Four Ways to Eliminate Prejudice

Red Tails: UNSUNG HEROES of WWII finally get the proper recognition on the screen

Thought for the day: It is ironic that wars sometimes help in the battle against prejudice. What other ways have you found that help in the fight to eliminate prejudice? There are many other amazing programs that help. Please share them with me.

     I hate war. I hate war movies as well. Usually I avoid violent movies like the plague. I cannot tolerate violence in films. This weekend, however, after hearing about Red Tails on Charlie Rose, I decided to see the film. I admit there were a few scenes when I had to turn my head away from the screen, but I was glad I went.  I knew the story of the first African-American pilots to fly in a combat squadron during World War II before coming to the theater. I saw the PBS documentary, The Tuskegee Airmen - They Fought Two Wars, a few years ago. However, Hollywood has a way of fighting prejudice by relaying stories that get to the heart, whereas, documentaries avoid these emotions since they try to be more objective. Movies, therefore, are one of the most powerful tools in fighting prejudice, especially if followed by thoughtful discussion.
     I won't ruin the movie for you, but I had mixed emotions of shame, anger & pride in my country while watching the story of the Tuskegee Airmen. I was ashamed that my country, in the midst of a war against a tyrant who justified genocide of human beings for religious beliefs, race, disabilities, or ethnicity could treat citizens fighting for their country with such prejudice & disrespect. I was angry that time was wasted holding back & endangering such heroic brave men given inadequate planes while the crematories were killing millions of people. But as I watched, I also was proud of the progress that our military & our country has made since WWII.
      I am a strong believer that good things often happen due to tragedies. The Tuskegee Airmen did fight two battles. History shows us that they won on both fronts. How much as changed was evident yesterday when President Obama used the military example as a model for congress. He said, "We can learn from the service of our troops... When you put on that uniform, it doesn’t matter if you’re black or white, Asian or Latino, conservative or liberal, rich or poor, gay or straight. When you’re marching into battle, you look out for the person next to you, or the mission fails, ...When you’re in the thick of the fight, you rise or fall as one unit, serving one nation, leaving no one behind.” Ironically,  war is a second way to fight prejudice. However, since I am a pacifist at heart, I would never start a real war to try to end prejudice.
     The third & forth ways are related to education as a means to eliminate prejudice. Two very different nonprofit organizations featured in my book, The Wake Up And Dream Challenge, are helping to fight the war on prejudice. The first, Camp Young Judaea, TX, is a camp I attended for nine years from when I was 8 to 17 years old. The second, Elimination of Prejudice, has dedicated its efforts to the battle against prejudice since 1895.
    

     You may be wondering why I believe that a Jewish summer camp is one of the ways to eliminate prejudice. This camp is geared towards offering it's campers a huge dose of Jewish education. It encourages campers to build pride in their heritage & lifelong commitment to Jewish values. Those two variables are what make it a powerful way to fight prejudice. I believe that pride in one's heritage is the foundation of tolerance for others. Bigotry is based on ignorance & feelings of inferiority. When someone feels strong & confident, they do not need to put down others. A strong person is not intimidated by the strengths of other people. Every religion, race & ethnicity has strengths, weaknesses & rich legacies. Differences should be welcomed as opportunities for enrichment not reasons to try to change or overpower one another. (I will leave analysis of famous tyrant's inferiority complexes to others at this time, but much has been written on the topic.)
     Camps have some similarities to the army. Kids often arrive without knowing any of their bunk mates. They come from divergent towns, socioeconomic & educational backgrounds. Some kids are thin, others overweight, some are pretty, others less attractive. They all need to learn how to live together in tight quarters with new rules & a busy schedule. Learning to be tolerant & accepting of differences is part of the education that a great camp like CYJ TX gives to its campers. The entire camp program instills the value of social tolerance & respect. Each year there is a slightly different program, but campers are also taught that, "You & I can change the world." I sang those words & have lived my life changing the world by helping my clients change their worlds. I hope that my book will help open conversations between leaders from camps from all religions & ethnic backgrounds to learn from one another ways to eliminate prejudice while building pride in one's heritage. I believe that my involvement in Camp Young Judaea - TX instilled this in me. To purchase The Wake Up And Dream Challenge & donate to CYJ-TX click here: http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/the-wake-up-and-dream-challenge/18758612.

