Establishing Dreams and Goals

(Excerpted from Week Six of the Jim Rohn One-Year Success Plan)

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 (you get to do this in the workbook exercises this week).

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.

Until next week, let's do something remarkable!

Jim Rohn

Reproduced with permission from Jim Rohn's Weekly E-zine. Copyright 2005 Jim Rohn International. All rights reserved worldwide. To subscribe to Jim Rohn's Weekly E-zine, go to http://Jim-Rohn.InspiresYOU.com

---

Eight Steps to Taking Control of Every Situation in Your Life!

Like it or not, we are all gladiators. We go... Read More

The Most Powerful Knowledge Available To Man

In this article you will learn the most powerful knowledge... Read More

Great Things Materialize Once We Start to Visualize

Watching the Olympics last week really amazed me. The feats... Read More

One Focus To Success

Too many times we are distracted from our main goal... Read More

Losing Site of Your Goals: Determining Your Vision From Your Actions!

In the fury of trying to accomplish our goals, we... Read More

A New Conversation About Dreams - The Power of Intention

It's time to change the way we think and speak... Read More

Setting Sail for Your Destination

Whether taking on a new project, starting a new job,... Read More

The Secret of Overcoming Procrastination in 4 Simple Steps

Let's face it. Overcoming procrastination can be a challenge if... Read More

Business Goal Setting and Then Following Through

Your business can't go according to plan if you have... Read More

The Synergy of Vision

Over the years I have experienced some amazing results with... Read More

A New Conversation About Dreams - Integrity: The Key to Getting What You Want

The most critical attribute for realizing our dreams is integrity.... Read More

Ten Reasons To Have an Inspired, World Changing Goal

In a nutshell, having an inspired, world-changing goal is the... Read More

7 Effective Ways To Set Your Goals In Motion Today

1. Stop seeking approval from people.You don't need anyone's permission... Read More

Making the Most of Your Year

Do you find yourself amazed at how quickly the months... Read More

Got Goals? Did You Reach Them?

Most of us have goals.Big ones, small ones. But not... Read More

Achieve Anything, One Step At A Time

No matter how ambitious your goal, you CAN achieve it.... Read More

A Secret Technique that Entrepreneurs Can Use to Almost GUARANTEE Success!

If you were to walk up and ask successful and... Read More

Decide and Declare!

Did you start off the new year with goals and... Read More

Commit It To Paper

Commit it to paper - You have the idea so... Read More

Is Personal Goal Setting REALLY Necessary?

What is your reason for setting a goal?This is the... Read More

Applying Action To Your Inner Desires!

"I know what I need to do, but I'm scared... Read More

Achieve Your Goal

Have you seen those ads that promise to make thousands... Read More

Celebrate Achieving Smaller Goals Along The Way

I wanted to learn to swim. So I set my... Read More

Know What You Want Out Of Life

At this point in time you have an opportunity to... Read More

Quick Tips On Achieving Your Goals

Want to achieve your goals faster?Edward W. Smith, motivational speaker,... Read More

New Years Resolutions? Dont Be So Hard On Yourself

Have you set resolutions for yourself to accomplish in 2005?... Read More

Just Do It! Write Down Some Goals and Start Achieving!

You have a choice it would seem ? you can... Read More

If I Won the Lottery, I Wouldnt Have to Job Search!

IF I WON THE LOTTERY, IWOULDN'T NEED TO JOB SEARCH!Let's... Read More

Hustle While You Wait

Everything comes to those who hustle while they wait -Thomas... Read More

Prosperity, Step-by-Step

Some may think that the change from paucity or 'the... Read More

Achieving Elusive Goals

Everyone has something in their life that they would like... Read More

Willpower: Who Needs It? Not Me

What is this mysterious creature, this intangible element, this phantom... Read More

Seven Deadly Enemies That Stop You From Reaching Your Goals

Everybody on this planet has enemies, rivals and foes. Call... Read More