Creating a Purposeful, Passionate Life in Higher Education

Creating a Purposeful,
Passionate Life in
Higher Education
Bill Johnson, Retreat Facilitator
Educational Support Services
Northern Arizona University
August 6-7, 2013
Inspirational Poem…
So, Why Am I In College?
Workshop Overview
Day 1: Know Thyself
Day 2: Visionary Living
Most Important Questions
Who am I?
Who am I meant to be?
What am I meant to do?
A little bit about me…
• Job title – Student Success Coordinator, Personal
Development Coach, and Instructor
• What I do:
– Teach
• HHS125 (current)
• HHS126, HHS130, HHS250 (proposed)
– Workshops (Find Your Why, Visionary Living, Dream-Filled
Life)
– Conferences (Educating for Purpose, Inspiring for Life)
– Other: Weekly Journaling, Meditation for Staff, Life
Coaching
Retreat Guidelines
• Engage fully – allow yourself to be fully present for
the two days.
• Be attentive to time, since we are on a set schedule
for breaks, lunch, and the end.
• Be mindful of equal sharing of time for self and for
others.
• Please turn off cell phones, tablets, laptops, etc.
• Have fun!
• Anything else?
Before we begin…
• On the index card, write down your name at
the top, then your thought to the following:
– What do you hope to learn, discover, achieve,
and/or realize by the end of this retreat?
– Complete the following statement:
• My intention for the two days…
Paper Mingle
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Exercise to connect with others.
Engage in meaningful dialogue.
Promotes genuine conversations.
Provided by my dear friend Marin Burton
Rules:
1. Find a partner.
2. Each person share his or her question.
3. When both have shared, exchange questions.
4. Raise hand to find next partner.
Quick thoughts…
• Answer Yes or No (to yourself)…
– Do you feel inspired getting out of bed every day?
– Do you create something more significant than the
services you provide?
– Do you care more about doing the job right or getting the
job done?
– Are you on a trajectory to be better tomorrow than you
are today? Do you feel the same about your unit,
department, or the college in general?
– Do you live your life based on something bigger than
yourself – professionally and/or personally?
Inspirational Video
So, what are your thoughts about education?
Bring on the Learning Revolution
Sir Ken Robinson
(Space for reflection and notes on page 4)
Why “Purpose and Passion?”
 About 80% of college students not sure what they want to
major in – even those in declared majors. (http://dus.psu.edu/md/mdintro.htm)
 Over 75% of college students want help finding their purpose.
(http://spirituality.ucla.edu/docs/reports/Spiritual_Life_College_Students_Exec_Summary.pdf)
 Between 50% and 60% of college students change their major
at least once. (http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/04/education/edlife/choosing-one-college-major-out-of-hundreds.html?_r=0)
 About 40% of college students around country graduate from
college (30% bachelors degree, 10% associates degree).
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Educational_attainment_in_the_United_States)
 According to Gallup, about 70% of employees are either not
engaged or actively disengaged at work.
(http://businessjournal.gallup.com/content/125036/Despite-Downturn-Employees-Remain-Engaged.aspx)
Why “Purpose and Passion?”
• At UNCG:
– 76% of students are retained from Year 1 to Year
2.
– Graduation Rates:
• Four year: 29%
• Five Year: 49%
• Six Year: 54%
– Approximately 50% of students change their
major at least once during their college career.
Exercise: “How I Am…”
• The exercise, “How I Am…”
– Located on page 4 and 5 of the workbook.
– Provides an initial opportunity for you to reflect
on your life at the present.
– Challenges you to think about the important
things in your work and life.
– The goal is to complete as much of the exercise as
you desire over the next 10-15 minutes.
“How I Am” Reflection
• Find a partner (someone you don’t know well)
and talk about these questions:
– What did you learn about yourself from this
exercise?
– How did you feel as you completed the sentences?
– Was there a question that really challenged you?
– Based on your answers, what do you hope to
achieve:
• At this retreat?
• In your work and in your life?
Inspirational Quote
“All of us are born for a reason, but all of us don’t
discover why. Success in life has nothing to do
with what you gain in life or accomplish for
yourself. It’s what you do for others.”
Danny Thomas, founder, St. Jude’s Hospital
Exercise: Kick-Ass Questions
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“Prime the Pump.”
Free Write Exercise.
Seven sets of questions.
One minute time limit for each question.
Write the first thoughts that comes to mind
(usually most raw and most honest).