The fourth way to eliminate prejudice is one of the most powerful ways.  This program is the oldest organization featured in my book. The origins of Elimination of Prejudice transcend many generations, however, it’s mission remains just as relevant today as in its early years. College, like the army & camp, bring varied people together in close quarters where they must learn to co-exist. It is perhaps the last time when educational institutions can help change prejudices due to ignorance in an organized fashion. In 1895, three Yale University students founded the first fraternal order open to all men without regard to race, religion or creed. In that historic moment, not only was Pi Lambda Phi International Fraternity born, but a movement dedicated to advocating a better understanding between people began. Since it’s inception, the movement has helped more than 46,000 members develop an appreciation for participating in, & building inclusive environments where people with varied perspectives, skills & experiences collaborate.
      But it wasn’t until Jules Lennard formally established “The Elimination of Prejudice” in 1996 that the movement had an official name. Lennard was a trail blazer—a staunch advocate for people dealing with discrimination. Lennard’s story began many years earlier with his Olympic dreams. After joining Pi Lambda Phi’s University of Wisconsin chapter in 1934, Lennard was selected for the 1936 US Olympic Soccer team. Lennard was excitedly on his way to the Olympic games when the United States Olympic Committee informed him they could not guarantee his safety due to his Jewish heritage. Lennard would, therefore, not be permitted to leave the ship. At that time, Germany was ruled by Adolf Hitler’s Nazi party & their intentions were to showcase Aryan ideals & prowess. Lennard’s lifelong dreams of representing the United States in the Olympics were ultimately prevented by Anti-Semitism.
     Despite this set back, Lennard closely followed fellow Olympian Jesse Owens’ experience. Owens was an African-American track & field athlete representing the United States. He achieved international fame by winning four gold medals during the Berlin Olympics. In fact, Owens was the most successful athlete at the 1936 Summer Olympics, a poignant rebuke to Adolf Hitler. Lennard’s Olympic experience had a lasting impact. He returned home committed to advocating a better understanding between people & determined to confront discrimination & segregation head on.
     Today, the EOP movement is active on 40 college campuses & universities across the U.S. & Canada. To continue setting the conditions for sensitive societal conversations to take place, the 1st Annual International Elimination of Prejudice Day will be held February 8th, 2012. Students on twenty college campuses & universities across the U.S. & Canada are organizing panel discussions. Companion student organizations (religious, political, race, etc.) are being asked to co-host events. Students are encouraged to invite college faculty & staff, including the Director of Diversity Affairs, to serve as event facilitators. To learn more about Elimination of Prejudice visit their website at www.eliminateprejudice.org.  To purchase my book & donate to Elimination of Prejudice go to http://www.lulu.com/product/18748563.
     What other ways have you found that help in the fight to eliminate prejudice? There are many other amazing programs that help. Please share them with me.

Are Your Parents Destroying Your Dreams?

