Establishing Dreams and Goals by Jim Rohn

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!

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 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.

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 backward. 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.