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My Secret to Make Your Dreams Happen

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We all have dreams in life. But as the days, months, and years tick by, we may find ourselves wishing we would, could, or should have done something about them sooner.

“A goal is a dream with a deadline.” – Napoleon Hill

Whether your dream is to travel, write, create something new, or solve a problem, in order to bring our dreams to life, we must take action. So, let’s get started.

 

I designed a simple SHAPE framework to help turn any dream or goal into reality (and of course have fun in the process).

 

I’ll use my own dream to travel as an example.

 

SIMPLIFY

Start by defining your dream.  WHAT do you want to do and WHEN do you want to do it?

 

If you’re considering travel, make a list of locations you’re most interested in and identify any known questions or challenges you might encounter.

 

Then, create a list of SMART goals (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) that you will use to evaluate the feasibility of your dream. Sketch out a plan that outlines the steps you need to take to reach each goal. What resources, skills and support do you need?

 

HUMANIZE

Bring your core values into the conversation.  WHY is your dream important to you?  Is there an underlying reason driving you? 

 

In the instance of travel:  WHY do you want to go to certain locations? Is there a timeframe or are there other considerations? 

 

Bring a sense of understanding and compassion to your own reasons for wanting to do something. If you connect with your dream on a personal level, it will be easier to stay motivated and help with prioritization.

 

If you get frustrated or unmotivated, remind yourself WHY your dream is important to you. Keep it simple and relatable. And of course, celebrate the progress you’re making each step of the way. You’re already closer to your dream.

 

AMPLIFY

This is an action step that offers you time to do additional research while soliciting feedback. 

 

Do you know anyone who has traveled to where you want to go, or who lives there now?

 

Put the topic out there and see what kind of responses you get. It may knock out some of the ideas and bolster others. Be open to input:  Amplify in order to listen.

 

PRIORITIZE

You now have additional information. What issues, obstacles, or challenges did you identify? Did any opportunities arise to help bolster your plans? It’s time to prioritize and adjust accordingly.

 

While planning my most recent trip, I was considering England, Scotland, Ireland, and the Netherlands.  After reaching out to colleagues, and reminding myself WHY I was going, it became clear to plan my trip to England and Scotland (this time) in order to meet my objectives without overwhelming the trip with too many locations.  

 

If there are a lot of changes, go back to the start and SIMPLIFY again before proceeding to the next step, and remind yourself WHY you’re doing what you’re doing to avoid distractions and stay focused. 

 

ENERGIZE

If you have a team helping you (who believes in your dream), engage them in the WHY and the celebrations. Seek advice from those who can offer support and expertise. Your motivation and persistence are the difference, so be sure to acknowledge and celebrate along the way.

 

Capture your memories in photos and writing to keep the dream alive and growing. I brought over 40 colleagues into my recent trips by engaging them in my dream before, during and after (see links under March Highlights below).

SHAPE Framework - piecesofi.com

No matter what dream you choose to bring to fruition, be sure to believe in who you are, what you’re doing, why you’re doing it, and where you need to be.

 

Start brainstorming today and reach out if you need help. If it’s a mindset issue, let’s knock the inner saboteurs out of the equation and bring your dreams to life!

MARCH Travel Highlights (photos in links below): 

 

POETRY: 

The Poetry Alive project is featured on social media each Sunday with poems, art and videos on my website, and global collaborators. Reach out if you’d like to contribute. Here is the latest:  

  • Scotland – poem about the rugged beauty and whispers in Scotland. Poetry and photography by Susan LePlae Miller

 

VALUES Events

(free online events hosted by the US Values Alliance):

  • February 9, 2024:  Come as You Are – AUTHENTICITY (highlights)

  • April 12, 2024:  Spring into JOY (learn more and register)

  • June 14, 2024:  GRATITUDE (Order may change (Jun – Dec)

  • August 9, 2024:  SUSTAINABILITY

  • October 11, 2024:  EMPATHY

  • October 17, 2024:  World Values Day - "Bringing Values to Life"

  • December 13, 2024:  PEACE

In my last newsletter, “Ready, Set, Action”, I offered some golden nuggets to create your own luck with links to photo galleries from Find Out My Breast Density Day 2024 and Cre8tive Con.

 

I help ‘For Purpose’ Leaders and Organizations bring their mission, vision, and values to life with a focus on Intergenerational Teams. Together we will collaborate on strategic and tactical planning to help guide culture, decisions, engagement, relationships and revenue. Delivering your vision through custom planning and workshops designed to energize your team.

 

May you always “Know your value, Live your values”.

Reach out when you’re ready!

✨Susan