Chapter 2- 2nd Edition

2.      Set Goals

“Your life is calling. How are you going to answer?”

I

t works! And you might think goal setting is common sense, but most people do not do it. Do you write down your goals? I always had goals, but sometimes they would get away from me, or they would be postponed. Once I started to write them down, my chances of achievement were greatly increased, and I became more successful.

When I was eighteen, I had absolutely no idea what I wanted to do or where I was going to end up. Neither one of my parents graduated from high school. Where I grew up tested my character as people deserted the city for a lack of promises fulfilled. I had dreams and I turned my dreams to goals and my goals to reality. Certainty became a meandering road that led to four college degrees and a career in education.

Likewise, I have witnessed numerous success stories and a scenario of leadership that allows our school to make a difference every day. I have also observed people that get caught up in the scarcity mentality because their vision is “tunnel vision”, but we do not allow their negativity to prevent us from achieving our goals.

I started attending college almost by accident. My boss in the factory where I was working told me if I completed courses related to business, he would reimburse me. Once I started attending classes, I realized I wanted more of a challenge. I set a goal of going to a university. Although I had no way of knowing how I was going to pay, by raising the bar and setting my goals, I made it happen. I wrote it down, I worked three jobs, I applied for financial aid, and I was awarded a scholarship. My story parallels many people that work in our building. One common thread is goal setting. There are similarities in how we overcame our obstacles through leadership.

            Today, I write down my goals for the day, the week, and the year. Surprisingly or not, I have been able to accomplish most through hard work. It’s funny how your luck changes in a positive direction when you are committed. I always encourage our students and colleagues to do the same. Ironically, I received this email from a student this past summer when I was in Minnesota for leadership training.

Handwritten Note:

Frank,

I wanted to thank you for a pedagogy based on heart. Your words made me realize that there are teachers and administrators who truly care about their students and profession. Whatever happens with my future at Belhaven, I want to let you know that your book will always leave me with something that I have been searching (and missing) for a long time: COURAGE.

Thank you,

JW

Dear Dr. R.,

First and foremost, you are an accomplished leader on all ends. You possess a natural ability at leading others, and teaching students to do the right thing in life. I appreciate you coming into our classes and teaching us how to be young leaders. You have the courage to face all challenges in life and that is something very admirable. You always exemplify positive attitude. Not only that, you take responsibility for the important things you do such as finishing a job and more. You finish jobs quickly and efficiently. It is something that anyone would admire.

From,

A Parent

Things to think about:

In the end, you are who you want to be.

Even when you have bumps in the road, goal setting works.