Walt Disney once said, “All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.” Such truth and wisdom behind these simple yet powerful words.
We’re given one chance at life, and I believe it’s up to each of us to make the most out of it, to live a life of fulfillment, to live with purpose. How can we do that? Well, you need to reflect and ask yourself some soul-searching questions: What is it that makes you happy? What can you do to know that you’re making a contribution to your community? What will make your dreams come true? What is your true heart’s desire?
When it comes down to finding your purpose in life and living your dream, you need to be loyal and truthful to yourself. You need to think about YOUR happiness rather than pursue a path that someone else thinks would be perfect or right for you. As women and mothers, we tend to put other people and their needs before our own so how can you change that mindset so you can live your dream?
Well, you have to start dreaming again. When you were a kid, you probably didn’t have any trouble with this, asking yourself many questions about your future like “What do I want to be when I grow up?” and “Where do I want to travel?”
If it’s been a while since you thought about your dreams, one of the best ways to start dreaming again is by creating a “bucket list.” In your journal or on a sheet of paper, think about activities you want to do, places you want to visit and write them down. This will be a living document that you revisit to cross off items as you complete them and add new ones to the list.
Another excellent activity you can do to get your dreams into motion once more involves looking inward even more than when you created your bucket list. Again, you can do this activity in your journal or on a piece of paper. I want you to reflect on the following eight categories and write down 3-5 goals you’d like to achieve for each:
1. Your physical body and health: How do you want to improve your health? By reaching a certain weight, eating better, or pushing your physical limits?
2. Your financial health: Are you saving for a dream car, home, or retirement? Do you want to hit or exceed a revenue goal for your business?
3. Your home: Do you want to renovate a part of your house, improve your home’s curb appeal, or even move into a different neighborhood?
4. Your relationships: Would you like to strengthen your bond with your significant other, expand your social circle, or welcome a pet into your family?
5. Your job/career: Do you want to feel more fulfilled with your work? Would you like to enhance your skills and expertise by furthering your education or earning certifications in your field?
6. Your creative expression: Would you love to show your artistic side by taking a dance class, singing lessons, or learning how to paint?
7. Your travel: Have you always wanted to travel abroad, take a cruise or even drive across the United States?
8. Your entertainment: Is there something new you’d like to try like skydiving, karaoke, or waterskiing?
Now that you’ve got your dreams written down, read through your list. What’s jumping out at you? Circle anything that you really want to accomplish. Then, scan through the list again. This time you’ll place an asterisk by those goals that REALLY stand out. Ideally, you’ll end up with asterisks next to no more than three goals.
If you’re having trouble narrowing down the list, ask yourself these three vital questions:
1. Can I achieve this goal within six months to a year? The shorter the timeframe, the more realistic it is for you to accomplish what you set out to do.
2. Is this MY true heart’s desire? Remember I mentioned earlier that it’s time to be selfish. Be honest and ask yourself if YOU really want to go after this particular goal.
3. Will I and can I show up to this goal every single day? It’s absolutely critical that you do something each day to get you a step closer to reaching your goal. Whether it’s reaching out to an expert in the field, reading a book to learn more about the industry, or creating a website for your business, you must want to give your full attention to your goal.
If you answered “no” to any of the three questions when choosing a goal, you’re not passionate about it. You deserve to feel fulfilled. You deserve to welcome joy into your life. You deserve to live your dreams. And, you have the power to bring happiness and purpose into your life and to make your dreams your reality. Go for it!
