7 Mindsets High School

11th Grade
Life Plan
FIVE-YEAR LIFE PLAN

This life plan is designed to be used by juniors in high school to help them figure out their
interests, strengths, and future goals. Each life-planning exercise is intended to get students
talking and thinking about their plans. There are 28 different exercises, with four activities for each
of the 7 Mindsets. The key is to get them thinking about their future, goals, and dreams. There are
a number of different opportunities available to students after they graduate high school, and the
more they know, the better they can plan.

In the Everything Is Possible life-planning exercises, students will think about their priorities and
dreams, and they will write a mission statement. They will also look at different career paths and
choose ones that align with their goals.

In the Passion First life-planning exercises, students will explore their strengths, interests, and
core values. They will use Howard Gardner’s multiple intelligences as a guide.

In the We Are Connected life-planning exercises, students will think about their relationships with
everyone in their lives. They will also pair up with a peer to work on interview skills.

In the 100% Accountable life-planning exercises, students will think about empowering activities
and things they do to stay positive. They will write down some healthy habits they want to adopt
and think about areas in which they could grow. They will also identify and seek out activities that
will help them grow and accomplish their goals in the future.

In the Attitude of Gratitude life-planning exercises, students will think about all they are grateful
for, treasuring themselves and others, and writing thank-you notes. They will list their available
assets, thinking about the resources they have and the people they know.

In the Live to Give life-planning exercises, students will think about ways to stretch themselves,
finding causes they believe in, and prioritizing their commitments. They will also learn how to
receive gracefully and consider different situations and how they should respond. Lastly, they will
think about the legacy they want to leave, what kind of impact they want to have on the world.

In The Time Is Now life-planning exercises, students will focus on the importance of taking
purposeful action and making their dreams come true. They will put together an action plan for the
next five years consisting of SMART goals. Flexibility is built-in, so they may come up with one
main goal or several. We want them to be purposeful in this part of their lives. These activities are
designed to get them one step closer to their dreams.

“Your students will rise or fall to the level of expectations you set for them.”

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 7 Mindsets High School
11th Grade
Life Plan

Life Planning Exercise 1.1 – Focusing on My Priorities

This is your time to dream, to consider all the things you love to do, and part of that is knowing
what is important to you. What are the things you value most in life?

Step 1 - My Life Priorities – Pick three life priorities or things that are important to you. Feel free
to add one if it’s not listed.

Common Life Priorities

Step 2 – My Life Priorities Statement - Enter one sentence for each of your top three priorities,
clearly stating why it is a priority to you. Understanding these priorities will help you define your
“why” later and allow you to stay committed and focused on your dreams.

Example 1: My family is important to me because they are always there for me even when
things are hard, making me feel safe and loved.

Example 2: My health is important to me because I know that my mental, physical, and

emotional health are all related, and all will help me reach my goals.

Priority Statement 1

Priority Statement 2

Priority Statement 3

“Your students will rise or fall to the level of expectations you set for them.”

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 7 Mindsets High School
11th Grade
Life Plan

Life Planning Exercise 1.2 – Defining My Why – A Personal Mission Statement

Your attitude about your future influences your future. How you see yourself and others in this
process is crucial. Making connections with others, talking with mentors, counselors, teachers,
parents, and friends of parents can help you decide what courses you may want to pursue after high
school.

A critical part of building a life filled with happiness and success is understanding what is important
to us, what drives, us. A personal mission statement is a tool for focusing your energy, actions,
behaviors, and decision-making toward what you are most interested in accomplishing and
becoming. It should briefly describe what you want to focus on and achieve in one or more areas of
your life, as well as who you want to be in the future. This statement is your “why”. It is the reason
for everything you do, and everything you dream of. It may include your professional goals, but more
than that, it is about the person you want to be, the life you want to live, and the legacy you want to
leave.

Sample Personal Mission Statements:

I will make efforts to succeed in school by paying attention in class and engaging with the subject
matter. Doing this will help me become better at absorbing and processing information, which will
make me more intellectually well-rounded.

I will strive to be healthy by staying active, exercising, and maintaining a balanced diet, all of which
will help me stay energetic and motivated as I get older.

Take a minute to write down your personal mission statement. Your life is a product of your
expectations, so dream big and expect great results.

Mission Statement:

“Your students will rise or fall to the level of expectations you set for them.”

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 7 Mindsets High School
11th Grade
Life Plan

Life-Planning Exercise 1.3 – Dreaming Without Limits

You will be making decisions about your future and what you want to focus on in the next five
years. What college or technical school do you want to attend? Do you want to go to school? Do
you want to get a job? Enlist in the military? Do you want to travel? Do you like the idea of a desk
job or one where you are outside all the time? Do you want to be your own boss? Do you want to
create something new? What is important to you?
Visualization is a technique many athletes use to picture themselves succeeding long before they
ever set foot on the playing field. Visualize your biggest and greatest dreams for each of the three
priority areas you identified in Life-Planning Exercise 1. Imagine them as if there were no limits, all
of those “but” statements that come to mind, let them go. If anything and everything is possible, and
you could have any life you desire, with no barriers or limitations, what would you dream of?
Visualize them in detail, and then describe them below.

