Life Strategy 101: How to Live Live by Vision, Work with Purpose, and Achieve More Success

8/7/2019 Life Strategy 101: How to Live Live by Vision, Work with Purpose, and Achieve More Success

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Life Strategy 101How to Live By Vision, Work With

Purpose and Achieve More Success!Workbook

Michelle L. Casto, M.Ed.Whole Life Coach, Speaker, and Author of

the Get Smart! LearningBook Series

Educate & Empower Yourself!www.getsmartseries.com

Illuminate & Enlighten Your Life!www.brightlightcoach.com


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This workbook belongs to__________________________________________

Why is it important to develop a Life Strategy?If life is a game, then you should be playing in the major leagues, right?Unfortunately, many people play it safe (and small) by playing (and living) theirlife in the minor leagues. If you want to be a STAR in your own life and want abigger, better, more fulfilling life, be willing to play a bigger game---one thatpushes you beyond your comfort zone---one that challenges and inspires youand moves you into your courage zone!

You can have live a bigger, better, and brighter life by tuning into yourhigher self. When you are in touch with your spirit, you listen and follow yourintuition, which will lead you to make the best decisions in life. When your soul

is your guide you will never be lost and you will never lose.When you make the time to reflect and write about what you want, you

are more productive. And you get more of what you want from life. AHarvard University study proved that people who wrote things down, got 5times more accomplished than those who did not. Thus, when you write thingsdown, it becomes real and you become more committed to taking action. This

workbook will help you begin the creation process, and will empower you tocreateyour lifeas you would like it.

The Top 10 Ways to Achieve Life Success

1. Believe you deserve the best from life.2. Write down your life vision, purpose, and goals.3. Know and honor your values.4. Visualize life as you would like it.5. Affirm your intentions to yourself and others.6. Take action daily to support what you want.7. Measure your progress.8. Commit to the process of personal growth.9. Develop a support system.10. Hire a personal coach to help keep you motivated.

Lets get you started on the path of success.


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Your vision will become clear only when you look into your heart.Who looks outside, dreams. Who looks inside, awakens.

---Carl Jung

LIFE STRATEGY 101 Contents:

What is Life Success?

Whole Life Planning

Discovering Your Life Vision and Purpose

Values Clarification

Life Vision

Life Purpose

Life Strategy

Life Empowerment

Success Tools

Life Bloom

About the Author

Inspirational Quotes

For Further Reading

This workbook is based on the bookGet Smart! About Modern Career Development: A PersonalGuide to Creating Your Lifes Work and is fully protected by copyright law.Life Strategy 101 Workbook, Get Smart! Publishing, Atlanta, GA.Copyright May 2001, Michelle L. Casto (All rights reserved).


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Success in life could be defined as the continuous expansion of happiness and the progressiverealization of worthy goals.

---Deepak Chopra

What is Life Success?The definition of life success varies from person to person, according to whatgoals they set for themselves. For some, having a career in a particular field,making a certain amount of money defines success. For others, having a careerthat enables them to make a real difference in peoples lives is what makes themfeel successful. For others, it is having a happy family life. And for many, it isfinding their unique life balance in all areas of their life. You need to develop

your own definition of successso that you will attract it into your life. You will experience what you expect. So expect success! The Law of

Attraction means that the universe attracts similar vibrations and frequencies to

us through our mental and emotional tones, which are based on love or fear.When we send out positive vibrations, we magnetize only good things back tous. When we let fear, doubt, or guilt cloud our mental frame of mindwe aresending out a lower frequency, and attracting likewise.

Having passion for your work and your life infuses creativity into whatyou do. If you are doing something that is bringing you joy or passion, you are

vibrating at a high rate and are open to the positive gifts that life has to give. Ithas been said that Success is a state of mind combined with a state of readiness. Thisobservation is especially true for living a successful life. You must have both apositive mental attitude combined with a solid set of beliefs about your ability to

set and meet your goals.Despite what many people think, success is much more about hard work,

knowledge, resourcefulness, and perseverance than anything else. People whoexperience success in their lives know what they want and they go after it withpassion, conviction, and hard work. In fact, someone once said, The only place you

find success before work is in the dictionary. In other words, if you want to besuccessful, you are going to have to work for it.

What is success and how do you achieve it? Success can be defined as theprogressive realization of a predetermined, worthwhile goal or dream. This definition ofsuccess underlies the importance of having goals. You cant achieve success

without developing goals. Goals give life meaning. As humans, we are designedfor achievement and accomplishment. H.L. Hunt, who was at one time therichest man in the world, said that he had discovered three steps that would leadto success. 1). Decide what you really want out of life. 2). Develop a plan of action forachieving it. 3). Act, with great enthusiasm.

