Five Keys To Actualize Your Dreams This Year

“If you can dream it, you can do it.” - Walt Disney

The first month of 2018 will in the next couple of hours give way to February. Sadly, however, rather than look at the approaching month with optimism, some persons have consigned themselves to fate. Why so? I have discovered that the more one`s hopes and expectations are dashed (and essentially never seeing the light of day) and the longer it takes, it has a way of crippling that individual`s sense of passion, drive, creativity, and optimism.

As a matter of fact, some persons simply throw their hands in despair, with the refrain, ‘whatever will be, will be’. Such a depressing state is usually born out of the fact that in spite of investing so much time, effort and sometimes money in the pursuit of one dream or the other, there is virtually nothing of substance to show for all the work; they never seem to realize their dreams. It is as though chasing the wind – being on a wild goose chase, as it were. The first week of 2018 was no different; 2017 wasn’t either. The last couple of years wasn`t any better. Why bother anymore and why bother anyway? They quiz. But that should not be the end of the narrative.

           

You may find yourself in a similar situation – more or less. Giving up isn`t an option and no matter the countless times you might have suffered disappointments and setbacks, you can make it – you sure can make it; Your dreams can and will see the light of day. The choice is yours to make.  In the light of this reality, I will share with you some thoughts I truly believe will make a world of difference in your life and circumstances this year.

Dream big

Dream yet again and dare to dream big dreams. There is absolutely no law against dreaming big and you wouldn`t incur any cost too. Quite refreshing, isn’t it? The world`s numerous and mind-boggling inventions were once dreams – dreams that eventually saw the light of day, though some, in time past were considered to be practically impossible, even by experts.

As I write about dreaming big, the lyrics of Ryan Shupe`s song comes to mind: ‘When you dream, dream big, as big as the ocean. When you dream, it might come through, when you dream, dream big…’ I have found encouragement from the lyrics of this inspiring song time and again. Langston Hughes opined: “hold fast to dreams for if dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly.”

 Hughes words are very instructive. By all means, keep your dream alive. Fashion your dreams into time-bound goals, with well thought-through plans towards actualizing these goals. Inherent in that dream of yours is a propelling force that should be capitalized upon to push you closer to its realization.

Start small

Some dreams have crashed even before they could take flight. Why so? Because, the dream carriers short themselves in the foot; they envisaged that once they had their eyes set on the ball of big dreams, it was perfectly okay, and perhaps more desirable to commence the pursuit of such dreams in a big way. Some contracted huge loans to start businesses only to run at a loss while entangled by neck-breaking indebtedness.

Are you considering starting a business? Be smart about it; start small and grow gradually from that lowly estate. Do not despise small beginnings. Successful global brands such as Microsoft, Apple, Facebook, Alibaba, and several others started small and grew with time. Many of such businesses and brands were begun in garages, bedrooms, hostels and the like. What precisely am I driving at? Start where you are and with what you have.

Work hard

How much value have you placed on that dream or ambition you have carried for quite a while now? How much of your sleep and time are you willing to sacrifice to see your dream come to pass? Your answers to these questions should imprint in your heart and mind a wholehearted commitment to realizing your dreams. You simply cannot fold your arms and keep wishing. That will do you no good.

Eric Thomas was right when he stated: “All roads that lead to success have to pass through hard work Boulevard at some point.” Similarly Thomas Edison, the notable inventor opined: “there is no substitute for hard work.” 

Get right on to work and give it your best shot. By all means, you will need to put in the work if you truly desire a-dream-come-through experience. It is the student who dreams of graduating with first class and is minded to put in the work who eventually experiences a-dream-come-through, all things being equal.  

Stay focused

While in hot pursuit of your dreams, you will be buffeted by a multiplicity of distractions. However, your ability to maintain focus on your dreams, distractions notwithstanding will take you much closer to realizing your dreams. Your focus will drive you to put in the work, channeling your efforts and mental prowess towards the attainment of your dreams. Bruce Lee once noted: “The successful warrior is an average man, with laser-like focus.”   This year, determine that you will not get distracted from your course; determine to maintain a laser focus on your dreams. It sure will make a world of difference.

Keep going forward

That dream is within reach. Keep pushing, the odds notwithstanding. When you fall seven times, rise up eight times – When you fail or make a mistake, however seemingly disastrous that may be, don’t you dare give up; get right back up. Learn from your shortfalls and keep moving. Your persistence will eventually win the day. The adage, ‘winners never quit, and quitters never win’ holds true.

Also true is a well thought-through observation from B. C. Forbes when he stated: “History has demonstrated that the most notable winners usually encountered heartbreaking obstacles before they triumphed. They won because they refused to become discouraged by their defeat.”

I have in time past watched the likes of John Cena and Roman Reigns – top WWE stars get knocked down on countless occasions, and sometimes receive merciless beatings in the hands of some of the toughest of opponents. What is remarkable however is that usually, that isn`t the end of the story.  These incredible wrestlers get knocked down several times but they stagger right back to their feet and fight their hearts out. 

And in most cases than not, they eventually overpower their opponents, winning their matches. Their kind of tenacity is what wins the day. And so my friend, trust me, your dreams are within reach but you`ve got to keep moving, no matter how much life gives you beating. Dig you heels right in and keep moving until that long held dream sees the light of day. Yes, you can. You surely can.

Written by Daniel Dela Dunoo

(Writer, Blogger, Editor & founder of Topnotch Writing Solutions)
Email: dudelda3@yahoo.com