Example:
My Dream: Health – Since everything is possible, I want …. to be active, healthy, and have a strong
mind on my one-hundredth birthday.

Priority 1 Dream

Priority 2 Dream

Priority 3 Dream

“Your students will rise or fall to the level of expectations you set for them.”

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 7 Mindsets High School
11th Grade
Life Plan

Life-Planning Exercise 1.4 – Career Path Options

It’s hard to know exactly what you want to do when you’re sixteen years old. It’s important to realize
that plans change, and dreams can change. It’s important to “act and adjust” during this process of
figuring out what you want to do. In choosing five different career paths, you can start to think about
jobs that you might like.

Step 1 – Look over the ten fields of study and think about a few that might interest you.

Below are programs within those fields of study that may be interesting. Circle five, and add any
that you might be interested in that are not on the list. Don’t feel boxed in—these are just some
ideas of things that might be fun to look into. If it’s easier, feel free to start by marking out jobs that
you can’t see yourself doing.
ENGINEERING/
ART/DESIGN BUSINESS EDUCATION HEALTH CARE
CONSTRUCTION
Animation Accounting K-12 Education Architecture and Dentist
Landscape
Fashion Design Business Early Childhood Construction Dental Hygienist
Administration
Graphic Design Finance Educational Mechanical Doctor
Administration
Interior Design Human ESOL (English to Electrical Health Care
Resources Speakers of Other Administration
Languages)
Photography International Special Education Project Massage
Business Management Therapy
Web Multimedia Leadership Medical
Design Management Transcription
Social Media Marketing Nurse
Content Creation
Office Physical
Administration Therapy
Operations Physician
Management Assisting

“Your students will rise or fall to the level of expectations you set for them.”

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 7 Mindsets High School
11th Grade
Life Plan
Ultrasound
Technology
Veterinary
Science

HOSPITALITY/ IT/ LAW/CRIMIN SOCIAL/BEHAVIORAL

VOCATIONAL
CULINARY TECHNOLOGY AL JUSTICE SCIENCES
Baking pastry Computer Crime Scene Childhood Development Auto Mechanic
Programming Forensics
Culinary Arts Network Law Conflict Resolution Computer
Administration Enforcement Appliance
Repair
Event Planning Software Paralegal Counseling Cosmetology
Engineering

Hotel and Web Public Safety Organizational HVAC

Restaurant Development Psychology
Management
Video Game Forensic Political Science Plumbing
Development Psychology
Psychology Electrician
Social Work

Step 2 – Research what kind of degree you will need for each career path.

Examples: specialized program or certificate program, two-year associate of arts or sciences

degree (AA, AAS, AS), bachelor’s degree (such as BA or BS), master’s degree (such as MA,
MBA, or MS), specialist, doctoral or related degree (such as PhD, JD, MD, DVM)

“Your students will rise or fall to the level of expectations you set for them.”

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 7 Mindsets High School
11th Grade
Life Plan

Life-Planning Exercise 2.1 – My Strengths Inventory

Writing college essays, learning more about your own specific talents and gifts, and preparing for
the next steps in your life all require you to focus on your strengths. Before you say you don’t have
any strengths, think about your personality. Are you good at making jokes? Making others happy?
That’s a strength. Do you prefer being behind the scenes, are you good with your hands, or do you
love working on computers? Those are strengths. Find yours and showcase them.

Step 1 - Skills and Strengths - Identify the things you do well. Write down at least three strengths
from the list below. Feel free to add your own.

Math/Analytics Reading/Comprehension Communicative

Critical Thinking Open-minded Originality
Creativity Imaginative Logical
Socially Adept Empathetic Compassionate
Gracious Generous Brave/Courageous
Persistent Diligent Detail-oriented
Honest Integrity Kind
Loyal Team-oriented Fair
Leadership Disciplined Faithful
Discreet Modest Playful
Sensitive Forgiving Optimistic
Humorous Passionate Enthusiastic
Artistic Athletic Resourceful
Reliable Ambitious Adaptable

“Your students will rise or fall to the level of expectations you set for them.”

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11th Grade
Life Plan
Part 2 - Situational Strengths – Identify the situations in which you perform at your best. Do you
work well in big groups? Do you perform well under pressure? Are you at your best outside or in a
closed room? Know when you are at your best, and begin putting yourself in those situations
more often.

Large Crowds Solitude Under Pressure

Early Morning Afternoon Evening
Late at Night After Exercise Outdoors
In Public With Friends With Family
When Challenged In Competition In a Crisis
Small Groups One on One Hot Weather
Cold Weather Near Water Bright Lights
Dim Lights Loud Environments Quiet Places
With Music On On the Move Learning New Things

“Your students will rise or fall to the level of expectations you set for them.”

