Remember way back in January? A new year begins with fresh possibilities and an exciting sense of setting big goals. In Virtual Coffee, we kicked off the year with the "New Year, New Goal" challenge: to dream big and set one significant goal for the entire year. Then, we took it step-by-step, breaking it down into smaller, achievable monthly goals.

Well, time flies when you're working towards something awesome! Now that we're moving into May, it's a perfect moment to pause, take a deep breath, and check in on those goals we set earlier in the year.

Our Own Big Goal: A Community Success Story!

Speaking of ambitious goals, we would like to share our story before we begin. We've recently accomplished our own big goal at Virtual Coffee!

To celebrate our 5th anniversary, we set our sights on holding our very first-ever online conference in April. We had three months from welcoming the Call for Proposals (CFPs) to preparing our speakers. But thanks to our amazing team and volunteers' incredible dedication and hard work, and a big thank you to CFE.dev for hosting, the event was a huge success!

Looking Back and Looking Forward: Evaluating Progress

The "Goals Check-In" challenge isn't about judgment or pressure. Instead, it's an opportunity to reflect on your journey so far. Think back to when you set your goal. What was that big goal you set? Have you been making progress on your monthly goals?

We know that the path to achieving any meaningful goal isn't always a smooth journey. Life happens. Unexpected challenges pop up, priorities might shift, and sometimes, what felt right initially might need a little tweaking now.

So, let's ask ourselves some important questions:

  • What have you accomplished so far? Let's take a moment to celebrate the wins, no matter how small they seem. Did you complete some of your monthly goals? What are you most proud of achieving?
  • What challenges have you faced? It's okay if things haven't gone exactly as planned. Did you encounter any roadblocks? Were some monthly goals harder to achieve than you initially thought? Understanding these challenges is the first step towards overcoming them.
  • Do your monthly goals still feel right? As we learn and grow, our perspectives can change. Do your current monthly goals still align with your big goal? Do they feel realistic and motivating? It's perfectly fine if you need to adjust them. Maybe you need to break them down into even smaller steps, or perhaps you've gained momentum and can aim a little higher!

An Invitation to Reflect

This challenge isn't just for those who started with us in January. We believe reflecting on our progress is a valuable practice for everyone, including those who might be inspired to set goals now in May! Whether you set your goal and plans in January or are thinking about setting a goal now, this is a great time for a personal review.

How We Can Support Each Other

Virtual Coffee is all about supporting and lifting each other up. We're here to offer encouragement, share experiences, and provide support in any way we can.

  • Share your insights: In our Slack (if you're a member) or the comment below, feel free to share your progress, challenges, or any adjustments you're considering. You might be surprised how many others are going through similar experiences, and your insights could be invaluable to them.
  • Offer encouragement: If you see someone sharing their journey, offer a word of support! A little encouragement can go a long way in keeping motivation high.
  • Brainstorm solutions together: Don't hesitate to ask for ideas if you're facing a particular challenge. Some people might have resources and suggestions that you need.
  • Celebrate milestones: Let's celebrate each other's successes, big or small! Celebrating wins helps keep spirits up and keeps the good vibes going.

Final Words

Remember, goals are meant to guide us, not limit us. This check-in is an opportunity to ensure they are still serving that purpose. It's a chance to be kind to ourselves, acknowledge our efforts, learn from our experiences, and make necessary adjustments to keep moving forward.

So, take some time this month to reflect on your goals. What have you learned? What needs to change? And how can we, as a community, help you continue your journey towards success?

We're excited to hear about your progress and support you in reaching your goal! Let's make the rest of the year even more impactful!

If you'd like to know more about Virtual Coffee and are interested in joining our community, you can visit our website and join the waitlist.