There's a television ad with the tagline "Your dreams miss you." That line really caught my attention since one of my passions is to connect people to their dreams and up-level their lives. I began to wonder about my own dreams, goals and aspirations. Had I visited them lately? Were they missing me?
What about you? Are your dreams missing you? If so, here are the Top 10 Ways to Reconnect with Your Dreams.
1. Find your dreams ? If your dreams are missing you, take 3-5 minutes to pause right now and ponder these questions: a. What would I do if I knew I couldn't fail? b. What would I do differently with my life if money weren't an issue? c. What would you have or experience that would bring you more joy?
2. Make a list of your dreams ? It is said that only 3% of adults actually take the time to write down their goals and dreams. As you are contemplating the questions above, write down whatever comes up. Write as many dreams, wishes and goals as you'd like. Just make a list.
3. Remove the limits and quiet the "yeah, but's" ? Once you even begin to consider connecting to your dream, the "yeah, but?" inner critic can rear its ugly head with, "Who do you think you are, to want ?" Whether it's a material possession, like a luxury car, or a raise or promotion, or to follow your dream of becoming an artist, that question can halt and haunt and paralyze the dreamer. Do your best to silence your inner critic. You can say, "Thank you for sharing, I'm just playing" to get it to quiet down. For now, just play. Have fun with this process and dream big dreams!
4. Sit with your list for a few days ? Don't commit to any particular dream just yet. Look at your list every day for as long as a week or two. Add to it, revise it, create new lists and delete dreams that no longer serve you. I keep a 3x5 note pad with me at all times. If I have a delayed appointment or extra time on my hands, I pull out my list and see if there's anything I've missed. Revisiting your list regularly will help you decide what really matters to you and what you might like to focus on.
5. Choose one or two dreams ? Look for dreams on your list that have juice or excite you. Your dreams need to be big enough and inspiring enough for you to fight for them and give them the attention they deserve. Make sure you really, really, really want each dream. If you don't or if it's too small, you won't work for it.
6. Take a step ? Before you even think about making an action plan, which can be quite a daunting task, simply ask yourself what one step you could take today to live your dream. If you want a new car, could you request a brochure at the dealership? If you want a house, can you schedule a house-hunting day? Just take one step, that's all.
7. Notice how the step feels ? It's important to evaluate along the way to your dream how you are feeling and whether this dream is something you truly want. Be willing to change and try new ways of doing things to see if this dream will really bring you joy. If it doesn't, evaluate, adjust and take a new step.
8. Create an action plan ? Now that you've taken a couple of steps, a direction may have unfolded. Take the time to really look at your dream and create a plan on how to get from where you are to where you want to go. Write down the steps, with a timeline, and continue to move in the direction of your dreams.
9. Gather your tools ? After you have written down your plan, you will want to evaluate what you need to accomplish your dream. Do you need equipment, training, support or funds? Write down everything you need to accomplish your dream and then add in those details to your action plan.
10. Get help ? If you've struggled in the past with manifesting or even believing in your dreams, see what a difference support can make. Professional athletes and musicians got where they are with coaching and guidance. Personally, I have several coaches, and I also belong to peer communities where I can ask questions, be accountable, get and give support. Begin to create a network of people and communities who will support you and your dream, and you'll get there faster.
If your dreams are missing you, now is the perfect time to reconnect and breathe new life into them. You deserve for all of your dreams to come true. Believe it, take action and make it happen.
Copyright ? 2007 Kamin Bell
There are some really high caliber speakers in the world, many of which charge thousands of dollars for a 1-hour keynote speech, but many of them still haven't mastered the very basics of public presentation.
Please, don't let yourself fall into these traps! But don't feel bad if you've done some of these things because even the pros slip sometimes!
1. You look awful
If I am wearing nicer clothes than you and I'm in the audience, you've got a problem. One of the very first lessons I learned about public speaking (when I was 12 years old) was that how you look matters more than what you say.
