Dreams or Goals

Some people say that dreams are goals with deadlines.  Deadlines are timely.  There is built in pressure to complete something by a certain date.  That pressure is part of what makes the achievement happen in the first place.  But timeliness is not enough.  Being specific about what it is you want, being realistic about it, knowing that you can measure your success and achieve it are also part of the equation.

Everyone can dream of something great--of some place fabulous--of some experience or achievement.  The path to happiness, however, comes from within.  It comes from aligning your dreams with what is in your heart.  It is the part of you that is pure and completely honest.  That's the starting point, because dreams that are worth pursuing come from what makes you uniquely yourself.  Lead with the heart.

Thinking about this dream comes from the work of the mind. Get smart. Consider what it takes, to lose 10 pounds for example or run a 5K or fit into a pair of jeans.  Then walk back the small, actionable steps that you must do in order for that dream to come to life.  The small steps are your work, day in and day out.  They are not necessarily the funnest part of bringing your dream to life, but they aren't the worst either.  Govern with the mind.

Let's also think about bringing the body into the picture.  You have one, so you need to use it for good.  What can your body actually do to be a part of this dream coming to life?  You have to listen to it, because if you are sick or injured or recovering from surgery, your body is in a state of healing.  Preparing for a 5K is not going to happen at a time like that.  There are other messages your body gives you through fatigue, pain, weakness or soreness.  If you are listening to these messages, you can align your goals with your dreams and be more realistic.  Listen to the body.

Dreaming big might be fun, but without a good plan to back up those dreams, they probably won't happen.  Dreams actually take time, effort and energy, i.e. work with your smart brain and your physical body to come alive.  This week, give yourself the time to chart the course to make one of your dreams come to life.  Tell someone about it.  Write down the steps.  Put deadlines and reminders on your phone.  Show up for yourself and see what happens.  It just might be a dream come true--all because of you.