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Turn 2016 into the year you DREAMED and then DID: step 2

1/22/2016

 
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This is the second installment of our three easy and powerful steps to turning your hopes and dreams for 2016 into reality. 
Last week we talked about harnessing your positive thoughts and energy to keep you moving forward. Missed it? Check it out here
Now for step two: 
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2. CLOSE YOUR EYES, DREAM A LITTLE…THEN PLAN EACH STEP! ​

Where would you like to see yourself at the end of the year? 
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Imagine it’s the last day of school or the end of the year and you look back - you are incredibly happy and amazed at how the year went! You had an OUTSTANDING year and dreams became reality! How does that feel? Knowing what you want will help you sift through potential distractions and help you focus your energy. So give yourself a few minutes to just dream (close your eyes if it helps, or grab a pen and paper to write it down) and imagine what a great year could look like (here is where you stop reading and start dreaming).
Tip: Consider making a dream collage to capture and visualize your dreams for the year. Keep it somewhere prominent so you can remind yourself along the way. 
Done?
Now you have an idea of what a GREAT year would look like, here’s the next (harder but important) step:

Write down WHO you need to become to make that a reality:
Examples could include
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I want to be brave (even when I feel scared, no matter what happens) - this might include: speaking up in class even if you are not sure of the answer; starting a new group at school or in your community; asking for help; standing up for someone being bullied
  • I want to be someone that people can trust.
  • I want to build bridges of understanding in my community.
  • I want to be a champion for the environment.
Good job! Write these somewhere you go to often (bathroom, walls in your bedroom, journal) and remind yourself frequently. 
Now write down WHAT you need to do to get there. Write down your GOALS. 
Once you know where you want to go, having specific, stated goals will serve as your road map to getting there - making sure you stay on track and don’t get lost along the way! In order for your goals to really help you, make sure that they
  • Are specific (what exactly do you want to accomplish?) If one of your dreams was to increase understanding in your community, example goals could be: I will volunteer at the new refugee home; I will organize a community project day.
  • Are measurable (how will you know you have achieved it?) Here you could add to the above goals: I will volunteer at a refugee home weekly; I will organize a community project day that involves at least 10 students working on a specific community improvement project together with members of a local organization.
  • Are time-bound (when will you achieve it). Make sure you’ll know when to congratulate yourself! For the above examples:  By the end of January, I will identify a refugee home where I can volunteer weekly ; I will organize a community project day in April that involves at least 10 students working on a specific community improvement project together with members of a local organization
Once you have set three specific goals, you can take little steps every day and every week to make sure you get there. Stick with it and you’ll be impressed by how much you can accomplish!

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TIP: Focusing on three things at a time is helpful. 
To avoid frustration and really focus your efforts in 2016, consider making a list of three specific goals you want to pursue. And then focus on making those things happen.

We’d love to know what you are working toward this year, so we can support you and help celebrate your success! Send us an email to info@girlsgearingup.org or tag us using #GGU2016
 letting us know how you are gearing up for the year. We're hoping it will be an outstanding one for you!

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​How's it going? Keep us posted. 

info@girlsgearingup.org
facebook: /girlsgearingup

twitter: @girlsgearingup

Up next: Your own personal cheer leading team - how they help, how to get one. Stay tuned!
Interesting stuff to know: 
  • Tina Seelig's idea-filled, very interesting book "What I wish I Knew When I Was 20" talks about the importance of focusing on 3 things and so much more! It includes lots of interesting exercises for building entrepreneurial skills and so many insights about the skills and characteristics it takes to make your place in the world. Highly recommended! 

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