“Dreams are the compass; action is the map that gets you there.”
You know the feeling. That quiet ache of knowing you were meant for more in your life than where you are right now. Maybe you have written down the dream a hundred times adding or enhancing it along the way. You may have talked about it so much it is like stars in the sky. Or maybe you have not whispered it to anyone or even jotted it down anywhere. You’ve kept it close to your heart, afraid of failure. How will you cope if it does not work out?
Then, somewhere between the dream and the reality something stalled. You do not lack ambition or vision. You are just missing the map.
Here’s the good news: no one gives you a map. They are drawn by us, one step at a time. Slow and steady. Dreams are the compass and action is the map that gets you there.
Dreams give you direction. That matters. Without a destination or goal how do you know what you are aiming for? Dreams clarify what you are moving toward.
A compass is something that guides you along the way. As you hold your compass, it points north. It allows you to point yourself in the correct direction. It can’t show you the terrain – that’s up to you. That is something that you have to figure out yourself. It may evolve over time and you have to adjust to those changes.
Life has a habit of getting in the way of things and may be hectic at times. The dream you have reminds you why you are on this journey.
Using your compass does not move you, it guides you to move in the correct direction.
Action make dreams real
With your goal or dream in mind you are using the compass to lead the way. Now you are looking for a map to get you there. But no one hands you a map. You draw it yourself. This can only happen through trial and error. Yes, that means making some mistakes along the way and learning from them.
Every step – no matter how small – is progress. You learn from every win and loss along the way.
Progress is not made in straight lines. There are always twists and turns along the way and sometimes these sidesteps are the very thing that helps you the most on your journey.
Even with a map, the path isn’t straight. There could be road works along the way and detours to avoid them. As long as you’re moving toward your dream, it stays alive.
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” – Lao Tzu
Where most people get stuck
We all have dreams that stay dreams. Why is that? Some people wait for the perfect time before beginning. Perfection does not exist and that is a good thing.
Another barrier is fear of failure. You’re afraid of being judged or exposed as not good enough. This level of fear is enough to hold some people back.
Others think dreaming about it is enough. Imagining success gives them a dopamine hit – and they won’t risk losing it.
Some spend more time researching the whole thing rather than doing it. Research is vital – but only if you apply what you learn.
People get lost in the map’s details and freeze at the starting line.
We’ve all felt these things at some point.
Here's how to turn dreams into reality
- Clarify the dream Write it down in one sentence “I want to ….” Be as specific as you can but allow for flexibility as well.
- Break it down to mini wins – Divide the steps into a smaller time frame or steps. Set out monthly or quarterly checkpoints. Smaller goals are easier to manage.
- Identify the next action – Don’t have write a 3 series book instead write 200 words today. Write down some simple steps you can achieve in a day.
- Schedule the action plan – Add it to your calendar or diary so you have it in mind.
- Expect setbacks or detours – Allow yourself some buffer time. Life happens and just because you missed a day or two does not mean the end of your dream.
- Track your progress – Journal your movement and the steps you have made. Being able to see your progress is motivation.
- Adjust the map if needed – It is not written in stone. If something is not working then pivot. This is not quitting it is adapting.
Enjoying the journey
The journey towards your dream is exciting in itself. Along the way you will have changed. You will not be the same person that started out on the journey. This is a good thing. Every wrong turn or mistake made along the way has taught you something about yourself. New skills have been learned and new people may have entered your life and you have enjoyed new experiences along the way. Celebrate the wins and the motivation you have gained.
Both matter. Dreams point the way; action builds the road.
Is there one step or action that you can do today to start your journey towards your dream? Check out the free printables here to help you along the way.
Maybe some journal prompts might inspire you by asking some questions that enlighten you.
