I frequently make reference to My Dreams List in this blog. People often ask me about it. You too can use this tool to begin the process of fulfilling your dreams today. The first step that I recommend is to create your own Dreams List. Doing so will only take 15 minutes, requires no special training or skills, and could be the first step towards making your dreams come true.
We each must dream for ourselves. No one else can or will do it for us.
Your time is limited, so don’t let it be wasted living someone else’s life. Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. You’ve got to find what you love. Do what you believe is great work. If you haven’t found it, keep looking. Don’t settle.
— Steve Jobs
Why is the Dreams List such a powerful tool?
Because it allows us to get clear about what we want and then to remain conscious of it. See Why Dream Big and My Dreams List for more information on this.
So, what is a Dreams List?
It is the list of things that I would love to happen if I had no constraints whatsoever. The things that I wish I could accomplish or experience if I had unlimited resources.
How do you create your own dreams list?
Get a blank piece of paper, and write the following across the top — “If I had unlimited time, money, and ability, I would…” Then find a quiet place where you won’t be interrupted, and for the next 15 minutes, write down whatever you would love to accomplish or to experience in your life.
This is a brain-storming exercise. Do not edit yourself. Write down whatever comes to mind. Do not limit yourself in any way. Remember that you have unlimited resources and no constraints. All obstacles will be eliminated. Everything is possible. Dream like a child would. Let your dreams pour out onto the paper. There are no wrong answers. Have no concern for what others think, why you want something, or whether it is worthwhile. If you need more time than 15 minutes, keep going. On the other hand, your list doesn’t need to be long or even complete. You can always add more dreams later. Have fun with it.
Not sure what to write? People often have dreams about their health, education, career, home, lifestyle, family, relationships, travel, etc., but your dreams are yours alone. Don’t feel obligated to write anything down, even about your spouse or your kids, unless it is something that you really want for yourself.
I’m too <fill in your own consideration(s) here> (e.g. old, busy, poor) to dream.
You’re never too <repeat your own consideration(s) here> to dream. Everyone has dreams. There is nothing, I repeat, NO-THING (e.g. young, stressed, sick, or afraid) that can or should prevent you from dreaming.
But why write down things that I’m unlikely to ever accomplish?
It doesn’t hurt to dream. You never know what will happen. Perhaps one or more of your dreams will come true. Wouldn’t that be great? Something is better than nothing. What could it hurt to try?
“It is difficult to say what is impossible, for the dream of yesterday is the hope of today and the reality of tomorrow.”
— Bob Goddard
OK, I did it. Now what do I do with my list?
Keep it. Put it some place where you’ll look at it periodically, at least once a month. For example, on the inside cover of your journal or daybook, or on your bedside table. Those who are more technically inclined might put in a spreadsheet, but print it out and don’t forget about it. It’s important to review it periodically.
What else? Shouldn’t I start taking action to achieve my dreams?
If you want to, then please do. If you’re not ready yet, that’s OK too. Just keep reviewing your list periodically. Add additional items if you want, but don’t remove any. If you see an opportunity to fulfill a dream (or take a step towards it) then go for it. If you’re the planning type, consider your dreams when you plan your year or your month.
Final Thoughts
I believe that by creating my dreams list and remaining conscious of my dreams, that I am fulfilling more of those dreams than I would have otherwise (Dream Big). I believe that the same thing can happen for you. Please try it and let me know how it goes. If you’ve already done it, I’d love to hear how it’s working for you.
Okay, did one! (had a few in my mind for a number of years but had not written them down yet) Now the goal to check them all off!!
Congratulations Annette. I’m very impressed. I hope that all your dreams come true.
reminds me of the bucket list i created years ago…most are checked off……….looking at retirement now……..what do i want to do?? thanks for reminding me to dream…..big, and boldly !!!!!!!
Writing things down is a form of commitment, which is why most people don’t do it. “Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now.” (Attributed to Goethe, but not necessarily his words exactly… http://german.about.com/library/blgermyth12.htm).
Well said Lee!