Question Set #1
What am I really good at doing?
What comes really easy for me?
What activities make me feel like
I’m “in the flow?”
Question Set #2
Who do I admire most?
Who inspires me?
Who do I envy?
Why?
Question Set #3
When am I my authentic self?
When am I most genuine?
When do I feel like the “real” me?
Question Set #4
What pisses me off about the world?
What drives me crazy?
What do I want to change in the world?
Question Set #5
Who do I want to help most?
Who can I make the biggest impact upon?
Who can benefit most from my help?
Why?
Question Set #6
If I were given unlimited resources,
how would I choose to contribute?
If I were given $1,000,000 to give away,
how would I distribute the money?
Question Set #7
How do I want to be remembered?
What do I want my legacy to be?
What would I want people to say
about me at my funeral?
Kick-Ass Reflection
• What do you notice about your answers?
• Do your answers :
– Relate to the “work” you’re doing on a daily basis
(within your organization, volunteer work, etc.)?
– Reflect how you are living your life right now on a
personal level?
– Reveal what you want to do and/or how you want
to be in the future?
Inspirational video
What drives your life on a daily basis?
What’s most important to you?
Rick and Dick Hoyt
The Story of Team Hoyt
Exercise: Values Tags
• Value Tags
– Answers the question, “What are THE MOST
IMPORTANT things in my life right now?”
– Your values are the principles, standards, and
qualities you consider worthwhile or desirable.
– Values typically guide your actions and decisions
on a daily basis.
– Your values are an integral part of your purpose,
since both values and purpose are at the core of
how you live every day.
Bill’s Top Values
1. Fitness/Health
2. Personal
Development
/Growth
3. Wisdom
4. Knowledge/Learning/
Education
5. Spirituality
6. Family
7. Creativity/SelfExpression
8. Friendship
9. Accomplishment/
Achievement
10. Expertise
11. Integrity
12. Harmony
Value Questions
• Why are these particular seven values most important to
you?
• What is (are) the biggest challenge living your life according
to your top values?
• How are your current choices and actions aligned with your
values – for better or for worse?
• Now that you’ve identified your most important values, how
might they impact your life in the future?
Living Statements
• Your living statements are words and sentences that
guide your life. It may be the words that define your
job/career/calling/vocation and/or your actions and
decisions on a daily basis. By the end of today, you
will create the following:
– Life Motto (how you want to live every day)
– Mission Statement (heartfelt work that impact others)
Characteristics of Statements
• Original. These are your words that describe you,
not the words of what you think others would like to
hear.
• Personal. It describes how YOU really want to live
your life on a daily basis.
• Emotional (in a positive way). When you read it and
say it, it brings a smile to your face and joy to your
heart.
• Purposeful. It gets you excited to get out of bed
every day and compels you to do something good.
Characteristics of Statements
• Descriptive. When you say it to yourself, it really
describes you. When other people hear it, they say,
‘Yep, that’s you!”
• Easy to remember. Your statements should be easy
to say and easy to remember. You want statements
that rolls off your tongue easily.
• Everlasting. Your statements could be the words that
describe your legacy - may even be the words you
would want written on your tombstone!
Exercise: Impactful Words
• 4 screens of impactful words.
• 33 words per screen.
• These are words that:
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Are important to you.
Describes you – or others use to describe you.
Resonates with you most.
Could be related to your values and strengths.
• In your workbook (p. 8), choose 3-6 words from each
screen that appeal to you the most.
Impact Words 1
 Abundance
 Change
 Courage
 Acceptance
 Children
 Creativity
 Accomplish
 Choice
 Curiosity
 Achievement
 Clarity
 Discipline
 Adventure
 Comfort
 Discover
 Appreciate
 Communication
 Diversity
 Attractiveness
 Community
 Dreams
 Authenticity
 Compassion
 Education
 Balance
 Competition
 Encourage
 Beauty
 Contentment
 Energy
 Believe
 Counsel
 Enthusiasm
Impactful Words 2
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Environment
Equality
Excellence
Excitement
Experimentation
Exploration
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Facilitate
Faith
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Family
Fitness
Flexibility
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Forgiveness
Freedom
Friendship
Fun
Giving
Global
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Goodness
Grace
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Gratitude
Growth
Hard Work
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Harmony
Happiness
Heal
Health
Honesty
Hope
Humility
Humor
Individuality
Influence
Innovation
Impactful Words 3
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Inspire
Integrity
Intelligence
Joy
Justice
Kindness
Knowledge
Leadership
Learning
Legacy
Leisure
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Lightness
Longevity
Love
Loyalty
Luxury
Mastery
Motivate
Nature
Nurture
Organize
Openness
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Optimistic
Originality
Partnership
Passion
Patience
Peace
Perform
Persistence
Perspective
Play
Power
Impactful Words 4
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Prosperity
Purity
Purpose
Quality
Reflect
Relax
Relationships
Religion
Resilience
Respect
Responsibility
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Risk
Security
Self-Control
Sincerity
Speed
Spirituality
Spontaneous
Sports
Stability
Strength
Structure
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Support
Teamwork
Transformation
Trust
Truth
Unity
Vision
Volunteer
Wealth
Winning
Wisdom
Impactful Words Choices
• If you have any words that aren’t listed in this section
that you would like to include, write them down.
