Three ways to leverage your creativity to DREAM BIG

Hey Dreamers! I hope you’re feeling energized, encouraged and inspired today. (If not, I’m going to get you there!!!) Today, I want to talk about a critical aspect of Dreaming BIG: creativity. This might seem like a “soft skill,” but your ability to think creatively and imagine new futures for yourself is so much more than that. Your imagination is your God-given superpower. Learn how to embrace and maximize this gift, and you’ll be able to Dream as you’ve never Dreamed before!

In The Big Stretch, I talk a lot about harnessing your creativity and imagination to expand yourself from a life of just maintaining the status quo… to a more fulfilling reality. However, I know some of you might be thinking, “That’s great, T — but I’m just not the creative type.”

Listen: I hear ya! Creativity isn’t everyone’s strong suit, and it doesn’t have to be! But I’m here to tell you that we all have the inherent ability to be creative to some degree, even if you don’t view yourself as a “creative type.” Sure, some of us are more analytical than others, while others are a little more comfortable expressing our creative sides. It doesn’t matter if you’re a medical professional, an accountant or a graphic designer — if you can imagine, you can be a Dreamer. You just have to learn how to tap into your imagination, amplify your creativity and propel yourself to Dream BIG.

Here are three simple ways to maximize your creativity and empower yourself to Dream:

1. Give yourself time to imagine

It can be hard to carve out personal time for yourself these days — especially if you’re a parent, business owner, entrepreneur, or any other kind of 24-7/7-days-a-week hard worker making it happen every day! One of the biggest challenges of being an adult in our high-tech, always-on era is that we hardly give ourselves time and space to just sit and think.

When was the last time you daydreamed? Just unplugged, stared into space and got lost in your thoughts? Do you ever consider the possibilities for enhancing your professional growth, growing in your personal life or achieving your goals? Research shows that spending time in daily self-reflection makes people happier, more productive and less prone to burnout.

Here’s my challenge for you, Dreamers: spend 15 minutes each day engaging in reflection and allowing your mind to roam. During that time, I want you to ask yourself “What if…”

  • What if I didn’t have any financial limitations?
  • What if I could snap my fingers and be successful in any career right now?
  • What if I quit my job next month?

Use this as a jumping-off point to spark the creativity within you that’s just dying to break free!

2. Find your creative zone

Once you’ve found the time to Dream, now it’s up to you as a creator to devise your ideal setting for Dreaming BIG. Become aware of the kinds of places and scenarios that make you feel creative or inspired, and then…spend time in those situations!!! I call this creating your “Dream Environment”: the optimal time and space, with the right tools, that will empower you to Dream your wildest Dreams.

Everyone’s Dream Environment is different. Perhaps yours is at an art gallery, surrounded by mind-blowing modern art. Perhaps busy late-night cafes or bustling co-working spaces ignite your imagination. Or, maybe you create best in the wee hours of the morning, looking out your bedroom window. For me, it took booking a quiet getaway to Pine Mountain, Georgia, to finally set my ideas free and let them flow!

To discover your ideal Dream Environment, start by asking yourself a few key questions:

  • What time of day does my creativity really flow?
  • Where do I like to receive new ideas the most?
  • What kinds of tools do I like to use when I create?
  • What kinds of practices do I need in my life to hear my ideas more clearly?

Here’s my next challenge for you: take 30 minutes to write out exactly what your ideal Dream Environment looks like. Do you like music in the background, white noise or complete quiet? Do you need to be alone, or do other people help tap into your creativity? Do walls make you feel stifled, or does a private room help you feel freer to Dream on your own terms?

You might be surprised what you learn about yourself. This simple activity will help discover a time and space for yourself where your imagination can grow wings and take flight!

3. Let go of “How”

Finally, to maximize your creativity and ability to Dream BIG, learn to let go of the “how” part and just focus on the Dream itself. When you’re honing your creativity, your energy is wasted on worrying about how you’re going to execute the details of your Dream. Questions like “How am I going to pull this off?” (while being totally normal!) are creativity roadblocks that hold us back from Dreaming to our full potential.

