I am saying she’s a Goal digger!

I’ve always been infatuated with the term “opportunist.” What makes a person an opportunist? Is it if he or she is trying to better themselves? For example, take a female who is in a not so great situation. If someone gives her an idea that can instantly turn into a legal money-making opportunity and she flourishes and turns her situation into a positive one, we say she overcame adversity and we applaud her for succeeding. Now take the same female, put her in her best “freak-um” dress, her highest heels, and then place her court side at a NBA game. Guess what? She’s considered a “gold digger” or an “opportunist.” What makes this situation so negative? Is it her? Is it her outfit? Or is it the person looking who is thinking negatively about her? Either way you think about it, both situations are intentional. img_7962 copyWhat I’ve learned in my short time here is that the intent is the deciding factor.
What makes an opportunist negative is the act of exploiting another person’s circumstances without a plan or morale thinking. My point here is, that everyone’s situation is different. We should not judge without understanding the person’s full situation. Reflection: Am I a “gold digger” or a “goal digger?” Am I an opportunist?

I personally just chose to dig for a different kind of goal. No judgment here sis! I just choose to secure my own bag. But I’ve always been a “goal digger.” It’s like a natural high for me. Weird, huh? I know you are thinking I’m crazy, but I seriously have to set a goal everyday and achieve it. I am that person that creates a list every morning with the intent to check off every item on my “to do” list by the end of the day. Now honestly, in my field of work, this does not happen every single day, but I am okay with that. My goals may change throughout the day. But the key for me is, as long as I accomplish something on my list, then I can be proud. I also recognize and reward myself. Crazy girl trait here but yes, I talk to myself. I say “good job Taesia” or “you knocked that one out of the park. You go girl.” I think it’s the millennial in me. Yes, we love to be recognized. I just prefer to recognize myself first because if I don’t get public recognition, I still can feel good about the work that I produced. Now I won’t lecture you on setting your goals but I’ll give you a few nuggets.
There are short term and long-term goals. Short-term goals are things you can get done within the next couple of weeks. Long-term goals may take you a year or two to complete. Make sure you set milestones for your long-term goals. These milestones will help you see your progress. Make sure they are written down in a place where you will always see them. When it comes to setting goals at work, I suggest that you follow the SMART method of goal setting. SMART stands for:

Specific

Measurable

Attainable

Relevant 

Timely 

SMART Goal Setting

All of my goals are intentional. When I meet people, it is intentional. My family and friends probably would tell you that I have never met a stranger. There is a reason for that. I truly do love people. But I must be honest, when I am getting to know someone, my mind generally goes to what they do and how can it benefit me. Talk about being candid!! I told you all I was selfish. Now, hold on! It does not mean that I do not care. It just simply means that I am always planning for my future. I never know what kind of impact a person can have on my life. You should always have the mindset that someone can add value to your life. If you come to the realization that someone is not adding value to your life, then it may be time to move on. Now this does not make you an opportunist, but possibly a “goal digger.” You are recognizing exactly how a person can help you reach your goals. So go ahead and dig!

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