BookView Review

Welcome to BookView Interview, a conversation series where BookView talks to authors.

Recently, we talked to Nakeya T Fields, a licensed social worker and mental health coach, about her writing and recently released book, Manifest It! Action Planner, an invaluable asset for anyone seeking to turn their aspirations into achievements while maintaining balance and drive on their journey to success. (Read the review here).

What was your inspiration behind writing the Manifest It! Action Planner?

My inspiration behind writing the Manifest It! Action Planner came from my own journey of personal and professional goal setting as well as my hopes for helping more people understand the importance of routine building in their planning for success. I realized that while many people have dreams and aspirations, including hopes for their wellness/health, they often struggle with turning those dreams into reality. As a psychotherapist, I have found that most true change and goal achievements occur during the time spent outside of the therapy room. When someone is ready to change habits and patterns, they must take the action steps to modify those habits and patterns in their everyday rituals so that they can foster greatness in themselves with the power of self-awareness.

I wanted to create a practical tool that would not only help people clarify their goals but also provide them with actionable steps to achieve them. The tool, originally envisioned to be used by psychotherapists and their clients in the treatment planning process, expanded to be a written collaborative partner in self-awareness and accountability for anyone interested in taking better care of themselves and improving their capacity to build their lifestyle of choice. By combining the principles of manifestation with structured planning, I aimed to empower individuals to take control of their lives and manifest their desires effectively. This planner is designed to be a bridge between intention and action, helping users to stay focused, motivated, and organized on their path to success. Bonus points for me also as an advocate for fellow mental health professionals is that the planner simulates a real treatment planning process that is utilized in healthcare settings. Psychotherapists may use this tool in a therapeutic space alongside their clients in setting/meeting treatment goals and tracking progress/regression in 26-week/6-month increments.

If you could tell everyone picking up the Manifest It! Action Planner one thing before they dive in, what would it be?

If I could tell everyone picking up the Manifest It! Action Planner one thing before they dive in, it would be to fully embrace the journey and trust the process of self-belief. This planner is more than just a tool for organizing tasks; it’s a guide to transforming your mindset and habits and includes adding your physical and spiritual health into the considerations. Be patient with yourself, stay consistent, and remember that every small step forward is progress. Believe in your ability to create the life you envision, and use this planner as your companion to manifest your dreams into reality. Use it in partnership with a therapist, life coach, or accountability partner; but remember, it IS about you. It always was and it always will be. It’s your life. Go get the life you want. It’s already yours. Remove barriers and add supports, as appropriate. Go get it!

Have you learned anything about yourself throughout the process of putting together this project?

Absolutely, I have learned a great deal about myself throughout the process of putting together the Manifest It! Action Planner. One of the most significant lessons has been the importance of resilience and adaptability. Creating this planner was a journey filled with challenges and unexpected hurdles, but each obstacle taught me to stay focused and adaptable. It also helped me fine-tune The Brain Well-Being Model, which is a model of psychotherapeutic treatment that I have developed to empower clients suffering with depression and anxiety with strategies that focus on connection to self and others as a modality of care. It has motivated me and given me confidence to approach how this model can be implemented not just in the therapy but also in schools, churches, and the community because it doesn’t come from a place of “something is wrong with me”. Moreso, “I am powerful and I can change what is not working for me”.

I’ve also discovered a deeper sense of purpose in helping others achieve their goals and manifest their dreams and now there is a physical support to reference as I continue to guide clients and organizations into achieving their goals. This project has reinforced my belief in the power of structured planning and positive thinking, and it has been incredibly fulfilling to see the positive impact it can have on others’ lives and the mental health field in general.

How has your background in health wellness fed into the development of the Manifest It! Action Planner?

My background in health and wellness has deeply influenced the development of the Manifest It! Action Planner. In the wellness industry, I have learned the importance of holistic approaches to well-being, which include not only physical health but also mental, emotional, and spiritual health. This understanding guided me to design a planner that encourages a balanced approach to goal-setting and manifestation. Also as a play therapist, I lead my organizations with the idea in mind that Play is being joyful in the present moment. If we can use a planner to help us recognize what supports joy, we can gain increased personal power. The planner incorporates techniques for stress management, mindfulness, and self-care, recognizing that true success comes from nurturing all aspects of oneself; including our joy. By integrating wellness principles, the Manifest It! Action Planner helps users build habits that support their overall well-being, ensuring that their journey towards achieving their goals is sustainable and fulfilling.

Who (or what) are your writing inspirations?

My writing inspiration lies in my love of getting things done. Nothing is more powerful than the written word to make things happen. Once you think of an idea, if you write it down it becomes a plan or a goal and that concept felt very powerful to me. I was inspired to write the Manifest It! Action Planner because I was always verbally giving recommendations about routine building thought journaling to my clients because of the positive therapeutic properties of pausing to explore the thoughts going around in our head. Putting my thoughts down in writing and using those ideas as a tool for others to feel better has been an honor.

What’s next for you?

What’s next for me is an exciting new chapter—I’m planning an Art & Wellness retreat in Bali. This retreat will be a unique opportunity to bring together individuals who are passionate about personal growth, health, and well-being in a serene and inspiring environment. The retreat will combine elements of mindfulness, yoga, and holistic health practices, providing participants with a transformative experience that nurtures their mind, body, and spirit. The Manifest It! Action Planner will be utilized during the retreat but in the place of calm and zen! I’m so excited. Our first retreat will be in April 2025. Perhaps there will be more resources and tools to come beyond the retreat. I will follow the call of what seems to work best in my work with people who are suffering.

I’m thrilled to create a space where people can disconnect from their daily routines, reconnect with themselves, and gain clarity on their goals and aspirations. This retreat in Bali will be a perfect extension of the principles in the Manifest It! Action Planner, offering hands-on guidance and immersive experiences to help participants manifest their dreams and enhance their overall well-being.

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