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 7 Mindsets High School
11th Grade
Life Plan

Life-Planning Exercise 2.2 – My Interests Inventory

Ever had that feeling, that hum, when things are going great? Loving life? What are you doing? Are
you at a concert? Writing a paper? Giving a speech? Think about your interests and what you care
about. If you were given one entire day to do whatever you wanted, what would it be? Spend all day
with friends? Then, friends and other people are an interest of yours. Love watching movies?
There’s another interest.

In the list below, we have provided various interests that people have built on to lead extraordinary
lives. This is just a sample, and there are many more. Identify and highlight some that apply to you
and around which you think you could build your dreams. Use the spaces to add other interests you
have that are not listed.

Interests Inventory

Reading Learning Musical Instrument Outdoors

Dancing Singing Painting Building Things
Sculpting Crafts Drawing Journaling
Sports Politics Money Gardening
Economics Science Human Nature Socializing
Performing Arts Animals Children Magic
Elderly People The Environment Collecting Something Playing Games
Poetry Adventure Extreme Sports World Affairs
Exercising Computers Gaming Languages
Social Networking Fashion Interior Design Cultures
Yoga/Meditation Cooking Diet and Nutrition Public Speaking
Knitting/Sewing Traveling Photography Writing

“Your students will rise or fall to the level of expectations you set for them.”

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 7 Mindsets High School
11th Grade
Life Plan

Life-Planning Exercise 2.3 – My Core Values

What are your core values? How do you give back? Do you have strong feelings about something?
Why? What’s important to you? When you think about these things, you will know what matters to
you, and you will always be your strongest when you are acting from your values.

Part 1 – Identify Your Core Values - To live our dreams, we must be at our best and act from a
position of commitment and strength. Below is a list of values. Identify those that define you, taking
note of the most important ones.

Customer
Accomplishment Honesty Perseverance Simplicity
Satisfaction
Accountability Decisiveness Honor Persistence Skill
Social
Accuracy Democracy Humility Personal Growth
Intelligence
Solving
Adventure Discipline Humor Perspective
Problems
Appreciation Discovery Improvement Playfulness/Fun Spirit in Life
Authenticity Diversity Independence Pleasure Spirituality
Beauty Ease of Use Individuality Power Stability
Calm/Peacefulness Efficiency Ingenuity Practicality Standardization
Caution Empathy Inner Peace Preservation Strength
Change Enthusiasm Innovation Privacy Teamwork
Cleanliness Equality Integrity Progress Tolerance
Collaboration Excellence Intensity Prosperity/Wealth Tradition
Commitment Fairness Justice Punctuality Trust
Communication Faithfulness Kindness Reliability Unity
Community Family Knowledge Resourcefulness Variety
Respect for
Compassion Forgiveness Leadership Wisdom
Others
Competence Freedom Love Responsiveness
Competition Friendship Loyalty Safety
Continuous Improvement Generosity Meaning Satisfying Others
Cooperation Global View Modesty Security

“Your students will rise or fall to the level of expectations you set for them.”

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Life Plan
Courage Good Will Openness Self-Control
Creativity Gratitude Optimism Self-Reliance
Critical Thinking Hard Work Patriotism Self-Thinking
Curiosity Harmony Peace Service (to others)

Part 2 - Your Core Values Statements – Now that you have a list of values that describe you,
narrow the list down to three that are most important. Take time to consider which are the most
critical to who you are. Once you have narrowed the list to three, write one or two sentences about
why each value is so important to your life and your dreams.

Example: Empowerment – My life is about helping other people achieve more. By doing this, I
believe I can make the world a better place and maximize my impact on the world.

My Core Value Statement 1

My Core Value Statement 2

My Core Value Statement 3

“Your students will rise or fall to the level of expectations you set for them.”

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 7 Mindsets High School
11th Grade
Life Plan

Life-Planning Exercise 2.4 – I Know Myself

Being authentic means getting to the core of who you are and what you believe in. When you know
your values and priorities, everything else falls into place. Knowing yourself takes time and
perspective. It’s who you are when no one else is around. Sometimes it takes you until your junior
or senior year in high school before you know who you really are, and you stop trying to be
somebody else, whether it’s to please a friend or your parents. Your authenticity is always best.
Knowing yourself is an important part of knowing what you want to do with your life and what you
have to offer others. Have you ever been told you are really good at working with others? Which of
these intelligence speaks to you?

Use the link below to take a quick quiz to determine the intelligence you connect with.
https://www.literacynet.org/mi/assessment/findyourstrengths.html

• Linguistic Intelligence (Language): The ability to find and understand verbal and written
words
• Logical-Mathematical Intelligence (Logic/Math): The ability to quantify things, making
hypothesis and proving them
• Spatial Intelligence: The ability to see the world in 3-D
• Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence (body movement): The ability to coordinate your mind
and body
• Musical Intelligence: The ability to discern sounds, their pitch, tone, rhythm, and timbre
• Interpersonal Intelligence (social): The ability to sense people’s feelings and motives
• Intrapersonal Intelligence (self): The ability to understand yourself, what you feel, what
you want
• Naturalist Intelligence: The ability to understand living things and read nature

“Your students will rise or fall to the level of expectations you set for them.”

