by Debra DeCarli
July 2018 Presentation at Coast Women in Business
Wise words to keep in mind as you work on creating your vision of a positive future:
A DREAM
Written down with a DATE
Becomes a GOAL
A GOAL broken down into steps
Becomes a PLAN
A PLAN backed by ACTION
Becomes REALITY
Tips for creating your vision of a positive future… and making it come true:
- Set your goals, then revisit them regularly – at least once per month
- You may want to attach sticky notes as reminders on your computer monitor (or paper planners/calendars)
- Block off one hour per month of undistracted time and list where you are, what you’ve accomplished, and what you still have to do
- You may want to create a spreadsheet to track your goals and steps (e.g., in Microsoft Excel or Google Drive)
- Set boundaries so you have time for yourself, family, and business
- Shut off your computer/phone at a reasonable hour every afternoon/evening
- Keep in mind that adults only learn for about 15 minutes out of every hour, after which they need 10 minutes of downtime
- Move regularly to disconnect and relax
- Think in terms of how you’ll make yourself a person to be proud of
Self-Promotion Anxiety Disorder
Reflect upon the following:
- What are some of your successes, wins, and accomplishments of the past year?
- What was your major area of growth?
- What are you most proud of?
- Where did you step into your power or greatness?
- What have you learned about yourself and your life?
- What insights have you gained?
- What are you grateful for?
- Modesty isn’t allowed. Elaborate on this as much as you can.
Release the following:
- What are your disappointments, failures, and breakdowns?
Acknowledge them—this is an opportunity to let them go. - What events occurred that it’s time to make peace with and let go?
- What negative experiences did you have – the energy from which you now choose to leave in the past year?
- Who are the people whom you said goodbye to?
Acknowledge them—and breathe away any negative emotion associated with them.
You’re Already Living the Dream!
List the top five accomplishments in your life (so far).
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Unfulfilled Dreams
What do you want to do or accomplish in this lifetime (your dream)?
(HINT: Your vision has to be bigger than just paying the rent)
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Set a Date for Your Short-Term Goals
List a few burning SHORT-TERM goals that you want to achieve in the next SIX MONTHS.
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Set a Date for Your Long-Term Goals
List a few LONG-TERM goals that you want to achieve in the next FIVE YEARS.
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Identify Steps
What habits, activities, thoughts, etc. do YOU believe need to be let go or simplified in order to truly move forward?
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How will you prevent yourself from sabotaging your goals?
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What steps do you need to affirmatively take NOW to move forward?
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What’s Your Plan?
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How will you set it into action?
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Let it become REALITY.
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Inspirational Quotes
I keep these inspirational quotes next to my computer. Feel free to print them out and tape them where you work or do your brainstorming for your business.
“Forget past mistakes. Forget failures. Forget everything except what you’re going to do now and do it.”
-William C. Durant“You may never know what results come from your action. But if you do nothing, there will be no result.”
-Mahatma Gandhi“Don’t judge the day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant.”
-Robert Louis Stevenson
About the Presenter
Debra DeCarli, attorney at DeCarli Law, has been practicing law since 1994. In addition to her law degree, Debra holds a Master’s degree in public affairs. After many years as a litigator representing consumers all over the country, she opened an office in Mendocino. Debra focuses on estate planning, wills, and trusts as well as advising small business clients.
About Coast Women in Business
Coast Women in Business supports the business community on the coast. We meet monthly to foster entrepreneurship and professional development on the Mendocino Coast and beyond. We’re affiliated with and sponsored by the West Business Development Center.
Our membership fees are $50 annually or $10 per drop-in meeting. Your first meeting is always free, and we offer a limited number of need-based memberships—please inquire. We look forward to seeing you at our next meeting!
Please contact us with any questions. We look forward to hearing from you!