The Storyteller
The idea in this context is to express ourselves through conscious storytelling. In other words, to articulate our (present) intentions and goals. We do this by using Vision & Story boards: I find this visual representation of goals and dreams particularly helpful especially when I get sidetracked or feel demotivated later on. Being present and selective with expression helps create a mind shift that brings self-awareness, focus and fun!
Activity:
Visualize your vision i.e., destination e.g., having your own farm or agritourism business etc. The next step is to create your Vision board – and this can be done with a journal, scrapbook, laptop or experimenting with online tools such as Lino. The next step is to express your vision using images such as magazine cut-outs, photos, drawings, or even colours to represent words that are missing.
Examples of Vision boards:
The idea in this context is to express ourselves through conscious storytelling. In other words, to articulate our (present) intentions and goals. We do this by using Vision & Story boards: I find this visual representation of goals and dreams particularly helpful especially when I get sidetracked or feel demotivated later on. Being present and selective with expression helps create a mind shift that brings self-awareness, focus and fun!
Activity:
Visualize your vision i.e., destination e.g., having your own farm or agritourism business etc. The next step is to create your Vision board – and this can be done with a journal, scrapbook, laptop or experimenting with online tools such as Lino. The next step is to express your vision using images such as magazine cut-outs, photos, drawings, or even colours to represent words that are missing.
Examples of Vision boards:
Example of aspirations:
This is followed by your Story board, where you describe the journey to achieve your vision – this process involves three steps. Firstly, is to write down your ☑️interest, ☑️skillset, ☑️abilities ☑️attributes - this can be yourself as a student, professional, entrepreneur etc. Secondly, are the objectives you need to succeed: By articulating your SMARTER goals:
S – Specific: Define your vision
M – Measurable: Expressed in money, units or percentage
A – Attainable: Realistic?
R – Relevant: Relatable to your vision and purpose
T – Timely: Deadline (date, month or year)
E – Ecological: Relevant to your environment and goals that do not compromise health, relationships or budget
R – Rewarding: Ultimately this is your calling in life and is something that will keep you going
You could document your story board the same way you did your vision board. Other suggestions include using other online tools such as Popplet or mind mapping tools such as Coggle, Freemind, Mindmup, Scrumblr, or even Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets.
Thirdly, at this point; an option is to take your SMARTER goals one step further - to create an ‘Action Plan’ road map, where you overlay a timeline sequence format, for example:
- Short-term: 6 months – 3 years
- Medium-term: 3 – 5 years
- Long-term: 5 years & beyond
Example of a Story board:
Once your timeline is completed, you may want to rate each action, perhaps expressed in percentage to track as feedback on how well a particular action is doing. Another suggestion is to draw up a training matrix or a skills audit to identify gaps you will need to address towards achieving your goals so that your vision can be realised. Others may include identifying key people (family, acquaintances, teachers) who may be able to help you in your journey.
Note: Our narratives may change over time, particularly with unforeseen circumstances throughout our lifespan, which makes it likely for you to come back to this space especially when the need to review a current vision arises. This may also include to reset/rewrite goals that cultivate better habits which will help you reach your fullest potential for becoming the best version of yourself.
