“A goal is a dream with a
deadline.”
-Napolean
Hill
Many of us set goals. Some are short-term and others
long-term. Long-term goals can be
challenging in that they require us to sustain a certain level of motivation, determination,
and focus over time. There are many
variables in life that can help or hinder us as we work toward a goal. Developing the ability to set and maintain
goals is currently a component of the educational system in New York State under
Common Core Standards. It is also a main
contributor to success in the workplace. Life is messy and sometimes we are forced to veer off course. This is okay as long as we return to our
original path.
How do we ‘stick’ to our long-term goal? It is necessary to practice a balance of
appreciation for the process and a clear vision of the future. We can do this by creating a Dream Box. One does not need to have artistic talent or
special knowledge to create their own Dream Box, just a definable goal and an
idea of what their dream will ‘look’ like.
1.
Start
with a container. Anything will
work, but some ideas are: tissue box, shoebox, photo storage box, cigar box,
plastic cd storage container. Hint: the plainer the box, the more potential to
make it wholly specific to your dream.
2.
Make a
list. Write down all of the elements
related to your long-term goal. Ask
yourself these 6 questions- Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How?
Who will you have
contact with when you reach your goal?
What will you be
doing? What will be happening?
When will this
goal be achieved? How old will you
be? Will it take place at a certain time
of the year or season?
Where will you be? Consider the environment, geographic
location, and actual physical space.
Why is this goal
important to you? Why is it worth making
the commitment?
How will you look
and feel? How will you know that you
have reached your final goal?
3.
Gather
the elements. Find things that can
represent your answers to the 6
questions. They can be store-bought
items, mementos, artwork, self-made items, photos, magazine clippings, written
affirmations or quotes, to name a few.
There is no right or wrong way to fill your box. As long as the item represents your final
goal and has meaning for you it belongs inside.
4.
Identify. You can give your box its identity by marking the outside (after
all, this is not an ordinary box, but the designated holder of your dream). Decorate with
wrapping paper, stickers, drawings, written words, ribbon, newspaper print,
photographs, any material that ‘fits’ with your dream.
5.
Utilize.
It is most important to utilize your dream box.
When you are struggling through a particular step toward your goal or when
you have lost your vision and feel discouraged, set aside some time to go
through your box. Take out each item or
element and hold it, read it aloud, really see it by observing closely. Essentially, you want to experience all of
the elements of your dream to make the goal real and alive in the present
moment. This will also help you to stay
connected to a sense of hope and possibility.
It is important to view our Dream Box as an ongoing
process. We can consistently add to it,
replace/remove items, and even expand to a larger box. We need to remain active as we progress
toward our goal, not just wishing we will reach it, but taking the steps to do
so.
May we all trust in the process and remain hopeful, setting
goals for ourselves and working toward achieving them.
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