Going for the Goal, Part 2: Define Your Dream

Is it possible to move forward when you don't know what you're moving toward?

This is the second post in a new series about setting and working toward your goals in a methodical way that increases your ability to achieve them. Stay tuned for the rest of the series and subscribe so you can make sure you don't miss out! (And if you missed the first post in the series, you can catch up here!)

I don't know about you, but I find it very difficult to make progress in any area of my life if I don't have a defined end goal.

For instance, I can save some money just by remembering that it's a good practice to employ, but if I don't have something specific that I'm saving for, I'm far less likely to put much money into my savings account. On the other hand, if I'm working to pay off my student loans or save for a new car or a trip, then I'm more compelled to skip impulse buys at the store and resist the urge to add more things to my Amazon shopping cart.

Knowing what I'm working toward makes a big difference!

SEEING THE BIGGER PICTURE

The same thing goes for bigger-picture goals and dreams. I want to know what they are so I can properly plan a way to achieve them. If I don't design a plan to follow (regardless of whether or not I'm able to follow through perfectly or if things change), I feel stuck, like I don't know how to begin because the way forward looks so unclear.

I want to live purposefully, making time for the things that mean the most to me. But that's pretty vague, isn't it? It's hard to live that out because it's not clear what it means. In order to put it into practice, I have to define my dream.

KNOWING OUR WHY

Without a clear vision, it's all too easy to give up on our dreams. When our dreams are vague, we're less committed to them and less disappointed when they slip from our grasp.

Trying to move without proper, clear motivation is hard to maintain. Most of us need good reasons to do things. We aren't children anymore; "because I said so" isn't enough.

We want to feel like there's a good reason to do the things that we choose to do, especially hard things and things that we said "yes" to in exchange for a "no" to something else.

If we take the time to clarify what we're working toward, we can better set our sights on our goals and diligently work toward them because we can see them, feel them, and taste them. We feel that much closer to reaching our goals, and that knowledge keeps us moving toward achieving them.

GETTING MORE SPECIFIC

In order to put wheels on my ideas and dreams, I have to pin down exactly what I mean, precisely what I'm aiming for. And that practice has been the single most important thing in propelling me forward.

Knowing exactly what I want to achieve gives me a much clearer idea of the steps I'll need to take to get there (but more on that in next week's post).

So what's your dream? Have you defined it down to the most detailed terms? Do you know where you're headed, or do you still have to give it some thought? I'd love to hear from you in the comments!

And if you want to get a kickstart on crushing your goals and gain clarity in your purpose, discover what your gifts are, find what meaningful work looks like, and learn to live a fulfilling, purposeful, and THRIVING life every day, join my FREE 7-day From Surviving to Thriving Challenge!