Dreaming Into Doing
Fair warning: what I'm about to say here may surprise you.
2011 is already a quarter of the way through.
Let that sink in for a minute.
I'm not saying this to cause you to panic. (Although when I first realized this, my heart raced for a second.) I'm pointing out that this year is flying by so you have a chance to recognize it, pause, take stock of where you are compared to where you would like to be, and forge ahead for the remaining three-quarters renewed and with a bit more direction.
Maybe, like me, you have big dreams for 2011. It's okay if you haven't made as much progress as you wanted to towards those dreams so far. But you've got to stop yourself soon, reflect, organize your thoughts and recommit to your dreams. After all, what you really want is to move from dreaming into doing, right?
I have 5 questions to help you make that shift. Even better - I've put together a FREE worksheet to help you out. Don't worry! It isn't a test, there are no right answers. Instead, focus on being real with yourself. After all, to get where you want to be you have to take those dreams right into reality.
Question 1: What have you done that is truly AWESOME this year?
Could be something big and impressive (my friend Mayi, owner of this here blog,
http://www.heartmadeblog.com//blog/is-your-blog-ready-for-some-bootcamp">doubled her email list). It could be something small (I taught my toddler to say "bless you" when someone sneezes). Whatever it is, record the great things you've already accomplished, especially things related to your goals/ resolutions/ dreams.
Question 2: What have you done so far this year that leaves you thinking, "I can do better"?
While you shouldn't get all down on yourself for things that haven't turned out how you wanted, you need to know where you are to know where to go. What areas need the most work? What have you procrastinated, neglected, or down right ignored?
Question 3: What do the "awesomes" have in common?
More than likely, the things you've made progress in have a common thread. It may not be obvious, but if you seek it out it will help you know what you should keep doing and apply to the things that haven't gone so well. For example, the things I've done well at this year have a theme of persistent, repeated action. I said "bless you" about a million times before J started saying it. I've tweeted up a storm and my Twitter follower list has grown.
Question 4: What do the "do betters" have in common?
Similarly, the things you haven't made progress in probably have something in common. Are they the things you haven't created a plan for? The things you hate doing (and should probably outsource)? Do they involve putting yourself out there in a way that's a little scary? This will point you towards some key things to start doing to get closer to your goals.
Question 5: What are your top priorities in the 9 months to come?
Pick a couple of things (stick to 5 or fewer) that are your absolute must-haves to bring those dreams of yours into reality and put them to paper. Use your "Keep Doing" and "Start Doing" lists to make your priorities more actionable.
Want to take it one step further? Comment on this post with one or two of those top priorities. Two steps further? Find someone else in the comments who has a priority you can help with. Reach out and offer a hand - I bet you it will get both of you closer to your dreams.
Zoe Rooney is a multi-faceted designer who creates everything from training for new teachers (during the day) to websites, organizational tools, and hand-embroidered paper goods (often late at night). She is a relatively new blogger and enthusiastic pinner. Connect with her through her website A Quick Study or @aquickstudy on Twitter.Guest
Fair warning: what I'm about to say here may surprise you.
2011 is already a quarter of the way through.
Let that sink in for a minute.
I'm not saying this to cause you to panic. (Although when I first realized this, my heart raced for a second.) I'm pointing out that this year is flying by so you have a chance to recognize it, pause, take stock of where you are compared to where you would like to be, and forge ahead for the remaining three-quarters renewed and with a bit more direction.
Maybe, like me, you have big dreams for 2011. It's okay if you haven't made as much progress as you wanted to towards those dreams so far. But you've got to stop yourself soon, reflect, organize your thoughts and recommit to your dreams. After all, what you really want is to move from dreaming into doing, right?
I have 5 questions to help you make that shift. Even better - I've put together a FREE worksheet to help you out. Don't worry! It isn't a test, there are no right answers. Instead, focus on being real with yourself. After all, to get where you want to be you have to take those dreams right into reality.
Question 1: What have you done that is truly AWESOME this year?
Could be something big and impressive (my friend Mayi, owner of this here blog, doubled her email list. It could be something small (I taught my toddler to say "bless you" when someone sneezes). Whatever it is, record the great things you've already accomplished, especially things related to your goals/ resolutions/ dreams.
Question 2: What have you done so far this year that leaves you thinking, "I can do better"?
While you shouldn't get all down on yourself for things that haven't turned out how you wanted, you need to know where you are to know where to go. What areas need the most work? What have you procrastinated, neglected, or down right ignored?
Question 3: What do the "awesomes" have in common?
More than likely, the things you've made progress in have a common thread. It may not be obvious, but if you seek it out it will help you know what you should keep doing and apply to the things that haven't gone so well. For example, the things I've done well at this year have a theme of persistent, repeated action. I said "bless you" about a million times before J started saying it. I've tweeted up a storm and my Twitter follower list has grown.
Question 4: What do the "do betters" have in common?
Similarly, the things you haven't made progress in probably have something in common. Are they the things you haven't created a plan for? The things you hate doing (and should probably outsource)? Do they involve putting yourself out there in a way that's a little scary? This will point you towards some key things to start doing to get closer to your goals.
Question 5: What are your top priorities in the 9 months to come?
Pick a couple of things (stick to 5 or fewer) that are your absolute must-haves to bring those dreams of yours into reality and put them to paper. Use your "Keep Doing" and "Start Doing" lists to make your priorities more actionable.
Want to take it one step further? Comment on this post with one or two of those top priorities. Two steps further? Find someone else in the comments who has a priority you can help with. Reach out and offer a hand - I bet you it will get both of you closer to your dreams.
Zoe Rooney
Zoe Rooney is a multi-faceted designer who creates everything from training for new teachers (during the day) to websites, organizational tools, and hand-embroidered paper goods (often late at night). She is a relatively new blogger and enthusiastic pinner. Connect with her through her website A Quick Study or @aquickstudy on Twitter.
