I ask this question all the time: “What are your dreams?” Most people stare at me blankly, or fish around for something to say (and it usually has nothing to do with what they really want). After exploring their answers further, I’ve discovered there are certain mindsets that most people have that can subconsciously sabotage their dreams.
If you are having trouble accomplishing your dreams, look at this list…
1. Not Knowing What Your Dreams Are-We can get so lost in the day to day routine of our daily life that we forget about our dreams. Sometimes we never really dream at all! What to do? Ask and you will receive. You will get an answer simply because you started asking! You will find yourself pleasantly surprised at how easily your dreams come to you when you simply ask yourself for what you have always wanted in life.
2. Thinking You Don’t Deserve Your Dreams-Many of us believe, whether consciously or not, that we are destined for certain fates: becoming rich or successful is attainable only by certain people, or that some are privileged and others are not. Some believe they don’t deserve the best because of things they have done. Circumstances or your past are not indicators of your future when you change your perspective. Look at it this way: We teach by example. When we don’t go for our dreams we are teaching everyone around us not to forgive themselves or rise above their circumstances to go for what they really want in life. Put this thinking to rest once and for all, and go out and get what you want! This not only benefits you, but when everyone else sees what you can accomplish, they will be motivated to dream big also.
3. Nickel and Diming it away-When we believe we can never have what we really want anyway, we tend to settle for something else just to “make do.” Instead of saving for that beautiful living room set, you make do with a new futon and wire-top coffee table. “Making do” keeps us from achieving our dreams. Make a budget, start saving, and go for it!
4. Waiting for Your Ship to Come In-Winning the lottery is NOT going to make your dreams come true. Some wait for perfect circumstances or have an all-or-nothing attitude. These are common excuses for not starting NOW. This does not mean that you should settle for less than your dreams- it just means they may require simple steps to achieve them. And those steps will be worth it! Everything that happens is a work in progress. First we dream it; then we think it; then we take mini action steps to achieve it.
5. Placing Everything Else a Higher Priority-You will focus on your dreams when your student loan is paid off… when the kids are older… when you have a better job… when your spouse has a better job… Just START already, and do it now!
If you need more advice or suggestions about finding or achieving your dreams, contact Vickie Champion for a discovery coaching and consulting session.
By Vickie Champion