Effective Goal Setting for Asian Professionals
Why does goal-setting matter for Asian professionals?
Setting clear and meaningful goals allows professionals to prioritize our own ambitions while still respecting other responsibilities, like commitments to family and friends. This is especially valuable for Asian-Americans, as we often feel the need to balance personal aspirations with cultural expectations. This is particularly helpful when Asian families may place a strong cultural emphasis on stability, promotions, and professional achievement, which may come at odds with other personal goals.
Additionally, goal-setting helps Asian professionals address challenges like workplace stereotypes around AAPI individuals needing to speak up more, or limited opportunities for leadership roles. By working with executive coaches to retain crystal clarity on your vision, you can develop the skills and confidence needed to advocate for yourself and advance in your career. Having a clear plan also makes it easier to identify opportunities, build connections, and take proactive steps to grow.
How do you know if you’ve set useful goals?
To determine if you've set valuable goals, you can evaluate them against criteria like the SMART framework, which ensures your goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. A goal that meets these criteria is more likely to be clear, actionable, and motivating. For example, instead of saying, "I want to advance in my career," you might refine the goal to, "I want to get promoted to a managerial role within two years by completing a leadership course and taking on at least one high-visibility project."
Another way to assess your goals is to ask if they align with your personal values and long-term vision. Goals that resonate with your core beliefs and larger life aspirations will feel more meaningful and fulfilling.
Additionally, evaluate whether pursuing these goals is energizing rather than overwhelming. If your goals make you feel inspired and help you grow, they are likely the right fit. Regularly reviewing and adjusting your goals as circumstances and priorities change can also ensure they remain relevant and effective.
How can I get better at making commitments that help me achieve my goals?
Getting better at making commitments that help you achieve your goals involves a mix of reflection, planning, and habit formation. Here are some actionable strategies:
Start with your long-term vision. Understand your ultimate aspirations and use them to guide your resolutions. This ensures that your efforts align with what truly matters to you. For example, if you have a target terminal role that’s your “dream job,” your resolution might involve acquiring specific skills or certifications needed for the next step.
Reflect on Your Past Goals. Look back on previous commitments or goals. Identify what worked, what didn’t, and why. This helps you understand patterns in your behavior, challenges, and motivations. For instance, if a goal failed because it was too broad, this time you can focus on breaking it into smaller, actionable steps.
Create a Clear Plan. Resolutions often fail when they lack actionable steps. Break each resolution into smaller milestones. For example, if your resolution is to "read more," plan to read one book per month and set daily reading times.
Focus on building habits: Sustainable habits often lead to achieving larger goals. Research shows that focusing on consistency, even in small steps, can help you stay on track. For instance, committing to write 200 words daily is more effective than setting an ambiguous goal to “write more.” Similarly, instead of setting a resolution like “lose 20 pounds,” focus on the habits that lead to the goal, such as exercising 3 times a week and eating balanced meals. This keeps your attention on what you can control daily.
Celebrate Small Wins
Reward yourself for hitting milestones, as this helps maintain motivation and reinforces positive behavior. Celebrations don’t have to be big—they could be as simple as enjoying a treat or taking a break.Track Progress and Adjust with a Coach. Regularly review your progress to stay on track. Use tools like journals, apps, or accountability partners to monitor your journey. If a resolution isn’t working, adjust it rather than abandoning it entirely. Seek the guidance of other dedicated professionals who can be your accountability buddy.
How does goal-setting help with Asian representation at executive levels?
Asian Americans are highly represented in professional roles, making up 13% of the workforce in industries like tech and finance. However, we are underrepresented in executive roles, comprising only 6% of senior management and 3% of top executives. According to the Ascend Foundation, Asian women are the least likely of all racial and gender groups to be promoted to senior levels. This contrast underscores the importance of career progression and the systemic barriers, such as the "bamboo ceiling," that many Asian professionals face when striving for leadership positions
Yet, career development is an important value for many Asian professionals. For instance, 32% of Asian Americans surveyed expressed a strong desire to reach management roles, the highest among racial or ethnic groups in the U.S. However, only 19% felt they had a fair opportunity to do so, highlighting both ambition and challenges within their career paths.
So, what can we do about this?
How can coaching in Anise’s integrated care model help?
Have you ever asked yourself one of these questions?
“How do I take my career to the next level?”
“Am I getting passed for promotions?”
“Why do I feel stuck in my career?”
“What do I do if I get unexpected feedback?”
“How do I get better at building relationships?”
If you resonate with any of these questions, you’re a great candidate for our care model, which integrates therapy with coaching to turn personal insights in to authentic actions that help you achieve your goals. For more information about what coaching is, how it effectively builds upon therapy, and why it works well for Asian professionals, check out this page!
