GOOOOOOOOALS!

Hey there friends, sorry it's been a while but I have been mega busy. This week I want to talk about the importance of setting goals. Cheesy I know, but would you expect anything less from S.A.L.L? So as you know I’m in the business of assisting people better themselves. What do I mean by that? I'm a helper in life and in career. I currently work as a program assistant for a high school program that allows students that have previously dropped out or have been at risk to drop out obtain their high school diploma. It's great! They even get to earn college credit when they get to college level courses. I don't always work with the students one-on-one but I have the opportunity to help the program from the inside out.

Working with people has always been something I've done. At times I rejected it, for example like many of you I had to pick a major in college at 18. Who wants to be pegged into one career path when their brain hasn't even fully developed? I surely didn't. Anyways, I basically rebelled against this eventual career path and personality trait because I wanted to be an anthropologist...like Laura Croft. However, that was not in the cards for me. (Alas I'm more of a Mary Poppins than a kick ass, treasure hunting, globetrotting millionaire...) Anyways, I found what was right for me and I went that route.

As I got to my senior year I realized that in order to get to where I wanted to be I would have to continue with my education. I took my GRE, I planned to apply to a few schools own south, I had a plan. But life happens. Things get in the way. But that dream to further myself was always present.

I won't get into the long crazy journey that led me to where I am today. But what I will share is that over the years I had my fair share of obstacles and turbulence. During that time, I did what I could to get closer to making that dream come true. I took classes, I took and paid for standardized tests, and I applied and got rejected to grad school more than once. I was heartbroken and defeated. Life had knocked me down but with time and help I got up again. (Insert 90's pop song here...)

Goals are basically little dreams you work towards making come true for yourself. They are things that force us to plan, work hard, and fight in order to achieve success. I've set many goals in my life. Some were easily attainable and others have taken time and been a lot of work. But here's what I love about goals, the feeling you get when you've finally met one. It can be something as little as tackling an organizational project you've been meaning to get to, reading all of the books on your list, or even setting aside time to take a walk. That feeling of accomplishment is amazing and completely worth it. You have made a tiny wish for yourself and with a little effort POOF you're your own fairy godmother. It's a little bit of magic just for you.

LIfehacker.org had a great list that gave insight as to why goalsetting is important, check it out below:

1. If we allow ourselves a moment to dream, we get really excited!

2. They cause us to make long term improvements

4. The cause us to "get real" with ourselves and confront our deficiencies

5. They cause us to develop powerful habits

See this link for more:

I know you've all experienced this feeling. The rush of glee and pride you feel when you FINALLY got to where you've wanted to be. Seriously tell me when meeting a goal that will better you mind, body, or soul hasn't been a positive experience? I know I can't think of one.

Now why do I have goals on the brain? Well, let me tell you. After 6 years of dreaming and working towards getting into grad school it's finally happened. I started classes last week and I am beyond thrilled to finally have this goal conquered. It didn't happen like I planned, it didn't happen how I imagined, but I did it! My dreams are coming true and in two years I will (hopefully) have my masters and after taking some courses after that I will have my LMHC. Holy smokes!

The reason I decided to share this news this way is because I wanted people to realize that setting goals and believing in yourself can make your dreams come true. I know it did for me and it can for you too.

Until next time my lovelies! <3