Change Maker October
Shamika Fletcher
Mentaj, Founder
Give our readers some background on who Shamika Fletcher is?
Shamika Fletcher is a driven goal achiever who Founded Mentaj. Her work as a School Counselor contributed to her practice of goal setting. In her role, Shamika had the opportunity to get to know the students personally. As part of this process, she assisted them in defining their goals, setting their goals, and monitoring their progress in order to achieve their goals. In her experience, the majority of her students struggled to keep track of the progress towards their goals, which she observed was common to many. Reflecting on her own experiences and embarking on her own work-life journey, she realizes that she needs a better way to track her progress as well. Her research led her to consult with life coaches and follow programs that taught her that it's possible to balance it all. However, one problem still remained. Keeping organized and determining which tool would work best for her was a challenge. When she realized all of this, The search for a better way set her on a mission. That's when Shamika started developing Mentaj - A platform for tracking your personal or professional goals, either individually or collectively, to help you reach them and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Why is goal setting important to you?
To design my life I need to know where I want to go and the most direct or efficient way to get there. Setting achievable goals is a big step in getting closer and closer to what I want for myself and feeling like I am making progress each day towards the goal, rather than just drifting farther away with no plan for getting back on track. The accomplishment of setting clear targets gives me motivation when it gets hard, provides me short-term dates that will keep me focused on my long term goal, and keeps me active when boredom threatens. This isn't always easy in today's busy world but something we must do in order to live a fulfilling existence.
How would you describe your life in 2020 with the pandemic and how has it impacted you?
Life in 2020 made it challenging to stay on track with goals especially with health, career and financial goals. Like many others, I too lost my job due to the result of covid-19. However, I knew that I had to remain proactive and improve myself in the current climate by taking things one day at a time and by giving myself permission to refocus on what currently matters most: staying connected with friends, family, and practicing self-care.
What does community mean to you?
The meaning of community for me is being part of something greater than yourself. It's a supportive environment, where you can go and share, learn from others, and grow together in your endeavors. Mentaj was designed specifically for that purpose. The tools and space that Mentaj provides allow people to realize their goals by growing, contributing, and learning from one another.
What is your vision for the future of Mentaj?
The future vision of Mentaj is to inspire and motivate individuals to achieve success as a part of the community of goal achievers. Mentaj will transform the way the world thinks about setting goals - redefining our perceptions of what is possible.
What advice would you give to someone trying to start a business?
The most important advice I have for someone who is just starting out in business is to be prepared for challenges. Every entrepreneur faces problems, struggles, and disappointments. But never quit and remember If something does not go according to plan, change the plan but never change the goal.
“The meaning of community for me is being part of something greater than yourself. It's a supportive environment, where you can go and share, learn from others, and grow together in your endeavors.”
How can our followers support Mentaj and where can we find you?
Here are some easy ways to support Mentaj: Download the Trello goal setting template and get started designing your dream life"
DOWNLOAD HERE
Facebook: Mentaj App
Instagram: Mentaja App
Website: Mentajapp.com
Photography Credits: Femi Photos
Know someone who you’d define as a changemaker?
A powerful, loving, courageous individual or team promoting a healthier lifestyle, wellness, creativity, and entrepreneurship in your community or network? Nominate them here!! We want to get to know them and share their story!
