The difference between a dream and a goal can be somewhat subtle. Both dreams and goals play an important part in our lives. However, a dream involves no action, while goals involve taking that next step toward turning the dream into reality.
A dream is something we think about, fantasize about, and maybe even talk about. There are some dreams that we never really plan to take to the next level but which remain cherished fantasies. For example, a community theater player may at times picture himself starring on Broadway. He may enjoy thinking about it now and again but may not have the passion or desire to really pursue this fantasy or dream as a concrete goal. His true passion may lie elsewhere, while acting is a hobby that is sometimes indulged at a higher level in the dreamer’s fantasy world. In this case, the dream is a fantasy that adds some fun and enjoyment to the dreamer’s life. These types of dreams or fantasies play their own role in our lives but may never be meant to become anything more than dreams.
Other times our dreams reflect the lives we truly wish we were living if we were unfettered by such things as time, expense, family commitments, finances, education, skill or experience. These are dreams that, all things being equal, we would love to pursue. Far too often, however, for a variety of reasons these dreams remain dreams and are never fulfilled.
There are many reasons that dreams do not become reality. The most significant obstacle to living out our dreams is negative thinking. Many times, at the same time our creative minds are fantasizing about the life we would love to be living, the negative part of our minds is rattling off all of the reasons this can never be. For example, we may tell ourselves that we are too old to make such a drastic change in our lives. We may tell ourselves that we are not smart enough to complete the education it would take to become what we want to become. We may tell ourselves that we are not attractive enough or outgoing enough to be the thing that we most want to be. We may tell ourselves that the hurdles to making our dream a reality are too numerous or too overwhelming.
Another obstacle is lack of support from family and friends. Dreaming is often discouraged in our society. Many people who dream of fame and fortune buckle under family pressure to set more “realistic” goals. If our dreams are lofty or fanciful, we may have a difficult time finding encouragement and may abandon our dreams as unrealistic or selfish.
The truth is that it is far easier than most people imagine to turn a dream, even a seemingly far-fetched one, into an achievable goal. Even talking about a dream is a first step toward making it come true. However, when you stop talking about it and begin to take action, even seemingly small or insignificant action, that is when your dream ceases being a dream and becomes a full-fledged goal. As Henry David Thoreau said, “Do not worry if you have built your castles in the air. They are where they should be. Now put the foundations under them.”
The first step toward turning a dream into a goal is to focus on what it is that you want to achieve. Many people who have a dream do attempt to make it come true but do so without a clear idea as to the end result they hope to achieve or how they will get there. They try a little of this and then a little of that and become frustrated when they don’t see results. This haphazard method of goal-seeking is rarely successful. To achieve a goal, you must have a clear focus. For example, if you are planning a trip you first decide on your destination, and then map out a route to get there from your starting point. You must do the same thing in order to achieve a goal. First, visualize the end result . . . your destination. Then, decide what you will have to do to bridge the distance from where you are now to where you hope to be. Set your sights on the end result and keep plugging along the path from here to there, taking a little step toward your goal each day.
One of the biggest factors in achieving a goal is persistence. The fact is that many people make one or two half-hearted attempts at reaching a goal and then give up. In order to be successful, you must make a decision to go after your dreams wholeheartedly and to never give up. This may mean having to be prepared for a long period of rejection after rejection. It may mean accepting that you will have to do without many luxuries for a period of time in order to eventually have much greater financial success. It may mean periods of frustration, discouragement and feeling as if you are getting nowhere. As long as you keep your eye on the goal and continue pushing forward, you will eventually achieve your dream.
Another factor is keeping our priorities straight. Too often, we relegate our dreams to last place in our lives, well behind our day jobs, our family responsibilities or other commitments. While these things are, of course, important, the key is to give your dreams at least as much importance in your life. In reality, when you give value to your dreams, you are giving value to yourself. Don’t set aside your dreams until everything else is done, or until you have more time. Give your dreams the place of significance that they deserve in your life, even if this means cutting down on some of the more insignificant things (like housekeeping, cooking or sleep) for a period of time. Give your dreams the best part of your day and the best part of your energy.
Keep in mind, also, that our dreams shape us as human beings and are crucial to our lives. Studies have shown that our level of happiness as we age depends in large part on whether we have pursued our most significant dreams. People who never allowed their cherished dreams the chance to materialize are often unhappy when they become older, while those who at least make an attempt to realize their dreams experience more happiness in their elder years. For example, if you dream day and night about learning to play the guitar or writing a novel or taking a trip to Spain but never do any of these things, you may experience a great deal of regret as you age, causing you to become sad, unhappy and withdrawn.
As you can see, in many ways, your satisfaction with your life and your very happiness depends on your ability to transform your dreams into achievable goals. Don’t hesitate any longer. Don’t listen to the negative voices telling you all the reasons you can’t make your dreams come true, whether those voices are in your head or coming from friends or family members. Don’t take no for an answer. Do something. Do anything. Take that first baby step right now toward turning your dream into reality. Once you are headed on the right path, be persistent. Never give up and never look back. If you can do this much, you will be far ahead of many others and will be well on your way to success.
