Day 55 – Mapping My Dreams and Actions
Embarking on a journey towards our dreams can often feel like navigating uncharted territory. It's a blend of excitement, uncertainty, and determination that propels us forward. At the heart of this journey lies the delicate balance between dreaming and doing. In this post, we will explore the significance of plotting points on a graph to physically identify where we are in our quest, where we aspire to be, and how a simple yet powerful tool can help bridge the gap between dreaming and doing.
For many of us, the dreaming phase is a comfortable place. It's where creativity runs wild, and anything seems possible. But, as you've rightly realized, it takes more than dreams to achieve goals.
To physically identify where I stand, I am using the graph created by Michelle Poler, author of Hello, Fears. One axis is labelled 'Dreamer' and the other 'Doer.’ I marked a point on this graph that represents my current state. This visual representation was an eye-opener, revealing that I’m not quite striking the right balance between dreaming and doing. Am I satisfied with my progress? Or do I find myself stuck in the dreaming phase, where thoughts and ideas flourish but tangible actions lag behind?
Now that I’ve determined my starting point, it's time to set my sights on my destination. Where do I want to be at the end of this challenge? What specific goals do I aim to achieve? Have I visualized my dream as vividly as possible? Imagine the sense of accomplishment, the fulfillment, and the satisfaction that will come with reaching that point.
Again, using my graph, I marked a point that represents my desired destination, emphasizing the importance of taking action to achieve my dreams. This visual reminder will serve as a constant motivator, urging me to make progress every day.
I’ve charted my current position and my desired goal; it's time to address the challenge of balancing dreaming and doing. For the next couple of weeks, I am adopting a new tactic: putting pen to paper and writing my stories. This tactic signifies a shift from the realm of dreams to the realm of action. Here's how I can make this transition effectively:
Eliminate Distractions: My laptop can be a breeding ground for distractions, so opting for pen and paper is a smart choice. It will allow me to focus solely on my thoughts and ideas without the allure of social media or other digital diversions.
Set Specific Goals: I will define clear objectives for my writing sessions. What stories do I want to write? How many words or pages do I aim to complete each day? Setting specific goals will help me channel my energy towards achieving them.
Create a Routine: I must establish a writing routine that works for me and my new routine now that I am working full time again. Whether it's a dedicated hour in the morning or a few minutes before bedtime, consistency is key to bridging the gap between dreaming and doing.
Track My Progress: I will continue to update my graph to reflect my evolving position. As I write I will watch my point gradually moves from 'Dreamer' towards 'Doer'.
Balancing dreaming and doing is an ongoing journey, and my willingness to adapt and act will be a testament to my commitment to my goals. By physically identifying my starting point and my desired destination on a graph, I have empowered myself with a powerful visual tool that can guide me towards success. I’ll keep writing, keep pushing forward, and watch as my dreams and actions converge on my graph, bringing me closer to my goal.
Image provided by author.