So, my final challenge for you is this: the next time you find yourself asking a “how” question about your Dream, continue on your path of allowing your imagination to dream freely. There will be a moment in time for HOW but don’t make the mistake of pondering the HOW too soon. Now is the time to DREAM. There will be plenty of time to hammer out the details — for now, just empower your Dream to reveal itself to you, and then EMBRACE IT! Imagine freely….

I hope you enjoyed this one, everybody. I want to hear how you’re getting your creativity flowing this week! What’s your ideal Dream environment, and how is it changing the way you envision your goals? Share your experience on social media using the hashtag #TheBigStretch.

Keep dreaming BIG!

Your Dream Coach
T

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Five Questions for Discovering Your Purpose

I know what you might be thinking…What does having a “purpose” mean, anyway?

If you’re breathing oxygen on the planet right now, you have a purpose! Your purpose is the driving factor, the deeper motivation, behind what you love to do – and why you were inspired to Dream Big in the first place.

Everyone’s purpose is different. For some Dreamers, their purpose might be rooted in a desire to change the world or to make people’s lives better (think: one of my super fav Activist Dreamers Christine Caine, founder of A21!, seen below), while others might be driven by the need to manifest their vision or follow their passion (think: rock star Make-It-Happen Dreamer Sean “Diddy” Combs, who turned his creative passions into a hip-hop dynasty).

Your Dream may change over the years, but the anchoring purpose behind it will ultimately remain the same. Your purpose is your guiding light, your Northstar that will help you stay the course and achieve your Dream despite tumultuous seas!

So, why do you need to know your purpose?

You may already know your purpose. If so, that’s great! Write it down. Hang it by your nightstand, on your bathroom mirror or in your mobile phone notes. But if you’re unsure of your purpose, clearly defining it should be your next step in the STRETCH to reach your Dream. Why?

For starters, having a goal without a clear purpose behind it is a waste of your God-given talent and energy! How are you supposed to get to where you’re going if you don’t know why you’re on the journey in the first place? Besides, your Dream journey is a marathon, not a sprint. You need motivation, inspiration and a solid PURPOSE to keep you in the race, or you won’t withstand the many challenges and obstacles that will stand between you and your Dream.

The STRETCH is designed to help you identify your why and step into your purpose to keep you motivated and focused for the long term. Focusing on your why will inspire you to keep dreaming and keep pushing yourself every day, no matter what challenges you face.

So, how do I determine my purpose to fuel my Dream?

When I walked away from my comfy corporate job at IBM to pursue my Big Dream, I had one Big Problem: I didn’t know what my purpose was! The challenge before me was greater than just figuring out what I was going to do without my salary – it was discovering my true purpose and what I was really passionate about to make sure I was chasing a Dream that was right for me.

I simply started by asking myself a few simple questions, which I have listed below. Questions that got me thinking about my gifts, my skills, my curiosity…This led me down a path to discovering what my strengths, passions and purpose really are – eventually catapulting me to launch my own multicultural marketing agency, EGAMI Group. That’s a long way from my desk job! I know you can make that leap, too. You just have to say “yes” to the STRETCH, and anchor yourself in your purpose.

Now we can get down to it: the nitty-gritty of doing the work to discover your purpose. Below are a few questions I’ve featured in The Big Stretch, which will get you started as you drill down on what your purpose is and how to use it to bring your company, new idea or innovative invention to life.

Ask yourself these five questions to begin your journey to discovering your purpose:

1. What brings you your greatest joy? This doesn’t have to relate in any way to your career or monetary gains! Clear your mind, and ask yourself what sparks joy in your heart.

2. What are you most curious about? Again, don’t try to connect this to a hustle just yet! What sparks your curiosity the most in life?

3. Who are the people that light you up and bring you the most joy? Who are your people? The ones who energize you, motivate you, and make you the best version of you?

4. What gifts, talents and skills come to you naturally? Don’t hold back, but don’t over-exaggerate either. Be totally honest with yourself.

5. What are your strengths? These will probably relate to your answers to question #4. Which of your strengths and gifts typically attract people to you? Is there a gift or talent that others always come to you for?

Pick up a copy of The Big STRETCH for my full list of questions to ask yourself, and even more resources to help you expand your Dream!

Once you’ve determined your purpose, your next mission is to align your WHY with a DREAM that inspires you to TAKE ACTION. That’s the “magic” formula for success! Is your purpose to inspire others? Maybe your Dream lies in the entertainment industry, or perhaps even religion or self-help. Do you want to improve people’s health? Perhaps your Dream is being a doctor, a physical therapist or even a personal trainer.