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11th Grade
Life Plan
Verbal-Linguistic Logical-Mathematical Visual/Spatial Bodily/Kinesthetic
(Language) (Logic/Math) (Spatial) (Body Movement)

attorney accountant 3D modeling & simulat- actor

comedian auditor ion athlete
communications speci- computer analyst architect carpenter
alist computer technician artist computer games
curator computer programmer computer programmer designer
editor in publishing database designer engineer craftsperson
historian detective film animator dancer
journalist economist graphic artist doctor of sports
lawyer engineer interior decorator firefighter
librarian lawyer photographer forest ranger
marketing consultant mathematician mechanic jeweler
newscaster network analyst navigator mechanic
poet pharmacist outdoor guide personal trainer
politician physician pilot Phys Ed teacher
songwriter physicist sculptor physical therapist
speech-pathologist researcher strategic planner recreation specialist
talk-show host scientist surveyor surgeon
teacher statistician truck driver yoga instructor
language translator bookkeeper urban planner
writer technician webmaster
curator
Radio or TV announcer

Musical Interpersonal Intrapersonal Naturalist

(Musical) (social) (self) (Nature)

audiologist actor actor air quality specialist

choir director administrator artist animal health technician
disc jockey communications career counselor anthropologist
music conductor manager consultant astronomer
music camp counselor conflict resolution spec- counselor botanist
music comedy actor ialist criminologist biologist
music critic cruise director energy healer dog trainer
music lawyer customer service rep futurist or trend environmental lawyer

“Your students will rise or fall to the level of expectations you set for them.”

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Life Plan
music librarian dental hygienist predictor farmer
music publisher group mediator intelligence officer forest ranger
music promotor human resources man- personal counselor gardener
music retailer ager philosopher geologist
music teacher marketing specialist program planner landscaper
music therapist nurse entrepreneur meteorologist
musician Peace Corps psychic nature photographer
orchestra director politician psychologist park naturalist
piano tuner psychologist program planner veterinarian assistant
recording engineer religious leader researcher water conservationist
singer salesperson small business wetlands ecologist
songwriter social director owner wilderness doctor
sound editor social worker spiritual counselor wilderness guide
speech pathologist teacher theologian wildlife illustrator
voice actor trainer facilitator therapist
voice instructor travel counselor writer
conductor waiter/waitress wellness counselor
manager
personnel worker

“Your students will rise or fall to the level of expectations you set for them.”

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 7 Mindsets High School
11th Grade
Life Plan

Life-Planning Exercise 3.1 – Embrace Everyone

You never know who may come into your life at particular times and really change the course of
your life. We all need each other, and building relationships with others helps in the long run as you
prepare for your career, future schooling, or even marriage and family. Finding ways to serve others
and learn from them is one of the best things you can do for your life.

Step 1 – Identify an individual you met recently. Ask yourself why he/she may have come into your
life, and how meeting this person could be a positive thing. Then consider what service you might
provide to them to help them live their dreams.

Example: I met John at a concert. He likes the same music I do, and we’re both singers. Instead
of viewing him as a competitor, I will reach out to see if I can help him find opportunities. Who
knows what positive things may come of it?

New Relationship

Step 2 – Identify an existing relationship you perceive as negative or challenging. Examine it and
try to decide how something positive might emerge from it.

Example: My classmate is very competitive, and we do not get along. I will let this become a
healthy competition that will motivate me to do more.

Challenging Relationship

“Your students will rise or fall to the level of expectations you set for them.”

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 7 Mindsets High School
11th Grade
Life Plan

Life-Planning Exercise 3.2 – My Core Team

Surrounding yourself with people who build you up is one wonderful way to reach your dreams.
There will always be those who try to tear you down, but you want to have positive people in your
life to keep you on the right path. Invest in others who build you up right now, in high school. You
know who those people are. If you are in an unhealthy relationship, it’s best to cut off ties.

There is something in psychology known as the “law of five,” which says that we are the average of
the five people with whom we spend the most time. It is very important to surround ourselves with
the people who’ll empower us the most. In this exercise, you will begin to define the empowering
people in your life and develop strategies to build on these relationships.

Identify at least five of the most empowering relationships you have and use them as the foundation
from which to expand your life. For each of the five, identify ways that you can expand the positive
impact you have on one another.

Example: My brother and I share a common vision for our lives. I will spend more time with him and
will try to match his confidence and positive outlook that has helped make him successful.

Empowering Relationship 1

Empowering Relationship 2

Empowering Relationship 3

Empowering Relationship 4

Empowering Relationship 5

“Your students will rise or fall to the level of expectations you set for them.”

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 7 Mindsets High School
11th Grade
Life Plan

Life-Planning Exercise 3.3 – My Dream Team

Think about all the people in your life and who would be part of your personal dream team. What
three dreams do you want to focus on for the next three years? Who can help you with those
dreams? Can you make it a priority to develop those relationships?

You may already have friends, family, teachers, coaches, or mentors who will help you along the
way to living your dreams, and you likely mentioned them in the previous exercise. Now it’s time to
identify the new individuals you must meet to help you live your dreams. List out the top five people
on your dream team and how they can help you make your dreams a reality.