Thought for the day: Are you living in someone else's dreams? Do your fears & self doubts stop you from exploring your dreams or trying new things?
     Before I receive hate mail from every parent in the world, I want to say that I do not believe that parents destroy their children's dreams. Most parents truly want their children to be happy, successful & to reach their dreams. The parent I am referring to is the parent that children & adults internalize, sometimes mistakenly believing that they must follow their parents' wishes or that their own dreams are not acceptable choices in someone else's eyes. Read on to see how this can lead to self doubt which undermines their ability to even attempt to follow a dream.
     On January 12th, I posted a blog called: "Warning: 5 Signs You May Be Undermining Your Own Dreams." In that post, I identified 5 traits of people who tend to undermine their own dreams. I promised to return to this topic & to teach some of the ways to enhance your Dream Quotient (DQ) described in my book. Today I'd like to focus on the 1st warning sign: You question your ability to accomplish new tasks.
     People with this kind of self doubt are often seen by others as intelligent, accomplished & successful to their co-workers & friends. Linda, who's story is reported in my book, is based on an actual client of mine. All identifying details were changed to protect her confidentiality, but she was unable to reach for her dreams due largely to this kind of crippling self doubt.
     Linda called me one day to request help for her teenage daughter, Maya. Maya, a high school senior, had been horribly bullied, & developed a school phobia—choosing to be home-schooled for months. Graduating with her class was in jeopardy. After a brief course of treatment, Maya was able to return to school, her parents were relieved & grateful that their daughter was able to graduate on time.
     A few months later, Linda called again. Apparently, Maya had urged her mother to meet with me regarding Linda's personal issues. Linda was a striking forty-three year-old redhead, who dressed in a simple ‘classic’ style. Her tailored suits were a bit conservative, although she always added a splash of color with a scarf or an interesting piece of jewelry. When she arrived, this bright & well educated woman sat stiffly on the edge of the couch in my office, as if she was afraid to get too comfortable. On the phone, she’d provided no clue as to the purpose of her sudden visit, so I waited patiently for her to tell me what was wrong.
     Slowly Linda began to open up, but avoided all eye contact as she spoke. It was obvious that she was working especially hard to stay composed. She spoke slowly, taking deep breaths, as if she were trying desperately to hide any signs of fear, anxiety or sadness as she told me about her life. Linda had always felt awkward in social situations; this was how her ‘confession-type’ speech began. Her husband was a business & finance expert, because of his occupation, he traveled for speaking engagements around the world. Even though Linda sometimes accompanied him, she tried desperately to avoid going with him whenever possible. In essence, she never knew what to say to her husband’s business associates. She felt as out of place & awkward as her daughter had in high school.
      Linda was an attorney who let her license lapse when she moved from Arizona to Boston just after her daughter was born. Linda was the first person in her family to go to college. Her father was a high school dropout who worked in a garment factory as a foreman. He encouraged Linda to become a lawyer since he felt, “she would always have work.” Linda loved studying law but hated working in the field. Choosing to give up her career to raise her daughter, was an easy out.
     Motherhood was also a very good ‘job’ for Linda because she was truly good at it. She made sure to encourage Maya to follow her dreams, but lost sight of her own in the process. Over the years, while raising Maya, Linda volunteered with the PTA & was a Brownie Troop leader. She dabbled in art & wrote some short stories, but never felt confident enough to show her work to anyone. After Maya left home, her husband’s career was soaring, but Linda felt lost. She feared her marriage might fall apart, feeling she had very little to talk about with her husband, other than their daughter.
     Over time, Linda had lost her sense of self. Embarrassed, she didn’t know what she wanted to do with her life. Linda felt awkward & uncomfortable even in therapy. I assigned the Dream Positioning
System℠ (DPS) to Linda. Unready to discuss it at that time, Linda asked if she could work on the assignment on her own & stopped coming to therapy. I supported her decision to take a break. She assured me she would work at her own pace & call when she was ready to meet again, or if she got stuck in the process.
     About a year later Linda & her husband contacted me. They were concerned about Maya who was having trouble with a roommate at college. They feared she might develop a new school phobia. We met & I helped them deal with the issue at hand. Maya began seeing a therapist at college.
     I was impressed when I learned of the huge strides Linda had made in the interim. Confident & poised, she resembled a new person. With a smile, she told me she attributed the changes to having done her “homework.” She had completed her Dream Positioning System℠, had gone back to school,  & was preparing to take the Massachusetts Bar Exam. She loved being back in school & was working as a teaching assistant in the graduate school.
     You see, Linda had lost sight of her dreams while following the dreams of others. First, in college, she followed her father’s dream. Then, after her daughter was born, she followed her husband’s dream—disregarding her own predisposition & love for studying & teaching. She even feared that therapy might interfere with her ability to follow her own unique path, & chose to take time on her own to explore & discover her DPS. By supporting her decision to take a break from therapy sessions, I encouraged that independence. In doing so, I modeled a ‘dream parenting’ skill for Linda to emulate & incorporate into her self-parenting skills, which worked impeccably.
     Linda’s story illustrates the fact that the first, & possibly strongest, factors affecting the ability to reach for one’s dreams are early parental & societal influences. When children are young, their parents & teachers play a significant role in children's life choices. In an ideal situation, children's talents & strengths are recognized & encouraged as they grow. These children develop what I call an “inner dream parent.” This parent is the child’s internal cheerleader, coach & biggest fan. Whenever they feel challenged, the inner dream parent reassures them that, if they work hard, they will succeed, & this helps them discover & move toward their dreams. In this scenario the child, following the suggestions or encouragement of a family member or teacher, attains lifelong satisfaction with their choices. Even if, in adulthood, these individuals change & find themselves unhappy with the choices they made earlier in life, they will be better equipped to change their direction.
     Most children aren’t raised in such ideal circumstances. If parents & teachers fail to help them develop their talents & strengths, or miss the mark in their suggestions for their future, people may not be satisfied with the choices they make. They may feel lost, & have trouble recognizing or redirecting their lives toward their dreams. In such situations, children may internalize an overcritical parent & always have that “inner critic” or “inner critical back seat driver” who finds fault with their desires & dreams. The inner critic or dream busting internal parent is the antithesis of the inner dream parent. The inner critic’s interference becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy blocking the way to dreams, & the child grows up questioning their ability to succeed. This may happen even when there parents try to encourage their children & give positive feedback. (Children may compare themselves to older siblings & classmates & become their own inner critical parent.)
     In some families, children feel pressured to follow family traditions. They may become doctors, lawyers, or join the military without even considering other options; or, they may ignore their own wishes to follow a predetermined path. If they are aware of their dreams & their families refuse to support them, it may lead to significant conflict with their parents and dissatisfaction for the rest of their lives.
     How many of us have heard of parents who refuse to pay for college if their child wants to study areas such as music or art, & will only pay for business or law school? Since children need their family's support, many of their dreams become abandoned at a young age. The same kind of pressure can occur with other life choices, such as; where to live, where to go to school, who to date or marry, or, questions of a religious nature.
     Linda’s well-intentioned father encouraged his daughter to follow what may have been one of his unfulfilled dreams. His bright, dutiful daughter complied, lacking the support she needed in order to recognize that her father’s dream did not suit her personality. Later in life, she latched onto her husband’s dream. Instead of struggling with, & finding her own fulfillment, Linda supported the dreams of her husband & her daughter. She took pride in their accomplishments, but felt less and less satisfied with herself.
     Linda was able to develop a more positive inner parent & started moving towards her dreams. It is never too late to recognize this problem, fire the "inner" critical  parent & adopt an inner "dream parent" in it's place. 
    Have you struggled with an inner dream busting parent? How have you overcome this? Do you need some additional ideas to help you gain self confidence? Let me know how I can help. Techniques are explained further in my book & will be addressed in later posts here.

