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This Educator Left Her Corporate America Job to Write…

  • August 3, 2018August 3, 2018
  • by Allyson Byers

COVER SUBJECT | This Educator Left Her Corporate America Job to Write Children’s Books and Give Back to her Community

In her early 20s, Ashlee Chesny was working in what many people would consider a dream job at Kraft Foods in the distribution department. Yet, something was missing. “I thought it was the coolest thing at the time because I was pretty young running these huge programs for a Fortune 500 company, but I was absolutely miserable.” Ashlee worked 12-hour days at the office before coming home and continuing to log hours.

After developing depression and anxiety, she quit her corporate America job and moved home, with no plan. “I didn’t know what I was going to do or how I was going to pay my rent, but it was the best time in my life.” She learned to listen to her voice and follow her passions. She loved to write, so she started working on a novel, but the universe had other plans for her. On a whim, she wrote a children’s book for her Godson titled, “Niko and the Trouble Bubble”. This led to her reading the book aloud at a Detroit elementary school where Ashlee found her calling in life: educating children through literature. “From that moment, I knew I was meant to write children’s stories and encourage them to learn and love themselves and find the joy in life through my stories.”

Ashlee had a chance meeting with a local church youth minister who, after finding out that she wrote children’s books, hired her to develop a curriculum for the church’s summer camp program. In less than two months, Ashlee hired volunteers and created a full curriculum for students in K-6th grade. “I knew I was really making a difference when my 3rd-6th graders took one of my books and turned it into a play.” The kids found costumes and memorized their lines in under two weeks. “I had students who had a talent but never had a chance to be on stage or who had never read but were suddenly narrating. I knew [this whole thing] was bigger than me.” This experience kicked off the creation of Literacy Come to Life, which is a nonprofit social education program.

For the past few years, Ashlee has been living in Detroit and funding many of the projects herself. She is especially interested in helping children become interested in STEM careers. She created the book “Brooke and Bre the Engineering Team,” which she wrote based on experiences with her friend’s daughters and girls in her program. “I thought, what is my vision for them? What would I want them to know?” The book touches on bullying, which Ashlee says she’s seen first-hand when boys tell girls that they can’t do something because of their gender. “When they get older, [some of these girls] never apply to the engineering competition, because they’re worried that they can’t do it.”

Ashlee wants to encourage all children to have positive learning experiences and opportunities, so they can find themselves. “The reason I love STEM or the reason I focus so much on having those type of workshops is that children are born to explore and they’re born by learning to have their hands on things, and I think that is so important in today’s world where everything is on a screen. We need to get them in that real-world experience and that’s the whole reason why I create these stories.”

In November of 2017, Ashlee founded Genius Patch, a nonprofit that will encompass all of her programs. Its mission is “to provide historically underserved, underprivileged and under-resourced children with educational enrichment focused in the areas of literacy, community involvement, self-esteem, social/emotional development and career entrepreneurship exposure.”

“Growing up in Detroit, I was always in an extracurricular activity, but with the downturn of the economy, those extracurricular activities don’t exist free of cost or even at a subsidized cost.” She says that 90% of education occurs outside of the classroom, so she works to empower parents and individuals in the community to provide real-world learning experiences. An example of this would be to have a child read a book about animals and then take a trip to the local zoo, so they can see those animals in real life. She says that parents should take advantage of resources in the community to provide their children with as many opportunities as possible. “It can even be something simple like going to the local science center or checking out different free activities at the library.”

“[Many people] are so focused on a finishing a book rather than creating a conversation around it and using real-world examples.” She also encourages parents and educators to not be so concerned with children having the right answer but instead to place an emphasis on the process children take to formulate a thought…even if it’s wrong.

Ashlee herself is married with a 1-year-old, Cameron, and loves hanging out with her family as much as she can. She is also passionate about helping other moms take time to pursue their own hobbies.

Ashlee’s hard work has been paying off with some highlights over the past couple years. In 2016, the longstanding B.A.L.L Foundation in Detroit honored her with the Excellence Under 40 Award. Politicians have joined her as she read to kids or conducted a workshop. But her proudest accomplishment is a partnership she has developed with Michigan State University, which sends students to Detroit every semester to carry out Ashlee’s programming and learn about what she does on a daily basis. Ashlee also goes up to the University to speak with students about civic engagement and how they can give back to their community.

