Working Towards Realizing My Dreams...

I just spent the better part of my day, working on a report from a Board Retreat I facilitated last Sunday at Aspira ,Inc., of PA for Centro Pedro Claver, Inc.  It was a labor of love, but one which I felt honored to have been asked to facilitate.  This was an all day event in which a dynamic group of committed, passionate community members met to strategically plan the coming year. 

Because it is my hope to grow my consulting business as well as develop and hone my skills in a variety of areas, I was happy to work on this project.  This to me, is a step towards my future goals, I'm working towards realizing my dreams for the future.  The opportunities are out there, you just have to keep your eyes open to them.  In this case, an informal mentor of mine contacted me to facilitate this retreat.  How could I say no? 

Often times, we think that there is some complex formula for achieving goals or being successful, when in actuality it really boils down to a few simple things you can do:

• Take risks - be willing to do something you've never done before.  Experience is your best teacher.
• Network - have your thirty second spiel ready and give out your business cards at every event, remember every chance meeting is a networking opportunity.
• Write it down - basically the two most valuable tools you need for success are found in any desk, drawer, home and office in America - a pen and paper.  Write down what you can do, what you'd like to learn to do, set a timeline, write down those people who can help you and you will be surprised how far you get.  It isn't real until you write it down!
• Remain teachable - never stop learning.  Read about the things that interest you, about your field. Take classes formally and informally.  Sharpen your saw and be open to new experiences.