Dream and Succeed

The distance between your dreams and reality is called action.

When was the last time you actually thought about your dreams and aspirations? Have you taken any time to reflect on your dreams and put pen to paper as to how you will reach your goals?

I went to community college and received my Associate degree. My goal was to go back to school someday to finish my education, at least get my Bachelor’s degree. I had so many dreams and I wasn’t sure which one I was going to pursue, but I knew getting my degree was a step toward reaching my goals.

It wasn’t until I started working at a university that I realized God had put me in the perfect place to finish my life-long dream of accomplishing my educational goals. I began to interview people who were doing what they wanted to do and figuring out how they got to where they were.

I had my vision and needed to get from point A to point B. How?

1. Take some time to reflect. Go to your safe place, your haven, and focus on your dreams and passions and what you want to achieve. 2. Develop a step-by-step action plan. Map out your dream and the steps you need to get you to where you want to be, whether your dream is a new career, buying your first home, or getting a degree, write your action plan and the dates you plan on completing each goal. Know that you are a child of God and He created you with a purpose! Believe that with God all things are possible!

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26

3. Display your goals where you will see them throughout the day! If you decide to act on an idea, there is a 25% probability you will accomplish your goal. If you have a friend hold you accountable to complete your goal, your chances of success goes up 95%. (AACC, 95% Richard R. Eley, Ph.d., CFCC, CMC, The Lamplighter) 4. Tell your family and friends so that they can be your cheerleaders and keep you on track. Have someone you trust come along side you as an accountability partner, a mentor, or a life coach that believes in you and wants to see you succeed. 5. Don’t give up on your dreams! Allow for setbacks. That’s part of the journey toward learning, growing, and maturing. We are made stronger through the journey.

• Abraham Lincoln ran for U. S. Senate twice and lost both times, but he eventually became the 16th president of the United States.

• An expert said of Vince Lombardi: "He possesses minimal football knowledge and lacks motivation." Lombardi would later write, "It's not whether you get knocked down; it's whether you get back up." By the way, Lombardi came to be known as the greatest coach in history. (But They Didn't Give Up)

I'll ask again, when was the last time you thought about your dreams?

I encourage you to follow your dream, whatever that might be, personal or professional, set an action plan and know that you can achieve your goals.

I went back to school while while working full time, raising a family with two young kids, and doing church ministry. I juggled my schedule, striving toward the good grade, while making family a priority. Graduation day came along with a huge sense of accomplishment as I received my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. The endeavor was worth it. I had made my dream a reality! And so can you.

Believe in your dreams! Most of all, believe in YOURSELF!

Don’t be afraid to dream and succeed!

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