8.2: Social Aspects of Achieving Your Goals
Setting goals can be a challenge, but working toward them can be an even greater challenge—often because you will be making changes in your life. You might be creating new directions of thought or establishing new patterns of behavior, discarding old habits or starting new ones. Change usually will be the essence of achieving your goals.
You may find that as you navigate this path of change, one of your best resources is your social network. Your family, friends, roommates, coworkers, and others can help you maintain a steady focus on your goals. They can encourage and cheer you on, offer guidance when needed, share knowledge and wisdom they’ve gained and possibly partner with you in working toward shared goals and ambitions. Your social network is a gold mine of support.
Here are some easy ways you can tap into goal-supporting “people power:”
- Make new friends
- Study with friends
- Actively engage with the college community
- Volunteer to help others
- Join student organizations; check out the information at HACC Student Involvement [www.hacc.edu]
- Get an internship; check out the information on the Career Services website: HACC Career Services [www.hacc.edu]
- Work for a company related to your curriculum
- Stay connected via social media (used judiciously)
- Keep a positive attitude
- Congratulate yourself on all you’ve done to get where you are