Did a Doll Help You? Dolls Looking For Good Homes

 

Thought for the day:  Dolls are important to the mental health of children (both boys & girls). Has a doll ever helped you get through a tough time?

Today's blog is a bit different. It is about two projects that you may want to support. They reminded me of the importance of dolls. The projects are sponsored by two of the nonprofit organizations featured in my book, Enchanted Makeovers & Compass to Care. 

     I was first trained as a Clinical Child Psychologist & worked primarily with children & families for eight years before coming to Boston & completing my doctorate. Even though most of my current clients are adults, dolls, puppets & doll houses are still permanent residents of my office. When children are struggling with issues they play them out often with the help of dolls. Connecting with a doll is therapeutic for all children. Dolls, like good therapists, accept their "adopted parents" unconditionally & children can feel supported & loved by a doll.

The 1st project I'd like to tell you about is being sponsored by Enchanted Makeovers. They are asking artisans to donate handmade dolls to be given to children in shelters. The Doll Adoption Project was born out of memories that Terry Grahl, founder & visionary of Enchanted Makeovers has of herself & her dollies. It is her hope to give children in shelters the same gift of unconditional love that her dolls gave to her.

     The Project carries meaning for both the child & the creator. Adopting a doll gives the child the opportunity to nurture & express love.  The creator can sew herself & her story into heart of the doll. Each handmade outfit & hand embroidered face will tap into the creator's inner child, sending a message of love & support to a child in need. The precious eyes will help the doll maker to ''look'' back on what truly made them happy. The embroidered mouth will help let the child find their voice. The hair will remind them that no matter what their life circumstances, they can change it. The outfit will remind them that they are more then what we wear, they are powerful beyond ''measure.'' If you would like to help a child in a shelter, create & send a handmade doll to: Enchanted Makeovers 12663 Hipp St Taylor, MI 48180. Safety: Please only place items on dolls that a child will not choke on. Example: embroidered face or a painted face.

     The second doll I want to tell you about is the Dina Doll. The Dina Doll is named after Michelle Ernsdorff's sister, Dina, who shared many journeys with her when Michelle was dealing with cancer. Every difficult journey is easier when you have a friend by your side. The Dina Doll is more than just a doll, she’s a constant companion to bring the lucky recipient lots of smiles & to hold onto during the tough times. Compass to Care, a nonprofit organization founded by Michelle, helps families with the costs incurred when families need to travel to get treatment for children suffering from cancer.

Get a Dina Doll & help keep your child, or any child, company no matter where they are in their lives. Each doll has a special note placed in the pocket of her Dina Doll’s dress. There is also the Dina Doll story coloring book that comes with each doll.

Whether you choose to give the Dina Doll as a gift to your child or a friend, or donate one to a child with cancer, you’re helping families get their child one step closer to treatment because 100% of your purchase will be used to pay for traveling to the hospital.

