I have always told my kids to set goals. I believe if you do they are more likely to become a reality. In addition to setting goals it’s important to create dreams. We need to dream. I suppose dreams are not more important than goals and sometimes they can even be the same. I always admire those who have been able to merge their goals and dreams into one awesome reality. Most of our lives we have set goals whether intentional or unintentional. Yet I think we often go through life trying to do what is expected of us: college, career, marriage, children, retire…But I’m wondering how many of us even dream, other than in our sleep, about something unique? For those who do dream, how many have reached their dream goal? How many have dreamed of something they really, really want and then figure out how to make it happen?  I bet not too many of us.

 I have a pretty nice life. I have been blessed, and trust me, I’m kind of sick of that word “blessed”. The expression seems so overused but most of us really are blessed. If you just open your eyes, you don’t even need to look too far, and see many are struggling through life in our neighborhoods and towns. Then if you broaden your scope, compared to most, we are ridiculously blessed. 

 I also realize most of us are rather busy. We tend to live in a ever revolving wheel of feeling or being stressed. So perhaps having a dream seems too unrealistic or even ridiculous. But maybe it is worth dabbling with the idea. Perhaps experimenting with the thought of a life dream might be a nice diversion from the norm. For starters, maybe try to dream of something attainable and see where it goes. How about an adventure or a trip or plan a family reunion? I suppose it doesn’t have to be something out of reach, but at the same time, does it really hurt to come up with something that is a bit out of reach? If it was easily attainable would it even be considered a dream?

 Several years ago I was involved in selling health products. When you’re in sales you really have to believe in the product you are selling. I did have that belief factor but I was not a good salesperson. It was during that time I learned of some principles that had an influence on my ideas of formulating goals and dreams. Some of the authors were Dale Carnegie, Zig Ziglar and Napoleon Hill. One goal setting exercise was to create something called a DMP or Definite Major Purpose. The idea of this exercise was to explore your wants and desires and come up with a written statement. If you could identify what you wanted to achieve then you are more likely to attain your goals. I think it’s a valuable lesson, even if you just incorporate the general principle or concept. 

 So what should you do? Maybe it’s to allow yourself to daydream or dream of something different.  And again, this isn’t to complain or feel dissatisfied with your life but maybe create or illuminate on a dream. Perhaps consider a different career or relocate to a new town, state or even country. 

 For me my dream has been rather consistent with some variations along the way. Basically I have had this same dream my entire life. I have always wanted to have a farm by the sea. I don’t think anything could be better. It doesn’t have to be a full-blown farm, but incorporating some of the elements of farm life and all of the good feeling that comes with farm living and then pair that with the sea- how amazing is that?  But, regardless of what the dream is, I think the point remains the same. Do you have a dream? Can you consider creating a dream? Do you dare to dream? If so, what would your dream be? Is it possible to attain a portion of your dream?

Either way, isn’t that a fun thought? I’d love to hear about your dream.

Intention leads to dreams. Maybe it’s time to act.