She encourages young people to pursue their passions and not worry about the expectations surrounding success “You don’t have to do one thing to be successful.”

What’s her advice for high school students interested in STEM careers? “Get as much experience and exposure as you can, because for me, when I was in college, I had no idea that I could create this form of nontraditional education.” She encourages students to find mentors and learn about as many different careers as they can. Most importantly, she says to keep an open mind.

These next two years are going to be big for Ashlee. She is ramping up Genius Patch and developing a long-term strategy. Her goal this year is to have a workshop at least once a month where she is interacting with children in some capacity. Kids all over Detroit know her as Mrs. Ashlee, and she wants to take this teacher persona on the road to educate other communities on her mission and methodologies, so they can implement them in their own education systems. Ashlee has big plans to go national in the coming years and nothing is stopping her.


This piece comes to us from one of our talented content contributors, Allyson Byers. Her bio is below and if you would like to work with us you can email us here!

Allyson Byers is a Los Angeles based freelance writer/editor who formerly worked in the entertainment industry. She graduated from Northwestern University with a degree in journalism and started her career as a casting assistant at Jimmy Kimmel Live. When she’s not working, she can be found at a comedy show or checking out the newest LA restaurants.

Uncategorized

Stay “In The Know” with CaT Bobino

  • March 5, 2018June 12, 2018
  • by admin

CaTameron Bobino, an Oakland, CA native, has always had a love for science and animals.  During her senior year in High School, she took a Marine Biology class that changed her life and her view of marine life.  She experienced going out into the bay in waders and taking samples which were activities that further revealed an enjoyment in conducting field work. In high school, CaTameron also became involved in the about National Youth Leadership Forum (NYLT), an organization dedicated to providing young students with real-world medical career experience, that allowed her to travel to China and Australia to learn more about how medicine is performed there in comparison to Western medicine.  After high school, CaTameron was offered a full academic scholarship to Stillman College where she graduated in 2004 with a Bachelor’s in Biology.  Later, she returned home to California and pursued a Master’s degree in Conservation Ecology.

As a grad student, she went on to partner with the university’s communications department to start developing a science show.  This is where “In The Know” was born! CaT Bobino is a bonafide Science Ambassador who introduces audiences to science that they can do at home and takes them on field trips to zoos, museums and more. She enjoys talking to students and adults about the importance of STEM and how it is utilized in our everyday lives. She has personally encounter the lack of diversity in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) careers through her peers and her own experience. “Because of this lack, [it is my] mission to help encourage all students to consider STEM careers and to bring that idea to the forefront of parents’ minds.” she says.

This mission has led her to write and recently publish her very first book!

In The Know: Setting up your child for the STEM world

In The Know is a guidance book for any adult who seeks help encourage the children in their lives consider STEM careers. STEM professionals are always going to be in high demand because

 our society depends on them. Everyone needs a doctor, someone to repair their technology, sturdy buildings to live in, and people who understand finances. All of these careers start with STEM, and this book is full of useful information and tips on how to successfully raise a child to go into one of these fields.   In The Know offers worksheets for the reader to fill out that coincide with helpful tips. For example: One chapter talks about networking. It is important for every child/student to learn how to talk to adults, how to shake hands, and how to express their goals. This can easily be done at your job or at your school. Teaching a child, the importance of networking will aid them in the future when they are going after their dreams. Another chapter in the book discusses the importance of reading to a young child and encouraging them to become avid readers as they grow up.

Click through our Amazon affiliate link to get your hands on a copy of CaT’s work. You won’t regret the decision to keep you and your child “In The Know” with CaT Bobino!

Also, stay “In The Know” on social media via: Facebook |  Twitter  | YouTube

Uncategorized

Bechtel Explains “The Engineering Machine” of 2050, using Rube…

  • March 5, 2018June 12, 2018
  • by admin

I remember watching Tom and Jerry cartoons as a kid and seeing the elaborate mouse traps Tom (or was it Jerry?) would set to try and catch his arch nemesis. The complex combination of simple machines always fascinated me.

