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Social science research shows there are three key parts to
the process of reaching for and achieving a dream – Believe, Do,
Think. As you work toward a dream, you go back-and-forth between all three.
The award-winning book Dream: A Tale of Wonder, Wisdom & Wishes by Susan V. Bosak culminates with the green pages – the color of go and the color of grow. These pages reveal the secret to achieving a dream or goal. Discuss the text:
You need
the Believe of childhood,
the Do of youth,
and the Think of experience.
You need all three.
There's the wisdom to fill a tooth,
simple and not so simple all at once:
Believe, Do, Think.
The three key words – Believe, Do, Think – appear in this text. What does the text mean? What do each of the words mean to you?
Believe, Do, Think is based on research that has looked at how human beings in all fields of endeavor achieve their potential and reach goals. If you survey all the literature, look for consistent patterns, and boil it down to its essence, you get Believe, Do, Think. It's the power of three, part of the LegacyCubed concept that you can use as a life tool and catalyst for social change.
At the most basic level, to reach for a goal you have to Believe in yourself and have the courage and confidence to move forward. Then you need to Do something, to take action. But you can't just do anything – it has to be thoughtful and focused. You need to Think through a plan. Thinking also involves taking advantage of your own past experiences and the knowledge of others – the knowledge you find in books or the Internet, and the knowledge of people around you like a teacher or mentor.
The second green page in Dream shows all ages working together, because each age/stage of life emphasizes one part of Believe, Do, Think.
Believe, Do, Think isn't a strict sequence. When you reach for a goal, you move between all three as you work through the process. Though, surprisingly, the basic sequence is sound. Research shows that first you have to Believe, to get your head in the right place. Then you actually have to get your whole body involved by Doing something, by taking at least an initial action. Then, as both heart and body are involved, you can start Thinking more effectively to move forward.
Here are some tips for having self-confidence and Believing:
Create a picture in your mind about how you'd like things to be – what would it look and feel like, what would you be doing? Recognize that your talents and skills are special and enjoy who you are. You have things to offer that no one else can. Believe that you can do most things you set your mind to. Know that you have what it takes to reach your goals – and if you don't know something, don't be afraid to ask for help. Make a commitment to keep going, even when things get tough. Have a willingness to tackle new challenges. It won't always work out, but you can always learn something. And sometimes things you can't do today become possible in the future, if you have the patience to wait and keep trying. When your confidence gets low, find something to help you get a boost, whether it's a hug from someone who loves you or some constructive feedback from someone who knows about what you're trying to achieve. Repeat positive statements to yourself: "I can learn more and be a better student"; "I'm a good, likeable person"; "I like other people and they like me"; "I'm not afraid to work hard"; "I deserve to be successful"; "Every day, I'm stronger and more confident"; "I am a shining star."
Here are some tips for taking action and Doing:
Take action despite a fear of failing. Try something new or different. Challenge yourself physically and mentally. Stand up for yourself and others. Do the right thing, even when it would be easier and more fun not to. Come back and try harder at something you've failed at before. Get to know what your strengths and weaknesses are – use your strengths and work on your weaknesses. Put one foot in front of the other and go for it. Pull together a Dream Team to help and support you, which can include a coach, teacher, parent, mentor, and/or friends.
Here are some tips for creating a plan and Thinking:
Focus your thoughts on the goal. Don't let distractions into your head. Organize your thinking by writing down a plan. Instead of just thinking "How can I do this?" or "Where do I start?" you need to write out the steps you need to take. You need to take control. When you have a step-by-step plan, you're more likely to get it done. Free up time with a day-by-day plan. When you get up in the morning, you won't waste time wondering what to do – you know what to do! A plan also frees up space in your brain – you don't have to remember it all. When you write it down on paper then all you have to do is remember where you put the paper. When you think something through, identify the steps, and then do the steps, it's very satisfying – there's nothing like making a big, bold checkmark next to a step you've completed. Thinking something through and creating a plan gives you confidence – there's no problem or challenge that you can't break down into little steps and start taking those steps one-by-one. Reviewing your plan regularly helps you make adjustments and learn from what has happened so far.
Use the Believe, Do, Think sheet to set a goal and make it happen. Start by writing a goal that's important to you in the big star. In the Believe section, write down why the goal is important and why you believe you can achieve it.
Then move to the Think section and write out your plan; think out each of the steps you need to follow to achieve your goal. Check out the Ladder to the Stars for some ideas.
Finally, in the Do section make notes about how you're going to do each step, dates when you'll start or complete the steps, and notes about other things you need to do to achieve the goal. For example, if one of your steps is to visit the library to do research and gather information to achieve your goal, one of the things you may have to do is ask your parents for a ride. Or, you may need to write or e-mail someone for some information. Also in your DO section should be reminders of things to do to keep up your confidence, like looking at your goal sheet every night or sharing your progress with a parent, teacher, or friend.
When you achieve your goal, give yourself a Celebrate Certificate and post it proudly. Once you start using Believe, Do, Think, you can also join the Club of Dreamers. |
