help you achieve change over that time?

Make one mall step that lead to the next. You don’t have to have all of the plan in place on day one. Be flexible. If it starts to become impossible, adapt. Your aspirations or circumstances may change, so flow with it.

The ride I did a couple of weekends ago is a good example. If I had concentrated on how far it was it could easily have seemed impossible or overwhelming. Instead I just thought about the next food and drink stop. I knew that these would be vital to me arriving at the end. I had a rough idea where they’d be, but I had supplies with me just in case.

It took longer than anticipated, but it wasn’t as tough as it could have been. 

And lastly. Consider what others say about your goal, but don’t let them be the only reason not to do it. They might have your best interests at heart, but they aren’t you.