Can a life plan be broken down into steps? You bet it can. Most people who have achieved their life-long ambitions usually start with some kind of “list.” That list of course, needs to be fluid and not too rigid — but having a step-by-step plan is essential.
Its not just steps though — to achieve our dreams, we need to have the right mind-set and that too can be a list of steps, actions or reminders.
Having ambition and setting goals is an integral part of who we are. Whether you have your heart set on becoming a Doctor, writing a best-selling novel or starting a business, everything is achievable — it simply takes the right mindset, courage and, planning.
So how can you reach your full potential and realize your life’s dreams? Some of the pointers below are the perfect starting point:
1. Dream
Something is stirring inside of you that makes you want to achieve your goals and that’s why your life’s dream starts in the heart and mind. Those dreams need to be nurtured and the mere thought of them should inspire you. So dream and dream big — think of the possibilities and imagine yourself achieving your dreams. Don’t let anyone try to bring you down either. They’re your dreams and you should let them flow and help propel you forward.
2. Picture
At some point in time…probably lots of times, people who make it big imagined themselves as the CEO of a corporation, or as a famous writer — they daydreamed themselves right into the place they wanted to be. This is very healthy! So whatever your goals are, imagine yourself having achieved them and let your imagination propel you toward making it a reality.
3. Believe
No matter how big your dreams are, you have to believe in them. History is full of people who came from nowhere, but they went on to be epic! They overcame odds and they worked hard, but they achieved their life’s dream. So can you — believe in yourself, believe you’re entitled to achieve your goals and believe that you will.
4. Plan
At some point, we all need to scope out our ambitions/dreams and this means creating a plan. Find a quiet place to write out what your goals are and develop a plan: do you need to get a specialized degree? Will it mean moving to a new city? Try to develop a step-by-step plan and realize that it will probably change as time progresses. The plan should be more fluid than rigid at first. The ‘plan’ is basically your strategy for what you’ll need to accomplish each step.
5. Share
Don’t keep your dreams to yourself. Tell everyone who you think will encourage you. The more you say it, the more you’ll believe it and the more people will support and encourage you.
Note: the other reason why you should tell people about your goals is because you’ll also need some help along the way and people power is a tremendous resource. For example, can someone put you in touch with a friend who has achieved what you want to achieve? Can a relative give you a book that will help you along the way? Sharing and networking are important parts of the journey.
6. Work
Dreams not only need to be planned and talked about, they need to be executed — that means we actually have to do something to get the ball rolling. Most people who’ve made it big will tell you that it took lots of hard work and that even when they reached the top…they kept on working. Be prepared to do the work necessary to realize your life’s ambitions.
7. Enjoy
While the journey to achieving your dreams may be hard work, it should always be fun. Be prepared for set-backs, accept that you may at times feel defeated, but don’t give up. Make the journey as fun and exciting as you can — join groups that relate to your goals, read books on the topic, particularly by people who are now doing what it is you want to go. Keep yourself motivated and make the journey as fun as possible.
Another good tip is to find something that relaxes and revitalizes you. When you’re feeling worn out, retreat to that personal sanctuary to re-charge your personal energy. That could be the woods, by a lake, or even just a long hot bath — whatever it is that helps to make you whole again.
“Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe.” – Gail Devers