ACA Goals, Priorities and Values

Goals, Priorities and Values : 

Goals, Priorities and Values Steve Wood TCCC

Who are you? : 

Being successful in college (like being successful in any of life’s endeavors) is a lot easier when we can define what we mean by “success.” “Success” can mean many different things to different people; it can also mean different things to different types of students. Being able to define your own particular view of success is based on the articulation of three important and interrelated aspects of your character: your values, your goals, and your priorities. Who are you?

Your Values : 

Values are, literally, the things (both tangible and intangible) to which we assign worth. Values are a part of your belief system. Values can be inherited from your family or friends. Values are influenced by culture, religion, and ethnicity. Values can be shaped by personal experience. Your Values

Values (from NC State) : 

Values are those things/ideas/people that are important to us, central concepts that give meaning to our lives, a set of guiding principles that help us make decisions and chose a path. Values are the things in our lives that shape our behavior and define who we are. The stronger they are, the less willing we are to change or compromise them. Values are things (tangible or intangible) that we find of great significance. A value is a principle, standard or quality considered worthwhile or desirable. Values are beliefs that people have which serve as the basis for their decision-making. Value commits a person to action. Values are a cohesive system of beliefs, which are freely chosen by the individual, prized, publicly affirmed, and acted upon. A principle, standard, or quality considered worthwhile or desirable Values (from NC State)

Your Values – Looking Forward : 

You have acquired your current set of values slowly over the years you have lived. Values are not usually changed overnight or due to one single event (although that does happen). Your values guide your choices, and since college is all about choices, your values will guide your experiences in college. Your Values – Looking Forward

Articulation : 

It’s important to take time to articulate your values as you begin college. Each college you attend as well as each department and organization you may choose to associate yourself with also has a set of values. Different professions also often possess particular values. Ideally, these different sets of values will not conflict with one another. Articulation

Goals : 

Goals are desired results. Setting goals is a part of defining success. Our goals are based on our values (hopefully). Goals can be short term or long term. Success in college is about both short term goals (this week, next month, by the end of the semester) and long term goals (graduation). Goals

Reaching Your Goals : 

Create concrete and specific goals. Create attainable goals. Break larger goals into smaller ones. Review your progress regularly. Reaching Your Goals

Possible Obstacles : 

Unrealistic expectations Unreasonable timeframe Lack of focus “Toxic people” and negative influences Lack of motivation Lack of self-assessment of progress Possible Obstacles

Priorities : 

Finally, we also have a set of priorities. Priorities are what is important at any given time in our lives. Priorities are fluid, changing as circumstances change in our lives. The key is being honest about what our priorities really are. In the end, our actions tend to show what our priorities are. Priorities