7 Spectacular tips for setting goals.

I must admit there was a time in my life when I had no path of my own to follow. I looked at others and thought, “Oh, I will do what they are doing.” I had no real goals of my own to monitor. So, at times I got perplexed and discontented. I would just go with the flow, wherever the wind took me, so to speak. I never focused on following through with things. If it became too difficult, I would move to something else. Nothing was a priority. I felt that I had not accomplished anything that would lead to anything satisfying or momentous. 

As an undergraduate, I remember waiting three and a half years to speak with a college counselor. I was told that I had exceeded the number of credits required to be a college senior. But those credits were in many different subjects and were not specific to a single discipline. Therefore, this prevented me from graduating at that time. After deciding on my field of study, it took an additional two years for me to graduate. I was distraught because I did plan.

After this experience, I still had not learned my lesson. I moved from job to job for years. I never felt that I was making any accomplishments. It was a struggle emotionally and financially. However, I finally woke up. I was able to comprehend the importance of setting goals. I had the desire to create a plan and pinpoint my triumphs.

 For those who are frustrated because they feel that they have not achieved or cannot recollect any real accomplishments, settings goals may be what you need. Creating and documenting goals is important. It produces a path for achievements.  It promotes accountability. You can also monitor and validate your successes. It also keeps us motivated, encouraged, and inspired.

Here are 7 Spectacular tips for setting goals:

1. Brainstorm and envision your goals and why these goals are important to you.
2. Create a list of immediate and realistic goals that you want to achieve. The goals should be purpose-driven.
3. Estimate the length of time it will take and how much time you will need to set aside to achieve the goal.
4. Out of those goals pick the first 3-4 important ones that you would like to focus on first. Do not overwhelm yourself with trying to focus on too many things at once.
5. Use a checklist to document your goals and measure your progress and achievements.
6. Stay focused by removing any distractions. Surround yourself with people who want to see you succeed and are supportive. Ponder on the rewards of achieving your goals.
7. Review you list of goals to determine which have been accomplished and are pending. During this time, you can also determine whether you want to add new goals or change any goals on the list.

Tracking your goals helps you to remain on course. You are also able to stay motivated. Remember to set goals that are measurable, stay committed and focus on the prize which is to manifest your vision into actuality.

The free planners below will assist with keeping a record of your goals and help to track your progress. Goal setting also aids in promoting life changes and enhances self-confidence.

                                                       

                                                                 Download your free Planner here

                                                                  Download your free Goal Planner here

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The Disparaging Effects of Implicit Bias

Throughout our lives, we developed beliefs, perceptions, and attitudes that are misinformed and stereotypical. This incorrect information can impact our perceptions and thoughts about individuals and things. These misconceptions are developed because of the information we received from family and through life experiences. This unconscious behavior is called implicit Bias.  These preconceptions and actions are unintentional and done without cognizance.

Implicit Bias can affect our evaluations and opinions of others. It can also negatively impact our decisions and cause victims to suppress the implicit attitudes perpetrated against them. This behavior can also adversely influence our ability to be open-minded and make informed assessments.

In the child welfare agency, Implicit Bias has impacted families of color. Research has shown the prevalence of racial overrepresentation of Black, Latino, and Native families who have entered the child welfare system.  All have more substantiated cases than White families.    

Studies show that racial disparities in child welfare transpire among families of color on every case process level. It is seen during the social worker's initial assessment of the families until the case is terminated.

The usual process with child welfare begins when a call is received suspecting child abuse. This prompts an investigation. The child welfare worker will meet with the family to assess and establish whether these accusations are true.  During this process, the worker decides whether the allegations are unproven or are confirmed.  If the allegations are accurate, then a child welfare case will be opened for further assistance and monitoring.

During the initial investigation, the worker does several assessments to determine the possibility of current, repeated, or potential child abuse. Families that are evaluated at a low-mild chance of child endangerment can be referred to less invasive services. This means that the families would not have to be monitored by the court system. They also can be connected to a community agency that would provide them with an array of resources to meet their need.

During the worker's assessment, it can also be determined whether children can remain with their parents or be removed.

There are those situations where it is evident child welfare services need to intervene in families' lives. In this case, some form of child abuse or neglect was apparent.  However, there is an occurrence of cases where child abuse or neglect may not be that clear.  This is when the social worker must decide on the family's outcome. This is also where Implicit Bias could be a contributing factor, especially when workers do not recognize their biases.

In my previous blog, I explained how I worked with a mother who did everything possible to get her children back. The supervisor insisted that basically, I uncover a shortcoming with this mother to inhibit her from reunifying with her children. My co-workers suggested this supervisor adopted previous practices where children from specific environments were not returned home for some reason. Looking back on this situation and other shared experiences, I see this as Implicit Bias.  This family was of color and from a low socioeconomic background.  The parent complied with all required services and more. However, the supervisor's suggestion was unnecessary and unfair.

As a child welfare social worker, I have witnessed most families served were Black and Latino. I observed several instances of Implicit Bias among co-workers. There are several occurrences where investigative social workers are deceptive when interviewing the families for possible neglect. They will ask the parents a series of questions regarding their past and present lifestyle. It may be a situation where a report was made to CPS indicating the parents were arguing around the children.

The investigator questions casually if the parent used drugs or alcohol.