Well Bechtel took some of that same fascination and used it to challenge engineers to unleash their potential and join the team of engineers needed to solve the world’s future problems.

The Engineering Machine from iceni on Vimeo.

Entrepreneurship

Introducing the brand new launch of Agbara Life!

  • February 12, 2018June 12, 2018
  • by Tayler Furlow

“I think if I’m able to achieve my goals with what I’m doing, others will start to see that as an opportunity for them to do the same kind of thing.” – Adetayo Adesanya, Founder & CEO, Agbara Life

One of the most rewarding aspects of being a part of a community, especially a STEM community, is that other community members, innovators and inventors come to us with their ideas, information and game changers then we are privileged to share them with you. It is this ability to share and collaborate that turns individuals into a force. Today we have the opportunity to talk about the Agbara life brand along with the work their doing in fashion, STEM and the social good.  Below you will learn about the company, its founder and their awesome products!

With the cultural effect that STEM has been having as of late we are seeing a change not only in the way we learn, communicate and prosper our perceptions in the professional sphere is changing as well. What would be considered inappropriate then is functional, fashionable and expected now. But how do we bridge the gap in our increasing suits and sneakers culture? Brand’s like Agbara Life are providing a solution.

“Agbara Life, crafts wearable technology products that often reflect the complexities we see in today’s society. As young professionals we’re constantly monitoring our phone battery to make sure we are always connected or at least able to call that Lyft at the end of the night. We expect to be right at the intersection of Fashion, Technology and Social Impact.

We’ve designed every inch of the backpacks to maximize the utility and functionality of the product. The backpacks come with TSA checkpoint friendly laptop sleeve that doesn’t require you to remove it when going through airport security screening. It also comes with RFID blocking protection pockets; multiple internal access points to a battery charger you possess for varying electronics; and best of all, an option to route your charger to the outside world so that you can charge while the device is in your hand.  And although the bags are big enough to carry a small umbrella, and maybe a pair of rainboots; we’ve added a stored rain cover specifically designed to cover your backpack and keep your electronics safe from the elements; one less thing you have to worry about going about your day with tech gear in your possession.”

The functionality of using a backpack instead of a standard briefcase or shoulder bag cannot be overstated. With the addition of more and more devices and new waves of entrepreneurs we are now doing business everywhere we go. We are in need of a practical solutions! But how did the idea to marry technology and fashion come to be? What are the added benefits to this design? Below is an excerpt from an interview with the founder of Agbara taken from CES “Faces of Innovation” column in CTA’s i3 Magazine.


Q: What inspired you to create wearable tech fashion?

A: Honestly, the inspiration comes from family. I’m a son of two Nigerian immigrants who came here when they were very young. I grew up around a really large, extended family who cared about fashion and expressing ourselves. I knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur, to create something I would want to wear that’s affordable and I could be proud of.

My vision for Agbara Life is to marry the things I’m most passionate about: fashion, technology and social good. We are a wearable tech company built around a benefits corporation. This all stemmed from the community service work I’ve been doing focusing on the underprivileged, underrepresented, urban communities I identify with. I want to operate a business while giving back to my community and the benefits corporation allows me to do that.

Q: Could you tell me more about your products?

A: The idea behind Agbara Life is to use technology to enhance the lifestyle, not to be the focal point and the gimmick. Our products are tailored for a group of people always on the move, in and out of meetings – parents included. We’re starting with two backpacks made from a durable polyurethane leather. Users on the go can carry all their electronics in a luxe matte black bag. We’re also working on Backpacks with charging capability built in between the pockets, so you can charge from one compartment to the other. There’s a raincoat built into the backpack – you unzip the secret compartment in the base to foldout the elastic cover which protects everything from rain. Radio frequency identification (RFID) blocking pockets are hidden within. Each engineering function has a purpose that’s specific to our user.

Q: What’s next for Agbara Life?

A: This is only the first iteration. Agbara Life just started. Right now we’re still in growth mode, looking for solutions to a problem we’ve been seeing for a long time. We’d like to provide scholarships for young adults to come with us and experience the journey. We’re a startup, so right now we’re all over the place. But Agbara Life is still growing and I have so much more to do and create.