Utilizing these few questions above will get you started on pinpointing what Dream will fulfill your ultimate purpose. But don’t wait for your Big Dream to manifest – to start following your purpose where you are on your journey today, begin thinking about where you can use your talents within your industry, company or community. You can follow your purpose no matter where you are on your Dream journey.

I hope you enjoyed this topic as much as I do! Talking about purpose gets me fired up because, guess what? Helping others manifest their Dreams is my Dream!

Until next time…keep dreaming BIG, everyone!

Forever Your Dream Coach
T

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Dreamer Profile Series: Activist Dreamers and the power of purpose

Hey there, Dreamers! I love, love, love all the feedback everyone has been sharing over the past few weeks as we’ve delved into the five Dreamer profiles and what it means to STRETCH to reach your Dreams. Keep your comments coming, and let’s keep inspiring each other on our Dream journeys!

I’ve spent more than 15 years deliberately exploring my purpose to achieve a more meaningful, satisfying and remarkable life than I ever could have imagined. The pursuit of my purpose led me to leave a secure corporate position in favor of an uncertain future, launch an award-winning multicultural marketing firm, EGAMI Group, and found The Dream Project to help other Dreamers live their purpose.

In the fifth and final installment of this Dreamer profile series based on insights from my new book, The Big STRETCH, I’m highlighting a type of Dreamer who takes the concept of being purpose-inspired to a whole new level: the Activist Dreamer.

Who are Activist Dreamers?

Activist Dreamers see a problem and want to be the solution. They feel compelled to solve societal problems, spearheading ventures that address community challenges, social injustices and local or even global issues. These Dreamers not only get involved in organizations and in their communities to make the world a better place, they start entire movements that change the world – often with a small team of volunteers and an even smaller budget.

How to tell if you’re an Activist Dreamer

If you feel driven to devote yourself to solving societal issues and are motivated by purpose over profit, you are definitely an Activist Dreamer. The world needs more Dreamers like you, so continue courageously using your talents as a force for positive change.

These are some of my favorite A-List Activist Dreamers. All of these world-changers are using their positions to dedicate time / energy to make the world a better place.

  • Christine Caine, author and founder of the anti-human-trafficking organization, A21
  • Tim King, founder of Chicago’s award-winning Urban Prep Academies
  • Tarana Burke, #MeToo Movement founder and activist
How to thrive as an Activist Dreamer

Feel like an activist but don’t know where to start on your Dream journey? Identify your “Dream irritant” — a problem that truly pains you — and set out to be the solution! When an injustice or issue tugs at your heart and you find yourself saying, “Somebody should do something about this!” that somebody is you. No more sitting around and waiting for someone else to come to the rescue. If a problem is keeping you up at night, it’s probably a purpose worth pursuing as an Activist Dreamer.

If you’re not in a position to risk yourself financially in pursuit of an Activist Dream, start small. Volunteer for organizations that fight for issues you care about and explore how to use elements of your day job as a force for change. Then, if you still feel compelled to put more of your efforts behind a cause, plan how to launch your own nonprofit that addresses your “Dream irritant.”

Pinpointing what kind of Dreamer you are is the first step to making your Big Dream a reality. Now that we’ve covered each of the Dreamer Profiles outlined in The Big STRETCH – Careerpreneur Dreamer, Make-It-Happen Dreamer, Hobby Dreamer, CEO Dreamer and Activist Dreamer — what kind of Dreamer are you? Does one personality type exactly describe you, or are you a mixture of two or more?

If you’re still unsure, take my Dreamer Profile Assessment to determine your Dreamer personality, tap into your full potential and start chasing the life of your Dreams.

I hope these blogs are energizing and inspiring you to pursue your big idea, career goals, passion project or creative Dream! (I know I’m feeling invigorated and inspired!) Be sure to visit next week, when I’ll be discussing how to discover your purpose – an essential force that will enable you to relentlessly pursue your goals over the long run.

Keep STRETCHing yourself to reach your Dream!

