Goals are not dreams. However, dreams are an indication that we have hope. They can be simple or complex, ordinary or extraordinary. Dreams are wonderful, seemingly magical things, and yet they are only that—dreams. Without actionable steps, dreams can only come true on the off-chance that someone else will do the work for you.
Are you ready to make your dreams come to life?
The Scribbling Stage
Go find a quiet spot where you can think. Bring a pen and paper. Let’s do this together!
First, set a timer for 3-5 minutes and jot down any dreams that come to mind. What are you hoping for? More free time with family? A different lifestyle? A new home? A career shift?
Now you’ve completed your brain dump. (Yes, it’s actually called a brain dump and boy are they are powerful!) The next step is to categorize your thoughts. You may decide to use different categories, but I would begin with these:
- Short-Term Achievable Dreams (this year or within the next 6 months)
- Long-Term Achievable Dreams (within the next 2-5 years)
- True Dreams – The kind you keep around but don’t really need or want to achieve.
A Shift from Dreams to Goals
Now’s the part where you convert those dreams into goals. Pick just one dream from either the short-term or long-term lists.
Write it at the top of a new page along with a target due date.
If you haven’t already done some soul-searching to figure out exactly why this is such an important dream, take a minute to list a few of the things that make this important to you. Let’s say you’re looking for a career shift within the next six months. What components are critical to you in your choice of career?
Once you’ve finished that, determine what you need to do to achieve your goal. This is a more focused version of a brain dump. Jot down any hurdles or steps that come to mind. Don’t worry about putting them in order—this is just to have everything in one spot.
Let’s assess. You’ve identified, on paper:
- An achievable goal
- A target due date
- Your motivation for success
- Actionable steps
Moving forward with your plan
What’s left? Putting it into action. Pick one step.
Just.
One.
Then, decide what a reasonable deadline is to accomplish it. You don’t need to accomplish all the things at once, but in order to be successful, you do need to continue moving toward the end goal! Give yourself the same consideration you would give to anyone else you love when they ask you to do something for them. You’re important. Let your actionable steps be important. And set boundaries so you can focus on completing each step. (Here are 17 tips on how to say no.)
Lastly, celebrate the completion of every step and immediately pick your next actionable step/target due date.
Bonus: If you love technology, use a program like monday.com or trello to help you visualize and keep track of your progress!
How Crane Realty can help.
We would love to speak with you if any of your goals for this year are centered around real estate or a career change! Having a career that melds with the lifestyle you’re craving is an incredible feeling. We also offer free services like home valuations to those who are contemplating a change in scenery. Working on the details of a major home renovation? Crane Realty agents are pleased to offer feedback about which renovations provide the best return on investment! And, of course, we are always available to set up a free home search, connect you with a network of professionals, or schedule showings for anyone looking to purchase a home.