Journal Assignment 1:I know I am being successful when


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Dream lofty dreams, as you dream, so shall you become.Your vision is the promise of what you shall one day be; your ideal is the prophecy of what you

shall at last unveil.---James Allen

Whole Life PlanningLike William Henley who once said, I am the master of my fate. The captain of mysoul,I agree thatLife is a Do-It Yourself project. If you want to live a certainkind of life, you are going to have to be proactive so you can consciously createlife as you would like it. You must first mentally visualize and then physicallycreate what you want. You can do this by having a clear vision and developingstrong intentions. Your life is your gift, how you appreciate it and use it isentirely up to you. Take this story as an example of the importance of building it

with excellence and pride (author unknown):

An elderly carpenter was ready to retire. He told his employer-contractor of his plans to leavethe house-building business and live a more leisurely life with his wife enjoying his extended

family. He would miss the paycheck, but he needed to retire. They could get by.The contractor was sorry to see his good worker go and asked if he could build just one

more house as a personal favor. The carpenter said yes, but in time it was easy to see that hisheart was not in his work. He resorted to shoddy workmanship and used inferior materials.It was an unfortunate way to end a dedicated career.

When the carpenter finished his work, the employer came to inspect the house. Hehanded the front-door key to the carpenter. This is your house, he said, my gift to you.

The carpenter was shocked! What a shame! If he had only known he was building his ownhouse, he would have done it all so differently.

So it is with us. We build our lives, a day at a time, often putting less thanour best into the building. Then we are shocked to realize we have to live in thehouse we have built! If we could do it over, wed do it much differently. Andbetter.

But you cannot go back. You are the carpenter. Each day you hammer anail, place a board, or erect a wall. Your attitudes and the choices you maketoday build the house you live in tomorrow. Build wisely! Build with

commitment, pride, joy, and love.


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When planning the life you want to live and the work you want to do, it isimportant to pay attention to your longings/yearnings--- this is your soul tryingto communicate with you its deepest desires. The word intuitionis latin for in toyou, and by learning to listen to your intuition, you will make wiser decisions.Contrary to popular belief, life is not meant to be a struggle. You are meant toexperience ease and enjoyment, but you have to learn to listen to what your higherself is saying to you.

Enjoyment is the path that leads to fulfillment. You deserveto enjoy whatyou are doing and who you are being in life. One way to experience moreenjoyment is to give yourself permission to be creative. Creativity leads to adeeper self-understanding and is also a way to share who you really are with the

world. To be successful, take risks and try things that are unconventional ordifferent. Be the person who blazes the trail for others!

Fear of success or fear of failure often prevents people from pursuing

their hearts desire. However, when you feel fear, know that it is o.k. In fact,fear is usually a sign that you are on the right track. Notice the fear, but dontgive it power, simply focus on what you want and then take action, this willdissipate the fear and you will soon forget what all the drama was about! Whenconsidering your dreams and goals, never ask yourself if you are good enough todo something. Ask yourself, Will I enjoy it? By creating your life based onyour vision, purpose, and passions, you will experience more joy and innerpeace.

Your Visionis the way you would like your entire life to be.

Your Purposeis your raison detre (reason for being).Your Passionsare the things in life you love.

Get Smart! When you live in alignment with your vision, purpose, and passions, you

feel fully alive and brightly lighted! Your aliveness meter is a 20 on a scaleof 10!

Journal Assignment 2:How do you feel about your aliveness scale? (1-10). How would you feel if you

were living the life of your dreams and experiencing the things you desire anddeserve?


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Life shrinks or expands in proportion to ones courage.---Anais Nin

Holistic LivingWhen thinking of your definition of life success, do not forget to include all ofyour life aspects. Human beings have four main dimensions of experience: the4 Ls: Love, Labor, Leisure, and Learning. Finding your unique balance willhelp you experience more fulfillment.

Journal Assignment 3:Draw your life pie, including the four Ls. Think about your life dimensions, are they in orout-of-balance? Or does one (the labor, for example) take up more space than you would like?

To live holistically means that you integrate Spirit, Mind, and Body. Oftentimes,

in a single-minded quest for success, we lose sight of other aspects of our lives.When we work towards personal development nurturing Spirit, Mind and Body,it provides a strong, balanced foundation that enables us to achieve our goalsand maintain peace and joy in our lives.

Our Spirit guides our thoughts and these thoughts are translated into behaviorsthat produced desired results. It is important that the three dimensions of ourcore being work together. Spirit is the essence of who we are. It is our divineconnection with the higher power and knows our deepest dreams and desires. Itis through Spirit that we obtain our life vision and purpose.

Our Mind is the artist (or author) of our lives creating from the thoughts wefocus on most. Thoughts radiate into the universe to find their correspondingexperience. When these thoughts are negatives, so will be our actions. If ourthoughts are positive, so will be our actions. Any behavior or action was first athought.

Also, it is through our Bodies we communicate with our Spirit, whether it isthrough a chill down our spine, a tingly sensation in our gut, or a warm feelingall over. Your body is the vehicle for your spirit, the being you are. Payingattention to your body and how it feels is key to communicating with your Spiritand understanding the information that is being relayed.


