When considering how you might move your dream into the realm of reality, you might think only of the major actions. You create the big, bold vision. You draft a detailed plan. You tackle the hard work. Good! But there are simple things that are just as important to help turn your dream into a reality. Simple things such as:
1 Unless your vision is clear and crisp with all the necessary details included, you could well be looking towards an outcome that will not add anything worthwhile to your life. The dream you achieve might not be worth the time, the attention and the energy you dedicate to it. Therefore, ever so often, you should revisit your vision and tweak it to reflect what your heart desires. When last did you linger with your vision (Photoshopping it, as it were), to ensure that it is an accurate representation of who you are and who you are becoming. The path to your dream should incorporate regular visits with your vision to ensure that it is in harmony with any changes in your life that may affect your dream or alter its initial framework.
2 While other people's attitudes, ideas, words, actions and passion inspire you, the voice that whispers or hollers within you is more important and more powerful. In fact, it sounds a more authentic note when compared to the voices of those who have travelled their own paths to their own dreams. That voice within comes from your deepest personal issues - experiences, fears, self-doubt, needs, expectations.... It calls you to stay true to yourself, your belief system, your life values. It helps to shape your attitude, your vision, your plans and your actions. It prompts you to re-examine your perceptions and your longings. When difficulties erupt and your confidence, courage and passion begin to sag, it prods you to hold on and persist in the work that's necessary. The voice within reminds you to assess your efforts, not only from the standpoint of success and failure but based on how they affect your view of yourself and how your progress affects the tattered baggage you might be lugging around.
3Sometimes believing is hard. It may demand that we sidestep our deepest fears and shut down our self-doubt. If that is what we must do to believe that our dreams are possible and to believe that we can do what it takes to make them a reality in our lifetime, then we must believe. Moreover, this kind of believing must be ongoing - building and intensifying day by day, with each step and with each pothole, detour and roadblock.
4 It is easy to focus on the grand possibilities of the future but if all your attention is on life beyond today, you miss the sweet aroma of present blessings and present joys. Of course, if you want to achieve your dreams, you must keep your vision fresh, your focus sharp, your strategies appropriate, your attitude positive.... However, you should still live in the moment. Never lose sight of the significant of each today's happenings and the sweetness that pervades your life, now. Even as you look forward to pursuing, achieving, and celebrating your dream, don't forget to take stock of the riches that exist in your life right now. This practice will not only sweeten the journey but also the outcome.
Cheryl Wright is a writer and editor. Her essays, feature articles and columns have been published online and in print since 1998. She edits personal and business documents and content for print and online publications.
