On December 30th we received a new family member - such a great sign of new beginnings.

New life. All hopes and dreams lie ahead. Full of possibility.

There is nothing right now to get in the way of little David dreaming and creating the future he will end up wanting for himself.

What gets in the way of us chasing our dreams? What prevents us from keeping an open mind to possibility?

It is so tempting to write to you about how to pursue your dreams. This time though, at the start of this new year, let’s put our focus on how we can help other people realize their dreams.

How amazing will it be at the end of this year to be able to list the people that we helped move towards their dream. There will be a ripple effect. Their dreams will impact other people’s lives.

Practical ideas for supporting others’ dreams:

1. Ask questions like “If you could be doing anything at all, what would you like to be doing in 10 years?” or “What would you be doing if you did not need to be making money?”

2. Help change people’s negative self-talk by giving them overt feedback that reframes what they may see as failure. E.g. “I know that the project did not go as you had hoped but it has been amazing to see how much you have learned in the process.”

3. Practice helping friends and colleagues think things through instead of giving advice. Inadvertently when we give advice we suggest that we know better and the other person should not trust their own thoughts. Instead when we help them come up with their own solutions and answers we create a space where their belief in themselves can grow.

4. Help expose and introduce your friends and colleagues to people that can help them realize their potential. I think of it as life purpose matchmaking.

5. Be a mentor. No matter where you are on the journey, there is someone who could benefit from you coming alongside them - offering listening, great questions and belief.

I’ve had many a dream that I pursued that numerous people thought I was crazy for pursuing. Some worked, some didn’t. Positive feedback and encouragement have been hugely helpful.

Who can you intentionally support this year?

This year, how about doing for a few people in your life what you wish had been done for you and your dreams years ago!

What differences will your friends be freed to make in our world because of your efforts?

Happy New Year!

Until next time,

Marilyn

Marilyn Orr is an Executive and Leadership Coach with Capacity Building Coaching , holding her Professional Certified Coach designation with the International Coach Federation. Marilyn provides professional coaching for executive and business leaders, mentor coaching for coaches, and leadership development support in the form of coaching skills training and soft-skills development.

Marilyn is author of everyday resiliency workbook “How Absorbent Are Your Shocks?”, available on Amazon . Subscribe to “ Marilyn’s Musings ” twice monthly blogposts for more leadership and professional development content.