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You are the author of your own success story.---Michelle L. Casto

If you want a certain life, you are going to have to consciously create it the wayyou envision it. You can do this through writing your life vision and life purposestatements which will empower you to live your life intentionally and mindfully.Your vision is your overall blueprint for your life.Your purpose is your overall reason for being on the earth.Your passions are the fun things you do when time flies.

You can discover what your vision, purpose, and passions through the processof raising your self-awareness, soul searching, and experimenting.

Some reasons you may have not yet developed your Life Strategy:

Disconnected from your Higher Self-you are not following your intuition orpaying attention to the signs and synchronicities in your lifeLack of Self Awareness-you are not aware of your personality, talents, gifts,strengths, etc.Unclear About What you Want from Life-you do not know what you want tocreate in your personal and professional life spheresNot a priority in your life-you havent made room in your life for the discoveryprocess

4 Steps to Developing Your Life Strategy

1. Get in Touch With Your SpiritListen to your inner wisdom. Trust that you already have the answers to yourquestions inside.2. Become Self AwareRaise your awareness about your strengths, gifts, talents, personality, etc.3. Get Clear on What You Want From Life

Write Our Your Vision and Purpose Statements4. Make This a PriorityUse this workbook as a guide to get you going and hire and coach to keep yougoing


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Self-Assessment

Exercises Designed to Help You Get in Touch With Your Spirit1. Answer these questions:

Who am I really? What kind of life do I want to lead? What kind of work do Iwant to do? What is important to me? (spiritually, mentally, physically?)What are my core values/beliefs? (see values checklist)What kind of experiences do I want from my life?If I could provide one thing for the world, what would it be and why?

2. Define your life: Defining moments have both positive and negativeeffects on your life. Defining moments usually impact your life andoften take you in unexpected directions, ask you to take a risk, or tochoose a non-traditional path. What have been your defining moments?

3. Write about it/Journal: One idea: My spiritual self.Write exactly who you think you are, this can be as creative as you want itto be. It can be descriptive words, short sentences, a detailed paragraph,anything.

Another idea: What is the vision or purpose for my life?Write as much as you can for as long as you can. And afterwards, readwhat you have written. What did you learn about yourself?

4. Access the power of your unconscious: Keep a dream journal.

Go to bed thinking about the question you would like answered and thenwrite about it upon waking.

5. SoulScript: Write about what your ideal life and work would be like. (noediting allowed). Allow your writing to serve as a channel from yourhigher self.

6. Ask yourself: What would I do if I were brave enough?

7. Draw: Draw a picture of who you are at your core being

Exercises Designed to Raise Your Awareness8. Draw your life map: Highlight the major accomplishments and

disappointments. What are the themes? What does your spirit need tosay or do in this lifetime? What is the it that you must do? (draw it,teach it, write it, say it, develop it, etc).


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9. Clean out your personal attic: Go inside your heart and mind to take agood look at your past. Go inside to see what is lying dormantwhatneeds to be brought out to the present and properly tended to? Whatthoughts, feelings, experiences come to your mind? Once you havebrought things to the light, what do you need to keep? What do you needto let go of?

10. Write out your life story: Write it out and tell it several times to others.Notice which areas are illuminated. What lessons have you learned thatyou can share with others?

11. Meditate and visualize what your ideal would look like: See it in yourminds eye and then write about what you envisioned and hope to

experience while on your journey. (This is your own success story.)

12. Interview 3-5 people who know you well: Ask them about you---what are your gifts, talents, strengths, weaknesses, etc?

13. Create: Create a symbol or logo of what your life purpose might like.

14. Know and live according to your value system: Knowing your values iskey to creating the life you want and doing the kind of work you want todo.

Questions to Help Your Discover Your PassionsWhat am I doing when the time passes by without my realizing it?What are some of the important issues in todays world?How can I be of service to others?What in life inspires me and makes me feel good?What things am I naturally good at?What things do I enjoy doing? (name 10)What is really important to me?What am I passionate about?What do I do that I totally enjoy?What things in life relax and rejuvenate me?

People tell me that I am good at _________________________

Smart Tip Keep in mind, that when you have a clear inner vision, you have a much

more fulfilling outer experience. And if you are not working with purposeand passion, you will not likely be living by your vision.


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Ideals are like stars; you will not succeed in touching them with your hands, but likea sea-faring man on the water, you choose them as your guides,

following them, you reach your destiny.---Carl Schurz

Values ClarificationValues are central to our soul. We need to live our lives by them or risk beingdisappointed by others or out of alignment with ourselves. Since values are socentral to who we are, it makes sense to create a life that enables us to expressourselves and that upholds our value system.

