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Three Steps To Fulfilling A Dream
By Alastair Hill, COOK’s Dream Manager
Only one person can be responsible for making your dreams come true: YOU.
Yes, wishing for something can propel you in the right direction but ultimately it’s your commitment and actions that will bring your dreams to life.
Step 1: Articulate your dream and turn it into a goal
“A goal is a dream with a deadline,” said Napoleon Hill.The purpose of turning your dream into a goal is to focus your mind on what exactly it is you want to achieve.
Try writing down a detailed description of what your dream is or discussing it with a trusted friend.Aim for a bold, bright and vivid picture of what your dream will look, sound and feel like when fulfilled.The bigger and bolder the image, the more inspiring and sustaining it will be on your journey.
Now turn this into a clear, very specific goal. Ask yourself: How will I know that I’ve achieved what I set out to? And then give your goal a clear deadline.
Next ask yourself: How inspiring is this goal on a scale of 0 to 10? If you’re truthfully above an 8, you’re good to go. If you’re at 7 or below, see if you can turn your goal into a 10. And remember, it’s normal and healthy to feel daunted as well as inspired at this stage. It’s often this feeling that can prevent you from achieving a full 10 out of 10 on the inspiration scale.
Step 2: Write a plan
The purpose of having a plan is to break the goal down into manageable chunks. Our brains like small chunks, as it makes it feel achievable.
People have different ways of writing a plan. Some like to brainstorm all the different detailed actions needed to achieve the goal.Then group them together under step headings. Others can think about the larger steps required to achieve the goal and put in detailed actions later (like chapter headings in a book). If your goal is a long way into the future, try putting in dates for each step to make them milestones (mini goals).
Step 3: Get into action
Armed with your plan, start ticking off the actions and steps. It’s important to be realistic here.When will I have time to get this action done? What could get in the way of it happening? What will I commit to and by what date?
Flexibility is important from this point on. Hopefully, you will move through your plan as smoothly as changing gears in an accelerating car. For most, though, there will be bumps in the road and even some roadblocks. Naturally, your motivation will drop at these times. In these moments, pause and reflect on what you have achieved so far. Remember your dream. What will the dream look, sound and feel like when you’ve achieved it. Speaking to friend can also help to re-energise you.
Good luck!