We all have dreams. Some aren’t clearly articulated, in part because we haven’t taken the time to view the dream as something attainable. Perhaps it’s a too “pie in the sky” vision or it may be too scary to even imagine. Playing with ideas can be an escape from the daily routine with no true intention to act upon making them a reality. But, what if there was the possibility of bringing your idea to the next level and implementing?
“Be careful what you water your dreams with. Water them with worry and fear and you will produce weeds that choke the life from your dream. Water them with optimism and solutions and you will cultivate success.” ~ Lao Tzu
Stop waiting! Dreams are changeable and also renewable. What you imagined at one life-stage to be your dream, may no longer be interesting. Revisit the dream. Some ideas do not stand the test of time while others continue to grow and command your attention. Does your vision still hold energy and excitement for you? If not, move on and don’t waste time with what might have been. Can you extract elements from the original, and make revisions to fit your aspiration? Are your ready to explore further or content to sit back and fantasize? Only you know the answer.
According to John Maxwell in his book, “Put the Dream to the Test”, 10 questions to ask yourself before embarking on a new project are:
1. Is my dream really my dream?
2. Do I clearly see my dream?
3. Am I depending on things within my control?
4. Do I have the energy to achieve it?
5. Do I have a strategy?
6. Who do I have around me who can help me?
7. Am I willing to pay the price?
8. Am I moving closer?
9. Does working toward my dream bring satisfaction?
10.Does my dream benefit others?
If a goal is a dream with a plan and a deadline, what’s your strategy? An unwritten wish is just a dream. By putting it in writing, it becomes a commitment, a goal. According to the writer, Sebastian Marshall, “Having a single -minded goal to work towards lets you bring all your attention and focus to the problem, and cuts all the weighing, measuring and uncertainty.”
Next 5 Steps:
1. Identify your goal. Make it measureable so you will know when you reach it.
2. Make it a plan that includes the tasks you need to reach your goal.
3. Add these specifics to your calendar. If they are recurring, schedule them.
4. Track your progress.
5. Based upon the results, adjust your plans to meet your goals.
However comfortable you assumed you were with choice and change, new behaviors may morph into overwhelming anxiety that was never anticipated. This makes it the ideal time to engage the support of a career coach with experience in helping professionals achieve better, faster, results. At KICKSTART Your Transition we offer a broad range of services to fit your needs.
©MWeisner2022