Forever your Dream Coach,
T

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Successful entrepreneurs, professionals and creatives come in all shapes and sizes, each with their own individual purpose and Dreams. What if you don’t necessarily want to be a CEO, a startup founder or a celebrity? Determining what type of Dreamer you are will help position you to effectively STRETCH to pursue your Big Dream on the path — and at a pace — that’s right for you.

In my new book, The Big STRETCH, I describe five Dreamer personality types that I’ve discovered from helping thousands of professionals reach their Dreams through The Dream Project, and how each defines and pursues success in their own unique way.

What kind of Dreamer are you? Take my quiz!

In this five-part blog series, I’m exploring each of the five Dreamer personalities in detail as a starting point to explore how we Dream, why we Dream and ultimately how to make our Dreams a reality. (Read my previous post on Careerpreneur Dreamers if you haven’t already!) Today, I’m talking about bold, proactive, driven Make-It-Happen Dreamers.

Who are Make-It-Happen Dreamers?

People who feel confined by a traditional, 9-5 job but thrive when given the freedom and flexibility to pursue their goals on their own terms are what I like to call “Make-It-Happen” Dreamers. You know, that person who always has a “hustle” going, who thrives when juggling many projects, who’s never worked for someone else a day in their life. “Make-It-Happen” Dreamers are barbers, flower shop owners, restauranteurs, or other serial entrepreneurs in your community. They’re everywhere!

Unlike Careerpreneur Dreamers, Make-It-Happen Dreamers can’t realize their aspirations within the walls of an existing organization or corporate environment, so they dare to break the mold and make it happen themselves.

How to tell if you’re a Make-It-Happen Dreamer

You feel stifled by rules, routines and schedules, but don’t mind a little risk in pursuit of your Dream. You may have trouble holding down a traditional 9-5 position, or perhaps you’ve never worked for someone else at all. Instead, you prefer to hustle, working on your own projects and charting your own course through life to achieve your Big Dream.

Here are some of my VERY FAV Make-It-Happen Dreamers of all time. These individuals have found a way to thrive on their own terms using their talents and passions to entrepreneurial ventures.

How to thrive as a Make-It-Happen Dreamer

To live a truly fulfilling life as a Make-It-Happen Dreamer, stop trying to fit yourself into the confines of traditional corporate roles — and stop listening to those who want you to! Determine entrepreneurial paths for yourself that will allow you to start your own business, express your purpose, and watch your Dream thrive.

All Dreamers, but especially Make-It-Happen Dreamers, should watch out for “Dream bullies” — those who unintentionally (or perhaps even well-intentionally) try to derail you from pursuing your Dream on your own path. Dream bullies will try to keep you stuck as you are, confined to their limited possibilities, because what you’re doing makes them uncomfortable. Remember that you are a dynamic human being with the capability of creating multiple versions of yourself over time to achieve your best life – and only you can determine the level of risk you’re willing to take on your Dream journey.

I hope you enjoyed learning more about this inspiring Dreamer profile! Meet me back here next week, when I’ll be putting a spotlight on a different kind of Dreamer who finds fulfillment pursuing a “side hustle” or personal passion while still keeping their day job.

Be sure to follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and connect on LinkedIn for daily bits of wisdom about STRETCHing to reach your Dream. Do you see yourself in any of these Dreamers? Have you taken my Dreamer Profile Assessment yet? I’d love, love, love to hear your thoughts and learn more about your Dream!

Yours in the Dream,
T

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A look back on 30 days of The Big STRETCH

Hey there, Dreamers! I hope the holiday season has been very merry and bright for you and your loved ones! It’s not only the end of the year, but the end of a whole decade…where does the time go!?!?

So I’ve been taking some time to look back on all of the amazing experiences this year has brought me. There is SO much to be thankful for in 2019!

It’s been 30 days since The Big Stretch published, and I can’t believe what an amazing whirlwind it’s been! I want to sincerely thank everyone in my Dream circle who supported me on this journey: my husband, my family, my friends, my EGAMI Group team, and of course all the incredible rock star Dreamers whose wisdom and inspiration made this book possible!

Here’s a quick look back on all the exciting events of the past 30 days:

New York showed up and showed out for my NYC book launch event! It was truly a divine experience to be in a room full of so much love. I want to give a sincere thank you to all the Egami Group clients, agency partners, family and friends who celebrated with me! That night will be forever etched into my heart.

