How to Set Goals Rooted in Your Culture and Identity
The new year often inspires us to set goals and intentions, but how do we create plans that truly resonate with who we are? For those of us living between cultures, setting goals isn’t just about personal growth—it’s about honoring our roots while stepping confidently into the future.
Reflect on Your Roots
Start by thinking about the values passed down through your family and community. What lessons or traditions shaped your outlook on life? Maybe it’s a strong work ethic, an emphasis on family, a commitment to education, or a foundation of faith that grounds and guides you. Use these values as a foundation for your goals. For example, if family connection is important, one of your goals might be to host more gatherings or strengthen long-distance relationships. My family lives in Miami, and my closest friends are scattered throughout the South and along the East Coast. Maintaining these connections require intentional effort, like planning visits, scheduling video calls, and creating shared experiences despite the distance.
Blend Tradition with Modern Aspirations
Living in two worlds means we often balance tradition with modern opportunities. Embrace that balance when setting goals. If financial freedom is a goal, consider integrating cultural practices like saving collectively within family or investing in businesses that support your community. In some cultures, families coming to the U.S. will purchase one property together and live as a community, sharing expenses collectively. Each person pulls their weight, reducing the financial burden and allowing extra income to flow into other investments that help grow wealth. This approach not only sets up the entire family for financial freedom but also allows the property they purchased to increase in value over time, creating additional long-term wealth. This approach allows you to build wealth while staying connected to your roots.
Create Goals with Meaning
Goals that align with your identity tend to be more sustainable. Think beyond generic resolutions and focus on what truly matters to you. For instance, if preserving your culture is a priority, you might set a goal to learn more about your heritage, cook traditional meals, or pass down cultural stories to younger generations. Last year, I worked on a contracted project that required me to do a deep dive into Haitian history. This process involved extensive research beyond a simple Google search—I read books, watched documentaries, analyzed published articles, and spoke to older family members. It’s striking to think about how much effort it took to learn about my own culture while living in a country where its history and values are woven into the fabric of the nation. Many in the Haitian diaspora who didn’t go through Haiti’s education system often have limited knowledge of Haitian history beyond 1804 or Haitian Flag Day.
Break Goals into Actionable Steps
Big goals can feel overwhelming, so break them down into smaller steps. If you want to start a side business, begin by researching ideas, setting up a budget, and building a network. This approach keeps you focused and motivated. When I purchased my first rental/investment property, I applied this same strategy—starting with research, building financial plans, and connecting with the right resources to bring the vision to life. Small, intentional steps can lead to big accomplishments.
Stay Flexible and Celebrate Progress
Growth isn’t always linear, and setbacks are part of the process. Give yourself grace and adjust your goals as needed. Celebrate milestones along the way, no matter how small. Progress is still progress.
Final Thoughts
Setting goals rooted in your culture and identity is about more than personal success—it’s about preserving who you are while building the life you envision. Let’s use this year to create meaningful, intentional goals that reflect our values and help us grow.
My top 2025 goals:
Reach $40,000 in additional stock investments by year-end through consistent saving and strategic investments.
Develop healthy hacks to make traditional Haitian dishes more nutritious without sacrificing flavor.
See my family at least once per quarter to nurture connections and strengthen bonds.
Maintain a daily consistent wellness routine (a mix of weight training, stretching, cardio, yoga, massages, cryotherapy and floating therapy) to feel strong and energized year-round.
What goals are you setting this year? Share them in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!
-Cassandra