Within this interview Adetayo touches on one of the most  important objectives for STEM communities and entrepreneurs. We have touched on it here at STEMedia before. The only way we will keep this momentum towards STEM and STEAM going is to help those around us. It is our duty to pour as much energy into outreach as we do into our breakthroughs. You may be thinking how can we give back? How can we use our ambition and success to give a chance those who need it? We all have the ability to help and effect change, in this instance Agbara Life has made benefiting the social good a part of the brand. To that end every backpack purchased will help to give an opportunity.

“Each bag will support STEM programs for the underrepresented and underprivileged youth.

Why?

We want our customers to be able to shop for quality product that meets their desires in aesthetic appeal, functionality and also actively provides a positive social impact.”


This has just a brief highlight of this amazing product and company, please click here to find out more. Don’t forget to share this post and let’s all grow together!

Entrepreneurship

Charles Barkley pledged $1 million dollars to IT startups…

  • February 12, 2018June 12, 2018
  • by admin

On Thursday night, December 14th, . The only catch is, you have to be a black woman to get in on this assistance.

The announcement was made on TNT’s “Inside the NBA” as the hosts were discussing Democrat Doug Jones’ win in Alabama for Senate against Republican Roy Moore. Proud of how Black women in Alabama showed up and showed out to vote for the new senator, Barkley excitedly stated, “I’m proud of my people in Alabama. They really stood up this week.”

 In a joking tone, but with serious implications, Barkley made it clear that his funding would not be for restaurants or hair salons, but IT startups in particular.

Though Barkley’s comments are not always the most tactful, his donation is hefty and made with good intention. Possibly, his announcement is helping black women to redefine what success can look like, that it doesn’t have to come in the form of businesses associated with food or beauty. Hopefully, it will help some black women in STEM follow their dreams or even inspire a dream in someone.

How this funding will be awarded is to be announced by Barkley later. Watch the clip below:

Education

The Perfect Unexpected STEM gift

  • February 12, 2018June 12, 2018
  • by Tayler Furlow

The holidays are on their way now, and you may be thinking about what to get the children in your life.  If you’re looking for smaller or less expensive gifts to go with “the big gift,” then may I suggest books?  I’d like to suggest books that center on the theme of STEM. There are now many fun options in children’s books that have STEM characters and concepts, and these books will engage and ignite your child not only in STEM, but also arts and reading, this holiday season.  Below is a list of my favorite STEM children’s book, sorted by category.

Picture books

For the younger picture book crowd (ages 0-4):

Baby Loves Aerospace Engineering!

Written by Ruth Spiro

Illustrated by Irene Chan

“Accurate enough to satisfy [most] experts, yet simple enough for baby,” this book is a fun way to introduce flight and planes to babies, toddlers, and preschoolers.  This book takes the interest many little kids have in airplanes and introduces them to the basic science behind flight. With colorful illustrations and age-appropriate language, this book will encourage your child’s sense of wonder.

Goodnight Lab

A Scientific Parody by Chris Ferrie

A parody book based on the beloved children’s book, Goodnight Moon, it delivers the same rhyming magic when saying goodnight to the laboratory.  “It’s been a long day at the lab for this scientist. Now it’s time to say good night! Goodnight laser. Goodnight notebook. Goodnight picture of Einstein with a stern look.”  It’s sure to become a bedtime favorite for the little scientist in your life.

For the older picture book crowd (ages 4-8):

Rosie Revere, Engineer

Written by Andrea Beaty

Illustrated by David Roberts

Another great rhyming book about a girl, Rosie, who dreams of becoming an engineer.  Beautiful illustrations, fantastic characters, and humorous creative inventions all combine to a wonderful book with a powerful message for any future engineer: “you can only truly fail, if you quit.”

What Do You Do with an Idea?

Written by Kobi Yamada

Illustrated by Mae Besom

Engineering inventions, tech innovations, and scientific discoveries usually all start at the same place: an idea. But What Do You Do With an Idea?  This book helps answer that question and is for anyone who’s ever had an idea that seemed a little too big, too odd, too difficult. Lovely sepia colored illustrations provide a perfect backdrop for the little golden idea as it grows.

