We all have dreams. And most of us believe that we have a special gift. That we can somehow touch the lives of people in a meaningful way. That we can make the world a better place.
At some point in our lives, we’ve all had a vision for what our life and work could become.
What happened to that vision? Has it taken a back seat to the busyness of life? Did it get lost somewhere along your journey through a cluttered and noisy world?
Are you living your dream?
For many, the vision of what can be has vanished. For this very reason, I have committed the rest of my life to help people in 3 ways:
1. Restore the dream
I’ve learned the importance of growing on purpose. I’ve experienced dramatic improvements in my life and work. And I want to pass it on.
Your life matters – it’s irreplaceable. Priceless! You are important.
So, who are you? What were you made to do? How do you want to be remembered? What will your legacy be? How does your work fit into your overall life?
Each of these questions can be answered by working through a simple step-by-step life plan. If you haven’t already, I recommend that you start with a life plan.
2. See the vision become reality
Maybe you still remember the dream. But one day you just quit chasing it. Are you even making an effort anymore?
If not, what’s holding you back? In a previous post, I noted 5 things that keep successful people moving forward. You can read them here.
When you purposefully apply proven principles, you can immediately begin seeing measurable progress.
3. Take advantage of limitless resources
There is more available today than at any other time in human history. There are also more distractions than ever before! So we must periodically stop long enough to remember the significant value of resources both within us and around us.
You have unique abilities, experiences, knowledge, opportunities – that no one else has or ever will have. You are one-of-a-kind. No one will ever be able to do what you were made to do like you can.
So, think about what you do have. What tools, relationships, and resources are available to you? How can you get more specific with these resources to see better results? What adjustments do you need to make to your priorities and decision-making?
Jeff Goins has written a great post, How to live your dream when you’re scared to death. If you want to improve the quality of your life – if you want your life to have meaning – then do something about it – today.
What has helped you keep going? What derailed you and how did you get back on track? Take just a couple of seconds to leave a comment – it may be exactly what someone else needs to hear today.
Sandra Zawada says
I love it when I see people living their dreams. I didn’t even know who I was and I thought my dream was totally a pipe dream that I could never see fulfilled. But today, I am living my dream and what I am doing with our non-profit incorporates every single thing I love to do including designing for tiny homes. We help people find and fund their purpose so we are seeing beautiful things happen. Yes, everyone has a dream and that dream was put in your heart for you to be a contributor on this earth in a unique and important way. God put that desire in your heart so He can fulfill that desire. That is how God leads people.
tracy says
As I read your article, I realized that our dreams are being responsible for the people, and things that have come into our lives. To show appreciation and to move forward not knowing what to expect, but using the knowledge that you have gained to make the best of it. To start to really enjoy who you are and what you can offer to others. To look back and say, yes, I wanted to do this or that, but based on the decisions I have made I am actually where I am suppose to be. Dreams to me are to do better than you have done in the past and to learn from past mistakes. Finding the love that you experienced in the moments and trusting God as you move on.
Michael Nichols says
Great thoughts Tracy! Thanks for stopping by!
Eileen says
“You have unique abilities, experiences, knowledge, opportunities – that no one else has or ever will have.” Amen, to that! Great thoughts.
Michael Nichols says
Thanks Eileen!
Michael Nichols says
Great thoughts David. Also check out Daniel Harkavy’s blog (www.danielharkavy.com), Mark Miller’s blog (www.leadersserve.com) and Chris Patton’s blog (www.christianfaithatwork.com).
Michael Nichols says
That’s great David. Let me know how I can serve you.
TCAvey says
“Every morning I spend a few moments thinking of at least one thing or one person that I can be grateful for – and I intentionally pray about that one thing with a spirit of gratitude.”
Great advice! We all need to pray for others more and to count our blessings.
Realizing we have much to be grateful for motivates me to live above the circumstances and to be joyful in Christ.
Michael Nichols says
Good stuff. I agree. Thanks for sharing.