I want to thank all of you who also made it out to the book-launch dinner in Dothan. Your support means so much to me! When it launched, The Big Stretch has been ranked as Amazon’s #1 new release in business development, and it’s also been featured in Business Insider and Success! I’m looking forward to more new opportunities to share the amazing impact of The Big Stretch with the world in 2020!

It’s been so fun to host a number of book signings over the last few weeks, including a very memorable one at Barnes & Noble in my hometown of Dothan, Alabama. These events had such a great turnout, and I was thrilled to visit with everyone and share my message about STRETCHing to reach your Dreams with all who attended.

In other exciting news: my EGAMI Group team and I have officially begun working with corporations to roll out The Big Stretch employee training! I’m really excited about these trainings, because I get the opportunity to work directly with entrepreneurs, leaders and employees to help them apply the principles in The Big Stretch to the individual needs of themselves and their organizations. It’s amazing what results you can achieve and what hidden potential you can unlock when you energize and inspire your team to reach their Dreams!

The first training kicked off with Black Enterprise editor Alfred Edmon Jr.’s Successpert Conversation Series, where I shared tools and advice from The Big Stretch with professionals at Newark’s new innovative 3rd Space coworking hub.

I also had the opportunity to host an employee-engagement experience for McGraw-Hill, where I encouraged more 400 team members to STRETCH beyond their comfort zones to realize their personal and professional Dreams.

If you’re interested in inspiring your organization to lead with purpose and DREAM BIG in 2020, I would love, love, love to host an employee training for your team! Get in touch today, and take the first step to empowering your employees to Dream BIG!

So many incredible things have happened in only 30 days, and I’m super excited to see what the New Year brings. Thank you again to everyone who has reached out and offered support during this momentous time in my Dream journey.

When you Dream BIG, the sky’s the limit! Let’s STRETCH together in 2020!!!

Yours in Dreaming,
Coach T

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Dreamer Profile Series: When a Hobby Isn’t “Just” a Hobby

It’s Coach T here again, with a little spark to light a fire under your Dream!

We all have Dreams we’d like to pursue — but do you know what kind of Dreamer you are?

Understanding where you’re coming from is essential to get where you’re going on your Dream journey. Once you become clear about who you really are and what you should be doing with your life, a future of achievable possibilities will open up to you!

I’ve been exploring the five Dreamer personalities described in my new book, The Big Stretch, which are based on my experience helping more than 180,000 Dreamers turn their big ideas into thriving enterprises through The Dream Project. So far, I’ve covered Careerpreneur Dreamers, who build their Dreams within existing organizations.

Today, I’m going to focus on a Dreamer who’s often misunderstood and whose Dreams are often discounted by many (even themselves!): the Hobby Dreamer.

Who are Hobby Dreamers?

Hobby Dreamers have “day jobs” that pay the bills and passions that provide personal fulfillment, but the two may not necessarily intersect. A Hobby Dreamer may simply want to explore creating or expanding a hobby for the sake of enjoyment, or they may ultimately desire to create an additional income stream by launching their hobby into a business.

How to tell if you’re a Hobby Dreamer

Do you have a passion project outside of your 9-5 job that provides a sense of satisfaction or fulfillment? Do people constantly ask for your help decorating their homes, landscaping their property, making meals, or rewriting their resumes? Do you find yourself longing to pursue this passion, or even to monetize it, and feeling happier when you’re able to spend more time on it? If so, you sound like a Hobby Dreamer!

Here are some of my favorite Hobby Dreamers who inspire me every day. These amazing multi-talented dreamers have found a way to monetize their passions outside of their 9 to 5.

  • Christina Totton, creator of No Special Occasion, an Instagram influencer who started by sharing travel tips and advice with her friends
  • Tia Mowry-Hardrict, an actress who also hosts a popular web series, “Tia Mowry’s Quick Fix,” which showcases her love of cooking, home decor and self-care
  • Alberto Lorente, a Sprint executive whose passion for cooking led him to compete on TV’s “Iron Chef”
How to thrive as a Hobby Dreamer

As a Hobby Dreamer, you may be willing to dedicate some of your finances toward expanding your Dream, but are not willing to risk it all in pursuit of your passion project just yet. Start thinking about where you can use your talents within your industry, company, or community to spend time doing what you love without the financial risk. If you’re interested in generating more income from your hobby, boost the marketing and promotional side of your Dream while balancing your need to maintain a healthy career.

