by Karolyn Hart  

Have you ever had a dream?  I mean, a HUGE dream?  One so big that it seems unattainable?  If you answered yes then you might be happy to know you are not alone.  Most people have dreams to achieve something more in their lives.  It’s part of the human experience.  So then why is it some people remain starry-eyed dreamers while others go on and actually live out their dream?

I admit it.  I do have HUGE dreams (almost the size of an elephant) and up until the past few years they were only that.  I didn’t realize that going after the impossible dream is something very few people do, until several people asked me how I am doing what I am doing.   Here is how I learned how to take my elephant size dream and turn it into something achievable.

1 - How do you eat an elephant?
You’ve probably heard this question before and know the answer is “One bite at a time.”  The same goes for your dreams.  Anyone who has experienced any measure of success will tell you it didn’t happen over night.  Often years of work and planning goes into achieving a large vision.  If you have the impossible dream the first thing you need to do is break it into smaller possible and achievable items. 

2 - Is this dream achievable?
Deep down I am a diva who would love to be an amazing singer but for whatever reason God blessed me with an alto voice that is built to blend in and not stand out.  Accepting the realities of the gifts you have does not mean you have to allow your dream to die.  It just means that you may need to shift your end goal.  For example, just because I am not a soprano with a wide vocal range doesn’t mean I can’t participate in singing groups.  I can still sing but usually it involves harmony with a group of people. 

3 - Do I need specific training to do this?
Ensuring you have the skills you need to achieve your dream is important.  When I decided that I wanted to become a Project Manager I signed up for courses and spent the next two years in evening classes.  When I fell into reporting and realized how much it energized me I was quick to obtain all the training provided by the station including learning to shoot, edit my own stories and receiving vocal direction (Thanks Brian!).  In both cases the training I obtained helped me to confidently pursue my goals.

4 - How can I gain experience?
Recently two separate friends of mine have mentioned they are re-evaluating their careers and wondering if they missed their calling as teachers or professional speakers.  To quit their jobs and attend school for something they are not 100% confidant about is not an option. My recommendation?  Contact the local school board and ask to come and speak to a class about their professions.

Gaining experience can be as easy as volunteering your time with the organization, group or company that you are interested in becoming involved with.  Not only will it help confirm you are heading in the right direction but you will also have the added benefit of giving back to your community while at the same time adding to your resume.

5 - Make a plan
Achieving anything worthwhile always involves a very clear and direct plan.  If you haven’t done so you need to sit down and make a yearly plan. For those who have never done this start by doing the following:

• Write a Vision Statement
  If you don’t know what you are going after, how will you know when you have achieved it?  Writing a vision statement will provide you with a goal to achieve.  For example, one person’s vision may be to have a career which allows them more flexibility and the ability to work from home.  Articulating this will help you make decisions about future training and jobs that you will apply to. The same goes for any vision. 

• Go For Five
  Having a five year plan will help you decide your priorities.  Start by deciding where you would like to be in five years and then work backwards factoring in items like education, training, and necessary experience. 

6 - Get  a Mentor
If there is only one item you take away it should be this one.  The most successful athlete’s in the world usually have some of the best coaches behind them.  That’s why having a mentor is extremely important.  When deciding who you should approach as a mentor be sure to approach someone you view as successful in their life.  Ask them if they would be willing to meet with you on a regular basis to discuss your hopes and dreams and ask if they are willing to provide you with recommendations.  A mentor will help you stay the course, challenge you, and more importantly provide you with the tools needed to succeed.

Remember  - every big dreamer had people who didn’t believe in them.  The difference between those who succeeded and those who didn’t was their ability to focus and work with those who did believe in them.

Filed under: Author Karolyn, Life