• Once you have your list of words, narrow down your
list 4-7 words that resonate with you the most.
• Circle, place a check, or write down these words.
Exercise: Life Motto
• The Life Motto:
– Describes – in seven words - how you want to live
your life every day.
– Focuses on the present and future.
– Inspired by the Six Word Memoir project through
Smith Magazine.
Life Motto?
• Why a Life Motto? (from dictionary.com)
– A motto is: (1) a maxim adopted as an expression of the
guiding principles of a person, and (2) a sentence or phrase
expressing the spirit or purpose of a person.
• Why seven words?
– In numerology circles, the number “7” is seen as being
spiritual, reflective, introspective, and possessing wisdom
and completeness.
• Note: Write the Seven-Word Life Motto book with
777 life mottos that’s 77 pages by 7-7-2014.
Creating a Motto
• As you review the answers to your kick-ass questions and your
list of impactful words, pick out a few that stick out the most
for you.
• Your Seven-Word Life Motto can be:
– One statement;
– A series of small statements;
– Seven individual words;
– Or any combination of statements and/or words that work
best for you.
• If you aren’t sure what to write, ask for help in constructing
your motto.
Bill’s Life Mottos
How I live my life every day
Dream Big. Live with Purpose. Inspire Others.
How I serve others in my work
Cultivating heartfelt purpose and dreams
every day.
Life Motto Examples
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Improve myself. Strive for growth. Satisfy dreams.
Never be afraid to make an impact.
Help others. Bring about change. Show success.
Clearly conscious, serving God and people faithfully.
Keep perspective. Inspire. Be joyful. Live today.
Live intentionally. Be for others. Cultivate peace.
Persevere through challenges. Achieve success. Gain wisdom.
Make each moment inspiring with life’s beauty.
Ambition should be stronger than any fear.
Play every day. Live for each moment.
Exercise: Interest Areas
 3 screens of areas you might be interested in working in or
knowing more about.
 About 25 Interests per screen.
 Make your choices based on:
Areas you could see as your chosen profession.
Things you want to learn more about or do as potential projects.
Gets you excited and inspired!
Might be tied to the things you value most.
 Write down 1-3 choices from each screen that appeal to you
the most (p. 9). Note: It’s okay if you don’t choose any
interests from a particular screen.
Interest Areas 1
Agriculture
Architecture/Gardening
Business/Entrepreneurship
Communication/Broadcasting
Counseling
Culinary Arts/Food
Economic Development
Energy
Entertainment
Family Issues
Government/Politics
History
Information Systems/Services
Animal Care/Animal Rights
Art/Design/Creativity
Clothing /Fashion
Construction/ Home Repair
Dance/Creative Movement
Defense
Education
Engineering
Environment/Nature
Finance
Health/Nutrition
Hospitality/Event Planning
Interest Areas 2
Justice/Law/Human Rights
Leisure/Play/Recreation
Life/Health Sciences
Management/Administration
Music
Peace/Conflict
Exercise/Fitness
Physical/Natural Sciences
Psychology
Sales/Selling
Sports
Technology/Computers
Travel/Tourism
Landscape/Plants
Transportation
Social Media
Managing Money
Organizational Development
Performing Arts
Philosophy
Politics
Global/International Issues
Religion/Spirituality
Teaching
Trade
Interest Areas 3
Employee/Employer/Labor Issues
Interior Design
Children Issues (Care, Protection)
Disease
Morals/Ethics/Character
Movies
Life Coaching
Real Estate
Research
Volunteerism
Investigation
Community Development
Beauty
Immigration
Charities/Non-Profits
Philanthropy
Housing
Literacy
Personal Development
Public Safety
Relationships/Sexuality
Violence/Terror
Women’s Issues
Journalism
Writing/Publishing
Men’s Issues
Interest Areas Choices
• If you have any interest area that isn’t listed in
this section that you would like to include,
write it down.
