How to Make Your Dreams Happen

Maybe it starts in kindergarten when you are first asked, “what do you want to be when you grow up?” or the question they ask now is “what kind of problems do you want to solve?”

Man, was my list long! And still is! There are so many things I’m interested in, so many problems I want to solve. How do we ever choose one, let alone be in the right place and right time to make it come true? Do we think it starts with college and/or trade school in the area you’re most passionate about? That surely is a great start; but how many of us have a degree that we are not currently in the field of?

** side note, I still feel that higher education even if not DIRECTLY applied in your daily life is still highly beneficial. You learn to critically think and a way to view the world in more ways than that which you were taught. I better not get started….end side note. 😉

Truth is life happens. Kids, career shifts, different jobs (not careers), moving locations…. Lots of things can come up. So how do we make the dream happen?

For starters, I like to make a list of all the things we thought (and are still thinking of) in kindergarten. Start by knowing what you’re interested in. This doesn’t have to be a job, for those retired… these can be hobbies, interests. Dreams look like many things; not all are career based. Once your list is complete, add onto it by filling in what you do when you have free time. We might overlook these things, but when you have a free day or afternoon, what is your go to? THIS is what you WANT to fill you time with. We might as well make THAT the dream, right?

I will use myself as an example. In my spare time, when I’m just looking for something to do, I often find myself outside in the garden or searching the internet for new recipes for either health products or nutritious meals. I find myself scrolling about holistic health, pinning farm stands and cute kitchens, home remodels. My “dream” is to grow the plants needed to make my recipes (whether food or products) and to have the cutest farmstand filled with all my favorites to share with the community. I am also called to put together baskets for friend while they are sick, filled with all my voodoo tricks.  You can see that my passion lies helping those in need with a more natural way of healing. I want to nourish and heal my community.

So, now that we know the dream, let’s look at the steps to make that happen.

1. Identify the end goal (not set in stone, just a starting point) we always leave room for change, improvement and growth.
2. Search some educational courses, sites, books, mentors to support this, places for you to refine your craft/desire.
3. Locate places in the community where there is a need. People are always in need.
4. Offer your services, product or passion to get started in the community. Try teaching a class or seminar on the subject. Or maybe start mentoring youth in this field.
5. Refine, learn, and refine some more, most importantly, HAVE FUN! A dream isn’t a dream if it feels like work.
6. If you’d like, offer your passion out to the world as a business.

Now all this seems to work if you are looking to acquire a skill as your dream, but what if it is to travel or another experience. The same theory applies.

1. Research and plan
2. Set up a savings goal per month, bank time off at work if needed.
3. Then, jump in and GO FOR IT! Make it happen!

The bottom line is, why wait for tomorrow or next year to strive for your dreams? Tomorrow or next year isn’t promised to any of us. Our aspirations should take priority as that is the Universe calling you, inspiring you, leading you to your purpose; patiently waiting for you to fulfill your destiny.

The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.

As with our life aspirations, we often put our health on the back burner. We’ll start the gym next month, cut out sugar after the next family birthday (I mean who wants to miss cake?!), eat out less after next payday… These are all excuses to avoid being uncomfortable in starting a new journey. The steps don’t have to be big, make them small. But start. Cut out sugar until the next birthday and then enjoy some cake. Go to the gym once a week, then increase to two days and so forth. Start by cooking one meal at home this week.

The steps don’t have to be large (and are often more successful if they are small). Maybe you want to start your own company and transition careers. You don’t have to quit your job; in fact I suggest you don’t! But start the business at the same time, with just a few hours a week committed to growing the business. Then switch when it becomes 50/50.

Your dreams and goals are great; however, your family is the most important. When all said and done, we end the day with our family. To me, that is enough; because some people don’t have that. As we said before, we are not promised tomorrow. Embrace today, live on purpose, love on purpose.

So don’t hold back, find the gift, find your purpose and chase those dreams. The time is today; the time is now.

Take Action. To take a line from Nike, “Just do it”.