The Velvet Type

By: Kassandra Lippincott

Goal Setting

Life is a constant fluctuation of good and bad events which repeats throughout our entire lives. There are the necessities to live and also the wants of what we think might make it better. Individuals always have goals that are vital to their existence. It gives us something to work towards and fight for.

One thing that’s important to understand is that we can have goals and something to work towards but true serenity comes with the present. It’s a battle between wanting more and practicing gratitude for what you currently have. Setting long-term goals helps you prioritize your work and give you something to strive for. Remaining present increases your awareness and helps you better develop skills that can benefit your long-term goals.

I have compiled a list of my personal goals that I would like to see achieved in the next five years and how I plan to do it. Most individuals don’t know where to start and breaking down goals that lead to the present can help create a ladder in which you can realistically climb to achieve your larger long-term goals. Developing a plan can assist you in breaking down the how in order to achieve what you truly want.

My goals:

#1 Graduate College

To start my 5-year plan the first goal is graduating college. As a first-generation college student, this is very important not only to myself but to my family as well. In order to graduate there are a lot of things that need to be completed that I can break down to make it seem less overwhelming.

1. Talk to an Academic Advisor
   • They can assist. in how many credits I have left to take, and what classes remain, and they can help by beginning the Senior Checklist to make sure everything is on track that is needed in order to graduate.
2. Pass my Classes
   • This is self-explanatory, you can’t graduate if you don’t pass your classes. To make sure I am successful at this aspect of the goal I can break it down even further on how I am going to do that. I can include better time management, possibly incorporate tutors, and talk with professors or Teachers Assistants, there are a handful of factors that could assist in making this goal a reality.
3. Purchase a Cap & Gown
   • So I can walk in graduation.

#2 Start my Career in an Agency

In order to begin a career and work in the real world I will need the experience to develop my resume. It may seem like a cliche goal but I can break it down to better prepare myself for when the day comes and I am given the opportunity to work for a corporation.

1. Internship while in College
   • This will help me gain experience and discover what I truly want to do in my career. I have a long-term career goal so this will benefit me in the long run as I learn new skills through experience.
2. Apply for Jobs
   • This is a lengthy and time-consuming process but necessary.
3. Begin Work
   • Starting off in a PR agency is the first step to really learning the ins and outs of what my job entails. This will help me broaden my network and meet new people that could eventually lead me to my ultimate career goal.

#3 Live Alone

While I have begun my career it’s important for me and my journey to live alone in my own apartment. You learn a lot about yourself by doing this and it has always been a goal of mine to have a space to myself. Though there are steps to making this happen.

1. Build a Credit Score
2. Look for Apartments
3. Apply to Rent

#4 Rescue a Four-Legged Animal

What fun is it to live alone without an animal companion? This is probably the easiest goal to accomplish since it just requires me to search online or in-person to various shelters or rescue organizations to have my own creature to care for.

#5 Work in Motorsports as a Communication Specialist

The main goal for myself is to work in Formula 1 Racing. This intense sport is full of opportunities to grow and learn. It’s something I am truly passionate about and invested in. To make it here will be no easy task.

1. Gain experience in Motorsports
   • Motorsports is a very competitive atmosphere with so many rules and regulations. By gaining experience in various other kinds of sports I can better prepare myself to end up working in Formula 1.
2. Build Connections
   • Networking and knowing individuals in Formula 1 is vital to job opportunities. It is such a competitive area and there are very limited job openings so by broadening my network I can better prepare myself for when there are positions available.
3. Apply for the Job
   • Fingers crossed.
4. Live out my Dream

Althoug this is my 5 year plan I hope it gives you guidance in creating your own. Thinking about the future can be very overwelming but having something to work towards can help make it a little easier. This won’t happen overnight and I may even change my mind somewhere down the road but at least I have a place to start.

Resources

• How to accomplish big things with long-term goals
• Here and now: Discover the benefits of being present
• How To Break Down Big Goals | The Ultimate Guide