{"id":4052,"date":"2023-01-20T11:02:33","date_gmt":"2023-01-20T11:02:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/?p=4052"},"modified":"2023-03-24T09:04:22","modified_gmt":"2023-03-24T09:04:22","slug":"sex-workers-goal-setting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/sex-workers-goal-setting\/","title":{"rendered":"Preparing for the new year: Goal-setting and planning for sex workers"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>When was the last time you set a goal and stuck to a clear plan?<\/p>\n<p>Unfortunately, goal-setting is an activity that starts strong, but then gets forgotten as the year progresses. This goes for all industries, but sex workers in particular are guilty of ignoring their goals \u2014 or not setting them in the first place.<\/p>\n<p>But in 2023, we want to change this. We\u2019re here to show you how to set goals and bring them to fruition. Whether you have financial goals, personal targets, or career aims, we\u2019re looking at the top methods for sex workers to boost their lives in 2023.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#howtostartsettinggoals?\">Where and how should you start setting goals?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#techniquesforgoalsetting\">Top techniques and strategies for goal-setting<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#creatingacommunityforgoalsetting\">How can sex workers create a community for focused goal-setting?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#whattoconsider\">What to consider when setting sex work goals<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#resourcesforgoalsetting\">The best resources for sex workers and goal-setting<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#thetakeaway\">The takeaway: Why sex workers should set clear goals<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Are you ready to jumpstart your year? Scroll down to see the best goal-setting tips and tricks that you can use this year. You\u2019ll thank yourself in 2024!<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"howtostartsettinggoals?\"><strong>Where and how should you start setting goals?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>The hardest aspect of goals isn\u2019t meeting them, it\u2019s <em>actually<\/em> setting them up.<\/p>\n<p>Like most challenges in life, taking the step of creating goals can feel daunting. This leads to many of us putting it off and leaving it until \u201cnext year\u201d. But we\u2019re not about this in 2023. We\u2019re diving straight in, and so should you. So, let\u2019s look at the best areas to set your goals in.<\/p>\n<p><strong><em>The most common goals focus on the following:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Finances<\/li>\n<li>Career<\/li>\n<li>Self-development<\/li>\n<li>Self-care<\/li>\n<li>Retirement plans<\/li>\n<li>Relationships<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>You might want to dive in and set goals in all of these areas, but it\u2019s best to take it slow and choose one at a time. For example, popular goals include making a certain amount of money or hitting a career milestone. It could even be staying on top of your admin \u2014 not a lofty goal, but absolutely an important one. If you chose one of these, it\u2019s best to focus on only that category for the year.<\/p>\n<p>However, if you feel financial\/career goals are too stressful, you can also set softer goals that focus on improving your personal life. Carving out time for relaxation or exercise are good examples of this. Many also like to get goals of sleeping over eight hours a night or opting for healthier meals during the week.<\/p>\n<p>The key element of goal-setting is to start small and grow with your goals. Setting a big goal off the bat might leave you feeling anxious, and you\u2019ll actually be less likely to fulfil it.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"techniquesforgoalsetting\"><strong>Top techniques and strategies for goal-setting<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Setting a goal isn\u2019t as simple as just \u201cwriting it down\u201d. Sometimes, tried and tested techniques can help you stay on track. Here are some popular methods sex workers can use to improve their progress in 2023.<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SMART goal-setting<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>SMART goal-setting is a technique used to organise your yearly goals. In this method, SMART is an acronym that you apply to your goals to help you create meaningful objectives.<\/p>\n<p>SMART stands for:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Specific<\/strong> &#8211; Set goals with specific deadlines or numbers<\/li>\n<li><strong>Measurable<\/strong> &#8211; Set goals that you can track<\/li>\n<li><strong>Attainable<\/strong> &#8211; Work towards goals that you can actually achieve<\/li>\n<li><strong>Realistic<\/strong> &#8211; Be honest with yourself and your potential<\/li>\n<li><strong>Time-bound<\/strong> &#8211; Give all goals time parameters<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The aim of this framework is to help you build goals that are achievable and not stressful. It\u2019s also a great way to avoid vague goals or statements that you\u2019ll forget over time.<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Long-term &amp; short-term goals<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Another method you can use to start goal-setting is by separating your goals into long-term and short-term categories.<\/p>\n<p>Forget trying to set lots of goals within the same time limit. Some aims will take longer than others, and it\u2019s best to be honest about this. Financial and career-based goals tend to be long-term, whereas personal care goals work better as short-term ones.<\/p>\n<p>Sit down and draw two columns. Place each goal and an estimated time limit on each side to help plan out your year. Keep checking back on this sheet to keep yourself accountable.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-4055\" src=\"https:\/\/vivastreetuk.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/sex-workers-goal-setting-1.png\" alt=\"two girl friends relaxing with facial masks on over white background\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/sex-workers-goal-setting-1.png 1080w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/sex-workers-goal-setting-1-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/sex-workers-goal-setting-1-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/sex-workers-goal-setting-1-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/sex-workers-goal-setting-1-600x338.png 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"creatingacommunityforgoalsetting\"><strong>How can sex workers create a community for focused goal-setting?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Setting goals is a personal thing. However, sharing your wishes with like-minded people can keep you on track and accountable for your actions.<\/p>\n<p>A great way to stay focused on your goals, especially if they\u2019re career-based, is to get connected with other sex workers online. There are numerous online communities of sex workers out there, and these are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/idevasw-sex-work-safety-tips\/\">safe spaces<\/a> to chat with others about work, life, and everything in between.<\/p>\n<p>A popular place to connect with fellow sex workers is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/r\/SexWorkersOnly\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">r\/SexWorkersOnly,<\/a> a Reddit forum dedicated to providing an open forum and safe space for workers. No clients are allowed here.