GOAL SETTING IN FOUR STEPS FOR FIRST-GEN COLLEGE STUDENTS

By Jarrod D. Benjamin

A new year has begun, and everywhere I turn, there’s messaging regarding resolutions. 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 began to come into view. Looking back, I wonder how much sooner I’d have accomplished things if I’d had someone intentionally pouring into me 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 needed 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 the why and specific how when it comes to goal setting. Setting others up for success from the outset 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 face. With the right mindset and strategies, you can overcome these challenges and achieve your goals.

STEP 1: IDENTIFY YOUR VALUES

One of the first steps in goal setting is identifying your values, i.e. 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.

STEP 2: SET SMART GOALS

Once you have identified your goals, it is crucial to set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and timebound (SMART) goals. Your goals should be clear, realistic and have specific deadlines for completion. For example, instead of “earning a degree,” set a specific goal of “earning a bachelor’s degree in business within four years.”

STEP 3: CREATE A CLEAR PLAN OF ACTION

Creating a plan of action includes breaking down your goals into smaller, manageable tasks and setting deadlines for completion. It also includes identifying potential obstacles or challenges and developing strategies to overcome them.

STEP 4: PREPARE FOR OBSTACLES

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, 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.