A Doll That Helps Kids With Cancer

     Has a doll helped you through a tough time? I'd love to hear about your doll. My two favorite dolls were Snow White & the 7 plastic dwarfs that came with her & a ballerina doll with life like moving joints, toe shoes & a tutu.

When Life Gives You Lemons, Open A Lemonade Stand

                                                       Photo by praytino on Flickr
When I started this blog, I asked for people to share their own inspirational stories of how they have accomplished their dreams. On LinkedIn the other day, I received  an in-mail from Catherine Filar, who had visited my blog. She is a true "Wake Up Dreamer." I asked her permission to share what she wrote. Here's her story which can be an inspiration to us all:
 
Even after a tragic car accident that caused her to lose her job & nearly left her disabled, Catherine Filar still believes that challenges are opportunities in disguise. Just a few years ago her goal was to walk again, but today she is setting her sights on becoming a vice president of finance. And by looking at her past accomplishments, chances are she will achieve this goal as well.

After spending four months in the hospital following a car accident that took the lives of her mother & newborn daughter, Filar was let go from her job at the local bank. Instead of giving up, Filar remembered what her grandma had always told her, “When life hands you lemons, make lemonade.”

She began taking telecourses from her local community college & later enrolled in another college to complete her bachelor’s degree in business management. Filar did not stop there. She continued her studies to earn enough credits to sit for the CPA exam & also earned her master’s degree in accounting & finance.

Filar believes that women today face many obstacles when going back to school. One of the challenges is the desire to accomplish everything right now. “We need to pace ourselves. Working at a slower pace may take longer to reach your goal, but you do not have to miss out on everything else.” Pacing herself is what allowed Filar to accomplish her goals, despite her many responsibilities. While attending school, Filar also held down a full-time job, on top of taking care of her two children. “I got very little sleep & did homework when I took the children to the park or when they were sleeping.”

When thinking of her greatest achievement, several memories run through Filar’s mind. From learning to walk when the doctors said she never would, to having her family see her cross the stage as she received her bachelor’s degree & thanking the woman who had fired her from the bank all those years ago, each achievement brings a smile to her face. However, Filar feels that her greatest achievement has been that she did not allow any challenge to stop her from being successful & happy. She urges other women to remember that, “There is no such thing as impossible.”

Since that was written Catherine Filar ihas moved up to President of a financial business called Actions Count, LLC. I say. "Dreams & actions count!"

Have you found ways to do what others would see as impossible? What helped you find the opportunities in disguise? Who has inspired you to make lemonade when life gives you lemons? Please share your stories.

Milestone Monday: Would MLK, Jr. Use Social Media & What Advice Would He Give to Barak Obama?

Thought for the day: "One good deed leads to another." Unknown
"One good dream leads to another." DrB

Today as we celebrate the birth of Martin Luther King, Jr., I want to pay tribute to his "I Have a Dream," speech. His dream has inspired myriads of dreams for people of all races, religions, & cultures. I took a look at the famous speech again. He spoke to all humanity when he said,
              "When we let freedom ring, when we let it ring from every village & every hamlet, from    every state & every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men & white men, Jews & Gentiles, Protestants & Catholics, will be able to join hands & sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, "Free at last! free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!"
       Much has changed in our country & in the world since that memorable speech.  The civil rights movement in the 60's had a strong influence on me. Growing up in Texas, I remember volunteering with a predecessor of Head Start in a black neighborhood. I taught kids ballet & tutored them in the three R's. My father was a lawyer & an activist who represented clients from all races & religions. I believe Pete Seager visited our home, although I was too young to remember the visit. When I rode on a bus from Texas to New York not long after desegregation, I was surprised to see that even though the signs were taken down, people were still segregated in the bus depots.
       Until four years ago, it was just a dream that an African-American would become president of the United States. Regardless of your political viewpoint, this is a victory for the American dream & for democracy. There are still battles to be fought to reach the "freedom for all" that MLK spoke of, but we are moving in the right direction & the doors he helped open have led to many other opportunities for people from all minorities. The importance of educational equality is paramount to enhancing creativity which will lead to finding new solutions for the problems that confront all human beings in our complex modern world.
       D.R.E.A.M. Inc., a non-profit organization based in NJ, is continuing the work towards Dr. King's dreams. Their name stands for Dispelling Realities & Empowering African-American Minds by teaching financial literacy. The founder of D.R.E.A.M., Inc., Orane Williams benefited from the doors opened to African-Americans at educational institutions. He was able to obtain a degree in Business Administration. However, even after completing his degree, he discovered he had never been taught financial literacy. He realized there was a void when it came to ‘financial literacy & understanding’ within the African-American community. He has dedicated his life to help fill that void. He founded D.R.E.A.M, Inc. & runs workshops around the country teaching financial literacy, college preparatory information, & post-college life information for urban youth from 13-25 years old.
       Orane & D.R.E.A.M., Inc. are included in & will benefit from my book. One good dream leads to another & another. How has Martin Luther King's Dream helped you in accomplishing your dreams?

