A new year has begun, and everywhere I turn, there’s messaging regarding resolutions. But the truth is many people fail the resolutions before the first quarter concludes. That’s why I prefer to set specific goals rather than resolutions. I’ve always been an ambitious individual. However, it wasn’t until I became aware of the power of goal setting that the things I desired started to come into view. Looking back, I wonder how much sooner I’d have accomplished things if I’d had someone pouring intentionally into me, not just about the importance of goals, but about how to set goals. As a leader and mentor in the higher education space, a lot of my work is driven by compassion and service. How can I be to students and staff what I need earlier in my career? This is part of why I have dedicated my first thoughts of the year to showing the community that I champion most, not just the why but the specific how when it comes to goal setting. Setting others up for success at the beginning puts achievement closer within reach.
Goal setting is an essential aspect of success in college and beyond. For African American first-generation college students, setting and achieving goals can be particularly challenging due to the unique challenges and obstacles they may face. However, with the right mindset and strategies, you can overcome these challenges and achieve your goals.
One of the first steps in goal setting is identifying your values and what is most important to you. This will help you determine your goals in college and life. For many students, the primary goal may be to earn a degree and provide for their families. Other goals may include career advancement, financial stability, and personal growth.
Once you have identified your goals, it is crucial to set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals. This means that your goals should be clear, realistic and have a specific deadline for completion. For example, instead of “earning a degree,” set a specific goal of “earning a bachelor’s degree in business within four years.”
Another important aspect of goal setting is creating a plan of action. This includes breaking down your goals into smaller, manageable tasks and setting deadlines for completion. It also includes identifying obstacles or challenges and developing strategies to overcome them.
African American first-generation college students often face unique challenges such as cultural barriers, financial constraints, and lack of support from family and friends. To overcome these challenges, it is important to seek out support and resources such as mentorship, tutoring, and financial aid. Joining clubs or organizations that align with your interests and goals can also provide valuable support and networking opportunities.
“One Word creates a laser-like focus that lasts.”
As I think of goal setting in my own life, I think about Jon Gordon’s One Word That Will Change Your Life. “One Word creates a laser-like focus that lasts.” Once I identify my one word, I use it to guide me through the four steps of goal setting. And I repeat the process to set goals for specific areas in my life. The word that reinforces my goal setting is complete. I ask myself specific questions related to the word. What do I want to complete in my spiritual life? What do I want to complete in my career life? What do I want to complete in my personal life? What will I be able to accomplish when I complete the goals attached to my mental and physical health? The idea is that using one word to guide my goal-setting will create a lasting result in the area.
In conclusion, goal setting is an essential part of success for African American first-generation college students. By identifying your values, setting SMART goals, creating a plan of action, and preparing for obstacles, you can overcome the unique challenges that may arise and achieve your goals. Processing your goals through the lens of one word will intensify your focus in those areas. So, what’s your one word? And what are your goals?