• Once you have your list of interest areas,
choose up to 3 that have the most significance
for you.
• Circle, place a check, or write down the 3 that
resonate with you the most (p. 9).
Exercise: Interest Area Statement
Describes the interest area(s) you would like to
explore/investigate/learn more about – in 1
sentence!
Your sentence should encompass the following:
Your interests area…
Why you have an interest in that area

or
What you can provide in that area
When complete, write out your sentence (p. 9).
Note: You may want to write a sentence for each of
the areas you have chosen.
Interests Sentence Guidelines
 Things to include in your interest area sentence:
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I am here to…
I provide…
I share…
I facilitate…
- I offer…
- I do…
- I create…
 Remember to include:
 Your interests area…
 Why you have an interest in that area
or
 What you can provide in that area
 Remember, only 1 sentence!
Exercise: Serving Others
• 3 screens of individuals/groups of people you might
want to help.
• About 25 Groups per screen.
• Make your choices based on:
– People/groups you want to impact.
– People you want to serve.
• Write down 1-3 choices from each screen that
appeal to you the most (p. 10). Note: It’s okay if you
don’t choose any groups from a particular screen.
Serving Others 1
Athletes
Business Owners
Small Children
Communities/ Neighborhoods
Deaf/Hearing Impaired
Disaster Victims
Entrepreneurs
People with Heart Problems
High School Students
Business Executives
Middle Class Families
People with Speech Problems
Kids in Foster Care
Blind/Visually Impaired
Cancer Patients
College Students
Creative People
Delinquents
Elderly/Seniors
Females
Gangs
Homeless People
Farmers
Specific Ethnic Groups
People from Other Countries
Student-Focused Organizations
Serving Others 2
Hungry
Illiterate
Immigrants
Infants/Babies
Kids in Kindergarten
Kids in Elementary School
Males
Marriages
Mentally disabled
Middle Age adults
Middle School Kids
Minorities
Orphans
Physically Disabled
Pregnant Adults
Pregnant Teens
Raising Families (including your own) Families in Emotional Crisis
Animals
Environment/Nature
People who want to be Healthy
People looking for Partners
LGBTQA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered, Questioning, and Allied)
Serving Others 3
Preschool Kids
Teachers/Professors
Professionals
People who are Sick/Terminally Ill
People with Special Diseases
Substance abusers
Teen mothers
Lower-Class Families/Poverty
Volunteers
Young Adults
Runaways
Religious Organizations
Laborers
Prisoners
Managers/Executives
People in Rural areas
Single Moms/ Dads
People with Special Needs
Non-Profits
Teenagers
Veterans/Military
Upper-class Families/Wealthy
Youth
Fathers/Mothers
People in the Arts
Administrative/Support Staff
Serving Others Choices
• If you have any groups that aren’t listed in this
section that you would like to include, write them
down.
• Once you have your list of groups, choose up to 3
that you would you like help/serve the most.
• Circle, place a check, or write down the 3 that
resonate with you the most (p. 10).
Exercise: Serving Others Statement
Describes how you want to help/serve others – in 1
sentence!
Your sentence should encompass the following:
Who you want to help…
What you can do to help them.

or
How they will benefit from your help.
When complete, write out your sentence on p. 10.
Serving Sentence Guidelines
Things to include in your serving others sentence :
I provide…
I help…
I give…
I assist…
- I serve…
- I work with…
- I offer…
- I aid…
Think about:
Who you want to help…
What you can do to help them.

or
How they will benefit from your help.
Remember, only 1 sentence!
Exercise: Mission Statement
• This exercise will have you create a mission
statement, a statement that defines the work you
want to do with the group you’d like to work with.
• Think of your statement as your instructions to get
out of bed each morning. Your statement may also
include a problem you have been designed to solve,
as well as the specific action you will take solve it.
• One catch: Your mission statement needs to be
written – in 77 words or less!
• Use the space on page 11 to write your statement.
Mission Statement Guidelines
• Use all of the information from the previous
exercises to construct your statement.
