One of the amazing things we have
been given as humans is the unquenchable desire to have dreams
of a better life, and 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;
certainly dream of better spiritual lives. But what makes this
even more powerful is that we have also been given the ability
to not only dream but to pursue those dreams and not only to
pursue them, but 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 this week:
How to dream dreams and establish goals to get those dreams.
What are your dreams and goals?
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.
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.
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. 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 you will be in
the "dream zone." It is only when we get to this point that we
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 the thoughts fly and take careful
record.
Now, 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.
Here is the big picture: 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. 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, for themselves and for
their families.
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.
To Your Success,
Jim Rohn
