Do you evaluate the processes you use to achieve your dreams?
I lack direction and follow through in achieving my goals and dreams. There is no doubt that I get excited about the topics that interest me. This frustrates me, because I am not sure if it is caused by boredom, life’s busyness, or I simply lose the passion and drive to go after goals or dreams. I hope to outline what I gained from John Maxwell’s book, Put Your Dream to The Test: 10 Questions to Help you See It and Seize It. Mr. Maxwell has written many books and he is one of my favorite authors. I chose to pick this book up because I was seeking some direction in a dream I have. As I have stated last week, I have some hard questions to ask myself as I push myself toward that dream.
Passion for your dreams is important and at times we lose interest, or we become distracted with other things in our lives. We must keep putting the dream and the passion for that dream, front and center. What makes us passionate about a dream and why do we lose it? Maxwell lays out several great examples, but I want to hit on just a few. One I found key to achieving a dream is keeping your eyes on it. It sounds simple I know, but isn’t that what we fail to do? I know I lose sight of my dreams, as I stated earlier. Mr. Maxwell adds that we may run into fear of looking different than those around us. My dream of becoming a Life Coach is a very different idea in my current community. I have shared this dream with a select few and inevitably I get an eyebrow raised, questioning what that even is. We cannot let these things deter us from advancing toward a dream. I could relate to Maxwell’s example of how we lose enthusiasm as we age. He explains that children have this interest, excitement, and enthusiasm we tend to lose over time. As an educator I love this energy kids bring to our world. We must keep that passion for our dreams alive.
Another area Mr. Maxwell explains is the Pathway to our dreams. As I indicated last week, the steps I am currently taking or will be taking are the evidence I am achieving my dream. Intended steps or procedures are what we should be focusing on. Much of what John Maxwell writes, are to be taken literally as actionable steps people need to take daily. Every book I have read from Maxwell shares steps we need to take in our personal development. This book is no different. It is a plan for anyone to achieve their dreams. Maxwell asks us to evaluate our positions of the present, future, and those we hold in the process. Another words, where am I with my dream, and where do I want to end up. Additionally, what positions could benefit me in between here and the future? As a school administrator, I can coach my staff and help them in some way. In the future I hope to coach people in all aspects of life. Now I need to place tasks in front of me to get from here to there. We must develop a process to achieve our dreams. These should be actionable items to help us get to the future us. Do something everyday related to your dreams!
Recently, one of my contacts on LinkedIn share some insights on surrounding yourself with like-minded people when you want to do some cool stuff. I cannot agree more. John Maxwell shares that we should have people who inspire us, are honest with us, and who’s abilities complement ours. As I look at the individuals in my life, I have several who have benefited me greatly. My wife who always cheers me on, the professional guidance I receive from peers of my past and present bring clarity to what I am doing. Without key people in our lives, we would not have someone pushing us to be better. When we have people encouraging us, we can share our dreams and receive assistance along the way. It is my opinion, that if you really want to grow, improve, or achieve a dream you must find like-minded people that will help you and give you their honest assessment of your plans.
What is causing the passion for your dreams to dissipate?
Are you able to clearly see the future you and your dream?
Who knows your dreams and gives you an honest assessment of them?
I have much more to share from this book, Put Your Dream to The Test: 10 Questions to Help you See It and Seize It. My hope, is my experience with this book and my dream will offer you some thoughts towards your dreams. This week I hope you jump into action take steps to achieve your dreams. Please leave your comments below and share the progress you are making towards your dreams. My goal next week is to finalize this series on Awaken Your Dreams. Have an awesome week!
Steven C. Bucks-Leading Conversations
Resource: Maxwell, J. C. (2011). Put Your Dream to The Test: 10 Questions to Help You See It and Seize It. Nashville, TN. Thomas Nelson