• Write your mission statement in the present tense,
as if you’re already doing it. Use phrases such as “I
am” and “we are” vs. “I may,” “we will try,” and “I
hope.”
• Make sure it’s a mission for your life that YOU want
to follow, not something you are doing to make
someone else happy.
• Remember, it’s the thing that’s going to get you out
of bed in the morning!
Mission Statement Starters
• You may want to start your mission statement off
with one of the following:
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I provide (something) to/for (someone).
I help (someone) by (doing something).
I help (someone) do/achieve (some benefit).
I work with (someone) so that (get some benefit).
I offer (something) to (someone) so that (get some
benefit).
– I am here to (do something), (help someone), and/or (give
some benefit).
Bill’s Mission Statement
I am here to inspire students, faculty, and staff in
higher education to “find your why” and “make
college matter.” I offer classes and workshops
that answer the questions, “What am I here to
do?” and “Who am I here to serve?” I create
and provide opportunities and resources for
others to connect with their spiritual self in
order to discover the meaning of life and
pursue heartfelt dreams so that they can lead
purposeful, passionate lives.
(77 words)
Living Statement Thoughts
 How do your living statements feel as you read them - do they
inspire you?
 Do they fit how you are currently living your life?
 Do they seem to match where you want to go with your life in
the future?
 To make them more a part of your life, share your statements
with others.
 Put your statements in places where you can see them every
day.
 Begin each day with a promise to live your Life Motto and
your Mission Statement.
Self-Reflection Exercise
• “I Am” Poem
– A poem about you.
– Provides you an opportunity to reflect on your life
in various ways.
– Challenges you to think about the important
things in your life.
– The goal is to complete as much of the poem as
you can in 15 minutes.
– Poem instructions (p. 12), examples (p.14) and
worksheet (p. 14).
Additional Resources
Strengths
Character Strengths – VIA Character Strengths
(http://www.viacharacter.org/www/)
Top 7 Character Strengths - Zest, Spirituality, Creativity,
Hope, Gratitude, Honesty, Perseverance
Work Strengths – StrengthsQuest/StrengthsFinder
(http://www.strengthsquest.com/home.aspx and
http://www.strengthsquest.com/content/File/143324/All_
34_Themes_Full_Description.pdf
Top 5 Work Strengths – Maximizer, Futuristic, Positivity,
Activator, Connectedness
Look Familiar?
Mission statement
Educational Support Services at Northern Arizona University will be a leader
in the Southwest – cultivating educational access and student success by
helping students achieve their college dreams. Each year, Educational
Support Services helps more than 9,000 students recognize their potential
and pursue their academic goals.
Values
• Student success, academic achievement, and retention
• Customer service
• Diversity
• Integrity
• Innovation and collaboration
• Supportive healthy working environment
REFLECTIONS ON DAY 1…
Great Quote
“The secret of success is to make
your vocation your vacation.”
Mark Twain
Inspirational Video
So, how do you want to live your life?
Childhood Dreams: How to Live Your Life
Dr. Randy Pausch
(Space for reflection and notes on page 15)
Exercise: Gratitude List
• Gratitude is define as “a feeling of thankfulness and
appreciation.” (World English Dictionary)
• So, what are you truly grateful for?
• Provides you an opportunity to think about (and
create a list of) the things in your life that make you
happy.
• On the bottom half of page 15, take a few minutes
to write down 15 things that you are grateful for in
your life.
Gratitude List Pair-Share
• Once you have your list, find a partner and
take 1-2 minutes to share:
– Some or all of the items on your list.
– Your thoughts and feelings on creating a Gratitude
List.
– How you the “Gratitude List” exercise in a
personal and/or professional development setting.
My Life Self- Assessment
• My own personal coaching tool create to have
people review the good and bad in their life.
• Two parts:
– Importance – is this area important to me?
– Grade – how well (or poorly) am I doing in this
area?
• After importance and grading, give yourself an
overall grade for your life, as well as a brief
explanation as to why you gave yourself this
grade.
The Good and Bad
• On page 17, review the results of the selfassessment and write down:
– Three things that are really good in your life right
now.
– Three things that are a challenge for you right
now.
– Three things you need to address in your life right
now.
• Use this as an opportunity to think about a
change you might like to implement to take
30-Day Life Change Challenge
• Program created this past Spring to coach
small group of students to make a change in
their life.
• Inspired by a change video (most about it on
next screen)
• Identify ONE thing that you would like to add,
subtract, change, and/or improve.