Middle Grade Books

For middle grade readers (ages 9-13):

The Friendship Code #1 (Girls Who Code)

Written By Stacia Deutsch

Forward By Reshma Saujani, Girls Who Code Founder and CEO

This book is the first novel in a series inspired by the non-profit organization Girls Who Code. Great for both boys and girls, the book teaches coding through fun riddles and scavenger hunts. Your child will come away from this book introduced to coding syntax and basic coding principles that are fundamental to all coding languages.

EngiNerds Hardcover

Written by Jarrett Lerner

Robots? Check.  Smart main character? Check.  Science? Explosions?  Check. Check. Farts? Check. This book is the perfect blend of brains and funny that will engage your engineer to be.  The book is also fast-paced and entertaining that your reluctant reader will also be engaged.

Hidden Figures: The Untold True Story of Four African-American Women Who Helped Launch Our Nation into Space– The Young Readers’ Edition

Written by Margot Lee Shetterly

Nothing is more inspiring to young scientists, mathematicians, and engineers than reading about the real life, powerful story of four African-American female mathematicians, Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden, at NASA who helped achieve some of the greatest moments in the NASA space program. This edition of Margot Lee Shetterly’s acclaimed book is perfect for young readers.

 

Young Adult Books

For young adult readers (ages 14 and up):

Let’s Face It

Written by Jodi Moore

This book integrates the science of acne, the spirit of activism, and a love story in a fun way. It does a nice job in combining teen angst and romance with a clever story wrapped around economic concepts, such as entrepreneurship, production decisions, marketing, and jobs. Young adult readers looking for substantive material with a light-hearted touch will enjoy this book.

October Sky (The Coalwood Series #1 and also known as Rocket Boys)

Written by Homer Hickam

Another real-life story, this memoir is about Sonny and his friends building amateur rocketry in a small coal mining town during the 1950s.  Their amateur rocket club go through trial and error to refine their rockets, showing young rocket scientists everywhere that dreams can come true.

Ship Breaker

Written by Paolo Bacigalupi

This book is a thrilling futuristic science fiction story with sailing ships, sea-going battles, global warming and melting polar ice caps, cannibalizing of copper and aluminum, treacherous people, and a little bit of hope for the future.  A riveting tale of adventure, this book is sure to please the young adult reader in your life.

I have only mentioned a handful of STEM children’s books available; there are plenty more out there for you to choose from!  Search the genres, picture book, middle grade, or young adult, in the  School Library Journal or Goodreads for the perfect gift for your child. Have a happy holiday season!


This piece comes to us from one of our amazing community members and content volunteers, Suzie Olsen. Her bio is below, be sure to check out her awesome website and if you would like to work with us you can email us here!

Suzie Olsen is a Staff Systems Engineer in Phoenix, AZ. When she is not busy building and maintaining the search and rescue system for the US Coast Guard, she is performing science experiments and engineering design projects with K-12 students. To encourage all students in science, technology, engineering and math,she has written the book “Annie Aardvark, Mathematician.” You can learn more about Suzie here!

Uncategorized

Here’s Why You Should Watch More Scifi Movies

  • January 8, 2018June 12, 2018
  • by Nehemiah Mabry

COVER SUBJECT | SCIENCE FICTION TURNS TO REALITY

Scientists seemed like unstable crazy people when I was a kid. This belief was most likely because the only ones I saw were villains in animation, movies, and television shows- creating viruses or wild inventions with the goal of, “Taking over the world!” It wasn’t until I watched the movie, Back To The Future, did I think science was something that could be considered cool.

Even though Doc Brown was portrayed as a little kooky, his ideas for time travel and the space-time continuum fascinated me. Plus, he had a most excellent time traveling DeLorean with doors that opened up like wings. And it worked, transporting Marty McFly into three movies full of action and adventure.

I believe this was one of the movies that transformed how entertainment, , like film and TV, could portray scientists and inventors. Yes, they could be the mad villains but also the innovative heroes that use their knowledge to save the world.

The science you see on television can lead to the creation of superheroes, Like The Flash. Barry Allen is struck by lightning when a particle accelerator invention causes an explosion and creates a storm. That strike gives him super speed. He becomes The Flash to protect the city from others who gain powers from that storm but use them for evil.