Example – I want to choose a career. I need to find experts in fields that interest me and talk to
them, which will help me determine the best way to utilize my strengths on my new career path.

Dream Team Member 1

Dream Team Member 2

Dream Team Member 3

Dream Team Member 4

Dream Team Member 5

“Your students will rise or fall to the level of expectations you set for them.”

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 7 Mindsets High School
11th Grade
Life Plan

Life-Planning Exercise 3.4 – First Impressions

Leading with value means being your most authentic self and treating others with compassion and
respect. How are you nurturing the relationships you have with others? Are you positive and upbeat
when you meet someone new?

Whether you are getting ready for an interview, taking a new class, or meeting a potential mate for
the first time, first impressions matter.

Interview Tips:
• Wear the proper attire
• Research the company and find commonalities with the interviewer.
• Remember that the interview starts the minute you make eye contact with the interviewer,
so even small talk counts.
• Shake hands with vigor and look up.
• Maintain suitable eye contact and nod when listening.
• Keep a confident, upright posture.
• Don’t complain, ever (not even about the weather).
• Think positively, smile, and engage the interviewer.
• Vary your pitch to convey enthusiasm.
• Praise yourself and the interviewer.

Also, know that recruiters look you up. Your digital profile matters, so be careful what you are
putting out there in the digital world. Look back through your social media sites, and make sure
your profile is clean.

Activity: Choose a partner, and have one person ask questions while the other answers them. Be
sure to start the “interview” with a firm handshake and make eye contact.

“Your students will rise or fall to the level of expectations you set for them.”

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Life Plan
Interview Cards

Tell me about yourself. What are your strengths?

What is your greatest Why are you interested in this

weakness? opportunity?

What do you consider

What do you do in your spare
your biggest
time for relaxation?
achievements?

How do you handle stress Why are you the best

and pressure? candidate for this opportunity?

Describe a difficult work

What are your goals for the
situation/project and how
future?
you overcame it.

“Your students will rise or fall to the level of expectations you set for them.”

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Life Plan

Life-Planning Exercise 4.1 – My Empowering Activities

Use your time well, and focus on the dreams you set for yourself. It’s easy to get caught up in
others’ dreams for your life, but at this point, it’s all on you. You are not your parents or your best
friend. It’s all you and what you want to get out of this life.

Each of us has the same 24 hours a day that the most creative, productive, and successful people
in the world all have. We all engage in numerous tasks and routines each day. Some give us energy,
others make us stronger, and many are productive steps in our daily lives. Unfortunately, we also
engage in activities that have no benefit, or worse, may be counter-productive to living a great life.
How we use our time determines whether we get the most out of each day, which in turn affects our
future. It is important to maximize our time doing things that energize and fulfill us because those
activities will help take us to our best possible lives.

Below is a list of ways people spend their time. Identify and highlight the top three that you feel you
should be doing. Once you’ve chosen your top three, describe why each is important to you living
your dreams. List any additions in the blank cells.

Empowering Activities Inventory

Being Creative Helping Others Exercising
Meditating Practicing Faith Learning
Developing Relationships Organizing/Cleaning Enjoying My Friends
Thinking/Planning Being Outdoors Enjoying My Family
Working Resting Playing Games
Reading School Listening to Music

“Your students will rise or fall to the level of expectations you set for them.”

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Example: Meditation – It is important for me to meditate so that I can clear my mind and have the
focus I need each day.

Empowering Activity 1

Empowering Activity 2

Empowering Activity 3

“Your students will rise or fall to the level of expectations you set for them.”

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Life Plan

Life-Planning Exercise 4.2 – No Excuses

You sometimes place limits on what you think is possible for your life, based on your personal
background and stories from your parents. You are the author of your own life! You get to write the
book of how you want things to go, so don’t limit yourself to what others believe about you or your
abilities. Show them the possibilities by writing your own unique story.

Here is just a sample of a few positive habits you may want to adopt. Feel free to add some of
your own. Come up with three habits (or choose from the list), and write them below.

Wake up early Live to learn Prioritize Develop resilience

Practice gratitude Motivate yourself Visualize Think positive
Learn to say “no” Read Adopt a beginner’s Set goals
mindset
Meditate Exercise Network Simplify your words
Ask more questions Make room for Eat healthy Spend less than you
something new earn

Think of three positive habits you would like to adopt:

Habit 1:

Habit 2:

Habit 3:

“Your students will rise or fall to the level of expectations you set for them.”

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Life Plan

Life-Planning Exercise 4.3 – Focus Energy on Areas for Growth

One of the things that most juniors in high school realize is that it’s all on them. You must take
responsibility for your grades, your actions, your friendships, and your decisions. As you start driving
and getting real jobs, the reality of accountability really hits home. You cannot allow another person
to control your life; you are the one in control. It’s scary, but it’s real.

The 100% Accountable Mindset guides you in your search for the best ways to expand who you
are. Having defined your dreams in the previous activities, you will want to seek growth in areas
that will help you live this new vision of your life.