The parents may disclose they previously smoked marijuana. The worker will make a case that the parents are current drug users.

I have seen this and other similar examples in many case situations among minority families. 

There was also a situation where I received 2 new cases that involved working with young black women. The case was transferred to me because the previous worker, who was of a different race, failed to provide the young women with the needed services. It was explained that the worker had a habit of focusing more on his male clients and less on the women.

Another example was a worker who claimed he did not connect with a black male client. He stated that the young man looked like a "Gang Banger."

Implicit Bias has been observed with supervisors and managers. An example involved the female black workers being reprimanded for sharing their knowledge about the job and not being submissive to a male supervisor of a different race.

Implicit Bias could be alleviated if culturally appropriate guidelines, measures, and practices were enforced.  These policies need to be utilized by managers as well as staff. This will encourage staff to change or become aware of their attitudes.

The bottom line is that it is crucial to first acknowledge the problem before the issues can be addressed.

 

References

Beniwal, R. (n.d.). Implicit Bias in Child Welfare ... - OpenCommons@UConn. https://opencommons.uconn.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi? https://opencommons.uconn.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1364&context=law_review.

Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity | Center for the Study of Social Policy. (n.d.). Implicit Racial Bias 101: Exploring Implicit Bias in Child Protection. https://kirwaninstitute.osu.edu/implicit-bias-101.

Lee, J., Ackerman-Brimberg, M., & Bell, Z. (2016, December 23). Implicit Bias in the Child Welfare, Education and Mental Health Systems. National Center for Youth Law. https://youthlaw.org/publication/implicit-bias-in.

Merritt, D. H. (n.d.). How Do Families Experience and Interact with CPS? - Darcey H. Merritt, 2020. SAGE Journals. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/0002716220979520.

12 Enthralling Quotes on Change

Change can be a difficult thing to face. This is because we are all too comfortable with the familiar and afraid of the unknown.  However, we must realize that change can be for the better. It could be what provides us with the growth we need to move into our real purpose in life. Just remember that life is not easy, and to get to where we need to be, there will be hurdles and obstacles that we may have to face.  But remember that you must stay determined. Here are some quotes about change to encourage you to continue your purposeful journey to reach your goals.

12 Quotes on Change

"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." 

-Anne Frank

     "To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often." - Winston Churchill

     "Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced." - James Baldwin             

"Stop being afraid of what could go wrong, and start being excited about what could go right." - Tony Robbins

 

"Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don't resist them; that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like." -Lao Tzu

"Incredible change happens in your life when you decide to take control of what you do have power over instead of craving control over what you don't." -Steve Maraboli

"Some changes look negative on the surface but you will soon realize that space is being created in your life for something new to emerge." -Eckhart Tolle

"Taking a new step, uttering a new word, is what people fear most." -Fyodor Dostoevsky

"All that you touch

You Change.

All that you Change

Changes you.

The only lasting truth

is change.

God

is Change."

- Octavia E. Butler 

 "The changes we dread most may contain our salvation." -Barbara Kingsolver

 "Nobody can change who you are, except for you." -Jean Kwok

            "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to  change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference." -Reinhold Niebuhr

Empower and Educate Families

 When families enter the system, they are usually ordered by the court to participate in programs intended to help change their lifestyle. These programs typically include parenting, mental health therapy, and drug counseling, among other programs. The most prominent issues that I face when working with families are connecting them to the previously mentioned programs and essential housing resources.  

Many of the families we serve have limited income. Furthermore, low-income housing is limited or nonexistent, and the programs are not always accessible. Also, there have been many situations where individuals were able to successfully complete the services. However, they could not provide their children with a safe and stable home to return to. This can be very frustrating because social workers are expected to make things happen with limited to no support or financial resources.

Therefore, I work towards promoting social support systems that could encourage families to overcome their obstacles. Families are inspired to build a team of supporters. This can include extended family, friends, and community affiliates. I work with the family to determine their underlying needs and identify what resources are necessary for change. When working with families, it is essential to be respectful of their life stories and listen without judgment. Although there may be a difference in opinions regarding lifestyle choices, my goal is to ultimately support them with the process.

To genuinely support families and create positive social change, social workers need to be effective communicators, willing to put aside personal values and find common ground. We must also keep the safety of the child a priority when doing so. However, we must empower families to share their experiences and encourage them to improve for the better.

Families must be encouraged to be self-sufficient and made aware of the resources available within their communities. It is also essential for them to participate in community activities and become agents of change. Through community fellowship, families can improve their lives and live independent of the system. For example, I worked with a teen mom who became involved in the child welfare system as a minor. Unfortunately, she did not experience having a mother who was empowered and self-sufficient. As a result, when this girl became a mother, she felt that she could not provide for her child. Fortunately, I was able to connect her to a community program that aimed to support and empower families. They assisted families with overcoming barriers. The program provided her with financial assistance, mentoring, free childcare services, food resources, and low-income housing.

Some may say, "That is wonderful; there is your solution."  However, these opportunities are not always available. This young mother was fortunate enough to receive these services when funding was available. Often, resources can be limited depending on government funding. Nonetheless, I still have to empower families by educating them on what it means to be more involved in the community. They must also learn how to access the resources necessary to create change and preserve a stable and healthy life. Through empowerment, families may feel more confident in accessing community resources independently.