Goals vs. Dreams; What is the difference between them? Have you ever thought about it much? Well, let’s start with dreams first.
Okay, are you that daydream believer?
Daydreamer…
I was in school and was always told I didn’t pay attention in class as much as I should. I was a “B” average or so kind of kid; better in college though, way. But, my Brain would get me in trouble, as I would spend a good deal of time or two, wandering off on some other artistic adventure. All in my head of course. Thus, why the Brain deceived my path & deviated to somewhere else. Also known as daydreaming.
And, according to the Cambridge English Dictionary daydreaming is defined as, “one who builds castles in the air!” Or another one from The Free Dictionary.com states, “A dream like musing or fantasy while awake; especially of the fulfillment of wishes or hopes. Sound familiar? Can you relate?
Definitely, me too! However, the thing is a daydream can become dreams and the belief that dreams can come true! But, without a plan, the work, the goal, how does the dream become a reality? Haven’t found one until now.
Currently, working on the plan to get me to my goal, how to turn my dream into becoming reality. But wait! That’s all very nice, but here’s the thing:
Dreams are the things that happen to us when we’re asleep. Dreams are the things which require nothing from us beyond lying down with our eyes closed. And, Dreams are the things which rarely, if ever, come to life. But…
What about daydreams?
Well, by changing our dreams to goals, we inevitably start to look at them in a different light and draw them closer towards us. We may never realize a dream, but countless people from all walks of life set themselves incredible goals every day and go on to achieve dreams consistently. If they can do it, so can we.
CHANGE; I WISHES ~ to ~ HOW CAN I ’s!!!
Impossible dream to possible goal example;
“My dream is to become a best-selling novelist . If only I had the time to sit down and write.”
Versus
“My goal is to become a best-selling novelist, so I will create time to write by waking up an hour earlier each morning.”
All we’ve done is replace a few words, but in doing so not only changed our thinking, but changed an impossible dream to an entirely possible goal.
SMART Goals?
Now that we have a better understanding of what a goal is; and how we can change a dream into a goal. It helps to use your time wisely and stay on track. Have you ever heard the saying, “Work smarter, not harder”? Well, these SMART goals I learned while I was at Macy’s Credit & Customer Services.
And I am sharing them with all of you stopping by our Curious Corner of the Internet. Use these SMART Goals to help guide you on your path in turning your dreams into goals.
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S is for SPECIFIC. You want to be as clear and precise as possible with what you want to achieve. Write it down. Be able to understand what it is you exactly want.
Good example; “I want to be a training instructor: artist.”
Best example; “I want to earn a training instructor position in my own web based marketing corner business.“
Including more details, creates a better action plan towards your goals. Now, breaking it down into smaller steps, is so much more doable.
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M is for MEASURABLE. How are you going about measuring your achievements? If your goal is to have your own web based business using your training skills artistically, then is your website completed? If not, this too can be broken down in parts. All this is to help you create your milestones, and get you to where you want your goals to be. Finally, these milestones will end, into your perfectly planned Dream.
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A is for ACHIEVABLE. You need to set goals that can be achieved in a reasonable amount of time. Before attempting your goal, really do an honest check with yourself and know it’s attainable for you. Then, how many steps will it take to achieve it? Do you need additional skills or training? Be determined!
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R is for RELEVANT. Make sure your goals are relevant to you. Have goals, and those long term ones, that align with your own values. How will these goals help you? How important are they to you? Be sure they can coexist with other long term goals. You want your smart to be well, smart!
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T is for Time-Based. You also need a time frame of completion. If not, you could lose motivation. Thus, killing your goal before you barely get started. Just remember, give yourself realistic time frames. If not completed in allotted time, re access. Sometimes you may have unexpected roadblocks. Reset, Refocus, Recommit!
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Goals vs. Dreams: “Stinking Thinking” Explained
Now, one of the biggest roadblocks, and not always unexpected, is that of ‘Stinking Thinking.’ As far as Dreams are concerned, this thought process seems to not be affected at all! On the other hand, this way of thinking affects Goals directly.
It uses the thought process, instead, by convincing yourself that quitting your goal is the right thing to do. You completely change your mindset from positive to negative. And, it does it so quickly, you almost missed it. The kind of self talk we all do with ourselves.
For example; You are jogging in the morning to help with losing weight. You usually jog for one mile. Only today, you say to yourself, the last quarter I’ll stop and rest and then walk home from there. I have been doing well so far.
What should have happened was that you say to yourself instead; At the last quarter, you say, I think I’ll pick up the pace a little to help kick in more fat burning. I can rest when I get home.
See how the first example had some ‘Stinking Thinking’ going on. This will not get you to your goal because once you begin this way of thinking, it becomes easier and easier to sway yourself. Stay away from this!
Goals vs. Dreams: How does “Stinking Thinking” affect our Goals?
This way of thinking will keep you from continuing on the path you created. The path to accomplishing the goal you set you want to complete or attain. Your attention to follow through will be derailed, even after you have planned, outlined and brainstormed your incredible idea.
You just get stuck in a rut as your plans possibly change, it gets tougher than you anticipated, or the idea isn’t as good as an idea as first thought. Maybe you just quit? Whatever happened, you made the choice to shy away from your, once thought, incredible idea.
Now your thought of failure is real. Why did we fail after stinking thinking to truly accomplish what we needed to? Or, instead, have it all go up in smoke? Well, here are a few answers to that very question;
- First, the goal may have been just a pipedream. And you may have not thought through it carefully enough. Possibly not enough resources to accomplish the goal. You may have to regroup and rethink this one all together.
- Secondly, maybe the goal is no longer as important as it once was. Priorities change from time to time. So, not a complete failure.
- Thirdly, It wasn’t really worth doing in the first place.
- Finally, things got tough, so you thought your way out of it. Which is the worst thing to do! (True Stinking Thinking)
Sometimes we just overthink things. And, we can think ourselves right out of a great idea. In addition, we just stopped our goal, dead in its tracks and left the scene.
Can “Stinking Thinking” Be Stopped?
Well, of course, but it’s all up to you. Start, instead, by stopping convincing yourself that quitting your goal is the right thing to do. Stop what you’re doing if you start thinking this way. Breath, regroup your thoughts to more positivity, then act.
This allows you time to rethink your stinking thinking. Gives you the time to go back to more positive self-talk and move forward again. And, it only takes a minute or so to change your mindset. DO NOT second guess yourself! DO NOT even consider alternatives to come into your head.
If need be, write down your goal and post where you can see it frequently. Do NOT let your negativity destroy your goals and dreams. Always wait for your positive thinking to take over before you take a step forward.
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