Teenager Doesn't Let Anything Stop Her Dreams

 

Photo credit: Newsday / J. Conrad Williams Jr.

Update: During President Obama's speech last Wednesday at the #DNC, he referred to having met Samantha Garvey. He did not say her name but gave her as an example of someone who would not let homelessness stop her from pursuing her dreams as a researcher.  It seems that he met her after her story was in the news.

The smiling face above is that of Samantha Garvey, a 17 year old from Long Island. She has a lot to be joyful about. Yesterday, I Samantha found out she was chosen as a semifinalist in the prestigious Intel Competition for scientific research. It would be a major accomplishment for any high school student to be one of 300 semifinalists from thousands of entrants from around the USA. What makes Samantha Garvey's accomplishment even more of an inspiration is that she did her research despite the fact that she is homeless.

Obviously she is a very bright teenager, but her IQ alone does not explain her accomplishments. I would love to have her take my Dream Quotient Questionnaire but my guess from what I saw on the video clip is that her DQ would be quite high as well. She did not let the obstacles of homelessness steal her dreams. Yesterday, she said she could not give her family a home, but at least she could please her parents & do well in school. Her parents & teachers have obviously helped her believe in her ability to succeed with hard work & persistence.

Her research focuses on mussels & is a metaphor for her own strength.  She found that when mussels are attacked they develop thicker,  stronger shells. The financial challenges in her family have helped the teen become stronger "skinned." Her positive attitude toward life is truly inspiring.

There is an even happier ending to this story. As I completed this post, I discovered that the publicity from her accomplishments has led to the Department of Social Services in Suffolk County finding a 3 bedroom house where Samantha's family can live. So Samantha is no longer homeless & her hard work has helped her family find a home!

I have always felt that difficult experiences strengthened me & made me more sensitive to others. I always had a home & a loving family, but growing up in a "broken" family when divorce was barely spoken of, was not easy. I knew I needed to work harder to be accepted, never had the latest fashions to wear, but learned to use my creativity, intelligence & hard work to accomplish my dreams.

Have you been strengthened by challenges in your lives? I would love to hear your stories.

See a video clip of Samantha Garvey below:

http://www.newsday.com/video/newsday-video-1.1482431?idno=40031

Warning: 5 Signs You May Be Undermining Your Own Dreams

Thought for the day: "The best angle from which to approach any problem is the 'Try-angle.' " Unknown
"The 'Try-angle' approach to problem solving must be followed by the 'Try-try-again angle.' " Dr. Barbara Lavi
     In my work with clients helping them to accomplish their dreams, I began to discover several types of impediments causing their dreams to be bottled up & unfulfilled. This led me to develop the Dream Quotient Questionnaire (TM), a self assessment tool which produces a Dream Quotient (DQ). Much like an IQ score, the DQ score reveals an individual's dream potential. It differs from IQ which remains fairly constant throughout a person's life. A DQ score can change since there are ways to strengthen & enhance dream potential.
     Briefly, these are the 5 warning signs that you may be undermining your dreams:
           1) You question your ability to accomplish the new tasks;
           2) You think you are too old to start working towards a dream;
           3) You see too many challenges or physical restrictions in your way;
           4)  Financial restraints stop you from even trying; &
           5)  No one else in your family ever did it, so you think you can't.
     Have you ever felt this way about your dreams? Do you question your ability to accomplish your aspirations? These are signs that you may be undermining your ability to reach your dreams. We all have doubts from time to time about our abilities; however, if you identify with these warning signs & frequently find that you stop yourself from trying to reach your dreams, you may need some help. Fortunately,  there are ways to overcome these issues & learn how to start using the "Try-angle" & "Try-try-again Angle" instead of blocking your dreams.
      In subsequent posts, things you can do to correct these problems will be addressed. If you'd like my help, share your challenges here & I will share some potential solutions & ways I have helped clients overcome these warning signs.