Beyond Resolutions: Women of Color and the Power of Intentional Goal Setting
If you’re anything like me, you have probably spent the majority of your adult life making New Year’s resolutions. So before we close out January Lets talk about what you have resolved to do!!!
You resolve to lose weight,
You resolve to start saving,
You resolve to spend more time with your loved ones
Whatever your resolution is, I think we can all agree that the 1st month is full speed ahead, with no holds bar, but by March, you are all fizzled out, and the thrill is gone!
Well, no worries The MC Collective is here not just to save the day but the year and help you not only meet those lofty aspirations and expectations but maintain them by setting goals and putting a deadline on them.
What is a goal? A goal is a target with a deadline date! Emphasis on DEADLINE! otherwise, you just dreaming.
Studies have proven that when you set a goal and place a deadline on it, you are 80% more likely to achieve it than when you just make a resolution alone. People with actionable goals achieve more. So this year we are not simply checking boxes we are practicing intentionality.
Here's why goal setting matters more than ever for women of color:
It empowers us to define our own success: We don't have to conform to the mold society has cast for us. We can dream beyond the limitations imposed by stereotypes and biases. We can write our own definitions of success, where "CEO" doesn't mean sacrificing family, and "artist" doesn't mean financial instability.
It builds resilience: Goals are stepping stones, not finish lines. Setting them prepares us for the inevitable bumps on the road. When we stumble, we have a clear target to guide us back, reminding us why we started and why we can't give up.
It fuels our passion: Goals give purpose to our desires, turning dreams into tangible action plans. The act of setting a goal ignites the spark within, pushing us to tap into our hidden reserves of passion and determination.
It fosters community: Sharing our goals with other women of color creates a network of support and accountability. We can cheer each other on, offer guidance, and celebrate victories together, knowing that our journeys are intertwined.
It dismantles self-doubt: When we set and achieve goals, we chip away at the insidious layers of self-doubt that society often plants within us. Each accomplishment is a testament to our capabilities, a reminder of our inherent strength and brilliance.
Here are some tips that will help you thrive in 2024!
Stop setting Basic goals, which we call B-type Goals, and Set some Challenge goals, which we refer to as C-type Goals. Let's step outside of that comfort zone. God wants to stretch you and challenge you to be better in every area of your life!
Get rid of the excuses. 8% make plans to win, 92% make excuses. Decide where you stand. Are you in the winner's circle because you miss 100% of the shots you don't take?! So make that Plan and make it SMART!
There is a right way and a wrong way to set goals.
SMART stands for:
Specific: What do you truly want to achieve? Define it with laser-like precision. "Write a book" becomes "Write a 50,000-word historical fiction novel about overcoming failing resolutions by December."
Measurable: How will you know you're on track? Trackable metrics and milestones keep you accountable and motivated. "Get healthier" becomes "Exercise 3 times a week for 3 months and lose 10 pounds."
Attainable OR Achieveable: Don't set yourself up for disappointment, sis. Be realistic about your time, resources, and energy. "Become a CEO in 6 months" might be ambitious, but "Get promoted to senior manager within a year" is a boss move you can own.
Relevant: Ensure your goals align with your values, passions, and ultimate purpose. why is this goal important? "Earn $100,000" is great, but if it means sacrificing your mental health, it's not worth it. "Launch a business that empowers Black youth" Now that's a fire goal that lights up your soul!
Time-bound: Sis, Give your goals a deadline! This adds urgency and keeps you focused. "Start a blog" becomes "Publish my first blog post by January 31st and have 100 subscribers by June.
Having Goals is not just something you do, it is your spiritual responsibility.
Get a journal. The most successful goals happen when you write them down. Don’t just think it, Ink it. Embed them into your heart and deposit them into your mind. Review your goals daily because it causes your goals to become more real to you
Lastly, remember your brain is designed to bring to pass what you keep a constant focus on. You got this, and whenever you need help, remember that The MC Collective is here to support you on this journey.
Your accountability Partner
Career Coach Wanda
