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Do You Really Want to Realize Your Dreams?
By paulag | January 16, 2012
This might sounds like a stupid question…but…
Do you really want to realize and experience the things you dream about? The things you say you want? What you’ve been yearning for?
You are probably thinking, “Of course I do! What do you mean?! Why wouldn’t I?”
And, being the ruthlessly compassionate coach I am I’d say again…
Are you sure?
Here’s why I say that…and let me share something I know for sure by way of a story. I was recently re-listening to a wonderful book of parable called The Alchemist by Paul Coelho. The book is about a young man Santiago and his quest for fortune, his Personal Legend, and the decoding of the Language of the World. It takes place in an unnamed time in the areas of Spain and Egypt. Along his journey, he learns from many wise teachers along the way…humans, animals, and from what they call the omens (which I’d translate to be intuitive hits or guidance from spirit).
During one part of his story he is working at a crystal shop with the owner, a man who has owned this shop his entire life and has many unfulfilled dreams. The man talk about his dream, like that of many Muslims, is to make a lifetime pilgrimage to Mecca. He goes on to say he never expects he will actually go and complete the pilgrimage because the time never seems right and how he is too old.
As the discussion continues the man makes the very wise distinction that I wish to share with you today. And that is – the reason he never wants to complete the pilgrimage is because if he did, then what would he have to live for? You see, there is a big difference between dreaming the dream and realizing the dream. He only wants to dream the dream because it is what he holds onto. If he were to realize it, then what? What would he have left without the dream? Who would he be then? What would he have to live for if the dream was suddenly gone (because it was completed)? And so he never takes action toward making his dream a reality.
What do you see in this story? Does it ring true at all for you?
Ask yourself…do you really want to experience the dreams and goals you say you want? Do you want them to be a part of your present experience? Or is the “perpetual and forever just out of reach” promise of the dream what you live on?
There is no right or wrong answer here…just the truth, for you.
There’s nothing inherently wrong with loving the dream more than actually bringing that dream into your actual experience. Just be clear that it is the fantasy of it that you want, not the actual experience itself. Then, let yourself off the hook and release the lip service that you give toward actually doing something about it.
On the other hand, if you find you actually do want to realize that dream, to bring that dream, that goal into your present time experience, then commit. Fully commit to whatever it takes to make it a reality for you. Take action, take risks, get support, develop your inner game, and refine your skills….whatever it takes.
If you find you’re hitting obstacles, lacking motivation, or struggling…come back to those same questions:
- What will it mean to me to realize this dream?
- Who will I have to be to realize this dream?
- Once I realize it, who will I be then? What’s next? What’s left?
- And the dreaded… What will others think? What if someone doesn’t like me because of it, what then?
We are sold a bill of goods that dreams are just wonderful and if we wish upon a star and wait then everything will be like Disneyland… but that isn’t true. It doesn’t work that way outside of the movies or a Disney commercial.
Dreams ARE wonderful AND they require action…and they require courage…and they require willingness….and most importantly they require us step up to the plate and do things differently. Now is the time to be truthful with yourself about what you really want and then get into action.
Do you have a long standing dream, desire, or goal that you want to realize but haven’t quite been able to make it happen? Not 100% clear on what that vision looks like? Good news – the group program A New Lens on Life: Reinvent, Reinvigorate, and Rejoice in You begins January 17th. It is the perfect way to get into action with the support of a coach and a group. Visit http://www.anewlensonlife.com and register today!
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Topics: Success Secrets | 2 Comments »
January 17th, 2012 at 8:06 am
Interesting article and take on achieving dreams. Speaking for myself, I view my “dreams” as part of my evolution – not a finite destination where I end up wondering what to do with myself next.
marquita herald´s last [type] ..Are You Using the Power of Self-Motivation to Achieve Your Dreams?
February 8th, 2012 at 8:06 am
Oh, my dream is definitely one I want to achieve. But I thought your post was interesting. There are aspects of achieving my dream (earning money through my writing) that do give me pause. Then I remember that all careers have their less appealing aspects.