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Goals and dreams are two concepts that are often used interchangeably in the quest for success. Although they can be used to complement one another, they do mean different things. This article looks at what goals and dreams are and how they can be used hand-in-hand to achieve personal success.
What Are Goals And Dreams?
There are different ways to describe what goals are; it can be said that goals are the desired outcomes that you have plans and commitment to achieve. What makes goals spectacular is that the things you want to achieve are clearly defined with a timeframe within which they should be achieved.
Here are some examples of goals:
- Get certified in analytics in three months
- Celebrate child’s 5th birthday in Disneyland
- Attain financial freedom at 50
- Read and finish at least one book monthly
- Watch the next Olympic games live
Dreams are thoughts, imaginations, and aspirations that are often about what we desire to attain, experience, or achieve. Dreams can be spontaneous, or they can be desires that we have nursed over a long time. Our dreams are often shaped and influenced by what we see regularly around us, the things we have heard or read about, or the things people we admire are doing.
Here are some examples of dreams:
- Attend an Ivy League Institution
- Own a company
- Be debt-free
- Be healthy and fit
- Travel the world
Differences Between Goals and Dreams
There is no need to confuse goals and dreams when you know their differences[1] and how they can work together to facilitate success. The following are some useful insights about goals and dreams.
Thoughts and Imagination Vs. Plans and Action
To have a dream, you need to engage your thoughts and imagination. This means thinking deeply about what you want to achieve, where you want to go, and to what extent you want to achieve those things. For dreams, everything ends in the realm of imagination if nothing is done thereafter.
Unlike dreams, goals require a commitment toward achieving the desired end. This includes deciding the size of the goals, planning the order of events that will lead to achieving them, and the timeline within which they should be achieved.
Spontaneity Vs. Thoughtfulness
You can have a dream anytime, anyhow, and without any form of preparation or formality. This is not the same with goals. Goals must be set thoughtfully, and conscientiously. They must be written down and should be S.M.A.R.T.
Dreams Come Before Goals
It would be right to say that there is no goal without a dream. Dreams must come first because dreams give birth to goals. You must have a desire and nurture it in your mind until it becomes a burning desire that you are ready to pursue. That is when they can be turned into goals.
Captured Dreams Become Goals
There can be dreams without goals. Dreams can go on and on and end only in fantasy. However, when they are captured, they can become actionable goals that can, indeed, materialize.
There is a Yoruba proverb that can be translated thus: “S/he who finds money in the dream and gets excited should be told to focus on working hard so as not to become a victim of poverty.” While the proverb is primarily about night dreams, it can apply to imaginative dreaming, too.
To realize your dream, it must be captured and turned into goals; then, you will have to create a goals strategy and follow it up with hard work.
Goals Require Steps
Goals are the steps you set out to take after you are convinced that your dream is truly worth it. These steps will outline what you should do and how you should do them to attain your dream.
Dreams Are Free, but Goals Come With a Price
Dreams come without costs. You can dream as many times as you want in a day without restriction. However, goals are not like that. You have to think about whether your goals are achievable or not when setting them. Because of the costs (sacrifices) associated with getting your goals done, it places a limit on which goals you can set per time.
Lack of Limits Vs. Defined Objectives
There are no structures to dreams, and nor are there limits to how far you can dream. But goals have to be framed. They must be clearly defined with measurable objectives and a timeline.
Inspiration Vs. Creating Change
You can dream to inspire yourself and aspire to a greater future, but if you want to experience real change, you have to be specific about what you want and how you want to get there. Goals are the commitments made towards creating change.
How to Turn Your Dreams Into Actionable Goals
To help you take your dreams to the next level, follow these tips and create actionable goals.
1. Make Your Dream Clear and Solid
Before your dream can become ripe enough to be turned into an actionable goal, you have to be clear about what you want. Your dream has to go from imagination to reality. Here are some things that can be done to make your dreams clear.[2]
Take Inspiration From Success Stories
Read inspiring stories of successful people to think through your dreams. Such stories will help you to put your dreams in the proper perspective.
Envision Your Future
Engage the power of vision in picturing your future. Let your mind be in tune with what you desire for yourself. It is a known truth that you are always drawn to the pictures you have in your mind.
Think About Your Dream
The mind is very powerful, and it can create imaginary concepts that can be turned into reality. Most of the edifices you can see existed first in the realm of the mind.
See the Big Picture
Dreams are free, so think big. See the bigger picture of your dream, the highest possible level you think you can attain.
Write Down Your Dream
Capture your dreams by writing them down. This will make them clearer. You don’t have to be economical while writing them down. Just write them the way they occur to you.
2. Break Your Dream Into Short-Term and Long-Term Goals
You might not be able to pursue your dream in its raw state, and that is why goals are needed. You should have a plan and structure for achieving your dream, and this will include setting both short-term and long-term goals that will get you on the path of your dream.
Short-term goals are goals that you set to achieve from now up to 3 months or in less than a year. Long-term goals are goals that can take anywhere from 1 to 3 years to achieve. Your short-term goals are your stepping stones towards achieving the long-term goals and ultimately leading you to your dream.
3. Make the Goals SMART
What makes a goal statement differ from a dream statement is that goals should be S.M.A.R.T when framing them. This means that each of the goals you set towards achieving your dream must be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant/Realistic, and Time-Sensitive.
4. Break Each Goal Into Milestones
Beyond creating SMART goals, you should also break each goal into milestones. Milestones are small steps (miniature goals) that can be achieved within a very short time. When you achieve these smaller goals, it keeps you motivated to keep getting closer to your big dream without feeling overwhelmed. You can keep your eyes on the big dream while focusing on the milestones.
If you need a bit more help on how to make your dreams and goals happen, don’t miss this dreamers’ guide:
Final Thoughts
Anyone can have dreams to create a picture of their future. If you are not satisfied with your current state, all you have to do is a dream. If you have achieved your dreams, then it’s time to dream again or inspire others to dream.
You can achieve anything that your mind can conceive if you take the time to turn them into goals. Make your dreams big, but set smaller goals to move progressively towards the realization of your big dream.