Values are intrinsic beliefs and feelings that develop from our experiences, backgrounds,and culture. Values represent the organizing principle of our lives, and are themost powerful motivators of personal action. Some categories of values include:social responsibility, personal development, relationship, lifestyle, work-related,

and spiritual/religious. The main reason to know and honor your value system is that itempowers you to remain true to yourself. Living in alignment with your valuesgives you an incredible sense of peace, allows you to be very clear about thestandards you set for yourself, and helps you to make important life decisions.

Much of what we value has been absorbed from others, mainly thoseclosest to us (family, friends, & significant other). It is important to get clearthat what you value is really what you value. Upon reflection, you may wish tore-evaluate your values and put them in different priority. Sometimes, simplychanging the priority of your most important values can have a major impact on

how you live your life. For example, a person whose top three values are bypriority: Achievement, Balance, and Family, when they re-arrange the list to: Family,Balance,and Achievement, they create a very different life experience, because nowthey are spending more time and energy on their top value family instead ofachievement. For ex: if you had to make a decision about whether to take ajob offer that required you to travel away from home a lot, you would make itdifferently based on your top values.

Considering your life, make a check by each value that you are seeking. On thesecond line, prioritize your top 3-5 values.

_____Achievement -the need to set goals and meet them __________Adventure-work involves risk-taking and excitement __________Aesthetic-to perform work that is beautiful or pleasing to others __________Affiliation-to be recognized as a member of an organization __________Challenge-to be challenged on a regular basis, either physically _____

or mentally


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_____Choice- to be able to make personal and professional decisions __________Competition-to compete with others in a win-lose situation __________Contribution-to make a meaningful contribution __________Creativity-to create new ideas, programs, or structures __________Diversity-to have diverse experiences, people, and places __________Freedom to be able to create your own schedule, etc __________Fun-to enjoy my life/work __________Helping -to be able to help other human beings, animals,

or other living things __________Knowledge-to gain or impart information __________Independence-to determine the nature and direction of my work __________Influence-to change the attitudes and opinions of others __________Recognition-to be well-known in my field of work __________Routine-to perform basically the same kinds of tasks _____

_____Physically Challenging-to perform work that makes physical _____demands of me_____Power-to have control or dominance over the activities of others __________Prestige-to have a high status position __________Profit-to make a significant amount of money __________Public Contact-to have extensive contact with people __________Safety to feel safe in my home and work environment __________Security-to have a stable, secure work environment and/or position__________Supportto have emotional and/or financial support from others __________Travel-to have the opportunity for travel while working _____

_____Variety-to do many different kinds of tasks on a daily/weekly basis__________Unconventional -to do work that is out of the mainstream __________Work Alone-to work on projects independently __________Work With Others-to have close working relationship with a group __________Wisdom-to learn, understand, and grow in my work _____

List others not mentioned__________________________________________

______________________________________________________________


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Write a statement about: what I value most

Spiritually_______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

Emotionally_____________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

Mentally________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

Physically_______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

Sometimes we are doing things in life because we think they are important. Butin reality, we have not even stopped to consider what is really important to us,and find ourselves spending time doing things that are not as important as wethought. The good news is that by taking this course, you can begin living and

working in alignment with your true value system.

Journal Assignment 4:Peak Experience ExerciseIf you are having trouble knowing what your values are, think about a time when all of yourneeds were met and you felt at peace. What were you doing? What values were being honored?Write about this experience.


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Guidelines For Writing Your Life Vision1. Meditate about what you would like your ideal lifeto look like and be like.2. Jot down any thoughts, feelings, or images that came up during yourmeditation.3. Sketch out a picture or symbol of something important to your life vision.4. Write a rough draft.5. Edit it until it is just right.6. Write your life vision statement, in present terms, as if it is already that way.7. Keep it to one page.8. Include statements from the four main life areas: love, labor, leisure,

and learning and/or the three dimensions of being: Spirit, Mind, and Body.9. Include your top three-five values.10. Make it personal using your own style and incorporate images or graphics.

You will know you have finished with your life vision when you feel at peace with it.

Smart Tip Dont worry about how you are going to create and live out your life vision.

Simply get it down on paper. The How will come later, for now focus onthe Why.

Robins Life Vision StatementI am maintaining spiritual, mental, and physical balance in my life throughactive works and reaching out to others.

I am fulfilling my spiritual life purpose of educating and healingpeople.

I am developing, growing, and maintaining positive relationships withMy life partner, family, chosen family, my friends, and spiritual helpers.

I am reaching out to others so they too can achieve their goals andspiritual calling.

I am maintaining optimum physical and mental health through dailyexercises and meditations for the mind, body, and spirit.

I am achieving financial independence through my life mission,

excellent money management and investments. I am constantly feeding my mind, growing in wisdom and knowledge

daily.


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Michelle L.Casto's

Life Vision Statement3/17/00

In this life, I play a dual role ofstudent and teacher. I am a collector and imparter of wisdom toall that surround me. As a spiritual being having a human experience, I learn my soul'slessons so that I evolve.

I know that life is a gift to be unwrapped daily and that there are four main spheres of humanexperience: love, labor, leisure, and learning.