• Must be something that YOU desire, not
something other want or expect from you.
• Then, JUST DO IT!
Inspirational Video
Now, what do YOU want to change?
Try Something New For 30 Days
TED talk = Matt Cutts
(Turn to page 18 for more info)
Categories
Family/Friends
Health/Well-Being
Recreation/Fun
Travel/Adventure
Relationships
Religion/Spirituality
Work/Career
Education
Personal Growth
Community/Service
Money/Finances
Lifestyle/Social
As you watch the video, come up with something you’d
like to do for yourself (page 18)!
Group Share
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Share your 30 Day Challenges
Give Feedback
Offer suggestions for moving forward
Other thoughts:
– What do you need to do to stay on track?
– What tools can you use to monitor your progress?
– (use worksheet on page 19)
– Who can you get to help you stay on track – or
better - do the 30-day challenge with you?
Inspirational Video
What do you want to be, do, or have?
How do you really want to live your life?
The Bucket List (Movie)
Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson
Bill’s Bucket List
Bucket List Categories
Family/Friends
Health/Well-Being
Recreation/Fun
Travel/Adventure
Relationships
Religion/Spirituality
Work/Career
Education
Personal Growth
Community/Service
Money/Finances
Lifestyle/Social
Note: As you watch the movie, jot down some ideas on what
you’d like to include on your “bucket list” in your workbook on
page 22 (at least 10 and up to 25).
Bill’s Dream List (1)
• Create “something” that makes an impact on the
lives of others on a grand scale (preferably in higher
education).
• Obtain a paid speaking engagement in a tropical,
resort-like place (like Hawaii).
• Spend more quality time with my daughters.
• Be a more loving, passionate, attentive husband.
• Write/publish a book, most likely in self-help/selfimprovement.
Bill’s Dream List (2)
• Own a home that has enough space for an
office/library and workout room, as well as have a
screened-in porch on a lake (preferably in the south
and near mountains).
• Have a million dollars in my retirement account in
ten years.
• Create a core group of (at least) five people who
meet (in person) on a regular basis to take our lives
to higher levels (professionally and/or personally).
• Participate in a 10-Day silent mindfulness retreat.
Inspirational Quote
“ A vision is not just a picture of what
could be; it is an appeal to our
better selves, a call to become
something more.”
Rosabeth Moss Kanter
Vision/Dream/Inspiration Board
 Your vision/dream/inspiration board can serve as a
tool to:
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Inspire you to move you towards a more powerful future.
Visualize your dreams.
Clarify your short-term and long-term goals.
Focus your energy on the important things in your life.
Encourage action and attract opportunity.
Things to include
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•
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Pictures (people, places, things, etc.)
Drawings
Paintings
Inspirational Words
Inspirational Quotes
Lyrics to a song
And anything else that appeals to you…
Board Categories
Family/Friends
Health/Well-Being
Recreation/Fun
Travel/Adventure
Relationships
Religion/Spirituality
Work/Career
Education
Personal Growth
Community/Service
Money/Finances
Lifestyle/Social
Alternative Exercise: Mind Map
• A mind map is a diagram that uses pictures and
words around a central theme.
• Best way to describe a mind map is to think of a tree
with many branches.
• For today, the central theme of your mind map will
focus on the future – whether you to explore all
areas of your life or just some aspect(s) of it.
• There is no right or wrong way to create your map.
• You can use poster board to create your map.
• Instructions to create a mind map are on page 34.
Mind Map Categories
Family/Friends
Health/Well-Being
Recreation/Fun
Travel/Adventure
Relationships
Religion/Spirituality
Work/Career
Education
Personal Growth
Community/Service
Money/Finances
Lifestyle/Social
Gallery Walk
Silent Reflection Activity
• Walk around room to view boards.
• No talking allowed; nodding your head is acceptable.
• Once you’ve reviewed all boards, go back to your
seat.
Board Pair-Share
• Find a partner.
• Share your board (or map) with the other person.
You can share as much or as little as you desire.
– Share the different aspects of your board.
– Talk about the “why” of your board (what’s the meaning
behind your board).
– How you feel about the process of creating a board.
– How you intend to use your board.
• You will have 10 minutes (5 minutes for each person)
to complete this activity.