As you think about what career path you might choose and which college, technical school,
apprenticeship, or military service you may want to get into, think about some areas in your life
where you could grow.

Example: I think I want to be a pediatrician. I have worked with kids, but I’ve never had any
experience in a hospital. My area for growth will be gaining medical experience by finding an
internship in a doctor’s office or a hospital setting.

Area for Growth 1

Area for Growth 2

Area for Growth 3

“Your students will rise or fall to the level of expectations you set for them.”

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Life Plan

Life-Planning Exercise 4.4 – Action Steps for Growth

In order to live your dreams, you must grow and expand toward them. Now it’s time to determine
what you need to do to take yourself to a whole new level and become the person who can live your
dreams.

Identify the most critical skills or strengths you must develop in order to live your dreams. Put a plan
in place to start the process. What strengths and skills will be most critical for you? What can you
do to get to the next level in each of those skills?

Note: Some dreams will have more than one Next Level Activity associated with them.

Example: Public Speaking – Take a class on presentation and communication.

My Next Level Activities

Skill or Strength #1

Next Level Activity #1

Skill or Strength #2

Next Level Activity #2

Skill or Strength #3

Next Level Activity #3

“Your students will rise or fall to the level of expectations you set for them.”

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Life Plan

Life-Planning Exercise 5.1 – Treasure Yourself

It’s important to hold yourself in high esteem, recognize all that you are capable of, and know the
talents you need to share with the world. It’s okay (and necessary) to forgive yourself for past
transgressions, realize you are human, and value yourself for all the wonderful things you bring to
the world.
In this exercise, you will think about the things you have and how they will lead you to your ultimate
life and a fulfilling future.

= something you love about yourself

= something you’ve done that you’re proud of

= a friend/parent/ teacher who values you

= a hobby you love

= subject you love or exceed in

= an award you’ve gotten or would like to get

= best compliment you ever got

= favorite character trait

Draw a treasure map like the one below, filling in the shapes with positive things about

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you.

TREASURE YOURSELF TREASURE MAP

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My Treasure Map

“Your students will rise or fall to the level of expectations you set for them.”

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Life-Planning Exercise 5.2 – Being More Grateful

Focusing on all that you have to be grateful for is a daily routine that makes a big difference. It
focuses your energy on the positive and not the negative. If you constantly complain about or share
all the negative things going on in your life, then more of that seems to come to you. If you are
thankful for all the blessings, just for the food you are able to eat, the clothes on your back, whatever
it is, then more will come to you.

While it’s important to take time each day to write things down, it is equally important to recognize
good things as they are happening to you. When you can do both, gratitude will become a powerful
force in your life.

List as many things as possible that you’re grateful for. Include major items in your life, as well as
some smaller, less obvious ones.

Common Things to Be Grateful for:

Big Things Little Things Things I Take for Granted

My family I slept great last night. Meals every day
My friends It’s beautiful out today. Having all my limbs
My house My favorite pajamas The ability to see
My Gratitude List:
Big Things Little Things Things I Take for Granted

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Life-Planning Exercise 5.3 – My Thank You Notes

Doing something for someone else has the additional benefit of making you feel good, as well.
Showing appreciation for a friend or helping out a neighbor is another great way to focus energy on
the positive, not the negative side of things.

Simply saying “thank you” each day is powerful. One way to expand the power of gratitude is to
write someone a note. You can send it as an email or text, but a handwritten note is the most
powerful, since it is the most personal. There are many ways to write thank-you notes, but one very
effective and simple structure is this:

• Simply say “thank you” for whatever the person did for you.
• Explain why it was helpful or how you will benefit from it.
• Say something complimentary about the person.
• Express a wish to stay connected and perhaps help this person in the future.

Example:

Carla,
I want to thank you for your sincere, constructive feedback on my performance. It is not always easy
to hear, but I value your opinion, and know that it can help me learn and grow. I hope you’ll always
feel comfortable giving me your thoughts and perspectives on how I can be better.

Now it’s your turn. Think of a person who has been particularly helpful to you recently. Take out a
thank-you card or sheet of paper. Writing as neatly as you can, express your gratitude to that person,
following the structure above, if you’d like. As you do this, notice how it makes you feel. Then be
sure to deliver it. Take time to write more thank-you notes, emails, or texts over the coming days.
Constantly express gratitude to others, and you’ll begin to notice the wonderful things that doing so
will bring into your life!

“Your students will rise or fall to the level of expectations you set for them.”

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Life-Planning Exercise 5.4—Available Assets

Attitude is everything. Learning from others and from your own mistakes is a great way to live a
richer, fuller life. When you don’t get the job that you were hoping for at the coffeehouse, but do
get the one at the clothing store, focus on what you can learn and how you can grow.

Think about who you are and what is important to you. What have you learned in the last
seventeen years? What resources do you have available to you that can help you get what you
want? Dad’s business? Websites? Organizations that you or friends belong to? What assets do
you have in place that can help you?

List of available assets, such as people you know, friends, books, websites, connections, jobs,
organizations.

