Accomplishing Dreams, Fulfilling Goals & “Sticking-It” to the Boogeyman

We’ve all got our dreams and hopes for the future but how many of us are willing to do what it takes to accomplish them? I’ve been slacking — I admit it only because it’s quite clear when I look back. I let life get in the way of my dreams, my wife’s dreams and my family’s dreams. Heck it’s easy to lose sight of our goals with all the demands we load onto ourselves. At some point a person realizes what has happened and either chooses to do something about it or let their dreams wither and die.

About a year ago my wife and I made a quick list of dreams and goals we’d like to accomplish. We made the first step and actually did a few things on the list but quickly the list got lost at the bottom of the priorities. It’s no coincidence that a reawakening of those dreams has occurred now in the midst of the recession. I’ve always been a believer that times of excess will make you lazy and times of shortfall will make you wake up and start paying attention. I’ve spoken to many people who are simplifying and refocusing on their faith, family and business.

So if you find yourself of a similar mind and you are taking steps to accomplish your goals and dreams then I applaud you. I’m going to share a couple items with you that have come up on my path.

FEAR

Fear is the “Big But” keeping you from accomplishing your dreams. “I’d like to have my own coffee shop someday “BUT” I don’t know if I could ever make it happen.” Or, “I always dreamed of traveling to Europe “BUT” I don’t like to fly.” Don’t let fear decide how you live your life.

CHANGE

Accept change because if you continue to do what you’ve always done… you’ll continue to get what you’ve always gotten.

SACRIFICE

To accomplish any goal you are going to sacrifice something in the process. Ask yourself what you are willing to sacrifice to make your dream a reality.

POSITIVE THOUGHT

Our thoughts are one of only a few things we can control in our life. Make sure the thoughts that you allow to repeat in your mind are positive. Just like when you learned to shoot free throws in basketball — before, during and after you shoot the ball imagine it going in the basket. Keep your dreams at the forefront of your mind and imagine yourself when those dreams are already fulfilled. You’ll be amazed at how this will change your attitude and help you through the slow spots. You’ll also be more likely to see opportunities you may not have noticed before.

GUARD YOUR DREAMS

Be cautious to share your dreams with only people you trust or who you know will help you accomplish those dreams. So many people don’t have any faith in themselves and they sure don’t like it when “dreamers” go flaunting big ideas in their faces.

ENJOY THE RIDE

Above all — enjoy the days you spend accomplishing your goals. This may be more like a marathon than running a race. Just being on the path toward your goal should be satisfaction enough to sustain you. Take notice of the little things that bring you consolation. Celebrate the small victories. You are earning the dream. So often you see people who have something they did not earn and they do not appreciate it. The day that you accomplish your goals and dreams you’ll have satisfaction and pride of having earned it the right way.