Yes, that's right. Disappointing, isn't it?
You can use all the flowery prose you like, but if you don't look well-groomed, professional and credible no one will care too much about what you have to say.
2. You forget you're wearing a clip mic
When you're wearing a clip mic, please don't look down at your shoes when you speak. You actually shouldn't be doing this anyway, but it's even more annoying when you're wearing a mic because you end up yelling, spitting and/or breathing heavily into it!
Also be careful that you don't hit the mic when you gesture. Finally, make sure that your jacket isn't rubbing up against it every time you move.
All of these extra noises are distractions to your audience.
3. You tell inappropriate jokes
It just amazes me in this day and age when political correctness is such a hot topic that so many people can still stand up in front of audiences and make inappropriate, sexist or just plain sexual comments to large groups of people.
Cut it out! It's not funny. It's just unprofessional.
4. Your examples don't fit the culture you're speaking to
I can't even count how many metaphors I've heard over the past few weeks referring to basketball and baseball or examples using basketball and baseball stars. If you're speaking in a country outside of the United States, use some examples that make sense to your audience. Here in Singapore you would get a lot farther talking about badminton, football (that's soccer) and cricket!
5. You think that yelling is the same as motivating
Really, it just hurts our ears. If you want to yell to make a point, please move your mic away from your mouth before you blow out the speakers.
6. You pace the stage
It gets very distracting watching a speaker endlessly walk back and forth across a stage. It almost makes me dizzy.
It also gives the impression that the speaker is nervous, can't stand still or is literally darting questions or issues.
Stand tall and proud (in one spot) and deliver a powerful message. Use movement when changing topics to signal a new train of thought.
7. You stand behind the lectern and read your speech
I simply couldn't believe it when not one, but THREE of the speakers I have seen lately simply stood behind their lecterns and read their speeches - word for word.
What a waste of time!
I could probably find those speeches somewhere on the internet and read through them myself, skipping the boring parts, and be done in less than half the time I spent watching them read their scripts.
8. You try to speak with your mouth closed
For those of you who have tried this, you've probably found that it's pretty hard to do. When you're standing in front of a large group of people, it is so important to enunciate your words.
Open your mouth, project your voice and speak CLEARLY. I can't stress it enough.
What's the point of giving a presentation if we can't understand what you're saying?
9. Your power point slides are illegible, and the ones we can read are littered with typos
Check, double-check and then triple check your slides. Pass out copies of the slides to three friends and have them repeat the process. It is really important that your slides are error-free.
Of course if they are like the slides in most presentations, we probably won't be able to read them anyway because there will be too much information and the text will be too small.
In that case, it doesn't really matter.
10. You have no stage awareness
I know that speaking in public is hard enough without having to think about the stage too, but it is just so important! Be aware of where you are on the stage. How far away you are from your notes, the laptop running your presentation or your water are all important things to know.
The silence can be unbearable not only for you, but also your audience as you walk all the way across the stage because you forgot what you wanted to say next.
Also be aware of the lighting. Sometimes lines are drawn on the stage and you will be asked not to cross them. There is a reason for that! It's so that we can SEE you.
Both Kamin Bell & Heather Hansen are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Kamin Bell has sinced written about articles on various topics from Supplements, Fitness and self improvement and motivation. WANT TO REPRINT THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEBSITE? You may, as long as it remains intact and you include this complete statement with it: Kamin Bell, MS, MA, CTL, went from extreme debt to a prosperous life. She's now passionately committed to teachi. Kamin Bell's top article generates over 6600 views. to your Favourites.
Heather Hansen has sinced written about articles on various topics from Public Speaking, Writing and Language. Heather Hansen, founder of Singapore-based Hansen Speech & Language Training, is an executive speech and language coach, writer and trainer. Become a star speaker! Visit her website. Heather Hansen's top article generates over 1900 views. to your Favourites.