Chasing Dreams

Dare to live the life you have dreamed for yourself. Go forward and make your dreams come true.”          Ralph Waldo Emerson

That’s what I’m doing.  I’m daring to live the life I’ve dreamed. I’m finally prioritizing myself and my family in a way that I should have done years ago.  Go forward with me and let’s make our dreams come true!

The Plan

1. Break your dreams down into an action statement.
   • Set your dreams in stone by creating a singular mission statement that encompasses the change you want to make in your life. (Evaluate what gives you joy, a sense of fulfillment, and pay attention to your feelings.)
     • I will become an artist, I will live in Hawaii, or I will start a franchise.
2. Assess your current situation.  Ask yourself these questions.
   • Do you have the skills you need, or will you need further training or education?
   • What is a ballpark figure for how much your dream will cost to pursue.
3. Identify the obstacles preventing you from chasing your dreams. Assess any challenges and consider what sacrifices you are willing to make to overcome them.
   • Money is the most common limitation when it comes to chasing dreams. You may need to wait for some time in order to Save Money, or you may have things you are willing to sell in pursuit of your goals. Other limitations may include job security, having time, or a lack of skills or training.
4. Make a list of possible solutions for each problem you come up with.
5. Make a list of goals associated with achieving your dreams. This will provide you with the basic framework of your plan moving forward. Start by establishing a few broad goals, then identify a few smaller goals within each one.
   • If your dream is to open a restaurant, your first goal could be to learn to cook. Within that goal, sub-goals may be to attend culinary school,
   • If your dream is to become a musician, your first goal could be to perform a live show, with a sub-goal of purchasing the amp and other equipment necessary for a concert.
6. Complete your plan. Now that you have identified your goals and the obstacles you face, it’s time to establish your plan.
7. Create a step-by-step list of what you need to accomplish to achieve your dreams.
   • Start with the very first task you will need to complete.
     • It may be to begin saving enough money or it could be to start looking into necessary education programs.

Use your goals and sub-goals to guide you toward reaching your ultimate goal.

Taking The Leap

1. Start completing the tasks on your checklist. With each task that you complete, you are one step closer to accomplishing your goals and living your dreams. Some steps may take much longer than others, and you may be able to complete more than one at once.
2. Make a commitment to yourself to complete the tasks on your list within certain periods of time.
3. Be a person of action. It can be easy to get lost in the planning stages. However, there will come a time when you need to put your plan into action and turn your dreams into a reality. 
4. Make a habit of doing what you say you will do. Holding yourself to your word is not only a good habit, but it will translate into your personal pursuits.
5. Imagine what your life will be like once you achieve your dreams and stay focused on your goals.
6. Don’t be afraid to let go. One of the biggest challenges facing a person that chooses to pursue their dreams is the fear of the unknown, but the fact is you can’t get to where you’re going without leaving where you are behind.
7. Seek others that can help. You may know people that are already working in the industry, or you may have friends who are already living where you dream of moving. These people can be valuable resources as you begin to take steps toward reaching your dreams.
8. Network to find people with similar passions. They may be able to provide you with guidance or support as you continue along your journey.
9. Look to people that have already succeeded in the arena you dream of pursuing and model your efforts after theirs.

Following Through

1.  Don’t lose sight of your dream. As you begin working toward achieving your dreams, you may find yourself losing your motivation in the grind. It’s important that you remember what you’re working toward to remain productive.
   • Use your checklist as a daily reminder
   • Focus on where you will be once you have accomplished your goals and have successfully attained your dreams.
2. Be grateful to those who support you
   • When someone goes out of their way to assist you, send them a thank you card or thank them in person as soon as you can.
   • Demonstrate an appreciation for those that support you by telling them how grateful you are to have them by your side.
3. Change your plan as necessary. Life happens and plans change. Maybe you gain new information or just have a better understanding of what’s involved. Don’t be afraid to adjust your goals as you pursue them to keep them attainable, realistic, and beneficial to your overall pursuit.
   • If you find that a goal you listed is unnecessary or will inhibit your progress toward your dream, do away with it or adjust it until it benefits you.
4. Try to enjoy the process. Don’t forget to live your life while pursuing your dreams.

The pursuit of Dreams should include plenty of Reality!

• Remember that the journey is as important as the destination.

Some Important Reminders:

1. Remember that the journey is as important as the destination.
2. If your dreams are big, people will mock you for them. Forget those people; they will not help you succeed.
3. Following your dreams is an exhausting, draining effort–but the rewards are well worth it all.
4. Ignore everybody who tries to tell you what to do or think. Follow your own instincts and goals.
5. Be Happy! Life is short and can’t be recovered.

There you have it, that’s my plan.  Hope you join me on this journey of Chasing Dreams.

“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams and live the life you have imagined.”-Henry David Thoreau

With Love,

Monamie