Joy Journal

Every Friday, you can receive the Joy Journal, which will give you information, inspiration and tips that you can use in your pursuit for joy.

Making Dreams into Reality

Begin with Baby Steps

I’m struck by Richard Branson and Jeff Bezos recently flying to space. They have both accomplished a lifelong dream. Huge, not-available-to-the-everyday-person dream, for sure, but a dream nonetheless.

So, it’s got me thinking about dreams and why so many of us don’t pursue more of them. They don’t have to be space flight kind of dreams. They can be a charitable idea that you have always wanted to do but never found the time. Or a hobby that you wanted to try. Or a place you have wanted to travel.

We seem to put up so many barriers and limiting beliefs before we even allow ourselves to simply explore the “how to accomplish” aspect of the dream:

“I don’t have the time.”
“I don’t have the resources or money.”
“I don’t have the skills.”
“I have other priorities—job, family, financial.”
“What if I fail?”
“I’m scared.”

Sometimes pursuing your dreams can begin with giving yourself permission to simply explore the idea, no strings attached. Play around with it, see how it fits. Seek out others who have done it. Figure out if it could actually be a possibility for you.

If it is a possibility, then look to exploring the “how” of it—time, resources, skills, money, etc. You still don’t have to commit to it yet, but this step will give you a more realistic view of what’s possible. The dream may stay intact; it may morph into a new dream; or you may decide it’s not worth pursuing.

The key is to keep dreaming. I have several dreams that are in various stages of realities. I find it fun to explore and play. It helps some of the mundane days of work seem more worth it.