In love, I practice patience and empathy with others.I am a positive role model for my family, friends, colleagues, and students.I seek out real connections with other like-minded souls.I bestow loving words and kind gestures onto those closest to me.

In labor, I educate and empower others to make conscious, smart decisions.I help others follow their intuition and trust themselves.I openly express myself through the spoken and written word.I am creative and unique in my approach to work.

In leisure, I honor my mind, body, and spirit.I take time to relax, rejuvenate, and have fun.I actively participate in healthy activities.I connect with nature and animals as a source of inspiration.

In learning, I take risks and do not fear failure--rather seeing mistakes as

learning opportunities.I am a lifelong learner.I overcome obstacles, believe in myself, and achieve my goals.When confused, I look to my Higher Self for guidance.

I consciously and intentionally create my life around my core values:Abundance (emotional, financial, and spiritual)Balance (in my personal and professional spheres)Contribution (making a difference in the world)

I operate from Acceptance, Authenticity, and Communication. I am willing to receive andappreciate the beauty, love, and wisdom available to me from nature and other human beingswhile on my journey.

When my spirit takes flight, I will look upon my life with happiness, joy, and inner peace--knowing that my existence on earth held meaning for myself and others.


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A musician must make his music, an artist must paint, a poet must write if he is toultimately be at peace with himself.

---Abraham Maslow

Write Your Life Purpose Statement

There are two basic kinds of human purpose--- personal and professional. Apersonal purpose focuses on who you want to be. It is about the kind of personyou want to be with others. Your personal (or relational) purpose corresponds

with yin nature, the feminine, nurturing qualities that exist within all humans. Aprofessional purpose focuses on what you want to do. It is about the kind of workyou want to do. Your professional (or work) purpose corresponds with yangnature, the masculine, aggressive qualities that exist within all humans.

The energy and focus of the purpose you choose to pursue may changedepending on the different roles you find yourself playing in life. For instance,

your professional purpose may be put on hold for many years, as you giveyour time and attention to your personal purpose, while you play the role ofmother. To be the most fulfilled, people need to enjoy their passions in bothareas. Many modern people are discovering that they can, if they choose,effectively balance both.

Purpose as defined by the dictionary, means a result or an effect that isintended or desired. Being on purpose means that who you are and what youdo is intentional and meaningful. Working with purpose involves an intentionalact of creation. To find your purpose in life and live it is truly heroic andcourageous.

For our purpose, we are interested in the professional purpose. Once youhave the vision for your life, you can move on to developing your purposestatement. When your work seems more like passionate play, you are workingon purpose. The thing about a purpose is that you may find yourself engaging init in and out of work. You cant separate your purpose from who you are, soyou will find that it often flows into your personal life.

Your purpose statement is a broad-based declaration of what you feelpassionate about providing to the world and/or what you want to share withothers. It should be a sentence in length and clearly communicates to others

what you want to do during your life.

Smart Tip Remember that your vision and purpose statements may change, as you

evolve and grow throughout your lifetime.


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Opportunities are usually disguised as hard work, so people rarely recognize them.---Unknown

Develop a Life Strategy The desire to meet a challenge and succeed has been a part of many culturesthroughout history. The ancient Peruvians used to draw out their goals insymbols and paint them in primitive colors on the walls of caves. The Egyptiansused to create elaborate rituals to move from one state of desire to actualization.

They believed that writing out a dream in advance would assure a positiveoutcome.

Likewise, we moderns have an innate need to live a fulfilling andmeaningful life. You need to have a vision, as it is the first step towards havingthe life you want. Your purpose provides intention and direction for who and

what you want to be and do. To achieve success, set goals, and then focus on

results. If you are not getting the results you intended, find the reason andadjust your strategy.Its been said that change is inevitable, growth intentional. To live out

your vision and work with purpose, you have to develop a strategy/action plan.Planning and prioritizing bridges the gap between where you are now and whereyou want to be in the future. Planning is simply thinking about your day or weekin a systematic way. Prioritizing is putting the many things you need to do inorder of importance and urgency. A success strategy includes the who, what,where, when, and howyou will achieve your dreams.

It is especially important to note that most success stories do not unfold

overnight. In fact, most successful people have many trials and tribulationsbefore they get it just right. Take Thomas Edison, who tried over 2000different experiments before he discovered the correct combination for the lightbulb. Successful people are also hopeful people. Hope is the human feeling thatoffers a belief in a better future state. People with hope recognize that they cancreate life as they would like it. If you choose to have high hopes, you too canachieve and succeed in whatever you want to be or do.

Life EmpowermentMotivationis not onlyyour desire to do something, but also how willing you are to try, and

how long you will persist in trying. Take notice that most people have a high desire todo things, but do not have the willingness and persistence to follow through andtry out several ways of doing it. They are day-dreamers, people who sit aroundand dream about becoming an actor, a writer, a poet, a doctor, but who neverseem to get around to putting their ideas into action. As Yoda said in Star Wars,There is no try, only do.


