What We Learned from the Survey — Get Ready for Part 2

Many of you might recall that PowerfulLatinas.com performed a survey the end of last year and early this year on Latina goals for 2010.  This survey was publicized through Twitter, Facebook, and I also asked all my newsletter recipients — you! — to take the survey as well.

The survey asked recipients 10 questions about their goals, their obstacles, their perceived power and their values.  All told, we had 138 respondents to the survey and gathered a bunch of fascinating data.

Latinas were asked if they had goals in the following 8 areas:  personal, professional, health, relationships, money/financial, spiritual, recreation and contribution.  Examples were given in each of the areas; however, each Latina’s goals could be anything within these categories.

Personal goals were identified as, for example, finishing a degree or becoming a better communicator. Professional goals included getting a raise/promotion, getting a better job, or starting a business.

Health goals included items such as running a marathon, incorporating healthy habits, or losing weight.  Relationship goals could include improving current relationships, minimizing unhealthy interactions, or cultivating new relationships (friendships or romantic).

Money and financial goals included paying off debt, improving credit, and reaching other financial milestones.  Spiritual goals included starting a meditation practice, taking a leadership role at church or forgiving someone who harmed you.

Recreation goals included taking a trip, taking up a hobby or trying something new.  Contribution goals included setting aside a certain amount of income to donate, starting a foundation, or getting on a board of a specific non-profit.

In all, most people stated they had a professional, health, and money goals, and yet respondents were much less likely to have goals in the area of contribution.  This was interesting to me since I believe that Latinas as a group make a number of contributions!  It’s possible that because contribution is such a natural part of our life, we don’t think to have goals in that area.  However, how much powerful would we be if we did?

Women talked about what got in the way of accomplishing their goals — mainly time and money.  And they also discussed what would be possible if they were able to achieve their goals!

Survey questions also asked about what resources Latinas draw upon to reach their goals and make big decisions.  Although many Latinas had had mentors, this was not among the top resources Latinas drew upon for their goals.  Why is that?  Is it because the mentors were from the past, or they are not helpful in certain areas?  It’s important for us to think about how we use our networks, and how we can leverage them better.

Interestingly, many Latinas were also mentors themselves.  How are we sharing our own knowledge, and how can we do so even more and better?

Finally, Latinas were asked their views on who they see as a Powerful Latina, and what characteristics make one.  VERY interestingly, a top answer was “someone who knows how to ask for what she wants.”  Also interesting is that “someone who is materially wealthy” was NOT a pre-requisite.

Lots more data came out of this survey; however, I wanted to give you a small taste of what we found *AND* let you know that, near the middle of the year, we’ll be doing a follow up survey surrounding Latina goals.  Get ready to respond to that upcoming survey and think for yourself about your goals, your resources and your contributions.

Hasta pronto!