The Belly Dance Chronicles October/November/December 2016 Volume 14, Issue 4 | Page 58

record as goals become a ​reality .
A written goal puts an abstract wish or desire into action . Instead of just wishing for something , we ​get specific​ . ​ In addition , effective written goals have​measurable outcomes and a timeline for completion . Having ​an end date helps ​us ​ stay on track .
Posting a written goal serves as a motivator . The visual is a constant reminder of what we​want to achieve . Without the reminder , it is easy to forget or ignore the goals , especially if they require hard work . As ​we​ grow​ ​and change , ​ our​ goals may also change . Looking back on ​our​ written goals helps ​ us​see how far ​we​ ha​ve​ come and decide how to proceed going forward .
We can apply goal setting to many areas within our lives . Each area will have a different focus and plan . ​
A personal plan is an area where ​we can ​choose to achieve one or more personal or professional goals . ​When we ​ write​ down ​an ​action plan , ​ it makes ​it ​easier​ to follow ​ a​series of steps that it takes for these plans to come into fruition . Personal action plans are also called personal goal plans or life plans .
​How are you supposed to achieve your dreams and visions if you don ’ t clearly spell out the end output you desire ?
Our goals are a representation of our inner desires ; desires which motivate us in life . Having goals makes us accountable . Rather than just talking about what we want all the time and not doing anything about them , we are now obligated to take action .
As I am writing this article I realize the school systems have used this system forever ; it is called a syllabus . I have been teaching at Long Beach City College for over 10 years . Every semester I hand out the syllabus to the new class . We read it together and clarify what is expected of them by the end of the semester .
We actually have the official wording : “ Student Learning Outcomes and Objectives ”
I will share these with you : STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES and OBJECTIVES
A . Get a basic understanding how Middle Eastern
Dance differs from other genres of dance . B . Demonstrate proper body alignment . C . Demonstrate improved flexibility , strength , coordination , and rhythmic ability . D . Develop a movement vocabulary based on
Middle Eastern Dance style .
E . To strengthen the body in various ways so that it is possible to effectively perform dance created in this style . F . Learn basic Arabic rhythms . G . Learn basic finger cymbal patterns . H . Learn basic veil technique . I . Apply performance skills including stage presence , confidence and interpretation .
How many of us have actually written our dance goals ? Yes , we might be thinking about them , but actually write them out and update them as time passes .
It is never too late to start now !!! Let ’ s DO IT !!!!
This accountability is accountability to yourself alone and no one else . This makes you stretch beyond your normal mode of operation and reach higher .
Personal action plans​can​​start with 3 elements : 1 ) A list of the specific steps to be taken to achieve our goals . 2 ) ​The time factor we use to motivate ourselves to achieve the goal on or before a certain date . 3 ) ​A list of the resources available to help us realize our goals .
FAHTIEM
Fahtiem is an award-winning choreographer , master instructor , and international performer , highly renowned in the dance world for her musical style and elegance . Her philosophy : “ There are no magic steps that will make you a great dancer ; there is only the magic you put in each and every step ,” is pervasive in her teaching style .
58 The Belly Dance Chronicles � October 2016