Asset 1:

Asset 2:

Asset 3:

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Life-Planning Exercise 6.1 – My Impact
It’s okay to put yourself out there, apply to your dream college, try for the position, set goals for
yourself, and follow through. It’s good to have big dreams.

The Live to Give Mindset is about using our talents and gifts to help others and the world. The best
gift you can ever give to the world is to be the best you that you can be. We have talked about you,
your dreams, and the wonderful things they can bring to your life. By living your dreams and
maximizing your potential, you will find that others will also benefit greatly from you living your best
possible life.

Consider the tremendous impact you can have simply by living your authentic dreams, and then
think of some things you can do to stretch or challenge yourself in some new way. Doing this will
increase your value, both to others and to yourself as you pursue your dreams. Below, list some
activities you can undertake to stretch yourself, and then describe the positive impact doing so might
have on others.

Stretch Yourself Activity Impact

Example: I will take a graphic design This will help me as I pursue my dream of owning my
class to help me become more well- own business. It will also give me some design skills I
rounded as a businessperson. can use to help friends and family with their own
businesses and projects.

Stretch Yourself Activity:

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

Impact:
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

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Life-Planning Exercise 6.2 – Pay it Forward

What do you care about? How do you spend your weekends? Are you at rock concerts? Work?
Home babysitting your little brother? How can the interactions you have with others impact them in
a meaningful way? How are you making a positive difference in the life of another person?

One of the most powerful things any of us can do is to start helping others. It is something we can
all begin doing today, and it is even more powerful if the cause is something important to us.

In this activity, you will identify and describe issues about which you are passionate. The list below
shows many social, political, medical, and environmental causes to which people dedicate their
time. Highlight those that you have strong feelings about, and use the empty cells to list others you
think of.

Once you have identified all the causes that interest you, select the three about which you are the
most passionate. Then, on the next page, describe why each of these three is so important to you.

Cerebral Palsy Global Warming Political Reform

Autism Adoption Cancer
Visual Impairments Animal Abuse/Welfare Dementia & Alzheimer’s
Learning Disabilities Corporate Monopolies Epilepsy
Unemployment Blood Banks Heart Disease
Natural Disasters Child Labor HIV/AIDS
Drug and Alcohol Abuse Child Abuse LGBTQ Rights
Tobacco Use Orphans Mental Illness
Education Reform Homelessness Organ Donation
Art/Music in Schools Human Trafficking Personal Health
Career Counseling Youth Empowerment Spiritual Health
Mentoring Parkinson’s Disease Support Groups
Environment Social Responsibility Housing/Shelter
Water Pollution Physical Disabilities Land/Property Development
Plastic Pollution Hearing Impairments Small Business Resources
The Rainforests Stem Cell Research Traffic Pollution
New Fuel/Energy Sources Health Insurance Urban Development
Local Business Support India Green Buildings
Foreign Aid Africa Public Transportation
Bullying Latin America Micro-Financing

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Civil Rights Central America Middle East
Immigration Poverty Gender Equality

List your top three causes below and explain why they are important to you.

Example: I do not believe anyone should ever go hungry when some of us can help. I will donate
my own food, money, and time to help fight hunger.

My Causes

My Cause 1

My Cause 2

My Cause 3

Note: If you want to take it to the next level, begin identifying organizations you can get involved
with that support your causes.

Note: Volunteermatch.org is a great resource to find various volunteer organizations with which
you can get involved and join a cause.

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Life-Planning Exercise 6.3 – I Am Worthy

It’s okay to get stuff. It’s okay to be happy. It doesn’t make you a bad person. Say “thank you.”
Appreciate all that you are given. Don’t limit yourself by not accepting gifts that come your way.

Part of learning to live your dreams is becoming part of the cycle of giving by receiving gracefully.
When you do, you enable those who want to give to experience the positive feelings that the act of
giving fosters. You also open yourself up to all of the new and wonderful gifts that life is waiting to
provide. Even so, this is one of the most difficult things for many people to do. Sometimes it’s
because they don’t feel worthy, or it may be simply that it makes them uncomfortable.

Think of times when you were offered something, and you refused it. Use the space below to
describe what happened and why you might have turned it down. What good might have come of
accepting? How might you have handled it differently, which could have continued the cycle of
giving? Understanding the power of not just giving, but also receiving, will prepare you for all that
living your dreams will be sending your way.

Example: I used to insist on picking up the bill when going out with friends to coffee or a meal,
often arguing with them if they tried to pay. I see now that my doing so prevented them from being
able to enjoy the same good feeling I got from treating them. Realizing this, I will now just try to
say “thank you” when a friend offers to pay.

Receiving Gracefully Situation 1

Receiving Gracefully Situation 2

Receiving Gracefully Situation 3

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Life-Planning Exercise 6.4 – Leaving a Legacy

What kind of legacy do you want to leave? This may sound strange when you’ve had fewer than
eighteen years on this earth, but I bet many of you have already thought about ways you could
impact the world. Think about how many people you’ve impacted so far. How can you continue to
do the best for yourself and for others?