“Dream Big” Philosophy
What do you want? (Dream)
What’s stopping you? (Obstacles)
How do I make it happen? (Action)
Who can I get to help me? (Support)
The Dream Killers
• “The Obstacles”
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Undesirable Habits (procrastinator, indecisive)…
Negative Beliefs (I can’t, I’m too)…
Unhealthy Relationships (family, friends)…
External Distractions (economy, weather)…
Fears (failure, rejection, change)…
Lack (time, money resources)…
Dream Success
Friends (Supportive, Positive People)
Facts (Relevant Information)
Faith (Belief in the Process)
From Cheryl Richardson, life coach
Dream Digging
• For the first part of this exercise, you will be asked to come up
with three different dreams to work on. These three dreams
must:
– get you excited about pursuing them.
– would challenge you more than you ever imagined.
– are really big!
• Make sure that your dreams:
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are specific.
have deadlines.
have ways to help you measure your progress.
is something you can really do.
• Think of dreams that could change your life!
Dream #1: Professions
• Your first dream needs to be related to work, career
education, money or finances.
– Examples:
• Complete a bachelors, masters, or doctorate degree by 2016…
• Join a professional organization in my field by December, 2013…
• Save at least $1,400 by the end February for to attend a life
coaching workshop…
• Come up with at least 5 ideas for a new business by January,
2014…
• Identify 10-15 schools for graduate programs in education…
• Connect with at least one NAU faculty/staff member as a mentor
by December, 2013…
• Create a retirement account to save $1,000,000 in 20 years…
Dream #2: Associations
• Your second dream needs to be related to health, well-being,
family, friends, relationships, spirituality, religion, personal
growth, lifestyle, social, or self-management..
• Focus on the relations with yourself and/or with others.
– Examples:
•
•
•
•
Spend at least 15 minutes a day visiting and/or talking with family…
Weigh 135 pounds by December, 2013…
Volunteer at least 5 hours a week walking dogs for ASPCA for one month…
Find a loving, intimate partner through on-line service (like match.com) by
December, 2013…
• Do at least 15 minutes of meditation 5 days a week, starting September,
2013...
• Clean up the clutter in the basement and garage by December, 2013…
Dream #3: Fun
• Your third dream needs to recreation, travel, and
adventure – doing something FUN!
– Examples:
• Go skydiving by the end of October, 2013...
• Take a week-long vacation to Hawaii by June, 2015…
• Hike at least 25 miles along some part of the Appalachian Trail
during summer (2014)…
• Finish in the top 3 of a running race by December, 2014…
• Learn to kayak by May, 2013…
• Buy a ping pong table for family by December, 2013…
Idea Exchange
Idea Exchange Process
 You will share your dream with another person.
 Each of you will take turns to try to come up with as
many ideas as possible for the other person.
 Don’t discuss the value or how realistic the idea
might be – just give ideas! Think outside the box!
 Write down all of the ideas that come from your
partner.
Brainstorming Example
One of my dreams…
To create an “entity” (either a center or institute) that provides
research, trainings, workshops, classes, conferences, etc. helping
people find their purpose and pursue their dreams, then teach
these strategies to help others do the same. For example, the
center/institute would offer 1-credit classes or day-long retreats to
non-traditional students (25 years or older) in the community are
self-directed and trying to decide whether to go back to school,
start a business, work, or something else. Once completed, they
would have the option to participate in “life coaching” (as part of
the program) to move forward in creating an ideal life.
I need your help…could you give me a few ideas?
(You will have 1 minute to write down at least one idea on index card
at your table.)
The Dream Continued…
After you’ve gotten ideas for your dreams, you will
need to do two additional tasks:
Come up with three ideas that you are willing to commit to
within one week to get started on one of your dreams.
List one or two people (preferably from this workshop) that
you would be willing to have as your accountability partner
to make sure you are taking steps to get it done.
Better yet…create a “Dream Team” where you help each
other fulfill your dreams on a regular basis.
To Increase Success…
• Find people who will encourage/support you as you pursue
your dreams.
• Stay away from (or eliminate) negative people!
• If you need help…ASK!
• Don’t let your dreams die – or kill the dreams of others!
• Establish meaningful connections and build positive
relationships with others.
It’s not what you know,
It’s not who you know,
It’s who knows you!
Get to work!!!
Rustout is the slow death that follows when we stop
making the choices that keep life alive. It’s the feeling
of numbness that comes from always taking the safe
way, never accepting new challenges, continually
surrendering to the day-to-day routine. Rustout
means we are no longer growing, but at best, are
simply maintaining. It implies that we have traded the
sensation of life for the security of a paycheck…
Rustout is the opposite of burnout. Burnout is
overdoing. Rustout is underbeing.
