CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Team Charleston, one part of my job as command chief that I really enjoy is spending time with young Airmen who are just beginning their Air Force careers. Their questions often relate to the challenges associated with being successful. After some time, I've found goal setting to be one response that has consistently answered many of these questions.
Achieving the dreams of life doesn't just happen by accident; one must develop an action plan. That action plan should be driven by goals that map a course to success. Those goals, when clearly defined, serve to direct and provide purpose to your efforts.
So how do you begin this goal-setting process? First, you have to identify what it is you really want. You should take time to determine if that promotion, special duty assignment, advanced degree, etc., is actually the dream you really want. Once you've decided what that special dream is, write it down. Putting your dreams on paper helps to establish a personal commitment to develop the goals necessary to make that dream a reality. Once your dream is on paper, make sure you set the goals you must achieve to realize your dream. Sharing your dream with someone you trust can help to motivate you as you work to achieve each goal. Remember, realistic goals are believable and achievable.
In many instances, the size of your dreams may require both long-range goals and short-range goals. Although the long-range goals take time, they're necessary. The short-range goals can be achieved more quickly so they keep you excited and they keep discouragement away at the same time. You will find that as you achieve each of your short-range goals, the momentum of success will build as the dream gets closer and closer. For me, working on an advanced degree was a challenging task; however, as I worked on my master's degree, I kept a copy of the inventory of the required courses in a notebook. When I completed a course, I would draw a line through it. It was extremely motivating as the list of completed courses got larger than the courses I had yet to complete.
Finally, it's a good idea to periodically review your goals. You should first ensure your goals are still important and relevant to you. Ask yourself if they are helpful in realizing your dream and if so, are you on track toward achieving those goals? The answers to these questions should help to determine if your goals need to be modified, revised or deleted. Be flexible when assessing your progress -- unexpected circumstances are not uncommon or insurmountable.
Also, I would like to congratulate the March promotees. With every new promotion comes greater responsibility and you all have proven that you're ready. I know you will grasp every chance to continue making a difference in your unit.
Congratulations also to the recent graduates of the Robins AFB NCO Academy class 08-2. You all excelled in a challenging training environment. Special congratulations go to Tech. Sgt. Chad Murphy, 437th Security Forces Squadron. He was recognized as one of the class' distinguished graduates.
Team Charleston - Take the Fight to the Enemy!