Imagine it’s the future. Your family, friends, and colleagues are celebrating your 37th, 57th, or 77th
birthday, and they’re asked to describe the impact you’ve had on their lives. Your parents and
siblings speak. Your spouse and children are asked to speak. Some of your friends speak. What is
the story you want them to tell? In one or two sentences, express the story of your life as told by the
people you have impacted during your life.

Example: Friend – (Your Name Here) is one of the most giving people I have ever met. (Your
Name Here) cares so much for others and always does what is best for everyone else.

Parents

Siblings

Children

Friends

Other

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Life-Planning Exercise 7.1 – No Regrets

High school feels like a long series of moments in time. You can think back over the past three years
or so and come up with a million little tiny moments that will forever leave an imprint on who you
are. If you’ve experienced a loss, you’ve also experienced love, and those emotions are all part of
life. It’s not about avoiding the pain and the hurt that life brings; it’s about working through those
emotions. Embrace the moments as life experiences.
Sadly, most people die with regrets about their lives. This is often the result of living a life that was
not filled with passion and meaning. The Time Is Now Mindset reminds us that dreams only come
true when we take purposeful action. Success requires that we do small but significant things every
day to take steps on the path toward the lives of our dreams. This will ensure our lives are full and
we have no regrets.
Five of the most common regrets people express are written below. Begin to think about these now
and frequently throughout your life, and you will be able to take the steps necessary to avoid and
eliminate regret. In the spaces below, identify some actions you can begin taking to prevent these
kinds of regrets in your own life.
Five common regrets:
1. I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.
2. I wish I hadn’t worked so much.
3. I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings.
4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.
5. I wish I had let myself be happier.

Example: I will find work that I love and am passionate about. I will start planning for this today.
My work will be more than work; it will be part of my life’s purpose.
No Regrets Action 1

No Regrets Action 2

No Regrets Action 3

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Life-Planning Exercise 7.2 – My Zone Bank

There are moments when you don’t feel like yourself, you are acting from a bad place and you may
not like how you’re feeling. It’s important to feel those emotions but figure out a way to get into a
better mindset. It’s hard but important to always think before you act.

Just like world-class athletes, legendary actors, and the most powerful political figures in the world,
we all can live and perform at an optimal level. When we feel our best, we do our best, and that’s
what being “in the zone” is all about.

Your “Zone Bank” consists of tools and mental devices you can tap into for an infusion of motivation,
enthusiasm, and power. For some individuals, this could be a few moments to meditate. For others,
it might mean blasting their favorite high-energy song. Look at the pictures below and circle some
of the things that you enjoy and help you get in the zone.

MY ZONE BANK

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Life-Planning Exercise 7.3 – Taking Action

You are being vulnerable when you do something like ask a girl to go to prom or apply for a job.
Many people don’t love this state, but it’s one of the strongest of human traits. What are some ways
you have been vulnerable? Do you think there will be more in the future? Enjoy those moments.
You’re taking a risk, and some of your greatest moments in life will come when you’re being
vulnerable.

To create the life you’ve always wanted and dreamed of, you must put yourself out there and accept
being vulnerable to grow. This will mean learning to attack your fears, taking risks, expressing your
emotions, and doing things that may make you uncomfortable. No, this isn’t easy. But it’s vital to
push against the mental boundaries we all set for ourselves, because opportunity lies on the other
side of vulnerability.

Think of three things you can do to put yourself out there. They may be a little scary, but they will
help you on your path to accomplishing your goals and dreams for the future. Think about finding
a job, writing the college essay, retaking the ACT. What are three things you can do in the next
month of two that may be a little scary but necessary to accomplishing your dreams for the future.

Scary Action Step 1:

Scary Action Step 2:

Scary Action Step 3:

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Life-Planning Exercise 7.4 – My Five-Year Action Plan

It’s time to create an action plan with SMART goals. These are Specific, Measurable, Achievable,
Relevant, and Timely. Think back over what you want to accomplish in the next five years. Do you
want to go to college? Technical school? Join the military? Take a year off? Work a full-time or part-
time job? Live at home or move somewhere else?

Think back over the five possible career paths you were interested in. Look over your
strengths/smarts/gifts/talents. Think about getting yourself ready to interview and what you have to
bring to a potential employer.

S (Specific) What do you want to accomplish?

M (Measurable) How will you know when you have accomplished your goal?

A (Achievable) How can the goal be accomplished?

R (Relevant) Is the goal worth working hard to accomplish? Explain.

T (Timely) When will the goal be accomplished?

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Aim: To Do:

After graduation, I will go to___________________(college, tech

school, job, mentorship, military—be specific—list out which
schools/jobs/military you are applying to) to get training
in_________________(career interest).

I will spend ____years there and get my ____

degree/training/experience.
Do I have the grades/skills/abilities to achieve this goal?
yes/no
Who can help me?

Is this goal attainable? How do I know?

_______________________________________________________
_.

Is this goal consistent with other goals you have for your life? yes/no
Does it fit with your immediate and long-term goals? yes/no

I will complete this by___/___/___.

“Your students will rise or fall to the level of expectations you set for them.”

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