Everyone has certain dreams they want to achieve in life, and there are all sorts of different tips and tools out there for how to set yourself the right goals, how to carry out the best possible marketing campaign for your new business, and so on.
When all is said and done, though, a major part of successfully achieving any dream lies in finding ways to continue to propel yourself forward along the path, once you’ve already set down along it.
So, whether you are planning a great terrace house extension as part of a goal to create your dream home, or are daydreaming about a successful business venture, here are some things that can propel you forward on the path to achieving your dreams.
Small victories
A major part of the motivation and momentum that you’ll need in order to keep you moving forward towards achieving your goals and dreams, is going to be provided by “small victories” along the way.
It’s very difficult for anyone to work consistently towards a valued outcome, if they get no positive feedback along the way, and if the whole process seems like endless work with little if any payback.
In order to keep your energy and drive high, seek out small victories wherever you can get them. That might just mean deciding to celebrate a certain subscriber count for your mailing list, or it could mean aiming for an intermediary target weight for your bench press.
In either event, you need to regularly experience the sensation of winning.
A confident interpretation of events, and mental image of the future
If you’re constantly doubtful and pessimistic about what the future holds for you, and if you allow yourself to get caught up in the belief that you don’t have what it takes, or that something is inevitably going to go wrong – then the chances of you actually achieving your dreams fall to almost zero.
Everyone faces setbacks on the path to pursuing their dreams, but it’s essential to interpret those events in a way that allows you to continue to hold your head up high, and to maintain some confidence – instead of taking each setback as a sign of your ultimate uselessness and the futility of your actions.
By the same token, do what you can to nurture optimism for the future, and a sense of self belief – whether that involves positive affirmations, or any number of other things.
Momentum built up in other areas of your life – for example, a fitness routine
Charles Duhigg, author of the book “The Power of Habit” makes a very interesting point about the power of what he calls “Keystone Habits.”
In short, Keystone Habits are habits that have a disproportionately positive impact across multiple dimensions of your life, and that promote a series of other positive habits, in and of themselves.
Taking up a regular exercise routine, for example, is often a keystone habit.
The simple truth is that the momentum you build up in other areas of your life can often overlap with the momentum that goes towards pursuing your dreams.
Do whatever you can, in as many areas of your life as you can, to create positive spirals.