The Continue The Growth - Part I program is designed to provide an ongoing opportunity to practice those things that all graduates experienced when they took the Dale Carnegie Courses®. We all know that practice is essential to growth and improvement in these important skills.

The program is set up in twelve steps, which can be conveniently utilized in a monthly rate if that is a choice. It is not intended to limit utilization, but just the opposite, to encourage regular attention to these skills.

Steps need not be completed in order and you may work on several steps at a time. Use this program to teach yourself discipline to continue toward your personal goals.

This program is just as applicable to members at large as it to established chapters of graduates who meet together to practice what they have learned.

Continue The Growth is what you want. It is up to you to not let yourself down by procrastinating. We can provide materials and we can provide encouragement, but participation is up to you.

Feel free to use additional paper as necessary to describe your action plan and report. Send your completed steps to Carnegian Headquarters to record completion.. At completion of all steps recognition is given.

* Appreciation is due Mr. Dale Bricker, Past International President of The Carnegians, and a Dale Carnegie Instructor for the development of this part of our program.

Carnegians Headquarters
The Carnegians, Inc.
Executive Director David Doetzel
#2 Muir
Eureka, MO 63025

Step I

Theme:

Set Goals - What is Your Vision?

Importance:

Most people spend more time planning their vacation than they do in setting goals in their life. By being goal oriented, you can become more effective and get things done. What would you like to accomplish right now, this year and in the next five years: Why are these goals important to you? How do you plan to achieve them? You can do it, just sit down and work out your game plan for success.

Assignment:

Select three goals, one of which you want to accomplish this month, one you want to do this year and finally a long range goal-something to be completed within the next five years. Tell us why these goals are important and your step-by-step plan for reaching these goals.

My Report

Name:

Address:

Step II

Theme:

Reach Out to Others

Importance:

You can make a difference--become a center of influence. Make a conscious effort this month to take the initiative in getting to know others better. Through attitude control, you can be positive, count your blessings and look for the silver lining in every situation. By doing this you will become a friendlier person and have a positive impact upon others.

Assignment:

1.) Take the initiative to meet five people this month. Learn their names, become a part of their lives by being genuinely interested in them; or

2.) Concentrate on developing a positive attitude, smile, avoid criticizing others. Tell us what happens.

My Report

Name:

Address:

Step III

Theme:

Influence Others

Importance:

Expand your center of influence. Concentrate this month on influencing others at work and in the community. By doing this you will sharpen your leadership skills and make things happen.

Assignment:

1.) Make at least one suggestion at your job, church, or service organization that will improve morale or result in increased participation by others. For example, develop a program to recognize the employee or member of the month.

2.) Do something in your community to promote good human relations, i.e., distribute smile buttons or urge an organization to present a Citizen of the Year award.

My Report

Name:

Address:

Step IV

Theme:

Be a Leader

Importance:

Dwight Eisenhower once said, "A leader is a person who has earned the right to have followers." You can earn the right to have followers, to fine tune your leadership skills by concentrating this month on being a leader--by working on getting cooperation and changing attitudes by thinking of the other person as well as yourself, by creating a situation where the other person will want to follow your suggestions--an everyone wins situation.

Assignment:

Think of someone with whom you would like increased cooperation or whose attitude you would like to change. Concentrate and work this month on getting that cooperation or changing that attitude. Create a situation where the other person will want to do what your suggest. Tell us what happens.

My Report

Name:

Address:

Step V

Theme:

Analyze the Problem

Importance:

Many of us waste a great deal of time in dealing with stressful situations, because we fail to analyze the problem. By learning to pinpoint what's bothering you, by objectively gathering the facts and then reaching a decision you can deal with the problem quickly and effectively. Instead of letting worry overcome you, you can stay in control--be the master of your ship.

Assignment:

Think right now of something that is bothering you, write out what the problem is in ten or less words and then list what you can do about it. Determine what course of action you will take to deal with the situation.

