# data[].attributes.body
I will actively put myself out into the working world to meet people who are motivated to make a difference in young children. By doing this, I will afford myself the opportunity to be surrounded by like-minded individuals. This will also give me the opportunity to change the lives of children and families through counseling while collaborating with peers. “People with amazing social skills, who are able to light up a room wherever they go, or can soothe the distress of others with mastery, diffusing tense situations with aplomb” (D’Souza p. 173, 2011). I will allow these mentors into my life with the goal of day being the light to someone else starting a career in social work.

# data[].attributes.body
“In order to bring out the best in yourself, you have to be able to recognize what your special gifts and talents are” “D’Souza p. 174, 2011). I will try my hardest to understand my talents. What I can bring into the counseling field is kindness, active listening, and good communication skills. By studying and surrounding myself with other individuals in social work, I can get better at my talents for my future clients.

# data[].attributes.body
Building you my self-esteem will start with being kind to myself. My strengths are being kind to others, but I will no longer struggle with being kind to myself. “Put more energy into noticing the things that are good about you than into noticing what you consider to be faults” (D’Souza p. 176, 2011). I will do this by practicing daily affirmations and positive self-talk. Daily affirmations can also be beneficial for my future clients.

# data[].attributes.body
Planning my life is essential to my goals. Within in the next 5 years, I will make sure I graduate with my bachelors degree and I seek out masters programs. Aside from my educational and career goals, within the next 5 years, I want to continue being the best mom that I can be and I want to travel as much as possible with my little family. “Charting your life is similar to developing a business plan that is based on your visions, values, and goals” (D’Souza p.178, 2011). I will do just that!

# data[].attributes.body
Creating my own opportunities will begin with me prioritizing growth and a positive mindset. It will also begin with me seeking mentors and networking. “The saying, ‘It’s not what you know, but who you know,’ really applies when it comes to creating opportunities for yourself” (D’Souza p. 179, 2011). Along with seeking mentors, I will continue to further my knowledge by staying up to date on case studies done on children and the brain or family life as this directly applies to my career.

# data[].attributes.body
In order to get to my goals, I will actively plan out my goals and invest in them. “Planning helps you to re-evaluate and stay up-to-date on the right choices, and to keep your dreams and your vision aligned with your life as it changes and as you change with it” (D’Souza p. 180, 2011). I will also use treatment planning and sequencing in my future career as a child therapist. I can start investing in my goals now to set the pace of planning and investing in my future clients.

# data[].attributes.body
It can be scary to feel loss. “This is because our brains are constructed to make us fight to avoid small loses while making us hesitate to get what we want” (D’Souza p.181, 2011). This is true for me, as I find myself nervous to make a mistake as it directly affects my family now. However, moving forward, I will stay focused on my career goals through motivation. Instead of focusing on failure, I can rework the narrative. I will use my family as motivation.

# data[].attributes.body
In my future career, I will seek out friends in my work environment. I know first-hand how much having an ally and a friend can help, specifically in a work environment that is not always so happy. I have an outgoing personality and I will this to my advantage.

# data[].attributes.body
D’Souza, G. (2011). EQ from the Inside out: Breakthrough tools & ideas for living a fulfilling life. Six Seconds.