.png){kind=small}
Some people start the new year with a word of the year. For 2023, we have a special one picked out for you and all the BIPOC women out there.
Execution.
As we look ahead to 2023, BIPOC women must remember that this is the year to implement our plans. We've spent the previous year planning and setting goals, and now it's time to execute and make them a reality.
But sometimes, making that shift from dreaming to making those dreams come true can be challenging, especially with so many obstacles meant to prevent us from flourishing. However, that all changes today as we commit to changing the narratives placed on us for stories that paint us in the best light.
So let's keep that momentum going and make 2023 our year, and if you're trying to do the same for yourself, here are some tips on getting started today.
Take Inventory of Your 2023 Goals
One of the first steps to making 2023 your year is to closely examine your goals and ensure they are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). This tactic will help ensure that you focus on the right things and have a clear plan for achieving your goals.
However, because we, as BIPOC women, have certain biases attached to us that will slow us down, we may not put too much effort into making our goals SMART simply because it's challenging to break those habits.
So, to counter those thoughts and strongholds, here are a few tips to become more intentional in executing your 2023 goals:
Recognize the biases holding you back. What prejudices have been embedded within you that prevents you from setting and executing your desired goals (i.e., being misunderstood, being labeled as "difficult," etc.)?
Hold yourself to a higher standard. Remember that biases are just prejudices historically held in our society. In other words, they do NOT need to be held in our community to harm us further today. You have the power to set a new standard for your life, which you can do by changing your current lifestyle, improving your self-love for yourself, and more.
Plan for the Things You CAN Control
Next, creating a roadmap for how you will achieve your goals is essential. This method may involve breaking them down into smaller, more manageable tasks and setting a schedule for when you will work on each one.
When creating this roadmap, however, something to be mindful of is the pace at which you achieve these goals and the feedback you may receive as you walk that path.
Because there are specific biases held in our society against BIPOC women, there may be pressure from those around you to "reach those goals as soon as possible" or to "not make your goals so big."
But if that goal was placed in your heart, it's meant to flourish using your power and abilities. No one should diminish that because of their own opinions!
So make sure that each of your goals aligns best to accommodate any circumstances that you can control to make them happen, which can include:
The time you spend that contributes towards achieving each of your goals.
The activities you perform to get one step closer to your goals.
The shift you take to break the negative stereotypes imposed on you and your deserved success.
How you reward yourself for your progress after reaching each milestone along your journey.
Work to Overcome Your Biggest Obstacles
One of the main reasons why you can never seem to execute your goals is because of certain obstacles that stand in your way from taking the first step.
Luckily, after you reevaluate your life and overcome the biases, you can quickly point out the physical and mental obstacles holding you back from taking direct action.
One essential step in overcoming those obstacles is to surround yourself with supportive people who can provide guidance and encouragement as you work towards your goals. This group might include friends, family, mentors, or even a professional coach.
It can even include the Odihi team, as we are always here to help BIPOC women like you elevate and step into a better version of themselves through the resources and guidance we provide.
If you haven't already, check out the rest of our website to learn more about how we can help you along your life and professional journey in 2023 and beyond.
Make Self-Care Your Priority (And Make It A Non-Negotiable)
In 2023, you have to start making self-care your main priority. After all, how can you achieve even your most meaningful goals if you aren't prioritizing yourself first?
Remember, you'll be doing a lot of work to achieve your goals this year, and you need to ensure that you're rewarding yourself for taking action and reaffirming that you deserve that time with yourself.
It's also important to remember that taking care of ourselves physically, mentally, and emotionally is essential to our well-being and ability to focus on our goals. Therefore, that time to yourselves should not be taken for granted.
Self-care can look like various activities, including regular exercise, healthy eating, meditation, journaling, or therapy. You can implement more in your life and learn more about them by clicking here.
Reflect Often, Especially With Your Successes and Failures
To make 2023 your year, it's also important to remember to celebrate your successes and learn from your failures.
Every time you achieve a goal, take a moment to reflect on what you did well and what you could have done better. And when things don't go as planned, try to see it as an opportunity to learn and grow.
The best part about practicing this method is that it builds character and helps establish your personal identity. As BIPOC women, this is a constant struggle we face as we continue to live, so making progress with our self-identities is our best option.
Plus, it alleviates any pressure to achieve your goals as quickly as possible and allows you to reevaluate your plan to achieve your goals as needed based on your actions.
Conclusion
Undoubtedly, 2023 will bring incredible changes and opportunities for all of us. But if we're going to do it right, we need to make sure we take the necessary steps now so that when the time comes, our plans are ready to go into action.
Making 2023 your year is about setting smart goals and overcoming biases, creating a plan to achieve them, surrounding yourself with supportive people, taking care of yourself, celebrating your successes, and learning from your failures.
You can make this year one of your most productive and successful ones yet with determination and hard work. And all it takes is taking that first step, which you can start by checking out the Odihi website and learning more about our mission and the resources we provide to help you execute your goals today.