Don’t feel like you need to saddle your passion project with the burden of financially supporting you and your family. Many Hobby Dreamers may look at it as though it’s a this-or-that choice – pursuing their hobby full-time or accepting failure. But, imagine this: what if you did both? Why not work your day job and still pursue your passion and hobbies on the side, if that’s what fulfills you? That’s still pursuing your Dream!

That’s not to say you can’t one day feature your artwork in a gallery, publish your first novel or launch your own landscaping company, but you should first and foremost do what you love for the joy of it. And if you choose to pursue your Hobby Dream completely outside your income-earning work with no financial demands, more power to you!

We all have the same 24 hours each day. How are you using those hours to STRETCH towards your Dreams? Let’s connect on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn to keep inspiring each other on our Dream journeys!

Forever Your Dream Coach,
Teneshia J. Warner ( Coach T)

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Dreamer Profile Series: Could you be a Careerpreneur Dreamer?

How are we doing today, Dreamers? In this post, I want to talk about how knowing your Dreamer personality can affect your ability to STRETCH to reach your goals.

See, we all have Dreams — goals, passions, and aspirations we have for our lives — but each of
our Dreams are as different as we are. It’s inspiring to hear how others achieved success and
fulfillment, but no one can tell you exactly how to get there for yourself. We all have our own
unique vision, purpose and journey to follow!

That’s why my 12-week Dreamer bootcamp in my new book, The Big STRETCH: 90 Days to
Expand Your Dreams, Crush Your Goals, and Create Your Own Success, can be tailored to fit your individual needs and meet you wherever you may be on your Dream journey to help you reach your goals. You’ll find the journey is much easier and more enjoyable when taken at a pace that’s right for you!

Read more about what it means to say “yes” to the STRETCH.

Once you’ve said “yes” to the STRETCH, it’s so important to determine what kind of Dreamer you are to start your Dream journey off on the right foot. Over the years helping more than 180,000 Dreamers turn their big ideas into a reality through The Dream Project, I’ve discovered five main Dreamer personalities:

  • The Careerpreneur Dreamer
  • The Make-It-Happen Dreamer
  • The Hobby Dreamer
  • The CEO Dreamer
  • The Activist Dreamer

Take my exclusive Dreamer Profile Assessment to discover what kind of Dreamer you are!

Over the next four weeks, I’ll be sharing details about what makes each Dreamer unique and what makes them thrive. You may see yourself in one of them, or perhaps even a combination of several. First up, I’m taking a look at an often-overlooked Dreamer: The Careerpreneur Dreamer.

Who are Careerpreneur Dreamers?

Careerpreneur Dreamers want to tap into their entrepreneurial natures, initiating new ideas, new ventures, and new goals, while thriving in their corporate positions. They don’t necessarily Dream of being the boss or a start-up visionary — and that’s ok! — because they thrive within organized structures and value routine, schedules and predictability. Stability and predictability are key elements that allow a Careerpreneur Dreamer to flourish. They enjoy being able to contribute or make an impact as part of a team or organizational structure working toward a shared vision or goal.

How to tell if you’re a Careerpreneur Dreamer

Not everyone has a Dream to start their own business or lead a company. You may find fulfillment by initiating new ideas and ventures in an existing organization, working within set boundaries and as part of teams, and making an impact by contributing to the greater collective vision. If this sounds like you, you might be a Careerpreneur Dreamer!

Here are some of my favorite rock-star Careerpreneur Dreamers who are driving major impact in the world, and each has found a way to connect their purpose and profession.

How to thrive as a Careerpreneur Dreamer

Make sure your profession is aligned with your passion by looking for work you truly care about
in a stable, structured environment where your talents shine. To continue driving that passion, always be on the lookout for new challenges and projects within your organization that will allow you to fulfill your Careerpreneur Dream.

Next up in this series, we’ll take a look at the Make-It-Happen Dreamer — what we might think of as a more “traditional” entrepreneur — and how these unique Dreamers define success differently from Careerpreneurs.