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Success is not pursued, it is to be attracted by the person you become.---Jim Rohn

Empowerment is based on having high self-efficacy and self-confidence, in thatyou already believe in your ability to carry out a specific task or make a dreamcome true. People who are empowered are better able to take control of theirlives because they believe in themselves, no matter what other people might say.Empowered people have moved beyond survival needs and seek more self-actualizing experiences. They inherently know that they can create the kind oflife they want. They have a vision and then take action to create it in the real

world. Empowered people are courageous and not afraid to take risks.People with ambition aspire to reach their dreams and bravely go after

what they want. They are risk-takers, even when they dont have all theinformation---they go for it! They have high efficacy and therefore are willing to

persist through the personal growth process. They will things to happen,rather than wishing them to happen. They recognize that if there isa will, there isa way. I believe that the Will is your Spirit wanting to do something that is right and trueand the Way is the higher power that will support your efforts.

It is important to know that if you have a great desire to do something,but also have a fear of doing it you may become immobilized, unable to makechanges. The fear will actually cancel out the desire. If you can move throughfear, you will gain the momentum needed to bring about major career and lifechanges. Empower yourself by believing in yourself and thinking positively.Remember this sentiment by James Allen, You are today where you thoughts have

brought you; you will be tomorrow where your thoughts take you.

Journal Assignment 6:What is one thing that you have wanted to do but are afraid to do because of the consequences?What would be the best and worse scenario if you were to do it?

Utilize Success ToolsThere are two basic kinds of people: Dreamers and Doers.Dreamers dream about what they want. They can be all talk and no action.Doers go after what they want. They take action and rarely spend time justtalking about it.

Who do you think is more successful in life? The doers, of course. Theycome from a place ofempowerment. Success is a mindset. You have to believe inyourself, even when no one else will. Successful people successfully stand up tothe question Who do you think you are? And they answer, This is Who I

Am.


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Dont let others try to take away your power or your dreams withnegativity. Empower yourself to be BIG and to freely shine your bright light tothe world.

In order to be a success, you must think like, act like, and look a successas all times. Successful people program themselves for success. Like Dennis

Waitley said, Since the mind is a specific biocomputer, it needs specific instructions anddirections. The reason most people never reach their goals is that they dont define them, learnabout them, or ever seriously consider them as believable or achievable. Winners can tell youwhere they are going, what they plan to do along the way, and who will be sharing the adventurewith them.

Winners make their success a priority and do whatever it takes.Because there are too many other things to distract you and pull you off trackfrom pursuing your dreams, use defense-strategy toolsspecific actions that willkeep you on track, such as:

writing your life vision and purpose statements (posting them whereyou can reflect on them)

organizing your living/working space

making to do lists

setting smart goals

taking action daily

evaluating your progress and adjusting your course as needed

using visualizations/affirmations

celebrating your successes

developing a support system hiring a life coach.

Be Organized and Create SpaceMake sure your dreams are not lost in the chaos of clutter and confusion. Keepyour living and working space clear and inviting, so that it is a joy to get downto work. If paper work or filing is not your strong suit, consider hiring apersonal assistant.

What will you do to be more organized?

Create space in your life to go after your dreams. This could be actual physicalspace, but could also be mental or emotional space.What will you do to create more space?


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I can give you a six word formula for success:Think things through, then follow through.

---Captain E. V. Rickenbacher

Use a To Do ListWrite 2, One for Have Tos and another for Want Tos Too often people lose valuable energy and time on the have to list, whichleaves little left over for the want to list. What we want to do is usually whereour true dreams lie. Make time for yourself and be committed to the process ofself- actualization.

Write out your two lists.Have Tos Want Tos

Set SMART GoalsIts been said that a goal not written is simply a wish. Goal-setting is the processof making a dream come true step-by-step. Setting smart goals is the best wayto ensure that you stay on track and continuously work towards creating your

destiny.

SMART Goals:Specific-the goal is clear, you know precisely what you are going after.Measurable-the goal is able to be measured, you will know when youhave achieved it.

Action-oriented-the goal is something you can take tangible action on.Reality-based-the goal is something that can be done, you will be able to do it.

Time-limited-the goal is limited to a certain time frame, you will have parametersas to when you will have completed it.

Smart Goal: To begin researching and writing a book about small business by June 2002.This goal meets all the smart criteria.

Not-so-smart Goal: To be the best writer ever.This goal is fuzzy and unclear. How will you know when you have achieved it?


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Sometimes our goals seem so large and unattainable that we never get started onthem. Goals have various sub-steps that have to be completed in order for youto reach your goal. Break these mini-goals into smart steps that you canaccomplish during your designated time period for achieving your major goal.Set smart steps. For example in order to achieve your goal of writing a businessbook, you will have to:

a. Go to library and online to research your topic.b. Talk to five-ten people who have written similar books to get good

information.c. Develop a writing system or process that works for you.d. Etc, etc.

