*Steps onto the stage, and throws cape back in an amazingly dramatic James Brown-esque style**hollers* WHOOO!!! REPRESENTING THE UNITED KINGDOM, WHUT!!*Taps mic*Uh…guys? I don’t think this is working.1. What is so great about your life?*Speaks into correct mic* Heh. Nah, don’t worry, I got it.My life is amazing, because it’s the life I wanted – not a path set out for anyone else, or set out by anyone else. It’s the way that me and my God agreed on. I’m currently at the university I wanted to go to and I’m excited about the future I have. I know a lot of people who are horrified at the prospect of ‘the future’ and I want ask them, “Why are you so scared of the inevitable?” I’m relatively prepared for whatever life throws my way, so I’m not at all shaken by the idea of leaving university. I want to be there already, living the life I’ve planned! I can smile at least once every day because I’m so upbeat at the prospect of what I have to do that day *shakes her pom-poms in the air*2. What were your original goals when you set out to create your “dream” life?When it came to my education, initially, I aimed incredibly high – I wanted to be the trailblazer people had always told me I was meant to be; going to an incredibly well known English university, doing a particularly notorious challenging course, and being the best in that career field. But then I realised what I was aiming for was different from what I actually wanted: I wanted to go to Lancaster University (Lancaster, UK, not Pennsylvania!) so much – I knew it would be an amazing springboard for my future, and I just felt called to there. I know that sounds a bit out there, but when I went for the Open Day, I was determined to get there.My main objective in life was to be content with what I have. It may not seem like a massive thing, but for me, it was incredibly important. I’ve got Aunties and Uncles, and other relatives who have the cars, houses and shoes they’ve always wanted – but they’re still not happy. I want to be happy, which is the most important thing for me.Sometimes, when it comes to making me happy, all I need is a cupcake. I’m simple, really.3. How long did it for your dream to become a reality?I’m extremely impatient, so I wasn’t at all prepared to wait around. I got down to researching what I needed to get into my dream university, and when it didn’t look like I was going to get the grades (I didn’t -__-) I found a way around it – taking a summer program that introduced me to my course, to my university. My dream is still a work in progress, but I’m excited, because I can see it working out – like when I knit something, or start writing. At the beginning, it doesn’t look like much, but when you realise you only have a few more paragraphs, or rows to go until you get there, you get so excited. Well, maybe you don’t, but I sure as heck do! I have another year of university (I guess you guys call it college?) to go, and then I’ll do my teaching postgraduate. I’m still collecting work (and life!) experience as I go. The greatest thing is that I love every second of it.Sometimes I know I’m infuriating for being this happy/smug, but I can’t help myself! I’m so thrilled! My life is AWESOMESAUCE!4. What are some of the steps you took in accomplishing your goals?I think the first step I took was going natural – and in effect, giving two fingers up to everyone who has or attempted to control my life. I’m too hardcore for them to live vicariously through me.Working towards my goals has involved a lot of self-reflection and thus, a lot of cutting down. Like, why exactly am I so intent on owning that particular pair of shoes? What will it add to my life?I still look and lust after the shoes.But they stay in the window…sometimes!Doing this makes me really appreciate the stuff I do have, both tangible and intangible.Another thing I did was to invest in myself – like doing more exercise, and eating more fruit and vegetables. I still whip up a batch of cookies when I feel the need (almost every weekend) because I don’t believe in denying yourself anything – but I’ve realised that when I’m at my best, I do my best *strikes a Telemercial ad pose* It’s a cheesy slogan, but it’s true – when I’m drowsy from lack of sleep, or because I’m crashing after an incredible sugar high, I’m the grumpiest, laziest, stingiest person in the world!5. What is your biggest advice for those still working towards their dreams?When you’re doing something to help you achieve your goals, make sure it’s what you really want to do and justify the pros and the cons. So, let’s say you have a job. Because you need money. But it pays such a pittance, that you’ll be 92 before you can afford whatever it is what you want. Your boss has sold their soul to the devil and is trying to collect yours too. Your very soul is being eradicated, and your school work is suffering.It seems not even a chocolate fudge gateau could help you now.You have to look at the advantages of every situation against the disadvantages. If the stress from a part-time job is going to make you fail your school grades, maybe it’s not worth it and you need to walk away.Or maybe on the flip side, the stress from your job is going to be nothing in comparison to the relief you’ll get from having less debt after university/college.Don’t get broken before you realise what’s truly important to you.Write down what you want to do! Whether it’s an imaginary list of future goals, or what you’re going to eat for breakfast that morning – putting it down on paper makes it real. It’s like making a contract with yourself! *Gives you a stern look T_T* You are now morally obliged to keep this promise….to yourself! Stick it up somewhere so that you’re constantly reminded of it everyday. And give yourself achievable milestones (so you can celebrate with a cake every time you reach one! Yaaay for cake!). That way, as you tick them off, you can see yourself working towards your goal.Don’t stop believiiiiiiiiing…..! *breaks into a Glee routine and then looks at you with a straight face* But for realsies. Occasionally, something will happen, and it looks like whatever you’re aiming for is going to be delayed, or take a heck of a lot longer, or you’ll have to go through some other route, or people are throwing their fire onto the flames of doubt. You will have to be extremely self-determined, and have incredible faith in whatever you want to do. I’ve had my closed loved ones criticising my appearance, my hair, my career choice, my love life – but I have so much faith in all of my choices in the above, that I don’t even care.Surround yourself with positivity, and limit your interactions with with people who want to bring down your dreams. I don’t mean abandoning your BFF if she ever mentions that, no, she doesn’t really fancy Taylor Lautner, and actually, he might be slightly over-rated and isn’t he a bit young for your future husband to be? [Surely in this day and age one can voice one’s opinion without being excommunicated?!] There are people who aren’t really helpful in your journey, and if you want to keep them in your life, fine. But try and balance them out with people who’ll give you firm support and advice on you want to do. This will be SO helpful when something crap has just happened and you need someone to talk to (don’t abuse them however – a small gift will probably be gladly received after 2 weeks of you talking their ears off…)Discipline yourself. I don’t mean when you’re bad, go sit in the corner *Snickers* I mean if you’re really determined to do something, you can’t wait for it to fall easily into your lap. *Boot camp coach voice* You’re going to have to work – and work hard! But at the same time, start off slow. If learning a language is what you’ve always wanted to do, then set aside at least an hour every week to just learning. If you want to do something like a marathon, then start off working. If you need to study, focus on one topic for a set amount of time but dedicated the same amount of time to everything. You see what I mean? Throwing yourself intensely into anything will just burn you out really quickly without having reach the core of the matter…Like throwing cake mix into a ridiculously hot oven…*******Isn't she a character??? Much thanks to "A Simple Thing" for both her wisdom (and wit!) in living the life she's always dreamed of. If you're a successful woman (however you define it) and are living the life of your dreams, answer the above questions and send in your picture to Courtney [at] thinkandgrowchick [dot] com.