Ed Gerety's Dream Big Blog » Goal Setting

“Play Big in the Game of Life” – 4-Week Coaching Program for Teens

Ed Gerety — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 17:15:36 +0000

After many requests from parents and students over the past several years I am so excited to announce my brand new 4-Week Coaching Program for Teens.

“Play Big in the Game of Life”
4-Week Coaching Program for Teens

This is an exclusive opportunity to work with me where I give you the game plan to play big in the game of life. For over 18 years I have shared this powerful message with teenagers across North America. Now, I’m taking all of these experiences and lessons and have put them into a fun, high energy virtual coaching program done by teleconference that helps teens change their attitude, find direction, and discover the power they have to be leaders in school and in life. For all of the details please feel out the form below and they will be e-mailed to you immediately.

How will you kick off the new school year?

Ed Gerety — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 12:37:06 +0000

I’m here at Central Michigan University as a part of an elite program for student leaders here called Leadership Safari. They bring in 1700 leaders, incoming first year students to participate in a five day intensive leadership program. I’m standing right now in Kelly Short Stadium.

This is truly a first class University. It’s always great this time a year coming to a University like this to be a part of their orientation program and to talk with first year students. One of the challenges that I always give to the first year students is to close the chapter on the past. On where they came from, on what they did, what they didn’t do, what worked out and what didn’t work out. And that they have a new chapter to write as they begin their journey here at Central Michigan University. I also challenge them to set high goals, to get involved, to take positive risks, to step outside their comfort zone and to meet new people.

As we go into a new school year I think these are questions that all of us should ask ourselves and answer if we’re going to continue to go and live and create an extraordinary life.

Snapshot of Success

Ed Gerety — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 12:30:32 +0000

Photo Credit - Elaine Nord

I met Elaine Nord at a parent program in Avon, CT where I was the keynote speaker talking with parents about how we can connect with our kids and help them reach their full potential. One of the insights that I shared with the parents was how important it is to tap into their children’s passion and to help them get clear and specific with their goals and dreams. I emphasized to them that this was not just a skill for their children, but for them as well. Elaine was one of the parent volunteers that helped me illustrate this point.

Elaine always wanted to be a professional sports photographer. Her first step in making this goal a reality was by creating a “Dream Board “ which included pictures of her photography and images that inspired her and reminded her of where she wanted to go. Elaine then began to really get clear and specific in her language about what she was going to do. She went from wanting to be a professional sports photographer to making the declaration, “I will be a professional sports photographer and have my work published in a newspaper within the next year.” She achieved that goal within 6 months and then continued to pursue her passion by taking photos at the NCAA Lacrosse Semi-Finals.

Elaine is someone who understands that by getting clarity on what she really wants is one of the keys to living her dreams. She made the decision to not just “hope” and “wish” which would get her lost into the “someday” world. A world where someday never comes and dreams get lost. Instead she has taken a dream, made it specific and taken powerful, consistent action.

Another part of her success is that she keeps moving forward. She entered her photos into a Juried Photography Show where she was selected to show and even sold one of her prints. She decided to further her education by attending the Photography at the Summit, Sports Photography Workshop in Colorado Springs, CO. It was there that she met incredibly talented people and had the opportunity to take photos of future Olympians at the Olympic Training Center. She had her portfolio reviewed by several professional photographers including those from Sports Illustrated and the Associated Press.

It’s people like Elaine that inspire me and are an example of what it takes to live an extraordinary life. Be passionate, get clear, take action, and keep moving forward.

I invite you to take a look at some of her work on her gallery.
Elaine Nord’s Photo Gallery

What’s On Your List?

Ed Gerety — Thu, 28 May 2009 18:23:24 +0000

I just finished reading, “The Last Lecture” by Randy Pausch. If you have
not already read it, it is a must read.

“The Last Lecture” is now one of my top ten favorite books of all time. One of my favorite quotes in the book is, “It’s not about how to achieve your dreams. It’s about how to lead your life. If you lead your life the right way, the karma will take care of itself. The dreams will come to you.”

When I think of the magical moments of my life and dreams that have come true I can see that there was nothing forced or controlled. I allowed the moment or the event to unfold naturally. I was present and patient with what was happening and danced in the conversation. That’s not to say that I did not work hard and had to overcome obstacles. I think that’s what Randy Pausch meant when he said, “The dreams will come to you.”

As children our dreams are never about fixing or changing things. Rather they are about creating, exploring, and having fun. As we get older we sometimes forget that. When was the last time that you made a list of your dreams? Not a big “to-do” list or a “what I want to accomplish list” but a real child-like dream list. A dream list filled with fun, play, and adventure.

Here are some dreams are on my list:

Throw out an opening pitch at Fenway Park
Take a 7-day white water rafting trip down the Colorado River
Ride on Air Force One
Golf with Tiger Woods and my two brothers
Vacations to Italy, Ireland, and Napa Valley

Dream Big!

P.S. What’s on your list? I invite you to share some here in the comments below.

Playing Big in the Game of Life

Ed Gerety — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 14:52:10 +0000

I had the opportunity to present a four hour leadership training in San Francisco, California this past Sunday to an elite group of student- athletes representing every school in the PAC 10 conference.

It was inspiring to be in a room filled with NCAA champions, Olympians, and future professional athletes. The focus of the training was to teach them the principles and skills that are essential to being an effective leader. During one of the breaks, one of the student -athletes came up to me and asked me the following question.

“Ed, what if you are afraid of sharing your goal/dream with others?” I thought the question was a surprising one considering the level of success she had already achieved in and out of her sport. In talking with her it occurred to me that no matter how much we have accomplished in life, when we dream and set a big goal for ourselves, the thought of sharing it with others can be scary. You start to ask yourself questions like what if they say it’s not possible, what if they laugh at us, what if they hold us accountable?

I don’t think we have to share are goals/dreams with the world or share it on Facebook or Twitter. However, I do think that we should share it with at least a trusted friend, partner, or coach. In doing so that person can support us, encourage us, and in many cases provide resources to help us in achieving our goal. When we don’t, I think it gives us an opportunity to play it safe and we don’t give ourselves an opportunity to go farther than we may think we can. It’s Ok to be nervous even scared when we are setting a big goal for ourselves. It means that you are really up to playing big in the game of life.

What big goal or dream do you have that makes you a little scared/nervous?

What is the last big goal/dream of yours that you have shared with a trusted friend, partner, or coach?