Richard Leider and Steve Buchhoz, “The Rustout Syndrome”
Vision Map
• The Vision Map will have you define specific
activities that you will do within the next five
years, based on the 10 categories listed on
page 24.
• For this exercise, see if you can come up with
at least 10 things to include in your map on
page 25.
• Example – Bill’s Vision Map
Exercise: Mapping the Journey
• This exercise will have you look at what you specifically need
to do to align more clearly with your values, dreams, and
purpose in the “work” that you do.
• Use this exercise to identify the most meaningful resources
that could be useful to help move forward.”
• Use the worksheets on page 28 and 29 to write down a few of
the things you may need to do to create the “work” that’s
meaningful for you and the people you serve.
• Example: Bill’s Worksheet
Worksheet
• Activities/work that fulfills you,
that flows, work you desire
• Involvement in professional
organizations and associations
• Completed degrees, certificates,
trainings, workshops
• Name/Type of business created
• Product created/services offered
• Recognition/awards received
• Useful mentors, associates,
contacts
• Income earned/sales achieved
• Values, purpose, strengths,
interests
• People you’re working for/people
you’re working with
• Ideal company/work environment
• Benefits received for others from
your great work
• Amount of time at work and on
vacation
• Location, location, location
• Other stuff (i.e. job titles)
Inspirational Video
How can you make an impact in your work?
Drew Dudley (TED Talk)
Everyday Leadership: Lollipop Moments
(Space for reflection and notes on page 30)
Reflection
• Think of a time when:
– You had a lollipop moment when someone gave
you help to achieve something, or
– You created a lollipop moment for someone else
when you helped them achieve something.
• On page 30 of your workbook, write down
your lollipop moment(s).
• This reflection will hopefully inspire you to
create a “Vision of Your Great Work.”
Vision of Great Work
Here’s your opportunity to take all that we have
done over the two days and create a vision for the
work you are here to do.
Look 5 years into the future; think about what this
work might look like.
If you are a director or supervise people, you may
also want to share how you want to integrate the
vision of your staff with the vision of your work.
Write your vision as a free-flowing paragraph or as
a list of bullet point.
Visioning Thoughts
 Articulate or Illustrate what your “mission work” would be.
 How will you create meaningful educational experiences for
the people you serve?
 Write about actions you can take in your current role.
 What would your ideal position/job/role look like? What
would you be doing? How would you feel? What impact
would you be making?
 Who can you get to help you create/expand/change your
“work?”
 Create “next steps” to move you toward your ideal “work.”
Visionary Thoughts
• After you create the “Vision of your Great Work,”
– Ensure that this vision matches the things you are currently
doing that you enjoy the most, including the work you do, your
involvement in extracurricular activities, your involvement in
professional organizations/associations, etc.
– Check to see if your current actions (on an everyday basis) are
moving you closer towards or away from your vision.
– Identify people who can help/support you achieve your vision.
– Come up with small things you can do every day to help you
move towards the vision of your work.
– And lastly, ask yourself this question: “Does this vision of my
work inspire me?”
Vision for Your Unit
• Create a vision for your unit, projecting to June
30, 2014, including the following:
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Number of students you serve…
Description of modifications to current programs…
Addition of new programs…
New workshops, trainings, etc. offered…
Potential funding opportunities…
Exposure of unit within and outside campus (i.e.
conference presentations, articles, media exposure)…
– Anything else that enhances the work of your unit…
Letter to Self
By the end of the year (December 2013), what
will you need to be reminded of, and what will
motivate you to:
Live your life based on your values…
Follow your Life Motto and Mission Statement…
Something you’ve changed for the better…
Pursue one of your dreams…
Following your vision for work and/or for life…
Write your letter on page 32 of workbook. Use
the other side of the sheet if you have more to
write.
Inspirational Quote
“The purpose of life is to discover your gift.
The meaning of life is to give your gift away.”
David Viscott
Please complete the retreat evaluation
of page 36 of your workshop.
Your feedback is very much appreciated!
Thanks a million!
Thank you for this opportunity!
Contact info
Bill Johnson (William H. Johnson Jr.)
Office of Life Planning and Personal Development
School of Health and Human Sciences
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Phone - 336-207-6795
E-mail - [email protected]
Blog - http://thedreamdean.wordpress.com
Web Sites - http://www.uncg.edu/hhs/ssc (work)