The Flash may be fantasy, but we can understand how scientific experiments can fail or go wrong. Sometimes catastrophically, but can also lead to new inventions that do a great deal of good for society.

Entertainment gives us an opportunity to see what’s possible in science and dream about the wonderful innovations we could see in the future. We need films like Star Trek to excite our imaginations and get us working toward exploring other planets in advanced spaceships.

Even the mega-franchise, Star Wars, can get us excited about the possibilities of technology connecting us to alien galaxies with advanced spaceships that travel light speed and weapons that use laser beams like lightsabers.

After a tough day studying for that important exam or working too long in the lab wondering if a STEM career is worth all the effort. Pull out your favorite Sci-fi movie and get inspired by what could be.

You are a part of bringing that fantastic future of fantasy to our reality. It is your responsibility to keep your passion for STEM alive. Science and technology have been influencing movies and television for many years. Now, let it inspire you.


This piece comes to us from one of our talented xacontent contributors, Khalid Birdsong. His bio is below and if you would like to work with us you can email us here!

Khalid Birdsong is a freelance writer, cartoonist and teaching artist. He loves enjoying a good story in books or on film and traveling the world to explore new lands and cultures with his family. You can learn more about Khalid’s writing and comics www.kbirdsongcopy.com and www.friedchickenandsushi.com

Career

“Confidence” | Elements of an Elite STEM Professional (#6)

  • January 8, 2018June 12, 2018
  • by Ricky D. Venters, Jr. P.E.

ELEMENT #6 – Confidence

“A feeling of self-assurance arising from one’s appreciation of one’s own abilities or qualities.”

COVER SUBJECT | LOREM IPSUM

There are two ways to look at confidence, ex­ternal or internal. External confidence is build­ing trust, belief or faith in something or someone else. Inter­nal confidence is defined as a feeling of self-assurance arising from one’s appreciation of one’s abilities or qualities. For this element, I choose to talk about the internal aspect of con­fidence. Both are crucial and should be devel­oped, but I realized that the first step in excel­ling in life is believing you can. Confidence is relative and not only based on an individual’s exposure to a particular thing, but also depends on an appreciation of their ability. Many people will never display confidence without the combination of these two things.

I used to use the words “I believe so” when answering a question about a project. I thought by saying this, I could somehow convince my colleague that I knew what I was talking about without really being confident at all. After a few times, my partner caught on to my tactics and told me “Ricky, to do well in this business you must be confident in what you know. Clients will not pay us if we are not confident in the product we are producing.” I had to self-assess the reasons I wasn’t confident in my final product and what I found was that my lack of confidence came from my lack of exposure and appreciation of my abilities.

There are many ways to develop your confi­dence, but I will share with you three to get you going.

Mindset

You have to believe that you are capable and there are no limits on your life. Begin every day reading books or listening to positive speeches that will encourage you to strive for excellence.

Practice, Practice, Practice

“You’re talking about Practice” the famous sound bite of NBA Hall of Famer Allen Iverson. Yes, Practice! Nothing builds confidence better than repetition. The more you do something, the better you get. It’s simple, and even though the applica­tion of it can be difficult at times…PRACTICE!

Connect with Gurus

I cannot stress this one enough. Find people who have traveled the path that you are pursu­ing and allow them to give you guidance along your journey. There is nothing better than learn­ing from other people’s experiences. They will give you insight that will propel you in the right direction.

Many times we try to put on the appearance of confidence, but if someone could see through our facade, they would see the insecurities. Many of us work hard on the facade, making sure it’s perfect and flawless without spending any time working on our internal self. Make a commitment to yourself today that you will strive to obtain confidence and push through the limits of self-doubt and fear.


This piece comes to us from one of our amazing community members and STEMedia Partners, Ricky Venters. This new series is based from his book Live on E. His bio is below, be sure to check out his awesome website and if you would like to work with us you can email us here!

Ricky Venters is recognized as an Engineer of Impact.

Defying the odds,completed his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering and has achieved his Professional Engineering License. During his tenure in STEM related fields, Ricky recognized the increasing competitiveness in the industry and sought to become a source of inspiration and mentor to students and young professionals in STEM related fields.