What goals will you set for yourself?

Take Action DailyVon Goethe once said, Knowing is not enough, we must apply. Willing is not enough, wemust do. Finished items and daily projects are essential to achieving success.Because when you do something everyday, no matter how small, you aredemonstrating your commitment to your success. By taking consistent action,you create energy and momentum which moves you forward faster.

What will you do everyday?

Do a Goal EvaluationBebe Moore Campbell once said, It is no disgrace to start over and begin anew.Sometimes to achieve success, you must start over. The Goal Evaluation isprobably the most important step because it measures your active progresstowards achieving your goals. It allows you to:

Determine your success in meeting goal timelines.

Re-evaluate the goals priority in your life.

Modify your goal to accommodate changing priorities or directions.

Uncover obstacles or challenges that may hinder your progress.

During the evaluation, do not punish yourself if you have not completed yourgoal on time. As long as you are taking active steps in the direction of your goal,you are winning!


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Oftentimes during the re-evaluation, we find that what we thought was animportant priority and goal is actually not that important to us and may haveactually served as an obstacle. This is the opportunity to get rid of these setbacksso we stay on course towards achieving our goals.

Set a specific time to review your goals (quarterly, semi-annually, orannually). This will enable you to check in with yourself to see how you areprogressing and make adjustments as needed. If necessary, have a buddy ormentor to talk it over with.

When will you conduct your goal evaluation?

Use Visualizations and Affirmations to Keep Your Energy Positive and

Productive.All things were first a thought. Visualizing yourself achieving your goal makes itmore real and allows you to use your mind/thoughts to manifest your destiny.

You can use meditation as a tool to visualize your goals or you can use physicalpictures. When meditating, set aside quiet time each day and imagine yourselfgoing through all the actions necessary to achieve your goal.

For example, if you are trying to win an important sales contract, see andhear your conversation with the client. Visualize the contract in front of you

with the desired sales agreement and imagine the client signing his name on thecontract.

When using physical pictures/images, place them around your house,office, or any other place when you will see and reflect on them on a daily basis.Goal posters are an effective visualization tool. To create a goal poster, gatherimages, photos, pictures, phrases, quotes, affirmations or other inspirationalitems that will help motivate you towards achieving your goals. Remember toput your achievement date near the pictures or images and place the posterprominently in your viewing area.

Example 1: If your goal is to publish a best-selling book in June 2002, put apicture of a book on your goal poster. Put your name and book title on the

picture and add Best-selling book, June 2002,near the book image.Example 2: If your goal is to buy your dream home for your family, put a pictureof your dream home and pictures of your family on your goal poster and write inThe Jane Jones Family Home, October 15, 2003.


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Another excellent idea is to create a success scene or success alter. Bycreating a picture or physical structure, you will remind yourself daily of what isimportant to you. Give yourself permission to be creative---decorate, paint,symbolize, or write about what success looks like to you.

In addition to visualizations, affirmations help you focus on the lifesuccess you desire. Changing your language to represent what you want tocreate in your life is very powerful. Eliminate the words I cant or Ill try.Simply do it! Besides changing negative words, say affirmations. Affirmationsshould be positive, set in the present tense, use powerful words, and clearlycommunicate what you want to attract into your life. A good affirmationshould say what your soul needs to hear.

Sample AffirmationsI am an artist at work. I have the tools to create whoever I want to be.

I have the power to create the life I want to live, effortlessly and joyfully.I am a successful non-fiction writer whose books have a positive impact on people.I am a powerful, knowledgeable, and influential person.I give myself permission to be successful.I live out my life purpose of educating and healing people through the written and spokenword.

What affirmations will you say to keep you motivated?

Celebrate Your Successes!To stay motivated, take the time to celebrate how far you have come. Live in anattitude of gratitude for what you have accomplished. By showing appreciationto yourself on a regular basis, you will keep the fires burning.

What will you do to celebrate your successes?

Develop a Support SystemCreate a success system, made up of people and resources that will support you.

List 5-10 people and 5-10 resources that will help you.


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Hire a Coach to Help You to More Easily Live Out Your Dreams andDestiny.Having a coach gives you the vehicle for accelerated accomplishment towardsyour goals. In this challenging world it is easy to get off track with what is mostimportant to you. A coach keeps you focused, on purpose and works with youto redefine goals and dreams.

Coaching also creates a bridge that takes you from where you are now towhere you want to be. Just as top athletes have coaches to bring out their bestperformance, coaching helps clients build on their own inner strengths. Yourcoach is invested in your success and provides insight, structure, andencouragement for increased effectiveness. A coach is a resource person with alarge tool kit to assist you in developing your peak performance skills.

Enlist someone to keep you accountable to your vision and purpose. No

one is better qualified to do this than your personal coach. For a free 30 minuteconsultation, contact Michelle at [email protected]

Write your coaching appointment here________________________________


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The most fulfilling life is one where you individually designand tailor it to your specifications.

