Do You Dare To Dream ?

Today, I want to encourage you to have fun by expanding your dreams (as in your wishes and desires, not what happens while you’re sleeping).

Children naturally have endless imagination and dreams. Educators have confirmed through research that those children who take part in more imaginary play have increased confidence and problem-solving skills. That’s why too much television or device time is detrimental to children; it eliminates their need to imagine, to dream. Not to mention that device use creates additions!

Dreams and doubts are forms of thought and opinion, not fact. But as people grow up, many of them lose the childlike ability to imagine what might be possible. They become more pragmatic, and hide behind the adult notion of being more “realistic.”

Dreams are hindered by doubt; so, for this moment, I am asking you to take a journey of dreams—your dreams—and to fight off any doubt that might rear its ugly head.

Dreams attract opportunities; doubt repels them.

For this very instant, assume there are no limits or restrictions on your dreams or your resources to achieve them.

First, dreams—your dreams—are your birthright; you need to own your dreams. Over the past couple of decades, I have discovered that dreams are very personal, and people don’t usually hold on to dreams that they cannot achieve. Give yourself credit that your dreams are really your desires and that they are possible!

To get you in the right frame of mind, read this poem by 13th-century poet Rumi.

You were born with potential.
You were born with trust.
You were born with ideals and dreams.
You were born with greatness.
You were born with wings.
You were not meant for crawling, so don’t.
You have wings. Learn to use them to fly.

Dreams can assume the forms of doing, being, and having.

If you knew you could not fail, what would you do?

1. What have you not done that you would like to do? Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Travel: Where would you like to go that you have never been?
• Activities: What new activity would you like to do?
• Accomplishments: Would you like to write a book, a song, a play, etc.? Volunteer? Become an advocate? Go back to school or start a new business?

Stop, think, and dream about them now.

2. What would you like to be, by developing yourself to become a better, more complete, and fulfilled person?

• What areas of knowledge would you like to acquire?
• What skills would you like to develop?
• What disciplines would you like to master?
• What can you do to be more healthy and fit?

Stop, think, and dream about those things now.

3. What would you like to have? The options are endless when it comes to physical and material items. Just make sure you are thinking about your dreams, not the ones placed upon you by other people or society.

Now, believe you already have achieved your dreams. Reflect on how this feels. Do you really want each dream to become reality? If you do, keep it. If not, let it go.

Stop, think about, and visualize your third list now. Remember, you can’t fail.

Take the time to write out your dream list. Review it often. Update it, refine it, and expand it.

You’ll find that the more you do dream, the more you will dream. Abundance begets abundance. If you think this approach is too over-the-top and you’re finding it challenging to accept, here’s your homework:

1) Engage as many individuals as possible in the next week and encourage them in their own dreams.
2) Support them, even in their simplest desires.
3) Pay attention to how that simple act of kindness can spur you to own your own dreams.

One of the greatest gifts that you can give others is for you to continually expand your dreams and your thinking; that encourages others to do the same. When you help others embrace their dreams, you will discover that yours will expand, too.

This Week’s Action Steps

1. Consider whether you are inspired by your dreams, or your doubt.
2. Dare to dream—doubt and dreams rarely occupy the same space.
3. Think about what dreams you would embrace if you knew failure was not an option. What dreams have you given up that you need to revive?
4. Make a list of all the things you would do, be, or have. To make your list, review the details provided earlier in this newsletter.
5. Imagine, for a moment, that your dreams are happening. How does that make you feel? Can you notice your increased energy and inspiration?
6. Write out your dream list. Review it often; give yourself permission to continue to refine and update it.
7. Make sure that everything on your dream list is really yours. If you have no positive emotions toward a dream, ensure it’s your dream and not something that society or someone else has influenced you to “want.” If it is not your dream, please remove it from your list.
8. Step out and help others embrace their dreams if you ever feel doubt about your own. Encouraging others in their dreams and desires is a gift that will bless them and benefit you in your own journey.
9. Remember: Dreams are not just for children; they are for everyone—including you!
10. If you are unsure about your calling, purpose or desires consider our online course The Quest For Purpose where I will take you step-by-step through a process to help you determine, confirm and live out your dreams.