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"whattoconsider\"><strong>What to consider when setting sex work goals<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Are you planning on setting some goals? Make sure you consider some of these points before you commit to yearly aims.<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Achieving a balance between work and personal life<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Creating a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/work-life-balance-and-sex-work\/\">life with balance<\/a> should be a goal we\u2019re all working towards \u2014 but it\u2019s a goal that\u2019s often forgotten.<\/p>\n<p>This year, take a step back once you\u2019ve selected your goals. Think about what it will <em>really<\/em> take to achieve these targets. Are these goals easy to achieve? Or will you be sacrificing your personal time to reach them?<\/p>\n<p>If you think your goals might leave you feeling more stressed out, it\u2019s advisable to take one or two off the list. Being adventurous is great, but not at the cost of your personal life. Creating time for yourself and your personal relationships should always be part of your routine.<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Including mental health and self-care in goal-setting<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Similarly to the prior point, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/sex-work-and-mental-health-support\/\">mental health<\/a> and self-care are parts of your life you shouldn\u2019t neglect. If your goals come at the cost of mental clarity, it\u2019s definitely time to change them.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/sex-work-friendly-therapists\/\">Mental wellness<\/a> is just as important as physical health. Without these aspects in check, you won\u2019t be able to reach any external goals \u2014 nor will you be in a good space to work. So, in order to keep the rest of your life balanced, include <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/masturbation-as-self-care\/\">self-care and mental well-being<\/a> in your 2023 checklist.<\/p>\n<p>Remember, you can\u2019t pour from an empty cup.<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Using technology for goal-setting<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Finally, technology could be the missing piece to your 2023 goal jigsaw puzzle.<\/p>\n<p>Yes, online goal-setting software is available, and it <em>does<\/em> help you achieve your aims. From creating a simple Excel spreadsheet of your yearly objectives to purchasing an app that keeps you on track, developers are creating lots of different options for sex workers in 2023.<\/p>\n<p>A popular option that we love is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.notion.so\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Notion<\/a>. This workspace app allows you to enter your projects, plan your year, and write helpful notes to yourself. This app is free for personal use \u2014 ideal if you\u2019re looking for a tech-based solution to inspire you this year.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-4054 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/vivastreetuk.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/sex-workers-goal-setting-2.png\" alt=\"Woman holding paper bills using calculator for business financial accounting calculate money bank loan rent payments manage expenses finances taxes doing paperwork concept, close up view\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/sex-workers-goal-setting-2.png 1080w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/sex-workers-goal-setting-2-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/sex-workers-goal-setting-2-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/sex-workers-goal-setting-2-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/sex-workers-goal-setting-2-600x338.png 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"resourcesforgoalsetting\"><strong>The best resources for sex workers and goal-setting<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Don\u2019t run into 2023 goal-setting without checking out handy resources for sex work goal-setting!<\/p>\n<p>It might be tempting to storm ahead on your own but checking out what other sex workers use and reading their accounts can help you optimise your goal-setting process.<\/p>\n<p>The top resources sex workers should use for goal-setting include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Sex work blogs<\/strong> \u2014 Reading blogs from other sex workers can empower you to try out their methods. It will also help you understand what other industry professionals are doing this year, and you can transfer these goals to your work<\/li>\n<li><strong>Forums<\/strong> \u2014 Getting active on sex worker forums won\u2019t just help you make like-minded friends. You\u2019ll also be able to discuss your goals with them, and you might learn a few extra tips and tricks from real people. This feels much more personal, and there\u2019s a possibility of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/loneliness-sex-work\/\">long-term friendships<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Generic goal-setting content<\/strong> &#8211; While it can be tempting to focus on sex work-specific resources, general goal-setting content can be helpful, too. This includes any goal-setting articles made for general audiences, academia, or corporate goal-setting. Freelance goal-setting blogs can be helpful for sex workers, especially when it comes to the admin side of<a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/sex-work-business-tips\/\"> running your own business<\/a>. You never know what tips you\u2019ll pick up<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"thetakeaway\"><strong>The takeaway: Why sex workers should set clear goals<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Goal-setting is all about expanding your horizons and overcoming obstacles \u2014 and this can easily be applied to sex work. From keeping yourself healthy while working to broadening your client base, there are many goals for sex workers to aspire to.<\/p>\n<p>Will you be using any of these tips this year? We hope these tips have inspired you to set your 2023 goals! Good luck, we know you\u2019ll smash them this year.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When was the last time you set a goal and stuck to a clear plan? Unfortunately, goal-setting is an activity that starts strong, but then gets forgotten as the year progresses. This goes for all industries, but sex workers in particular are guilty of ignoring their goals \u2014 or not setting them in the first [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":4072,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":true,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"CBBTypography":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[217,220],"tags":[],"yst_prominent_words":[],"class_list":["post-4052","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-for-sex-workers","category-well-being"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4052","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4052"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4052\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4072"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4052"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4052"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4052"},{"taxonomy":"yst_prominent_words","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/yst_prominent_words?post=4052"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}