Allison Gandlin, Period 7, 2/10/2023

Goal Setting & Growth
At this current point in time, what specific goal(s) do you have for yourself? Why How do you demonstrate resilience towards achieving this goal? (or these goals?) How does the world around you affect your perception of this goal? (or these goals?)

In the beginning of the year, we discussed in class the importance of one’s “loss of
innocence.” Regardless of society’s perception of this, we labeled it as a heartbreak of some
sort. This heartbreak will forever change the way one thinks or feels and the way one makes
decisions in the future. Senior year has been my heartbreak. If I were to discuss my goals in
August 2022 versus now, January 2023, they would differ completely. I don’t believe I have
changed that much as a person, I have simply learned more about myself in my responses to
the events that have happened. If anything, I am more myself than I have ever been. For this
reason, at 18, I am addressing goals both mentally and physically, whereas at 17 years old I
would have merely focused on tangible goals. I would not have been able to identify my
personal objectives just a few months ago.

In middle school we were taught how to set a goal. They used the acronym SMART goals. It
stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-Based. I will not get into why each
adjective here is useful because I believe that is a question everyone has to ask and answer
themselves. For myself at this moment, I understand that I struggle with creating measurable
goals. This is unfortunate because I am not able to feel fulfilled in reaching these goals. To help
explain, some mental goals I have set include, focusing on myself, choosing happiness, and
sticking to my word. Maybe these can be considered resolutions more than goals. But it is still
an intention I have for my future.

My definition of ‘focusing on myself’ includes setting time aside to spend by myself rather than
filling my days with company. I would also like to notice a shift in my mindset from “Ooh I can’t
wait to tell someone this...” to “This is exciting! I love that I am thinking about this...” This is
where I implement ‘sticking to my word.’ I am not a liar, I actually pride myself on always being
honest. I just don’t fulfill promises to myself. I always attempt to take into account my intentions.
I am noticing that most of the time they are good, and some of the time, when I have petty or
vengeful tendencies I make sure I understand where those are coming from and how I can
make them more pure. But regardless, I know what I want from myself right now. It took me a
while to realize, even though my gut probably always knew, but I know what I want. Now, I need
to be disciplined enough to get it done. I want to choose happiness. I want to have more control
over my emotions and minimize their affect on my decisions. In order to do this I must keep my
word to myself and to others. I will eat well, I will keep my living areas clean, I will stay off social
media, I will stay away from people who do not enrich my life, I will stay productive, and I will
take care of my body.

I want to be happy, everyone does. But what most don’t realize is that being truly happy is
hard work. You have to change the way you think. You have to go against your natural instinct.
That is one of the hardest things a person can do. Once you have power over the way you think,
you will be unstoppable. As an athlete I believe this is partially instilled in me already. However,
as a teenage girl, I understand that I have to practice a lot of mindfulness to move past the
obstacles I see now. This can include a variety of subtleties in a patriarchical environment. For
instance, I notice how stronger, deeper masculine voices, no matter the volume, will always be
listened to over my own. My opinion is subconsciously valued less than that of my male
counterpart regardless of talent or knowledge. Not only by males but by other females too,
including myself. My goal is to grow without bounds. My goal is to stay true to myself and
understand that every little thing I do creates my character. I know the character I want, I now
finally understand who I want to be. Next step is to follow through and stick to my word.