We all have dreams, but not all of us have the goals necessary to turn those dreams into reality. And for those of us who set goals make no plan to actually achieve them. Well that’s all about to change. I know the secret to achieving your goals (all of them), and I’m going to share that secret with you now.
One of the amazing things we have been given as humans is the unquenchable desire to have dreams of a better life. But even better than just the gift of dreaming, we also have the ability to establish goals to live out those dreams. Think of it: we can look deep within our hearts and dream of a better situation for ourselves and our families, dream of better financial lives and better emotional or physical lives, and certainly dream of better spiritual lives. But what makes this even more powerful is that we have also been given the ability to take action and pursue those dreams and not only to pursue them, but we possess the cognitive ability to actually lay out a plan and strategies (setting goals) to achieve those dreams. Powerful! And that is what we will discuss in detail in this week’s lesson–how to dream dreams and establish goals to get those dreams.
What are your dreams and goals? Now let me clarify here, this isn’t what you already have or what you have done, but what you want. Have you ever really sat down and thought through your life values and decided what you really want? Have you ever taken the time to truly reflect, to listen quietly to your heart, to see what dreams live within you? Your dreams are there. Everyone has them. They may live right on the surface, or they may be buried deep from years of others telling you they were foolish, but they are there. Back when I met Mr. Shoaff, he put me to work by asking the hard questions that got me excited about my dreams and helped me to translate that excitement into strategic action to pursue all that I wanted. And now I’m going to walk you through the same disciplines that will help unleash the power of the dreams inside each of you.
So how do we know what our dreams are? This is an interesting process and it relates primarily to the art of listening. This is not listening to others; it is listening to yourself. If we listen to others, we hear their plans and dreams (and many will try to put their plans and dreams on us). If we listen to others, we can never be fulfilled. We will only chase elusive dreams that are not rooted deep within us. No, we must listen to our own hearts to hear the dreams born out of the passions and desires we each uniquely possess. Quiet yourself and listen. Just like when you are quiet enough to hear your own heart beating within your chest, your dreams have their own rhythm that beat within you and all you have to do is get quiet enough to hear the beat.
Now let’s take a look at some practical steps/thoughts on
hearing from our hearts on what our dreams are:
Take time to be quiet. This is something that we don’t do enough in this busy world of ours. We rush, rush, rush and we are constantly listening to noise all around us. We must not get faked out by just being busy. Instead we must constantly ask ourselves the question, “Busy doing what?” In other words, are the activities you are participating in moving you towards your goals? If not, then work to eliminate those things and replace some of that time with quiet. The human heart was meant for times of quiet, to peer deep within. It is when we do this that our hearts are set free to soar and take flight on the wings of our own dreams! Schedule some quiet “dream time” this week. No other people. No cell phone. No computer. Just you, a pad, a pen, and your thoughts (you get to do this in the workbook exercises this week).
Think about what really thrills you. When you are quiet, think about those things that really get your blood moving. What would you love to do, either for fun or for a living? What would you love to accomplish? What would you try if you were guaranteed to succeed? What big thoughts move your heart into a state of excitement and joy? When you answer these questions you will feel great, and be in the “dream zone.” It is only when we get to this point that we can truly realize and begin to experience what our dreams are!
Write down all of your dreams as you have them. Don’t think of any as too outlandish or foolish – remember, you’re dreaming! Let your thoughts and pen fly as you take careful record.
Now look at your list and prioritize those dreams. Which are most important? Which are most feasible? Which would you love to do the most? Put them in the order in which you will actually try to attain them. Remember, we are always moving toward action, not just dreaming.
Now here is the big picture of why I’m asking you to take part in this exercise. Life is too short to not pursue your dreams. Someday your life will near its end and all you will be able to do is look backwards. You can reflect with joy or regret. And we all know that joy (or disciplines) weigh ounces while regret weighs tons. Those who dream, who set goals and act on them to live out their dreams are those who live lives of joy and have a sense of peace when they near the end of their lives. They have finished well and for that they possess a sense of pride and accomplishment, not only for themselves but also for their families. And that feeling is priceless.
Remember: These are the dreams and goals that are born out of your heart and mind. These are the goals that are unique to you and come from who you were created to be and gifted to become. Your specific goals are what you want to attain because they are what will make your life joyful and bring your family’s life into congruence with what you want it to be.
Let’s dream and then do something remarkable!