How to Chase Your Dreams: A Four-Step Guide

Do you ever dream so big that you scare yourself into believing that you can’t possibly achieve what you’ve dreamt? What is it that’s standing in your way? A famous Henry Ford quote says, “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t–you’re right.”  This is a powerful quote that certainly applies to chasing your dreams.  Knowing how to chase your dreams is the first step in accomplishing some of the goals you have set for yourself.

It is not enough to simply have dreams. You have to make a plan and then you have to take action! You’re likely to encounter some hiccups along the way, and that’s perfectly okay. Most successful people have stories that include lots of detours and roadblocks. Believing in yourself and having the motivation and commitment to follow through will get you so much closer to those big dreams.

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What does chasing your dreams mean?

We hear people say “chase your dreams” all the time, but what do they really mean? Chasing your dreams means being true to yourself and working towards the goals that you have for yourself. Most people have aspirations in life. Living your dreams means doing things that put you on the path to those aspirations.

It is not always an easy path to get to your dreams, but that does not mean you should give up. Chasing your dreams means having the courage to continue when you fail or when you encounter difficulties and obstacles that get in the way of us reaching your goals.

How do I turn my dreams into reality?

Here are some quick tips to help you get started with chasing those dreams that reside in your heart:

1. Clearly define your dreams. Take some time to list your dreams. What are those things that you think about over and over again?  The things that you simply cannot get out of your head.  Do you have a job that you’ve always dreamt of doing?  Maybe it’s a dream vacation?  Perhaps it’s a car or house that you’ve been wanting?  It could be something as small as doing a pull up (that’s currently on my dream list).  Whatever it is, write it down.  Put it somewhere (maybe in a notebook) that you’ll see it often.  
2. Assess your current situation.  Think about your strengths and weaknesses.  Determine how you can use your strengths to help you reach your dreams. Find ways to improve your weaknesses so that you can leverage them to reach your dreams. What resources do you have access to that you can use to reach your dreams?  Think about the things and people you currently have in your life that can help you along the way. 
3. Make a plan.  Having dreams is great, but you must have a plan for achieving your dreams, or they will remain just that–dreams. Make a list of the things that you need to do to get you closer to turning your dreams into reality.  If you don’t know how to create that plan, seek advice from someone currently living your dream.
4. Start chasing your dreams. Take the plunge. Once you have a clear plan of action for chasing your dreams, go.  Immediately start going in the direction of your dreams.  You will incur some bumps in the road along the way.  Figure out how to navigate the bumps and keep going in the direction of your dreams.  

Chasing your dreams will not be easy.  In fact, there will be days when you want to give up completely.  Don’t.  You may encounter some obstacles, distractions, and naysayers.  Don’t let those things slow you down (too much).  Keep your eyes on the prize.  Stay the course.  You can do it!