Connect with me on social media for more insight on Dreamer profiles and how to make your distinct Dreamer personality work for you! I’m so excited you’re taking this journey with me. I’ve seen tens of thousands of professionals STRETCH to reach their Dreams, no matter where they started, and I know you can too!

Forever Your Dream Coach,
T

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Are you ready to say YES to the STRETCH?

Have you always dreamed of starting your own company? Do you have an ingenious idea for the next big app? Are you ready to make the big leap from your cozy job to entrepreneurship? Do you have a passion outside of your 9-5 job that energizes and excites you?

If you want to expand that Big Dream into a reality, it’s time you said yes to The STRETCH!

What is the STRETCH?

Sixteen years ago, I gathered the courage to leave my stable corporate job to pursue my Dream of achieving something more with my life. I STRETCHED beyond my comfort zone in order to move forward in the direction of my dreams. Thank goodness I did, because that STRETCH led me through my Dream journey of building EGAMI Group, which is now a multi-million dollar company. I would later go on to create The Dream Project, a movement to give other Dreamers just like me the tools and insights to grow their ideas into real-life successful enterprises.

Over the past few years, I’ve had an opportunity to speak to over 180,000 successful Dreamers, including rock-stars like basketball legend Magic Johnson, #MeToo Movement founder Tarana Burke and “Shark Tank” investor and FUBU founder Daymond John. Through these experiences, I’ve come to the conclusion that ALL DREAMERS must say YES to the STRETCH in order to fully embrace their potential, goals and dreams.

It is for this reason that I’m thrilled to have had the opportunity to write The Big Stretch, my new book that outlines a soul-searching, life-transforming, 12-week boot camp for Dreamers based on these insights that will help catapult you from where you are to where you Dream to be.

So what does all of this mean for you?

First, you need to DREAM BIG. Next, you should take steps to determine your purpose, DESIGN a blueprint for yourself, DARE to go for it, and then make a commitment to DO the Dream consistently!

This proven practice has helped thousands of Dreamers, myself included, achieve their Big Dreams. So, are you now ready to STRETCH to reach your Dream?

Start your STRETCH now!

The first step that I recommend in the STRETCH is determining what type of Dreamer you are so you can begin your Dream journey at a pace that’s right for your own unique vision and individual circumstances. There is power in knowing thyself!

Throughout my experience helping Dreamers manifest their Big Dreams, I’ve discovered five main Dreamer profiles:

  • The Careerpreneuer Dreamer
  • The Make-It-Happen Dreamer
  • The Hobby Dreamer
  • The CEO Dreamer
  • The Activist Dreamer

Each of these unique Dreamer personality types approaches dreaming a little differently, with their own goals, wants, needs and motivations. I would love to help you identify which dreamer type you are to kick start your journey. Knowing which Dreamer you are (even a combination of two or more!) will help make sure you’re headed in the right direction as you get started on your Dream journey.

To discover what kind of Dreamer you are, take my exclusive Dreamer Profile Assessment based on insights from The Big Stretch.

I hope you find the Dreamer Profile Assessment helpful. Remember…success lies on the other side of your comfort zone. You just have to STRETCH yourself to reach out and grab it.

Ready. Set. Dream!

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Week 1: Exploring Your Dreaming Nature

EXERCISE 1.1 || THE DREAMER’S PROFILE ASSESSMENT

The Dreamer’s Profile Assessment will help you discover which type of Dreamer you are. The Stretch isn’t a one­ size ­fits ­all program. Wherever you are in your journey, The Stretch will help you achieve your Dreams at a pace that fits.

Head to TheBigStretchbook.com/quiz to discover your Dreamer profile!

EXERCISE 1.2 || DREAMER’S RISK TOLERANCE ASSESSMENT

Complete the template below with your personal answers.

Your Risk Assessing Worksheet
Risk Tolerance Assessment
Write your RT#:

Low RT#

If your RT# is between 10 and 24, you have a low tolerance for risk.

Because your tolerance is low, you should:

  1. Evaluate which barrier is the biggest impediment to your Stretch.
  2. Determine the right timing of the Stretch with the understanding that the “perfect” timing may never exist.
  3. Break the Stretch into small pieces that are conducive to your life­ style (as outlined in the Risk Audit) and your risk tolerance level.

