15 Essentials to Making Your Dream Come True
Everyone has dreams. But only a few actually make those dreams come true. I often work with individuals who have an idea that is so compelling it they name it a dream. This could be a new business or a completely new way of life.
The most useless question I know is “What do you want?” It is missing two very important words that make all the difference in whether your dream or idea will come true or stay only an idea or dream. If you don’t stake a claim for a dream it remains only a longing or a wish.
Wanting is the ultimate sabotage.
Better questions are, “What do you want to create?” Or, “What do you want to bring into being?” Or, “What calls you so powerfully that it is worth risking for?” These questions focus on moving forward. It takes you out of the wanting stage into the decision-to-create stage. That is the very first step in making a dream come true. If we don’t move forward in our inquiry we will always stay in the wanting of our dreams.
Dreamers must become Doers.
For the last year or so I took myself through this very process. My dream is Oasis in Ecuador, a holistic retreat center on the coast of Ecuador where you can escape the busyness and chaos of life and reconnect to the source of your own inspiration. I call this taking a “time in” or “big pause”. I’ve been observing myself through the process and identified 15 essential elements in making a dream come true. I’m in this process myself so it is very real for me.
15 Essentials to Making Your Dream Come True
Decision: This is the very first thing that must happen. You have to DECIDE that you will do this thing that is so important to you. It is a conscious choice to move in the direction of your dream. Without a decision to act there can be no outcome.
Vision: You have to imagine the outcome so vividly that it seems to exist before it exists. This kind of vision is your true north that indicates when you are deviating away, getting distracted or listening to noise instead of truth. It is clear enough that you will immediately know when your dream has been realized.
Plan: A dream without a plan stays a dream. A plan outlines step by step what you will do, who will do what and by when. A plan keeps you on course when the unexpected interferes.
“A dream without a plan is just a wish.” ~Katherine Paterson, The Invisible Child
Strategy: A strategy lies behind a plan; it is the why to the plan. Why would you do this instead of that? Strategy allows you to see the big picture and not get derailed by the idea of the day.
Communication: The manner in which you express your dream will generate enthusiasm and advocacy for your dream. Clearly articulate the benefits not only the outcome of your dream and you will draw people to support you.
Timetable: A target date and schedule should be part of your plan. There must be a point in time in the future that you move towards with the intention of completion. A target date creates a sense of urgency and allows you to choose your time and effort wisely.
Time: Nothing of value was ever created instantly. Allow a reasonable amount of time to manifest your dream taking into consideration the inevitable delays. Use your time wisely.
Community: You will need a community of people to support you either through their words (social media) or actions (becoming a part of your team). As I build Oasis in Ecuador I call upon my community, especially those closest to me that I call “Evangelists”, using Guy Kawasaki’s word for those promoting you the most.
Money: A major component of making dreams come true is money. It’s just a fact that you need money to build something new. In the past we have had traditional funding options, such as loans, investments and partnerships. The Internet has opened up other avenues and helped democratize funding through crowdfunding, a way for individuals to financially support those things that they are either committed to or have an interest in.
Then there are the next six elements that are of a more personal nature. They are traits and qualities you need to tap in yourself to get to the finish line.
Self-Knowledge: On my journey to create Oasis in Ecuador I have learned much about myself. Mostly I have been face to face with my perceived limitations. Becoming conscious of my assumptions and beliefs about what I am or am not capable of doing has been enlightening (that is generous). Nothing makes you pull out your best and break through perceived barriers like the drive to have something you value exist in the world. To bring something new into being means you must step out of your comfort zone and develop any latent potential you may have. You have to re-invent your sense of self and see yourself as more than you ever thought you could be.
“He who knows others is wise. He who knows himself is enlightened.” ~ Lao Tzu
Perseverance: Making a dream come true is hard work and there will be obstacles. Navigating through obstacles and challenges no matter how tired or disappointed you may be requires perseverance. As an entrepreneur client of mine says, “You must always find a way through.” There is no place for failure.
Patience: I’m building in a foreign country that does not have the same sense of urgency or value around time that I do. I have learned to be patient. Still learning this.
Courage: When you begin to share your dream you become vulnerable. I didn’t know that when I began. That vulnerability comes from exposing your heart to the world, showing the world that there is something in me that wants to be born, then asking for support. I have learned the distinction between the courage it takes to expose the heart of one’s dream when asking for support and the need for affirmation. I do not require anyone’s affirmation or agreement because I will do this regardless. It takes courage to stand on one’s own in the dream and to let go of any need for permission or agreement from the outside world.
Resilience: I teach resilience to leaders so I have the advantage of knowing what it takes to maintain my own resiliency. In a creative process one of the most important tactics for me has been to pull myself away and into quiet spaces to reflect and allow creativity to flow out without force or imposition. A few hours alone at the beach led to the solution to a construction problem that had plagued us for weeks. Sometimes the stillest time is the most productive time.
Resolution: Even while you are in the process, you should consider what is next. Every time I have completed something there has been a sense of relief followed by a kind of let down with the question, “Now what?” arising to propel me forward into a new adventure. Life is dynamic and we are in constant movement whether we are conscious of this or not. To resolve one thing opens the door to a new learning, a new idea and maybe a new dream.
“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” ~ Harriet Tubman
If you have a dream, consider these 15 points as you begin your own journey. For today, just decide. That conscious decision will attract more energy and creativity than you may have thought possible. Go for it! The world doesn’t only need dreamers, it needs dreamers making their dreams manifest.
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© 2016. Alicia M. Rodriguez. President, Sophia Associates, Inc.
If you are ready to explore making your dream come true and want support in creating the roadmap that gets you there sign up for your exploratory coaching session here. You’ll leave with more insight, a broader perspective, a possible solution or a view to greater possibilities.
Originally published at www.linkedin.com.
