Starting off the new year right is a task millions of people hope and dream to accomplish. The new year prompts us to have new goals, new aspirations, and perhaps even a new mindset surrounding the things/people that previously discouraged us. However, in my personal experience as an adolescence, hoping and dreaming for change and self-success only takes you so far. You need to have a plan. You need to be willing to put in the work to achieve the goals you set for yourself. You need to practice the art of goal digging. Yes, I know the term “goal digging” may sound funny, but I truly believe that it works if you want it to.

Goal digging is a form of goal manifestation, in which individuals must “dig in” to their most authentic self and do everything it takes to meet/achieve the goals they set for themselves. In other words, a goal digger is a person who realizes the benefits of goal setting and is someone who has the drive and will power to become a better version of the person they already are.

Over the past two years I have focused on becoming a stronger goal digger by surrounding myself with the hardworking and purpose driven individuals at The Dare to Be Youth Charity (DTBY). DTBY offers several programs that aid young people like myself, in the process of setting goals, staying on the right track with your goals and finally, growing alongside your goals. Now, If there is anything I want to make clear about the art of goal digging, it is this: failure is a part of life, and you won’t always achieve something the exact way you planned to. However, as long as you are willing to continuously challenge the person you are to become better, wiser and stronger, you are guaranteed to find a pot of “goals” at the end of the rainbow.

There are so many benefits to setting goals, one of them being a chance at replacing old bad habits with new good habits. It is also important to remember that a goal does not have to be long term, as it can simply be “getting out of bed before 9am.” DTBY offers so many incredible resources that can help you start the goal setting process and help you reach your final destination (whatever and wherever that might be). Take me as a prime example. I will be 20 in February, and I already feel that I have accomplished so much in 2022! Not because I literally have accomplished so much, but because of the mentorship I received at DTBY I have made a promise with myself to practice, preach and put in the work to master the art of goal digging.