Remember, Stretching isn’t always going to be comfortable, but you must push beyond your comfort zone to experience progress. It’s important that you take time to assess your current life holistically, which includes who you are, your obligations, your tolerance for risk, and most important, your desired goals.

Moderate RT#

If your RT# is between 25 and 35, you have a moderate tolerance for risk.

You should determine where you have room to Stretch further and where you should pause. Because you have a moderate risk tolerance, feel free to move past your comfort zone. You may conceive your best ideas when you allow yourself to leave what is comfortable to you.

High RT#

If your RT# is between 36 and 50, you have a high tolerance for risk.

Given your high tolerance, you need to be a bit more mindful than average about how you Stretch and how your actions affect your lifestyle. While you may be mentally or emotionally prepared to lean into your Stretch, you also need to remember to slow down and evaluate the situa­tion fully. Based on how you completed the Risk Audit, you might discover that there are areas in your life that are not conducive to Stretching at this point. Instead of blindly taking leaps, be sure to fully evaluate the decision and have a specific plan for how you will overcome potential barriers.

Remember, often our best ideas and experiences come from step­ ping outside of our comfort zones and walking in uncharted territory. But always balance exploration with wisdom.

EXERCISE 1.3 || DISCOVERING YOUR DREAMER’S ANCESTRY

The Discovering Your Dreamer’s Ancestry Questionnaire is designed to help you discover how your family’s Dreaming patterns influence your Dream potential.

Answer each question as fully as possible.

1. What did the following members of your family believe about Dreams?

Mother:


Father:


Maternal Grandmother:


Maternal Grandfather:


Paternal Grandmother:


Paternal Grandfather:


Other adults significant in your upbringing, like aunts, uncles, stepparents, or other caregivers:


2. What Dreams did these members of your family have as children?

Mother:


Father:


Maternal Grandmother:


Maternal Grandfather:


Paternal Grandmother:


Paternal Grandfather:


Other adults:


3. Did the following members of your family live out their child­ hood Dreams? If so, what were those Dreams? If not, what did they become instead?

Mother:


Father:


Maternal Grandmother:


Maternal Grandfather:


Paternal Grandmother:


Paternal Grandfather:


Other adults:


4. Were the family members below resentful, disappointed, or regret­ ful about the pursuit or the lack of pursuit of their Dreams?
Mother:


Father:


Maternal Grandmother:


Maternal Grandfather:


Paternal Grandmother:


Paternal Grandfather:


Other adults:


5. How did your family’s beliefs about Dreaming affect your journey?







6. How did your family’s beliefs about Dreaming influence your career choices?






7. How did your family’s beliefs about Dreaming affect your earning capability?






8. What beliefs from your family continue to propel your Dreams forward?






9. What beliefs from your family might derail your Dreams?






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Week 2: Dreaming in Color

EXERCISE 2.1 || DREAMING YOUR DREAM ENVIRONMENT

Give yourself 30 minutes this week to describe, in writing, your ideal Dream environment. Maybe you’ll discover that you like Dreaming with music in the background or sketching your ideas while sitting near a dog park. Maybe you’ll find yourself most excited about the idea of Dreaming while surrounded by items that reflect your Dream, like a bookstore or library, an athletic court or field, a crowded mall or farmers’ market. This simple activity gives you a chance to envision the ideal space for your imagination to grow.

EXERCISE 2.2 || DREAMING IN CHILDLIKE WONDER

After you’ve given yourself time to Dream in Childlike Wonder, break out your colored markers, pencils, pens, or crayons to capture the ideas and images from this exercise. Sketch, draw, or write your Dream.






EXERCISE 2.3 || YOUR ONE-YEAR DREAM PROJECTION

In your notebook, write your One-­Year Dream Projection. Feel free to write in fragments and with bullet points, to scribble or sketch—use any format that you enjoy.






EXERCISE 2.4 || CREATE YOUR 90-DAY STRETCH PLAN

Fill in the boxes below with your corresponding goals for weeks 1 through 12.

Your Weekly Goals for a 90-Day Stretch Plan

EXERCISE 2.5 || DECLARE YOUR DREAM

Dream Accountability Partner 1:


Declared Dream on This Date:


Dream Accountability Partner 2:


Declared Dream on This Date:


Dream Accountability Partner 3:


Declared Dream on This Date:


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