1. Write down your goals. Whether you hang them on your bathroom mirror or you hide them away in your journal in your nightstand, there is power in writing things down.
2. Make sure the steps you take are moving you toward the summit, not further away from it. My dream is to write novels. When I took a job as a newspaper reporter, I enjoyed it because I love writing. But I soon learned that if I wrote all day in my day job, I didn’t have the creative energy to pursue my own writing during my off time. When I left that job, I found a job in marketing that leaves me enough energy to follow my dreams. Make sure you’re not getting off the path of your dream.
3. Tell someone about your dream. You don’t have to tell everyone you know. Many people didn’t know I wrote in my spare time until I had a book published. But it’s important to tell a few people you trust. Choose these people carefully, and make sure they’re going to be supportive and drown out anyone who tells you you can’t do it.
4. Find a group of like-minded people. I have a wonderful group of local writers and writing friends from all over the country who have the same passion I do. No matter how much your family supports you, no one can understand the path you’re on like others traveling the same road. Today with all kinds of online groups, email loops, and communities, there are more ways to connect with others who share your dream.
5. Do the work and give the rest to God. Don’t fear failure. Ultimately He is in charge. The key is to show up, strive to do excellent work, and trust God to take care of the rest.
What's your dream? What steps are you taking to reach it?
On another note, I got a little blog and website makeover from Jason Walker this weekend. If you’re looking for a great web designer, check out the Website Ministries site.
Wonderful tips, Julie! One of my dreams is to be a long-term, established novelist. :-) I keep writing, keep submitting to get that done.
ReplyDeleteMe too, Jessica!
DeleteWell shucks, I'd really like to be published so I keep on keepin' on. I love the idea of telling someone--accountability rocks!
ReplyDelete~ Wendy
Accountability is huge for me too.
DeleteGreat reminders! Accountability does make such a hug difference. And having faith in yourself and your dreams!
ReplyDeleteI agree, Lisa. Faith in yourself is crucial.
DeleteHey, your second point is so similar to me! I was a reporter, too, but found that writing articles all day sapped me of creativity at night. (Though, I really do miss interviewing people and writing articles.) Now I work in marketing as well...although if I'm completely honest, that tends to wring the energy out of me just as much. Haha. Either way, I totally agree with you--we've got to make choices that move us closer to our dreams, not further. And your fifth point is my fave. :)
ReplyDeleteOh, wow! Our stories are so similar. It's hard to have much creative energy after any full-time job, but I'm lucky to have a supportive employer.
DeleteJulie, love these tips! Brilliant motivation to start our Monday off right! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Cynthia.
DeleteYay for accountability! I find that if I tell someone, I'm waaaay more likely to strive for it and make sure I reach it.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean. I'm good at talking myself out of doing stuff I should do. :)
DeleteI love the makeover. Excellent tips, Julie! Finding like minded people has been soooo beneficial for me! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jessica. I don't know what I would do without my writing friends.
DeleteTelling people was the hardest part, for me, anyway! It was hard because then they'd know if I failed, LOL. But, it also pushed me to keep trying. Going away quietly wasn't going to be an option.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard for me too, Georgiana. There are a lot of people in my life who I think still don't know that I write. :)
DeleteThe group of like minded people has made all the difference for me. They get me...and the struggles I face as I attempt to write stories. And the best part is they often have better ways of doing things than I do...so I get to make wonderful friends AND improve my craft at the same time! Win, win!!! I love the new look, Julie! Very fun! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lacie.
DeleteI like the new look of your blog! It looks clean and nice and pretty :)
ReplyDeleteGreat tips, too. I really feels it's important to take tangible steps toward our dreams. What's helping me the most right now is writing down my goals and seeking the support of my family.
Thank you, Cindy. A supportive family is invaluable. I'm so thankful that my husband supports my writing.
DeleteGreat tips, Julie! I want to write full time, and pump out novel after novel - making a good living from it. It's there. I have it in me. My kids are raised. The time is right.
ReplyDeleteWouldn't it be amazing to write full time? That's a great dream!
DeleteLove your background, Julie!
ReplyDeleteI'm living my dream as a published author, but I want to extend that dream to become a full-time published author. Juggling two careers is a tiny bit nuts!
Thanks, Lisa! I thought the little birds would be a fun change. :)
DeleteI'm with you on juggling two careers. It's exhausting. Add a four-year-old into the mix, and I just need a nap. LOL.
Love your new look!
ReplyDeleteFinding like-minded people and accountability have been the very best things for me and my writing dream. AND I have a fantabulous mentor. ;0)
Thanks, Susan! I don't know how many mentors call up their mentee and ask for help with a story, but it works. LOL.
DeleteGreat post. I found that something screenwriterMichael Hauge said in a workshop really helped me make strides toward my dream goals. He said to answer this question honestly:
ReplyDeleteI will do anything to succeed at my goal (dream), but just don't ask me to ____. Whatever that blank is, it is a good place to start as far as an obstacle to challenge ourselves to move toward our goal!
Angela
Ohhhh. I like that, Angela. Thanks!
DeleteI am constantly striving for number five. Sometimes doubt and fear of failure stops me from taking those first steps but God can only do His work when I do my part in faith! My dream is to thrive at coaching people toward a life of joy and balance, and then see them thrive! And use the gifts God gave me to glorify Him.
ReplyDeleteJulie, I love these tips... especially the one about finding like-minded people. Only they know exactly what we are going through, where we want to end up, and what it takes to get there. That's why I started blogging and have been going strong ever since!
ReplyDeleteIsn't the community of bloggers the best! I don't know what I would do without all the knowledge and support I've gotten from bloggers.
DeleteThat last one is HUGE. YOu can really only do so much. BUt you have to give it to Him and not worry about it.
ReplyDeleteGreat post!