Goal Setting: Dream or Goal, What Comes First?

“Are you equating dreams with goals or do you set goals to get to your dream?” A friend asked me this question recently.

That is a good question. I have known some dynamic clients who are stubborn and never give up. They definitely dream and have a vision. In order to help you identify the difference between a dream, vision, and a goal, listed below are 8 steps to take to achieve your goals.

1. Dream or visualize your goal.

Here are some ways dreaming and visualization work: 1) Entrepreneurs can dream and visualize their goals, 2) Corporate goals generally begin with visualization and they can see the end result of their project and know what it will look like, and 3) Personal goals can be all of the above. For example, if the individual wants a Ferrari he will begin thinking about the car, then dreaming about it such as its color, model, fun to drive, etc. If the person is asked to do a project he will visualize a plan of action to finish the project. There was no dream involved as someone else created the concept.

2. Have a solid, clear picture in your mind of your goal.

Before you can write down a plan of action you should be able to visualize the end result in your mind and then it makes it easier to set up a plan to achieve the goal. It is easier to accomplish if you have a solid picture of it in your mind.

3. Develop your goal/plan.

You nurture the dream until it has real meaning for you. For example for me I had a dream to have a Writers’ Retreat in the Sonoma County Wine Country. Up to this point there was nothing, no plan in place and no specific people in mind. Then I began dreaming. I could visualize 10 writers sitting in the conference room creating their writing plan. I SAW the redwood trees, rustic cottages, and people mingling outside in the garden. It was an awesome visualization and dream. I even created a Visualization Board.

4. Set up a date (target date) to complete your goal.

Decide on a date to achieve your goal. Give yourself as much time as you feel is needed to accomplish your goal.

5. Write down a plan of action based on your target date.

It’s the baby steps it takes to finish the goal. Identify each task needed to complete your goal. It could be phone calling, sending out notices, marketing, Teleseminars, finding a hotel for your event, research, etc. You may have to adjust the target date if the tasks involved will take more time than anticipated. If your goal will take more than six months it is recommended that you have sub-goals that you can finish every quarter so it makes is easier to finish your goal and you won’t lose interest.

6. If you missed your goal, reset the target date and continue until you reach your goal.

Most important: As long as you still believe in the goal you keep on going and never give up. You need to feel PASSION for your dream or it will be difficult to finish. One client who sets 100 goals a year and accomplishes 90% of them told me that she just couldn’t stop. She is obsessed with completing her goals, however she calls them dreams. She is driven. How about you?

7. Find a mentor or buddy that will support you.

This can give you the boost you need in the tough times and be your motivator to help keep you going. Goal setting is not for the timid. A lot of work is involved. A huge commitment is needed on your part. Ignore the naysayer and find those positive people in your life that believe in you and will help you stay focused.

8. Take action and follow your plan.

There is only one person that can complete your goal, YOU! You must take action, overcome obstacles, and follow through on all your action steps. YOU are the Action Task Achiever, only YOU can make your dreams come true. That’s what I like about my dynamic clients. I give them the information they need and they do it! They are motivated. Do you have the passion for your dream? Can you visualize your goal? Do you have a buddy? Are you ready to create a plan of action? If you answered yes, to these questions then congratulations you are ready. Have fun and enjoy the journey.

Related Redwoods Cottage Articles

Whilst diving of the coast off of a mexican coastal island over several years I have expierienced a seriously terrifyining shoal of feeding squid whom are typicaly night feeders arriving on to and above reefs with the presence of upwelling cold water currents but without a visible presence of krill

Hello! I need to get from the Long Island ISLIP MacArthur Airport to the Hilton Garden Inn in Westbury NY. Could someone please tell me a cheaper way than a cab and be specific enough that I could actually do it on my own. Thanks!

I am thinking about taking my boyfriend on a road trip up the coast. We live in San Diego so I want to head north for a few days. Some places I had in mind where San Fran, Catalina Island, San Simeon, San Luis Obispo. Anyone have any ideas? Oh and any worth wild places to check out, like I was thinking of going Hearst Castle, any other attractions we should stop for? Everyone is giving me a cities to visit but I need attractions too. I want to take him to special places we have never been before.

I’m thinking about a honeymoon in California. Whereabouts is a good place to go right now? Anywhere not cold? I LOVE nature and the redwood forests (but I’ve never been to one).

Adirondack Furniture – Make Memories In Its Timeless Style And Comfort

Every year since you can remember you and your family have gone to a house on the shore. Your grandfather started the tradition long ago and you are continuing it. The modest house is almost surrounded by sand and some of your fondest memories are of sitting in the worn and faded blue Adirondack chairs looking at the sea and drinking icy cold lemonade.

There is nothing quite as comfortable as Adirondack furniture with its sloping seats, high slat backs and over-sized arms. Now you can bring some of that nostalgia home when you get some Adirondack furniture for your deck or yard. Crafted from solid wood or resin with the thickness of wood you can create your own backyard retreat.

Now the ones at the beach house were probably crafted by a local artisan, but you can find some Adirondack furniture of equal craftsmanship when you shop your local home stores in season or browse online. The internet offers a large selection of outdoor furniture at the most reasonable prices. And you can be thinking warm, beach thoughts as you peruse different chairs while the snow is blowing outside.

Maybe you want some bright blue pine Adirondack furniture that will fade with time or perhaps you want to purchase some that already look love and time worn from years of use and exposure to the elements. It’s your choice. Make your selection from brightly colored resin furniture to Adirondack furniture made from teak, redwood or cedar. Each material has its own qualities from color variances to strength and durability.

For example the Adirondack furniture at the beach house was probably made of treated wood like Southern yellow pine that will accept paint and last for years resisting rot and water.

If they had been natural colored wood chairs they were probably made from teak. Known for its water and rot resistance, chairs and tables made from this tropical wood tend to last fifty years or more. If you choose resin or plastic furniture it may last even longer.

Besides being crafted from several materials, Adirondack furniture is also available in a variety of styles. Choose from shell back to fan back to rocking chair or bench. Maybe you want a swing for your front or back porch or a folding table and chair set for those summer picnic lunches under the trees.

Whether you want to recreate your summer childhood memories or create new memories in a retreat of your design you can do it with a few pieces of Adirondack furniture and an imagination. Re-design the beach house look from your youth; create the feel of a Southern plantation or a cottage in the woods. No matter what type, style or color of Adirondack furniture you choose you will love its timeless style and comfort.

So sit back, relax and enjoy the simple pleasures of fresh air and warm sun on a summer afternoon in your Adirondack furniture and make new memories of the best times of your life.

Find More Redwoods Cottage Articles