“When I examine myself and my methods of thought, I come to the conclusion that the gift of fantasy has meant more to me than my talent for absorbing positive knowledge.” Albert Einstein
One of the amazing things we have been given as humans is the unquenchable desire to have dreams of a better life. This ability to dream is what sets us apart from the animal kingdom. We can look deep within our hearts and dream of a better situation for ourselves and our families; dream of better financial lives, better emotional or physical lives; certainly dream of better spiritual lives. This powerful ability is to not only dream, but it is to pursue those dreams and the cognitive ability to actually lay out a plan and strategies (setting goals) to achieve those dreams. Really powerful!
So, Dreams provide long-term vision in our lives. That dream, the purpose for our life, is what gives us the energy to keep going when we don’t feel like it. These dreams are then broken down into powerful, long-range goals which help us get past short-term obstacles. Lives have been designed in such a way that we look long-term but live short-term. We dream for the future and live in the present. Unfortunately, the present can produce many difficult obstacles. But fortunately, the more powerful our dreams (because they are inspiring and believable) the more we will be able to act on them in the short-term and guarantee that they will actually come to pass!
What are Your Dreams? These are the desires that are born out of your own heart and mind. This is the purpose that is unique to you and come from who you were created to be and gifted to become. So, I suggest that you make a list of all the things you desire for the future. This isn’t what you already have or what you have done, but what you want. Have you ever really sat down and thought through your life values and decided what you really want? Picture yourself 10 years from now in your mind’s eye. Your dreams may live right on the surface, or they may be buried deep from years of others telling you they were irresponsible or stupid, but they are still there.
So how do we know what our dreams are? This is an interesting process and it relates primarily to the art of listening to you- what is in your heart! If we listen to others, we hear about their plans and dreams which can include their plans for us! If we listen to others and follow their dreams for us, we can never be truly fulfilled. We will only totally chase dreams that we own and are rooted deep within us. It is difficult to be passionate about what someone else dreams for us. For us to be fulfilled, we must listen to our own hearts.
Take time to be quiet. The human heart was meant for times of quiet, to go within. It is when we do this that our hearts are set free to soar and take flight on the wings of our own dreams! This is something that we don’t do enough in this busy world of ours. We rush, rush, rush, and we are constantly listening to noise all around us. Schedule some quiet “dream time” this week. No other people. No cell phone. No computer. Just you with a writing pad and pen and your thoughts. And just write at random what comes into your mind. Think about what gets your adrenaline moving. What would you LOVE to do, either for fun or for a living? What would you love to accomplish? What would you try if you were guaranteed to succeed? Who would you like to be personal friends with? What big thoughts move your heart into a state of excitement and joy? What legacy do you want to leave? These questions often can’t be answered in one sitting. As you begin to answer these questions you will feel GREAT. Begin to “feel” what it will be like to be living these dreams! When we get to this point we experience what OUR dreams are!
Write down all of your dream thoughts as you have them. Don’t think of any dream as too outlandish or foolish – remember, you’re dreaming! Let the thoughts fly and take careful record.
Now that you have the precious piece of paper with your dreams listed, prioritize those dreams. Which are most important to you? Which are most feasible? Which would you love to do the most? Which would give you the greatest joy? Now put them in the order in which you will actually try to attain them. Remember, we are always moving toward action, not only dreaming about could be’s. Next week we will discuss some practical steps/thoughts on hearing from our hearts on what our dreams are.
Your Wealthcoach, Yvonne
