It is safe to say that 2020 was not what any of us expected. Many of us have overcome great things this year, but before 2020 leaves us, it is time to plan our success and what we will achieve in 2021!
The best way to get where you are going is to actively plan the way. Failure to set goals may result in not achieving things that are most important to you. Goal setting can include personal and professional goals to help provide you with focus and direction. Creating goals you are passionate about and working towards achieving, provide you with things to look forward to each day.
As you start thinking about your goals, it is necessary to take a step back and figure out why something is important to you, why might this goal motivate you? If you can't articulate why a goal is important, then you are not likely to achieve this goal. It is important that you know what you want and if the work needed to achieve the goal is worth your commitment.
"By recording your dreams and goals on paper, you set in motion the process of becoming the person you most want to be. Put your future in good hands — your own." (Mark Victor Hansen)
When setting goals, work to make short and long-term goals that are reasonable, measurable, and time specific. Make sure to write these goals down and keep them visible, be it in your planner or computer screen to allow you to reflect and track your progress through the year. You may want to allow for 15-20 minutes each week on Sunday evening to evaluate your success and any adaptations that are needed. Reflecting on the past week's work and accomplishments can help you visualize success is achievable.
After setting your goals, make sure that you put your well-thought-out plan into action. Setting goals is the easy part, action becomes the hardest part. Trust in yourself and put in the work necessary to achieve goal success.
"Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off the goal." (Henry Ford)
Time is your most important asset; be cautious what you say "yes" to, and make sure that your time aligns with your goals! Stay focused on what matters, and persist on until you achieve your goals.
Make 2021 a great year!
Sandra has over 20 years of leadership experience within higher education where she has found practical ways of advancing impactful learning in all of us. She is a passionate leader who helps develop a culture where teams work collaboratively focusing on a shared mission. Sandra is the Dean of Academic Resources and Administration at New England College of Optometry. Outside of work, Sandra is actively engaged in the community on non-profit boards, actively mentors women, and is invited to speak on the topics of increasing reliance and learning to create successful workplace cultures.
Within the OWA, Sandra hosts the podcasts with Stephanie Espinosa where she engages with members and leaders within the optical profession. Sandra is active in both the Connection & Enrichment Committee and the Communications & Website Design Committee.
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