Setting Goals:
Before Challenge Detroit, I set goals, but it was more of an unintentional consequence of being in the middle of an academic race with the finish line as my fast approaching graduation date. It was easy to think “I’m going to pass that test” or “I’m going to finish that 120 page thesis… fingers crossed and get the coffee.” School set very tangible check-points, that in a way organized and prioritized obvious outcomes of my efforts.
Then I graduated and applied for Challenge Detroit. REALITY CHECK!
With a world of opportunity and plenty of paths to take, choosing goals can seem overwhelming as a recent grad or young adult. For me, setting goals has always been a sort of stab at whatever opportunity presents itself, somewhat intentional but not necessarily within a greater scheme. Typically very self-observant of why and how I am making decisions, I went from living in the moment, to planning for the future with Challenge Detroit. Before Challenge Detroit I wasn’t convinced that setting goals was for me, but then I realized it can be a wonderful way to prioritize, create opportunities, and mold the steps of a future journey. For that reason, I have decided to share a few of my insights on goal setting this year!
1. Set goals before major events.
Whether it be a conference or a fellowship, setting goals before events you plan on attending can give you focus on why you are there and what you want to accomplish.
- Hold on loosely but don’t let go.
This was a big one for me because I am not a planner and I am a committer, so writing something down and saying “This is going to happen,” probably means it will happen. I am a non-committed list maker because I HATE that I make lists (they’re too concrete). So I applied this same logic to setting goals. It’s ok to reevaluate your goals and decide one just isn’t for you anymore. Constantly reevaluating keeps you motivated and on task.
- Aim high and low.
Plan for the present and the future. Its really easy to get caught up in one or the other, but they are interrelated! That sit up today is a 6-pac tomorrow!
- Fit what you’re doing now into where you want to go.
Sometimes I am overwhelmed by deciding what opportunities to pursue. Setting goals and then aligning my opportunities to them helps me to prioritize my efforts. Does this action fit into the long or short term goal? Yes? Let’s do it! No? Maybe next time.
- Write them down.
It is amazing to see them evolve! From one month to the next seeing how your goals change illuminates which goals really are sticking. It can help you stay on task, but also learn a lot about yourself.
- Think wholesomely.
There are many different types of goals, from deciding to read more, work out every day, or be more productive at work. Setting them for a wholesome lifestyle can make sure that everything “feels right”.
- Put them in front of you.
I have a hard time remembering what my goals are because they change so much! I am in the process of designing a life strategy poster, which will help me organize my goals for long term and short term for a variety of facets in my life. Stay tuned! But make sure you see your goals every once in awhile so that you keep on it!
- Have fun!
The whole reason I was apprehensive about goals setting before Challenge Detroit was because I felt like it wouldn’t be fun. I am still a very loose goal setter, but I know how to set them within what I know will be productive for me and my lifestyle. For me, it is fun to set deadlines or look forward to something, so that I have a feeling of anticipation, like opening presents! Figure out what works best for you, and if you have a different way, then do it.