Do you dream of changing your reality?
Dreams are wonderful and can inspire you.
But dreams don’t come true unless you take action, and the action needed is goal setting.
It is important to know the differences between goals and dreams. Why? Because it is easy to get sucked into the dreaminess of dreams. That’s great if you are happy in that place. If not, you might want to acknowledge the difference between dreams and goals and see how that shifts how you choose to move forward in creating the life you want.
What exactly are those difference between goals and dreams? Before listing the differences between goals and dreams, I want to say that I love dreams. Dreaming big has changed my life, but not without my setting goals, taking risks, and taking responsibility for every outcome in my life (both wonderful and challenging).
Are you just dreaming? Are you ready to take those wonderful dreams and create a new reality for yourself? Start setting goals by paying attention to the following:
1) Goals follow the SMART rule – they are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time Sensitive. (Dream: Someday I will have all the money I want. Goal: By the end of this year, I will have paid off all credit cards, saved $10,000, which is achievable because of my new promotion. And I would add – I will keep my attention on this goal by sending myself daily email reminders of how good it will feel once I have achieved this goal.)
2) Setting a goal often implies taking risk. (Dream: I love to dream and think about what my life would be like with the perfect partner. Goal: I deserve to be in a healthy, wonderful relationship. I will step out of my comfort zone and go to a meet-up for singles that is happening this Saturday night. I will sign up for an online dating service. I will take adult education classes that are geared towards singles.)
3) Goals often require that you get support to stay on task. (Dream: Someday I’ll live in a beautiful home with an extensive garden, but I won’t tell anyone this because, like a birthday wish, telling others my dream will make it not come true. Goal: In five years I will be living in Hawaii, in a sweet little cottage with a garden filled with my favorite flowers. I will join a support group that will help me keep my focus on this goal – such as Artist’s Way group, or financial planning group, or meet up group. And, I will keep my attention on my goal by getting onto websites that focus on Hawaii. I will purchase a book about living in Hawaii. I will begin to get rid of any stuff that does not support this goal such as old clothing, non-supporting people, debt…)
In summary:
Goals have specific deadlines and are measurable.
Goals require action.
Big goals need to be supported by others.
Big goals imply risk and stepping outside your comfort zone.
Big goals, when reached, will change your life in big ways.
Dream big! And turn those dreams into reality by setting SMART goals.
Jan facilitates national workshops for therapists and life coaches. She presents at conferences on topics related to holistic psychology and living your dreams.