The Importance of Setting SMART Goals for First-Gen Women in Their 20s

Navigating your 20s as a first-generation college graduate is exhilarating yet challenging. Balancing academic achievements, starting your new career, personal aspirations, and financial stability can be overwhelming. One key to successfully managing these aspects is setting SMART goals—goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

The Power of Early Goal Setting

Just the other day, I had a conversation with a junior in college who had grand life goals but hadn’t planned out the actual income or costs of the lifestyle she desired. She felt she was too young to be thinking about these details and she would worry about the how “later.” However, it's never too early to start planning if you want to achieve your dreams.

I remember when I was 2 years out of law school, feeling a lot like this student. I had dreams of making a significant impact and ambitions that seemed almost out of reach. I knew I had a passion for working with young adults on their life path and eventually becoming an entrepreneur, but the path forward seemed so daunting. It was then that I learned the power of setting SMART goals to turn these dreams into actionable plans.

Learning from Personal Experience

Specific Goals

When I was thinking about what I wanted in my career, I knew I needed a clear plan. I knew that being at the law firm wasn’t what I wanted long-term and so I started to make a list of what I thought I actually wanted or needed in my career. I was dealing with some health challenges at the time and I knew that what was very important to me in my career was that I had the flexibility to go to doctors’ appointments and take vacations. I Instead of vaguely aiming to "do well in classes," I set a specific goal to achieve a 3.8 GPA. I broke this down into smaller steps, such as attending office hours, forming study groups, and dedicating specific hours each week to study. This specificity made my goal tangible and actionable.

Measurable Goals

Another pivotal moment was when I decided to start my nonprofit, Barrier Breakers. My goal wasn't just to "help students," but to assist at least 100 first-generation students in getting into college within the first year. This measurable target allowed me to track progress and adjust strategies as needed. By setting up milestones, such as holding monthly workshops and quarterly check-ins with students, I could see our impact growing in real-time.

Achievable Goals

Dreaming big is important, but so is being realistic. When I launched Outline It, my edtech company, I set an achievable goal to onboard 500 students in the first six months. This was ambitious yet attainable with the right marketing strategies and partnerships. By hitting this goal, it not only boosted our confidence but also provided a solid foundation for future growth.

Relevant Goals

Every goal I set has been relevant to my long-term vision. For example, while at Harvard Law School, I focused on building a network of mentors and peers in the education sector, knowing this would be crucial for my future endeavors. This relevance ensured that every effort I made was aligned with my broader aspirations.

Time-bound Goals

Setting deadlines has always been a game-changer for me. When I aimed to be featured on a major platform, I set a goal to achieve this within two years after launching my businesses. I broke it down into actionable steps like increasing my media presence, pitching to journalists, and leveraging social media. Meeting this deadline not only elevated my brand but also opened doors to new opportunities.

A Glimpse from Daymond John

Daymond John, a successful entrepreneur and Shark Tank star, emphasizes the importance of goal setting. He suggests writing down ten detailed goals, each with specific deadlines. For example, he sets six goals to be achieved within six months and one each for two, five, ten, and twenty years. This method ensures continuous progress and keeps the end vision in focus.

Your Journey to Success

Remember, setting goals is a dynamic process. It’s okay to adjust them as your circumstances change. The important part is to start early and stay committed. By setting SMART goals, you can navigate your 20s with confidence, ensuring each step you take is a step towards your ultimate dreams.

Start setting your SMART goals today and watch how they transform your journey. It’s never too early to start planning for the future you desire. As you embark on this path, remember that each small step brings you closer to your big dreams.