I believe in dreams.
And here’s what I believe about them: They’re all about the DOING more than just the DREAMING.
So, if you have a big, unaccomplished dream, what has stopped you from making it come true?
Let’s decide to decide – from now on — that achieving your dream is a) not only possible but b) inevitable. All you have to do is start taking some steps today – and NOT GIVE UP.
Seriously! Let’s think that way… What could you start doing to make it so? Here are nine simple steps.
- Dream big. REALLY BIG! Daydream without judgment, write in your journal, pray, meditate, let your mind wander on long walks… whatever works for you, for as long as it takes… At this stage, there are no limitations. Just dream.
- Get real. I don’t mean you should lower your aspirations. I mean you need to take the critical step of turning formless fantasies into real-world goals and aspirations that are true to you, your values, and your reality. A dream that’s not tethered to reality is just a nice thought.
- Make a plan. You’ve heard the old joke, “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.” Well, it’s the same with reaching your big dream.
- Do your research. Maybe your actual dream emerges as a variation on what you start with. Maybe find role models to learn what worked for them.
- Acknowledge fear.
- Anticipate setbacks.
- Then, set smaller goals that lead you progressively to the finish line. Here’s an example. If your dream is to run the Boston Marathon, you probably can’t do that tomorrow. You need a training schedule. You need to know the rules to qualify. You need to…
- Put in the work. Day in, day out, week after week, even when you don’t feel like it. Otherwise, you’re just daydreaming – which can be fun and valuable but is NOT what we’re talking about here.
- Enlist support. You’ll need family, friends, mentors, coaches, and a belief system that keeps you going through the hard times.
You see, real-life, adult dreams don’t magically come true on their own. They come true when you approach them with your brains as much as your heart, and when you commit to doing what’s necessary, no matter what.
Your worthy of a life beyond your wildest imaginings, including all the love, success and health that’s out there for you.
It’s not just possible. It’s inevitable if you choose it.
