Establishing Dreams and Goals by Jim Rohn

One of the amazing things we have been given as humans is the unquenchable
desire to have dreams of a better life, and the ability to establish goals to
live out those dreams. Think of it: We can look deep within our hearts and dream
of a better situation for ourselves and our families; dream of better financial
lives and better emotional or physical lives; certainly dream of better
spiritual lives. But what makes this even more powerful is that we have also
been given the ability to not only dream but to pursue those dreams and not only
to pursue them, but the cognitive ability to actually lay out a plan and
strategies (setting goals) to achieve those dreams. Powerful! And that is what
we will discuss in detail this week: How to dream dreams and establish goals to
get those dreams.

What are your dreams and goals? This isn't what you already have or what you
have done, but what you want. Have you ever really sat down and thought through
your life values and decided what you really want? Have you ever taken the time
to truly reflect, to listen quietly to your heart, to see what dreams live
within you? Your dreams are there. Everyone has them. They may live right on the
surface, or they may be buried deep from years of others telling you they were
foolish, but they are there.

So how do we know what our dreams are? This is an interesting process and it
relates primarily to the art of listening. This is not listening to others; it
is listening to yourself. If we listen to others, we hear their plans and dreams
(and many will try to put their plans and dreams on us). If we listen to others,
we can never be fulfilled. We will only chase elusive dreams that are not rooted
deep within us. No, we must listen to our own hearts.

Let's take a look at some practical steps/thoughts on hearing from our hearts on
what our dreams are:

Take time to be quiet. This is something that we don't do enough in this busy
world of ours. We rush, rush, rush, and we are constantly listening to noise all
around us. The human heart was meant for times of quiet, to peer deep within. It
is when we do this that our hearts are set free to soar and take flight on the
wings of our own dreams! Schedule some quiet "dream time" this week. No other
people. No cell phone. No computer. Just you, a pad, a pen, and your thoughts.


Think about what really thrills you. When you are quiet, think about those
things that really get your blood moving. What would you LOVE to do, either for
fun or for a living? What would you love to accomplish? What would you try if
you were guaranteed to succeed? What big thoughts move your heart into a state
of excitement and joy? When you answer these questions you will feel Great and
you will be in the "dream zone." It is only when we get to this point that we
experience what Our dreams are!

Write down all of your dreams as you have them. Don't think of any as too
outlandish or foolish - remember, you're dreaming! Let the thoughts fly and take
careful record.

Now, prioritize those dreams. Which are most important? Which are most feasible?
Which would you love to do the most? Put them in the order in which you will
actually try to attain them. Remember, we are always moving toward action, not
just dreaming.

Here is the big picture: Life is too short to not pursue your dreams. Someday
your life will near its end and all you will be able to do is look backwards.
You can reflect with joy or regret. Those who dream, who set goals and act on
them to live out their dreams are those who live lives of joy and have a sense
of peace when they near the end of their lives. They have finished well, for
themselves and for their families.

Remember: These are the dreams and goals that are born out of your heart and
mind. These are the goals that are unique to you and come from who you were
created to be and gifted to become. Your specific goals are what you want to
attain because they are what will make your life joyful and bring your family's
life into congruence with what you want it to be.

Sushant-passion