If these last few months have taught us anything, it may be that it is difficult to dream with all of the uncertainty surrounding us at the moment. Uncertainty makes it difficult for us to dream. However, we definitely need to keep dreaming. It is what helps us keep the stress we are facing in check so that it does not dominate our minds or our health. So how should we keep on dreaming in the middle of constant change and anxiety? We have some suggestions for keeping your dreams alive in the midst of uncertainty.
Find the Time to Dream
There are times when it is difficult to dream at all. However, researchers say that you need to take time to dream, even if it is a few minutes each day. One way to carve out some time for yourself is to take a good look at your schedule. See if there are places within your day where you can work on dreams and goal setting.
Accept the Obstacles
It may seem as soon as you start dreaming, you find obstacles that get in your way. Many of us subconsciously put obstacles in our way because we are afraid of reaching for a new goal or dream. One way to overcome the obstacles is to accept that life isn’t perfect. Because you know that life isn’t perfect, you also know that you can look for ways to overcome challenges to your dreams. If the obstacles seem overwhelming, remember a positive outlook can work wonders on any challenge.
Come Up with Seed Money
Every dream needs seed money to get started. If you don’t think that you have any extra money, think about those little extras you give yourself. Perhaps there are places where you can cut corners. You can reduce the number of memberships and subscription services you no longer use and add to your seed money savings. You also may have friends and family who will want to contribute a little money to your dream as well.
You’ll Need Additional Energy
If you are rushing through your day the way many of us do, you may find it difficult to find any extra energy to dream. But experts and prominent motivational speakers say that when you are passionate about a project, you will find extra energy. In fact, you may find that if you are really passionate about your dreams, you will find the energy you didn’t know you had. Having a hard time figuring out where your energy is? You may want to try eating right and exercising, which will give you that extra boost of energy you need. This is especially true if you have not been eating or exercise prior to the current state of events.
You Need A Network
While we are talking about friends and family, it may be a good idea to talk about establishing a network of people who may be willing to help you achieve your dream. As you are going to endless meetings and cycles of get-togethers, be sure and keep an eye out for people who can help you down the road. Some of the best businesses started as dreams when collaborators met at a business meeting—so don’t be afraid to vocalize your dream to someone you meet at a business lunch. Your support network can also be a great help when you are overcoming a challenge or feeling stuck in your progress towards your dream. They say that you should emulate yourself after those who have achieved the type of success you hope for, so network with those people to make the most of your networking experience.
Collaborators
Sometimes, a network branch out means that you find a true collaborator—someone who shares your dream and has the knowledge or experience you lack. Think of some of the greatest companies of the 20th and 21st centuries—Apple, Microsoft, Google—all of them involved two or more collaborators who shared an idea. Before you select a collaborator for your dream, be sure that you can trust them, and that they will be honest with you. True collaborators in a business bounce ideas off each other, and allow room to critique each other’s goals.
Learn the Art of Self-Promotion
One of the most difficult lessons to learn is the art of self-promotion. Most people do not like to talk about themselves. It is even harder to talk about something that you have devoted time and space to. However, the more you talk about your dream with others, both in person and on social media, the more likely you are to find other people who are willing to seed your dream. When people hear about an idea that sparks passion, they cannot help but want to become involved.
Be Ready to Accept Potholes
Dreams are never linear. If you want your dream to become a reality, you need to be able to move past the potholes and continue forward. Sometimes, the way forward means you may have to move a step or two back. There are many times where failure is actually progress. For example, Thomas Edison failed hundreds of times before he found success with the light bulb. Failure is a way to assess your path, but not to drop your dream. Remember why you started dreaming in the first place. If you hold onto your dream no matter what, you will continue to make progress.
Listen to Other Voices
Whether it is a motivational speaker you like, a trusted colleague, friend or a family member, be sure that you are listening to other people. Sometimes, it is another voice, one who is more objective, that will give you the tools you need to overcome a challenge, or to move forward in your goals. Other voices aren’t as important as yours, but they are a great way to continue to analyze your progress.
Remember that having a dream doesn’t have to be something you do alone. In fact, very few people find the path to their dream without others. If you remember to keep the people that love you close, build your network of support, and continue to build towards your dream despite the challenges you face, you will achieve your dream.