Create a Blueprint for your Dreams

The main difference between dreams and goals is a plan. Studies show that that those who write out their goals not only end up achieving them, but have higher incomes and overall success and life satisfaction as well.

If you didn’t pick your top ten list in the previous assignment, go back and do it. It’s the basis for our next steps. We’ll be taking the dreams you wrote down and creating a blueprint to actually make them happen.

Get Specific and Identify Signs
The more specifically you state your dream, the more clarity it has. The more clarity it has, the more likely it is to manifest in your life. Take a look Instead of saying you’d like to develop a better relationship with your sister, you need to identify what that really means to you. Does it mean seeing her more frequently? Does it mean going beyond the small talk to allow for conversations with deeper meaning? What exactly does it mean?

If your goals are vague, it may be difficult for you to know if you’ve actually achieved them or not. For even more clarity, choose signs along with way that indicate that you’ve accomplished what you intended or that you’re on the right track. These signs will help you realize that you’re really living your dreams. If your goal is financial independence, what does that mean to you? For some, a sign may be going to the grocery store without having to first check the bank balance. If you dream of losing weight, one of your markers may be a certain number of people commenting on your progress. Choosing markers is personal, be sure to pick ones that fit your dreams and situation the best. How will YOU know you’re headed in the right direction? Chose a few signs for each dream.

Identify Action Steps
There is a big difference between simply having general goals and writing them down. There is an even bigger difference between writing them down and creating actionable steps to achieve them. Those action steps are your blueprint to achieve your dreams.

What are the steps you’ll need to take to realize your dreams and to achieve your markers? Write them down. In doing so, you’re turning your dream into an actual GOAL. If you dream of building a house, you’ll need to: save for a down payment, buy land, decide on a blueprint, and so on. The more specific and detailed you can be with these steps, the better.

Dream: Build a house in the country
Goal: Build a 2,500 square ft. mission-style home on 2+ acres of land within 5 miles of our town.
Signs: The folder of “ideas” for the new house is completely full. Looking around, there are no improvement projects left to do before getting existing home ready to sell.
Action Steps:
1. Estimate cost of project
2. Save XXXX amount for down payment
3. Locate building lot
4. Locate contractor
5. Have design/floor plan ideas ready
6. Sell existing home
7. Move into new home

Even if you’re far from achieving this dream financially, or it is years away, you there are steps you can take beforehand. As in the quote from Seneca above, the more you’re prepared, the more likely you are to be “lucky” in actually seeing these things through (although it’s not actually luck). When opportunity strikes, you’ll be ready.

Being financially prepared is only part of the equation, so don’t use not having money as an excuse. With traveling, for example, it’s fun to learn more about the places you want to go. Create an itinerary and budget. Do some online research about things you want to do while you’re there. Keep your ears open for tips and advice from those who have been there.

Assignment: Turn your dreams into goals by writing down a plan of action to make them happen. The more you can break your goals down into smaller segments the more successful you will be at achieving them. Choose signs to help indicate you’re on the right track. Write down your plan and post it in a place that’s visible: by your computer, on your fridge, your bathroom mirror, etc.

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