My Report

Name:

Address:

Step VI

Theme:

Count Your Blessings

Importance:

The next time you start to become discouraged, the day everything seems to go wrong, remember there are thousands of people in worse circumstances. A man once complained of having to walk with a limp until he saw someone with no legs. A friend of mine used to go to a hospital and visit some of the patients. He would leave feeling like a million dollars, because he realized how fortunate he was to have good health. In any situation, there is always a silver lining. So let's count our blessings and resolve to make the most of each day.

Assignment:

During this month let's count our blessings--be conscious of what life has to offer. Keep a record of situations where, as a result of a positive attitude, you were able to deal effectively with stress, to face life with a new sense of energy. Tell us what happens.

My Report

Name:

Address:

Step VII

Theme:

How I Control Worry

Importance:

Circumstances don't create worry or tension, it's how we react to circumstances that determine whether or not we worry. If we can create a game plan for dealing with stress and worry--something that works for us most of the time, we will be able to control our reactions. For example, one person set aside a certain time each day for worry (15 minutes)--he only permitted himself to worry during that time. Another person got involved in physical activity as a means for releasing tension. Another person found out that keeping busy helped him cope with the death of his wife. What works for you?

Assignment:

Think of a situation which is presently causing tension in your life. How are you dealing with it? Will that approach be helpful in other situations? Share your experience with us.

My Report

Name:

Address:

Step VIII

Theme:

Evaluate Your Progress

Importance:

If you were traveling a long distance by automobile, you would probably have a road map handy and periodically check to make sure you were on the right road. Likewise, once you set a goal, you need to make sure you are still on target and to determine whether any change in course should be made. Back in January you set a couple of goals--something you wanted to accomplish this year and within the next five years. Let's stop to see how you are doing.

Assignment:

Re-examine your goals, determine whether any changes need to be made, what progress you have made so far and what needs to be done.

My Report

Name:

Address:

Step IX

Theme:

Be Enthusiastic

Importance:

Being enthusiastic helps us avoid procrastination, to approach tasks and projects with greater intensity. A person with true enthusiasm is more apt to succeed in reaching his or her goal than one who is not. Think of the people you know who are enthusiastic. Wouldn't you like to live with greater enthusiasm?

Assignment:

Think of something you would like to do with enthusiasm this month, perhaps some project you have been putting off. Now make a commitment to complete that project by the end of this month. Give us a report on what happens.

My Report

Name:

Address:

Step X

Theme:

Getting Things Done

Importance:

Whether you stay in the ranks or not may depend on how well you are organized. A well organized person seems to get everything done on time--a person who is in control of his or her time. You can be like that by learning to organize your time.

Assignment:

Make a list of all the things you have been intending to do. Now put them in three different categories--A, B, and C. In A, put all the tasks that have to be done. In B, put those things that should be done, but don't have to be done now. In C, put those things that can be put off. Now list the items in the A group in the order of their importance and concentrate on getting as many of these done as possible. Give us a report on what you are able to accomplish, whether you feel that you are now able to get more things done and are now in control of your time.

My Report

Name:

Address:

Step XI

Theme:

Let's Communicate

Importance:

We communicate with others every day, but are we effective? Improving our communication skills will enable us to be more effective on the job and have greater influence with others.

Assignment:

1.) Give a talk (at least fifteen minutes) before some church or service group; or

- 2) Make a presentation on some technical aspect of your job or hobby.

My Report

Name:

Address:

Step XII

Theme:

Show Appreciation

Importance:

True appreciation is something we all treasure. Think of the time someone gave you a pat on the back. It may have been a turning point in your life. By showing honest, sincere appreciation you can have a lasting impact on others.

Assignment:

During this month write five letters of appreciation, such as a note to a loved one, an old friend, the secretary that works so hard. It will mean a lot to that individual. Tell us what reaction you get.

My Report

Name:

Address: