FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Youth mentor, nonprofit fundraiser Taayoo A. Murray releasing
new book to help teenagers, young adults maximize their strengths
NEW YORK CITY – Troubled by the lack of drive she has seen in teenagers and young adults, Taayoo A. Murray is setting out to teach the next generation the benefits of goal-setting, a skill that she strongly believes is necessary for a successful future. Her new book, “Making Me Happen,” blends Murray’s personal experience as a mother and her professional career as an educator and major nonprofit fundraiser to create an easy-to-use goal-setting guide.
Releasing on April 25, 2017, “Making Me Happen” is more than just a theory; it incorporates real practices and methods Murray has used successfully with her own children. Murray had a “eureka moment” when teaching her sons how to set their own goals, leading them to develop a sense of self motivation, integrity, work ethic and discipline.
“I was amazed by what their little minds wanted to achieve and secondly, given the opportunity, they knew how to get it done,” Murray said of working with her children.
“Making Me Happen” is a fantastic resource for parents, educators, and anyone looking for a system for success. Murray emphasizes the importance of developing healthy goal habits.
“I sincerely believe that when youth master the ability to set goals and it becomes a habit, they can take control of the direction of their lives,” Murray said.
“Making Me Happen” is an interactive workbook that leads teenagers and young adults through a personal SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis for goal creation, giving them tools they need to succeed.
Born and raised in Jamaica, Taayoo A. Murray is an innovative youth coach, mentor and public speaker in Brooklyn, New York. She has successfully worked with at-risk youth to create and implement programs that redefined and changed the trajectory of their lives. Murray served as educational director at Children of the Future and a corporate trainer at Mana Group in New York. “Making Me Happen” is her first book.
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About the Book
Making Me Happen
Taayoo A. Murray • April 25, 2017
$19.99 (paperback)
Self-Help
Q&A with Taayoo A. Murray
How did your work with nonprofits influence “Making Me Happen?”
In an effort to meet targets, I was trained to set daily and weekly goals. This systematic approach to achieving preset targets influenced how I operated in other areas of my life. I quickly saw this newfound skillset/habit revolutionizing my entire life. I modified the system and applied it to parenting my sons. “Making Me Happen” was born from that.
What is the biggest setback to success you see with teens and young adults?
The absence of goals in their lives. Teens and adults need goals, no matter what they may be, to keep them focused and prevent aimless meandering throughout life. Absence of goals gives them nothing to look forward to and works toward, so they attach themselves to anything that comes along and is convenient at the time.
How did you develop the eight steps to success?
I am a kinesthetic learner; I learn by doing. I teach the same way and always try to find the easiest and most interactive methods to impart information. So, the 8 steps are “Hey Billy Bob What Would Donkey Kong Think – HBBWWDKT.” This stands for:
- Have an A+ attitude
- Be on time
- Be prepared
- Work your full 8 hours
- Work your plan
- Don’t lose your attitude
- Know why you’re here
- Take control
What goal-setting exercises have you used with your own children?
The most effective goal setting exercise I use with my children is their goal boards. Every week they set three goals that they write on their goal boards. I don’t influence these goals, they set them, so they own them. They must however be S-M-A-C-able (Specific, Measurable, Attainable yet Challenging). They then have to articulate to me how they’re going to achieve these goals, detailing specific activities. I then follow up, remind and encourage them.
What would you recommend to parents who are trying to inspire their teenagers to achieve their dreams?
Don’t get overly concerned about what your teens’ dreams and aspirations are (unless they pose imminent harm to themselves or others). Be grateful they have dreams! Focus more on helping them develop the habit of consistently working toward achieving something. This is an invaluable skill and character trait that will transfer into other areas of their lives.
What are some common mistakes parents make when trying to teach their kids about setting goals?
The biggest mistake often made is trying to set goals for our children or trying to make our goals theirs.
How do you think “Making Me Happen” could be incorporated into a classroom?
The “Making Me Happen” program can be incorporated into the classroom as a character
A former award-winning journalist with national exposure, Marissa now oversees the day-to-day operation of the Books Forward author branding and book marketing firm, along with our indie publishing support sister company Books Fluent.
Born and bred in Louisiana, currently living in New Orleans, she has lived and developed a strong base for our company and authors in Chicago and Nashville. Her journalism work has appeared in USA Today, National Geographic and other major publications. She is now interviewed by media on best practices for book marketing.