---Michelle L. Casto

When you live by vision, work with passionate purpose, and develop astrategy, your life begins to bloom in unexpected directions.

Your lifeis a big, beautiful blooming flower with numerous specially decoratedpetals making up your unique experience.

Your lessonsare your personal learning and growth opportunities.

Your valuesprovide direction and guidance for important life decisions.

Your visionis your overall blueprint for the kind of life you want to lead.

Yourpurposeis who you want to be and what you want to share with others.

Yourpassionsare the things you love.

Your lifes work are the on-going personal and professional projects that youcomplete.

Yourgoalsare mini-steps that help support your work, purpose, and vision.

Your rolesare the parts you play along your journey.

Your supportsare the people, places, and things that give you a sense of balance.

Your path is the way you choose to create your life by conscious choices youmake during your journey.

You must find your path and bravely follow it wherever it leads.


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About the Author

Michelle L. Casto, M.Ed.

DESTINY:Dare to Empower your Self toTailor life Individually as Needed forYou!

Michelle L. Casto is Owner of Get Smart! and is a Whole Life Coach whoresides in Corpus Christi, Texas. She holds a Master of Education degree fromthe University of South Carolina, a Bachelor of Science degree in InterpersonalCommunication from Ohio University, and is a Certified Career DevelopmentFacilitator Instructor and Customer Service Trainer. She has taught at numerousuniversities including Emory University, Kennesaw State University, Lanier

Technical College, and the University of South Carolina.

As a writer, speaker, and teacher, Michelle specializes in Whole Life issuessuch as romantic relationships, gender communication, career development, andstress management. When she discovered there wasnt much practical, proactiveadvice about how to integrate the various human dimensions of love, labor,leisure, and learning, she founded her companyGet Smart! in 1997. Since thenshe has taught others to take control of their life destiny.

Michelles life purpose is to educate and empower people live with passion,purpose, and possibility. She strives to fulfill her purpose though her Get Smart!

LearningBooks, Seminars, and Coaching services. Her coaching practice isBrightlight Coaching, she empowers people to freely shine their brightlight tothe world. She also writes a free monthly ezine, Get Smart! Live Smart. Tosubscribe, send an email to: [email protected]

In addition to writing and speaking engagements, Michelle offers a wide varietyof personal growth services, includingcoaching(which involves helping peopletake life to the next level of success) andpersonal assessment(which involves theadministration and interpretation of scientifically developed instruments).

Contact Michelle for a free 30 minute sample session: [email protected]

VISIT VIRTUALLYwww.getsmartseries.com

&www.brightlightcoach.com


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Inspirational QuotesGreatness comes with recognizing that your potential is limited only by how

you choose, use your freedom, how resolute you are, how persistent you are---inshort, your attitude.

---Peter Koenstenbaum

Opportunity dances with those who are already on the dance floor.---H. Jackson Brown

The weakest thing in the universe is a wish. The most powerful thing in theuniverse is a commitment.

---Unknown

Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing

is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not;unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full ofeducated derelicts. Persistence and determination are omnipotent.

---Calvin Coolidge

Failure is an event, not a person. ---Zig Ziglar

10 little words for LIFE: If it is to be, it is up to me.---Unknown

All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make, the better.----Ralph Waldo Emerson

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didntdo than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safeharbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream.

---Mark Twain

Thought is the blossom, language the bud, action the fruit behind.---Ralph Waldo Emerson

Instead of thinking about where you are, think about where you want to be. Ittakes years of hard work to become an overnight success.

---Diana Rankin

We are all artists and our greatest creation is the living of our lives.---Dudley Martineau


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ForFurther Reading

Casto, Michelle. Get Smart! About Modern Career Development: A Personal Guide toCreating Your Lifes Work. Get Smart! Publishing, Atlanta, GA. 2000.

Kornfield, Jack. A Path With Heart. Bantam Books, NY, NY. 1993.

Munroe, Myles. Releasing Your Potential. Destiny Image Publishers, Inc.Shippensburg, PA. 1998

Munroe, Myles. Pursuit of Purpose. Destiny Image Publishers, Shippensburg, Inc.PA. 1996.

Myss, Carolyn. Anatomy of the Spirit. Harmony Books, New York, 1996.

Richardson, Cheryl. Take Time For Your Life. Broadway Books, New York,1999.

Roman, Sanaya. Spiritual Growth: Being Your Higher Self. Tiburon Books, CA.,1989.

Shumsky, Susan. Divine Revelation. Simon & Schuster, New York, 1996.

Vanzant, Iyanla. Value in the Valley. Simon & Schuster. New York, 1995.

Walsch, Neale Donald. Conversations With God I, II, and III. Charlottsville, VA,1995, 1997, 1999.


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Life Strategy 101: How to Live Live by Vision, Work with Purpose, and Achieve More Success

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