SMJ MAGAZINE
YOUNG AUTHOR FINDS THE CORE TO ACHIEVING GOALS By Caroline Dinnall
comprises seven major components on setting and meeting life goals. In April of this year, McKenzie released The CORE 7 as a virtual soft launch online. Looking back on that constructive criticism, he says, “As a creator, whenever someone speaks down to what you create, it’s very discouraging. Nonetheless, because I am not creating for myself, the opinions of others [with regard to my work] matter because they are the people receiving my creation.” Three additional sections were added for the printed version of the e-book. On October 12, The CORE 7 had its official release. Long-time friend and business partner Lance Constantine was astounded by the overall public support and seeing McKenzie’s initial vision manifest into greatness. “It was phenomenal! As a friend I was proud to see his work came alive, as a mentor I was proud to see his vision come to pass, and as a business partner was I proud to see the system he implemented.” McKenzie commented on the criticism that the 40-page, soft cover book(let) was too short. “The objective wasn’t to write a two hundred-page book. I wanted it to be condensed like a two hour lesson.” Since the release, McKenzie recently partnered with the Black Students’ Association’s high school mentoring program at York University to teach on establishing identity and pursuing dreams. The CORE 7 is the first project under his self-owned business, Dreaming Realities. “When I came up with this name I was facing a time where I was striving to stay true to myself.”
Storing the experiences of a rocky past and refining it into key steps to achieving life goals, Michel McKenzie is dedicated to his gifts of writing, mentoring and leading a generation to greatness. Born and raised in Toronto, and after transitioning from Centennial College, Michel McKenzie decided it was time to use his passion for writing as a way to share his life experiences with the public. McKenzie’s initial vision was to release an online e-book entitled “Aim and Fire,” an idea based on his own life goals. With all of the confidence in the world, he presented a draft to an editor.
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When plans and strategy turn dreams into realities – the slogan of Dreaming Realities is his daily reminder that working hard on his vision full time will bear good fruit for the future of his brand. McKenzie is amazed at the transformation of his life compared to five years ago. With a lack of resources, no support team, and countless other obstacles, he did not imagine that he would become a significant, positive and influential voice in the community.
“All I remember her saying is that my idea sucked, but one thing that she liked was these seven important factors I included.”
“Don’t look at adversity as a sign that it is not for you, but as a sign that you are going in the right direction. Adversity strengthens you to push past failure, and evolve.”
It wasn’t until McKenzie took the time to elaborate on this feedback that he realized how big his vision for writing a book had become.
To get your copy of The CORE 7, visit www.facebook.com/ dreamingrealities, or order on Google books.
After two years of many sleepless nights and countless setbacks, he finished The CORE 7: Building and Mastering Your Best You. The book
Twitter: michelmckenzie Facebook: michelmckenzie
HOLIDAY/WINTER 2016IMAGE