Making the decision to pursue your dreams can be scary. It is never easy to drastically change your life and habits, but breaking the path towards the realization of a dream into small goals can greatly facilitate the transition. Fulfilling your wishes is possible, all you need is an effective plan.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Making a Plan
Step 1. Write your dreams clearly by putting them in one sentence
It can be difficult to pinpoint your dreams, but you need to be able to write them down in order to come up with a plan to help make them come true. Grab a pen and paper to make a list of everything you want in life. Then, use this list to create a definitive mission statement.
- Try to narrow your dreams to a single sentence that encompasses the change you want to make in your life.
- Some examples: "I will become a cartoonist", "I will live in California" or "I will create a newspaper".
Step 2. Evaluate the current situation
Now that you've identified your overall goal, you need to determine which of your skills will help you achieve it, what sacrifices you are willing to make, and how much you should risk.
- Think about the skills you need to make your dream come true: do you currently have them or do you need to train them or train them better?
- Try to calculate an approximate amount of the costs that the dream will entail. If you want to open a company, the financial requirements will be much higher than if you have a dream of learning to play the guitar.
- If the dream is particularly ambitious, you may have to go a long way to make it come true, but don't be discouraged. Even the longest walks begin with a small step.
Step 3. Identify the obstacles that prevent you from pursuing your dreams
Life has probably put you and will put you in front of you with challenges that can directly affect your chances of chasing a dream. Evaluate them and consider what sacrifices you are willing to make to overcome them.
- Money is a limit that hinders many people in pursuit of a dream. You may need to be patient and save or sell a few things to achieve a goal.
- Other limitations include professional security, time, lack of skills or training.
- Make a list of possible solutions to any problem you can think of.
Step 4. Write a list of goals associated with making your dreams come true
This step allows you to structure the foundation of the plan. To start, determine 2-3 larger milestones, then break each one into a list of smaller goals. Here are some examples:
- If you dream of opening a restaurant, your first goal could be to learn how to cook. Within it you can enter minor goals such as signing up for a cooking class.
- If you dream of becoming a musician, your first goal could be to perform live. Inside it you can put minor goals like buying an amplifier and all the equipment needed for a concert.
Step 5. Complete the plan
Identify the goals and obstacles you face, come up with a plan to pursue your dreams. Make a list of all the steps needed to put yourself in a position to accomplish them.
- Start with the very first step you need to complete, how to save enough money to go on, start considering a training course or program.
- Take a cue from the general goals and related minor goals to guide you in writing the list. This way, once completed, you will have reached your final goal.
Part 2 of 3: Making the Great Leap
Step 1. Start completing the tasks listed on the list
As you complete them, you will be closer and closer to fulfilling your wishes and living your dreams. Some steps will take longer, while in other cases you may be able to complete more than one at a time. Use the list to orient yourself and stay on track.
- Make a commitment to complete various tasks within a certain amount of time.
- If you find it difficult to focus on a task, look for other ways to motivate yourself to complete each step.
Step 2. Less chatter and more facts
It's easy to get trapped in the planning stage. In the end, however, the time comes when you have to take action and implement the plan. Don't fall into the trap of just talking about your dreams, chase them.
- Get used to doing what you propose. Being up to date with yourself is not only a good habit, it will also allow you to achieve your goals and personal achievements.
- Imagine what your life will be like once you have fulfilled your dreams and focus on what you are working for.
Step 3. Don't be afraid to move on
One of the biggest challenges faced by a person who decides to pursue their dreams is the fear of the unknown. When you start making sacrifices to achieve your goals, it's impossible to know if you will be successful or what your standard of living will be. One thing is certain: you can't go anywhere if you don't get rid of what you have now.
- You may need to quit your job or move elsewhere. These changes can be scary, but they are necessary to pursue your dreams.
- You may need to give up on a hobby, or you may need to spend less time with your friends and family while trying to achieve your goal. You must be able to accept all of this as you strive to complete each task.
Step 4. Talk to people who can help you
Maybe you know someone who already works in the industry you hope to find a job in or you have friends who live in the place you dream of moving to. As you begin to take the first steps towards making your dreams come true, these people can be a valuable resource.
- Network to find people with similar passions to yours. They may be able to give you the guidance or support you need as you tick items off the list.
- Look for people who have already made a name for themselves in the industry you are interested in and shape your path inspired by theirs.
Part 3 of 3: Be Consistent
Step 1. Don't lose sight of your dream
As you get closer to the finish line, you may lose motivation due to the daily grind. It is important to remember why you are doing this and the end goal to continue being productive.
- Use the list as a daily reminder to remember what you want to achieve.
- Focus on who you will be once you have achieved your goals and fulfilled your dreams.
Step 2. Be grateful to those who support you
When someone helps you achieve your goals, make sure they know how much you appreciate their efforts and support. If you show gratitude, people will want to help you again, and feeling grateful will make you feel better about yourself.
- When someone goes out of their way to help you, send them a thank you card or thank them in person as soon as possible.
- To show appreciation for the people who support you, make it clear that you feel grateful to have them around.
Step 3. If necessary, modify the plan
As you progress you may notice that some parts of the program need to be changed. You may find new information or find yourself having to adjust the scope of the dream slightly as you better understand what it entails. Don't be afraid to tweak your goals on the course in order to keep them feasible, realistic, and worthwhile for the overall milestone.
- If you find that a goal you put on the list is unnecessary or prevents you from making progress, delete or change it in a way that will benefit you.
- Don't be afraid to change any part of the plan that requires it, as long as it continues to guide you in the desired direction.
Step 4. Try to enjoy the process
Don't forget to live while chasing your dreams. If you dedicate all your time and energy to a single cause, you risk running out of steam and losing momentum. Instead, learn to enjoy the time you spend with friends and family, try to dedicate yourself to a fulfilling job.
- Remember that the journey is as important as the final destination: give yourself time to enjoy life every day.
- Started chasing a dream, make your life sustainable. In this way, even if you fail to achieve the goals you set yourself, you will still enjoy it.
