"The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the worlds deep hunger meet."
Fred Buechner, Wishful ThinkingA Theological ABC

As you think about what you could do to accomplish the dreams you have for your life, why not think of yourself as your own dream coach? You apply to yourself the techniques and strategies that a business coach would use when consulting with clients. What is good about this is that it gives you a different mind-set: instead of thinking of yourself as perhaps "dabbling" with your dreams, you see yourself as being serious about those dreams and doing something pro-active about them.

Where Do You Start?
The beginning point is obvious. You have to describe where you think your passions lie, and a dream that could embrace those passions. That can be challenging! I often hear women say, "I just dont know what I want to do." If I asked you what you would love to do, if you could do whatever you wanted to do, what would you say? Your response shouldnt be based on whimsy or wishful thinking, but on your hearts deepest motivations.

If you are not sure what motivates you the most, make a list of your meaningful experiences over the years. There will be a common motivational thread that was always present in your satisfying achievements and accomplishments. Look for what motivated you in each. Write down your answer. Your dream for this year should have those strong desires at its very core.

You can look at that dream and examine it to see the possibilities and truths it contains. Your dream should fulfill the temperament, talents, and desires God has given you. They are the map you need to discover the life that you would find worthwhile. They are also there to fulfill Gods purposes for your life! Many times knowledge of the different things that make up "who you are" can be lacking for several reasons--- too busy a life, tending to others at your own expense, just "surviving", or not fully realizing what makes you special.

What Next?
What are the talents and abilities you have? You can know them by also looking at your most meaningful experiences over the years. List the talents or gifts that you used, or that were part of those experiences. They are there to carry out your desires, and are part of your "design" of abilities. Many times those talents can be transferable to another area of interest or to a new experience. They are part of your personal tool kit. You bring them along with you.

When my husband and I had a label business, I remember hiring a marketing person who knew nothing about labels. We knew that he was a good marketer and would use those talents, which he did! I also remember a friend who was such a good organizer at home and in her volunteer activities. When she got a full time job she suddenly realized that her skills of organization would fit perfectly with her new job. She just had never thought of herself as a "business woman", and in a way, undervalued the abilities she had "as a housewife".

Setting Goals
Third, set goals that are based on your dreams. Goals can be defined in baby steps. Sometimes I find that easier and less intimidating than trying to take on everything all at once. Then, too, as one goal is accomplished, it leads to the next, and so on. Goals get you moving. I have often noticed it is when I am not doing anything at the moment, sort of drifting, that I feel the most restless. Goals can be empowering. You are taking action!

Decide what you need to do first as you start to fulfill your dreams. Maybe you need to gather more information about that dream, talk to others, write a business plan if it is called for, or figure out ways you can pursue your dream on a part time basis. I have known people who have done the latter. As their dream grew, so did the opportunity to eventually pursue it full time. Working on their dream "on the side" also provided added motivation for their full time job, because that job was enabling them to even consider a dream. In many cases the full time job later became a part time job, until that job gave way to a dream that was ready to be launched!

Your goals should be specific and well-defined, realistic, and exciting to you. You are identifying what you want to do with your life! Make a list of small things you could do to learn more about your dream, as you consider the reality, challenges, and rewards of that dream. A word here--- if God has given you certain desires, He has a plan in mind for your life. Ask that that plan be revealed step-by-step. Remember, it may seem impossible. However, all resources are Gods. When His will and yours coincide, those resources are at your disposal and at the beck and call of the dream. Go forward with the belief that God will provide in accordance with His will and timing. Believe the impossible!

Happy dream journey,

Judy Peterson

Copyright 2006 - Judy Peterson. All Rights Reserved.