Day 8, Lesson #9:

“Anything is possible if you’ve got enough nerve…” -J. K. Rowling-

Earlier this year during brunch with a few co-workers who have grown to be close friends, I posed the question: “Have you accomplished at least half of the goals you created for 2016?” For the most part they all saw progress in 2016, but admitted they didn’t really write their goals out before the 2016 got underway. With that in mind I immediately knew brunch at my apartment would be focused on setting our goals for 2017.

For me–December is the perfect month to start your vision board. It’s the month we prepare to close out one year and usher in a new one with a little Christmas cheer. December 2014 was my first year creating a vision board and I have been committed to creating one ever since! My linesister Candace sent me a picture of hers and really encouraged me to try it out. My sister and I sat down at the dining room table (or what we call the table of dreams) and immediately got to planning! 2015 was my first year watching all the things I planned come to fruition. It was astonishing! Let me just say–I’ve always been a dreamer and a go-getter… but there is just something about having a vision board hanging in plain sight and seeing my goals each morning that inspires me. I’m a firm believer that when you set goals for yourself and write them out… your chances of accomplishing them are much higher! You strive for what’s in front of you and when you watch it all unfold you want to go harder!

“Any time that you think you’ve hit the top of the mountain, the truth of the matter is you’ve just reached another mountain. And it’s there to climb over again.” -Jon Bon Jovi, Oprah’s Master Class-

I was very selective with my guest list for my Vision Board Brunch. You can’t share your visions with everyone and I couldn’t have picked a better group of ladies–co-workers who have grown to be close friends and Leslie who I’ve known for years! I sent out the evites and waited for responses!

Saturday morning we had a great time! Kicked the morning off with a heart brunch and bottomless mimosas…and laid out several magazines (in English and in Spanish).. started clipping and everybody ended up with a board of quotes! We went through the magazines several times to start grabbing pictures that matched our goals or in some way told our stories. By the end of the morning we had 4 clear visions and enough quotes to keep us inspired all year long! I was pleased and I believe everyone else was as well.

As 2016 wraps up–prepare for all that 2017 will bring Your way. Take time to write your visions out, plan the steps to make them happen, and share them with the people who will hold you accountable when you get discouraged.

If you’re thinking about hosting a vision board brunch or just making a board by yourself… here are a few guidelines to keep in mind:

1. Make a selective guest list… guard your heart and guard your dreams. Everyone won’t appreciate your ambition and honestly, you can’t expect them to.
2. Find some magazines with pictures, random ads, inspiring words…you’ll need it all!
3. Write out your vision… plan before you start clipping! It will make life a bit easier.
4. Throw a little booze in there just because–A strong mimosa always lightens the mood!
5. Enjoy the company of ambitious friends and let the dreaming begin!
6. DARE TO DREAM… Be bold with the planning of your vision and most of all be FEARLESS!

“Here’s to chasing nothing but drinks and DREAMS! Cheers to the year of WINS!” #2017