During July, we focused on having an intentional summer break. In one of those articles, we discussed the goals we should focus on as we return for the fall semester. Now, as we get back on campus, it’s time to shift from planning to actioning our goals.

For women of color in leadership roles within higher education, this seasonal transition isn’t just about weather changes—it’s about evaluating and propelling the professional and personal benchmarks we’ve established. Reviewing, reminding, planning, and checking in on our goals is essential for a seamless transition into the fall semester and for maintaining momentum towards achieving these objectives.

Reviewing Our Goals

Reviewing the summer goals is crucial. It allows us to assess our progress, understand the challenges encountered, and recalibrate our strategies. 

• Reflect on Achievements and Challenges: Reflect on what you have accomplished and the obstacles you’ve faced. This can provide valuable insights into what adjustments might be necessary moving forward.
• Revisit Initial Intentions: Remember why you set these goals in the first place. This can help rekindle motivation and ensure your efforts align with your vision.
• Assess Relevance: Ensure that each goal is still relevant and adjust them to align with any new priorities or changes in your professional landscape.

Reminding Yourself of the Why Behind Your Goals

Keeping your goals and why in your mind is vital to maintaining focus and commitment. Regular reminders help integrate these objectives into your daily activities and decision-making processes.

• Visual Reminders: Use tools like vision boards, planners, or digital reminders that keep your goals visible in your daily environment.
• Share Your Goals: Discuss your goals with colleagues, mentors, or a peer group. This reinforces your commitment and opens up opportunities for support and accountability.
• Align Goals with Daily Tasks: Break down your goals into actionable tasks and incorporate them into your daily or weekly routines. This helps in making steady progress.

Planning for the Goals

Effective planning is the bridge between setting goals and achieving them. It involves outlining the steps needed to achieve your goals and allocating resources accordingly.

• Set Milestones: Create a timeline with specific milestones to help you measure progress towards each goal. This will provide clear targets to aim for and help pace your efforts.
• Resource Allocation: Identify what resources (time, personnel, budget) are needed to achieve each goal and plan how to allocate these resources effectively.
• Anticipate Challenges: Consider potential obstacles and plan contingency strategies. Being prepared for challenges can reduce delays and frustrations.

Checking In on the Goals

Regular check-ins on your progress keep you accountable and responsive to the dynamics of your environment. They allow for timely adjustments and reinforce your commitment to the goals.

• Regular Reviews: Schedule regular review sessions for yourself and, if relevant, with your team. These reviews should assess progress against milestones and determine the next steps.
• Adjust as Necessary: Be flexible in adjusting your goals and strategies based on feedback from your reviews and changes in circumstances.
• Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge and celebrate the progress made, even if it’s incremental. This boosts morale and motivation.

It’s Time To Put Your Goals Into Action

As we transition from summer to fall, mastering the goals we set is not just about rigorous planning but also about adapting and staying resilient in the face of challenges. For women of color in higher education leadership, this period is a critical time to demonstrate agility and foresight, ensuring that the goals are aspirational and achievable.

Let this seasonal shift reinforce our dedication to these goals, driving us toward a productive and successful fall semester. Here’s to mastering our goals and moving confidently into the future with purpose and clarity.