100 Dreams

100 DREAMS

When I ask my clients to list 100 dreams they would like to achieve in their lifetime, most protest that they have nowhere near 100 dreams. However, when I coach them to think beyond professional goals and to include personal goals, the number is much less daunting. Include the things that you most want, even if you have already achieved it. If it helps, break up the exercise into categories:

10 professional goals
10 family goals
10 financial goals
10 creative goals
10 places to visit
10 skills to master
10 books to read
10 events to attend
10 subjects to research
10 things you’ve always wanted to do (e.g., bungee jumping).

When people think of the work/life balance issue, most probably think of squeezing their life in and around their work. Try this exercise, which puts professional dreams on par with other dreams. You might find that you’ve already accomplished many of these goals. Thus, the exercise reminds us of how many interesting and meaningful things we do in both our lifetime and our career. However, you might also find many things still outstanding. Thus, the exercise reminds us of all the things we’ve always planned to do. We are reminded that there are dreams for our career and dreams for our lifetime, and we need to honor them all.
 

Caroline Ceniza-Levine, a resident of Little Silver, is an adjunct professor of Professional Development at Columbia University and a speaker, consultant and writer on career/life issues.  Caroline can be reached at 646-215-1527 or at her website at www.thinkasinc.com.