Follow him now!

Holidays

Reach Your Resolutions!

  • January 8, 2018June 12, 2018
  • by Cynthia Sharpe

It’s that time of year again. Whether you’re praying about it, wishing about it, or just speaking it into the atmosphere, you’re probably planning on making a resolution or few before reaching 2017. But are you going to stick to your resolutions?… Really? According to Statisticbrain.com, only 8% of people in the United States actually achieve their resolution. Truth is, a resolution is nothing without an action plan. And an action plan is nothing without action! Here is how we suggest you pursue your resolutioning for the coming year.

Start by thinking about who you are. Pick some words that describe you. Go with the good, the bad and the ugly. We’ve all got our flaws. Now, how can you improve or grow in some weak areas?  Maybe you want to weigh less or have a larger vocabulary. Then ask yourself who you want to be by the end of the year. Maybe you want to have healthier hair or be more confident in a certain area.

Now brainstorming resolutions should always be accompanied by motivations. If you do not have a valid reason for making a change, you may not want to make that change. Words of wisdom, you won’t change until you want to change for yourself, not anyone else. Finally, figure out how you will accomplish your resolution. How do you plan to get where you want to be?

The best way to document your resolution is by making it a SMART goal. Once you figure out your general goal, use these requirements to check it:

  • Make it specific. Don’t just say you want to lose weight. That leaves room for you to lose the weight then, gain it back or only lose one pound or not lose any weight at all until the end of the year. Where exactly on your body do you want to lose the weight? Do you want to build muscle in the area that you lose weight in? These are the kind of questions you must ask yourself to make your goal smarter.
  • Make it measurable. Being able to measure your goal ties into being specific. Do you want to make more money this year? If so, how much?  Do you want to spend more time with family? If so, how much time? Whether it’s hour, inches, miles or pounds, if you can quantify it, apply it.
  • Make it achievable. You can apply a measurement all you want, but if it is not feasible, then it likely will not be achieved. Become familiar with your limits and challenge them, but do not set yourself up to be overextended in anyway. Or, if the goal involves factors outside of yourself, do not rely too heavily on other people or things coming through for you.
  • Make it relevant. Is this goal something you really need to focus on right now? Is it worth your time? Does it relate to or affect other aspects of your life so much that it must be done soon? If there are other, more pressing matters, you may want to direct your attention to those first.
  • Make it timely. Time can fit into the measurable category, but it deserves its own explanation simply because it is so valuable. Once you waste it, it’s gone, so make the most of it. Try buying a planner and documenting deadlines for when you want steps in your goal to be done by. Giving yourself a timeframe to achieve a goal adds pressure and can give you a sense of urgency and motivation.

To read more of our holiday inspired articles click here!

Now that you’ve got your goal, don’t forget it! One big reason why resolutions are not met is because we forget! Make your resolution visible to yourself every day. Try putting it on the bathroom mirror or the kitchen refrigerator. Put it in your most used book or at the bottom of the television.

We all know it can be easy to get distracted. Therefore, we suggest you check in on your progress every now-and-then. How close are you to your goal? Ask yourself this every 2 or 3 months at least. Put it in your phone that you’re up for evaluation, so you do not get off track so easily. Not close to your goal? Try adjusting your plan before adjusting your goal. It may just take a little more effort than you first figured.

It is said that faith is nothing without work. Well, the same goes for the reverse of that statement. You’ve declared your resolution, now believe in it. Believe in yourself. If you know you’ll need help staying on the path, share your resolution with a friend. Ask them to help hold you accountable. Or, keep it to yourself if that motivates you more. The choice is yours; the goal is yours; and the victory can be yours too. Be confident in yourself. Be resolute.


This piece comes to us from one of our talented content contributors, Cynthia Sharpe. Her bio is below and if you would like to work with us you can email us here!

Cynthia M. Sharpe, is a May 2015 graduate of NC State University. Cynthia graduated with a B.A. in English with a concentration in creative writing and currently aspires to pursue an M.F.A. in Creative Writing. “As I let my own light shine, I unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.” -Cynthia M. Sharpe, inspired by Marianne Williamson

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