Do you have big dreams that are different from your present reality? Do you find yourself wishing all the time but not achieving?
Dreamers often find it difficult to attain their goals because they don’t act. If you want to make your aims a reality, you must become a doer.
Here are nine ways to get closer to accomplishing your dreams.
1. Live in the present
Humans have the wonderful ability to live in the future, which isn’t bad in and of itself, but it often distracts from the present.
Be more active in the here and now by cultivating a mindful attitude and being aware of your thoughts and emotions. Understanding your current circumstances is the first step towards change.
2. Meditate
Meditate for at least five minutes every day to help you channel your energies more positively. Focus on your breathing and slowly silence the thoughts in your head.
Don’t beat yourself up if you cannot do it the first time; you will get better with practice.
3. Start a journal
Journalling, too, can also help you live more in the present. Write down your thoughts and feelings and reflect upon them. This helps you understand your actions and desires more clearly.
4. Divide your tasks
Most people are overwhelmed by their thoughts and often live on autopilot, not fully aware of their actions.
List your tasks every morning based on priority to give you a plan for the day.
5. Establish accountability
Many people think they are the victims of their circumstances and blame others. Taking accountability means understanding you alone are responsible for your current situation. It is an important part of leading a mindful life.
6. Own your life
Relevant with the previous point, ask yourself:
- How did you get here?
- Why did you make these choices?
- Who stopped you and who helped you?
- What could you have done differently?
- How is this situation affecting you emotionally?
Answering and reflecting on these will help you take accountability, not only for your previous actions but for future ones.
7. Seek discomfort
Staying in the familiar will hold you back. To reach your goals, you need to step outside your comfort zone.
This can be difficult and scary as many people fear failure, but it is essential for growth. Some ways of achieving this include:
- Prioritising yourself
- Learning new skills
- Exploring new opportunities
- Saying yes to challenges.
8. Accept failure
It is only natural to have a fear of failure. But it does not define you – rather, failure is the predecessor of success, and it is usually not the end of the road.
Switch from a stagnant mindset to one of growth. You are on a journey, and failures simply mean you haven’t reached your destination yet.
To enable you to better accept failure, ask these questions:
- What changes should you make next time?
- What prevents you from succeeding?
- What new skills should you acquire for success?
- Was there any success within your failure?
- How does this experience compare to your previous failure?
- How will you create a new plan for success?
Analysing what happened will give you more insight into your failure and how you can learn from it.
9. Have a deep desire
If you think your dreams are grandiose and unachievable, they will always be associated with negative emotions. Keep a positive outlook and focus on what keeps you motivated and inspired.
Cultivate a deep desire to make your dreams a reality, rather than constantly believing it is just a pipe dream.
Erika Peres is a social media influencer, entrepreneur and director of multiple companies. She is a mother of two boys and has a passion for sports, fitness and lifestyle. She can be reached on Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook.