How to Break the Cycle of Postponing Your Dreams
Do you have a dream, but keep postponing it because you feel trapped by the responsibilities of life? Want to be a writer, work from home, own your own business? First, we will examine how your dream got deferred. Then, we will outline definitive steps to get you back on track.
"How did I get to this point in my life?" Many of us look back and realize if we had it to do again, we would do some things differently. As the owner of a staffing agency for the last seven years, I have developed a theory.
In my opinion, many people "fall" into a job. Most accept the first decent paying position out of school. If it's not something they're particularly crazy about, they surmise they'll take this until they figure out what it is they really want to do.
Usually, the demanding responsibilities of rent, student loans, credit cards, etc. take over, making it hard to focus on what they really want to do. After 3, 5, 7 years in a field, it becomes more difficult to move into a different area because it often means a salary cut. At this point, however, a salary cut is often out of the question because of the above-mentioned responsibilities. It evolves into a vicious cycle.
So, how do you break the cycle? The guidelines outlined below will put you well on your way to achieving your dreams. Some of this advice will fly in the face of what you have been told all your life. It's up to you to decide if your dream is important enough to accept it.
1. Make your dream one of your top three priorities. The mistake many make is putting their dreams on the back burner, eg, "I'll focus on [you fill in the blank], when the kids graduate from high school, when I pay off that student loan, once I get that promotion, etc."
There will always be something that can get in the way, if you let it. If you really want to be a writer, work from home, own your own business, travel more, whatever it is, you have to make it a priority. Otherwise it will always remain just that, a dream.
2. Manage debt. Massive debt limits the ability to make life changes.
Most people are forced into having to make a certain salary because they've become accustomed to a certain lifestyle. Let's face it, most of us work to live. Our lives dictate to us, not the other way around.
Look at all the pressing demands in your life. Outside of keeping a roof over your head, putting food on the table, saving for retirement and health insurance, how many obligations can you cut back on?
I personally do not believe that parents owe children an education. It's nice if you can help out, but you don't have to outright pay for it. Cut back on the college fund, outright buy a car instead of making payments, eat out less, and really, how many white shirts does one need - cut the shopping.
I live in New York City, one of the most expensive cities in the world. Yet, in the last seven years, I've managed to build two businesses, work from home and basically plan my days to suit my needs, instead of having them planned for me.
New Yorkers have a running joke that you spend $20 just walking out the front door - and it's practically true.
There are street vendors who sell the most beautiful baubles: jewelry, African art, sunglasses, shirts, books, CDs (the illegal ones of excellent quality for $5!); restaurants and coffee bars litter almost every corner; oh-so-convenient bodegas; and we won't talk about the large Salvation Army in my neighborhood that should be renamed in my honor.
In spite of all this temptation right out my door, I rarely spend $5 during the week - really! How do I manage? Two things help: 1) I grocery shop once a week and once a week only; and 2) I use my ATM card once a week to take out cash for the weekend on Fridays (margaritas with my friends is almost a ritual!). No exceptions.
I guarantee you, if you start making your dream one of your main priorities, you'd be amazed at how what you can do to achieve it.
3. Invest and save: Start a dream fund. Securing your dream is not about how much you make, but how much you save.
If you want to work from home, start planning and saving for it now. Most wait until they are so fed up with a current situation that they find themselves doing something drastic out of sheer frustration.
You will have a much better chance at success if you slowly and methodically start to plan months or years in advance. This will give you a chance to start freelancing and pick up clients while you are working full-time; pay down debts, save more aggressively, buy needed equipment, etc.
Starting early has another benefit as well. You will become calmer inside because you are doing something toward your dream. This will make your current situation more tolerable. In almost any given situation, taking positive action almost always makes you feel better.
So, although you may not be able to live your dream right away, taking these steps will allow you to start realizing it today!
About The Author
May be reprinted with inclusion of the following: Yuwanda Black is an entrepreneur, author, speaker and syndicated small business columnist whose focus is controlling your destiny through small business ownership. Her most recent e-books, How to Really Make a Living as an Editorial Freelancer and Advice from Successful Freelancers: How They Built Their Careers & How You Can Too! are available for immediate download at http://www.InkwellEditorial.com/bizguides.html Visit her on the web at http://www.EntrepreDoer.biz for a complete list of how-to, small business books and articles.
 Google News Updated : Fri, 10 Oct 2008 23:49:19 GMT GOP Alleges Nonprofit Voter Fraud - CBS News
CBS News - (CBS) This week Sen. John McCain and his running mate, Gov. Sarah Palin, went after one of the nation's leading voter registration groups which focuses its efforts minorities and low-income families and now being investigated for voter fraud. McCain Campaign Calls for Investigation of ACORN-Obama Ties Voter fraud accusations mar presidential campaign Publ.Date : Fri, 10 Oct 2008 23:21:41 GMT Emptying the Pac-10 notebook - ESPN
ESPN - USC is a perfect 8-0 vs ASU this decade, last losing to the Sun Devils in 1999. Over the 8 wins, USC has averaged 39.8 PPG. The Trojans are going for their 400th victory at the Coliseum. Trojans sense an opportunity with Arizona State USC, ASU to avoid second Pac-10 loss Publ.Date : Fri, 10 Oct 2008 22:31:02 GMT Notes on a Milk Scandal - Wall Street Journal
Wall Street Journal - By JOSEPH STERNBERG | FROM THE WALL STREET JOURNAL ASIA It's a question I'd never expected to spend much time thinking about. France pulls tainted Chinese food Tainted milk prompts new Chinese standards Publ.Date : Fri, 10 Oct 2008 18:28:15 GMT Conflict Resolution Marked Career of Nobel Laureate Martti Ahtisaari - Voice of America
Voice of America - By Andre de Nesnera Conflict resolution marked the career of former Finnish president Martti Ahtisaari who has received this year's Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to secure peace in various regions of the world. Video: Ex-Finland President Wins Nobel Peace Prize Martti Ahtisaari gets a deserved Nobel Peace Prize for a (failed) plan Publ.Date : Fri, 10 Oct 2008 21:23:27 GMT Wall Street, markets continue roller coaster - Bizjournals.com
Bizjournals.com - A roller coaster week on Wall Street ended with the Dow Jones Industrial Average down 128 points Friday after bouncing back from almost 700 points down in the day. Video: Wild Swings Drive Morning Trading Worst Week on Wall Street Ends Down Publ.Date : Fri, 10 Oct 2008 21:29:25 GMT John McCain, Barack Obama on healthcare - Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Times - How workable are the presidential candidates' health reform plans? Here's a summary of their proposals and a list of online resources for more information. In this economy, don't count on comprehensive health reform Fact Check: Would Obama fine businesses that don't offer health care? Publ.Date : Fri, 10 Oct 2008 23:27:40 GMT Two Banks in Midwest Fail - Wall Street Journal
Wall Street Journal - By JEFF BATER WASHINGTON -- The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. on Friday announced the closings of two banks, bringing to 15 the number of federally insured banks that have failed this year. Two banks fold, bringing total to 15 failures this year Regulators shut small banks in Mich., Ill. Publ.Date : Fri, 10 Oct 2008 23:14:00 GMT RSS Parser |
PARLOT::Ebooks, Scripts,
Websites, and more... Should goals take a long time?Yes and No.Yes, goals should... Read More Unwanted feelings and thoughts are rich territory to dive beneath... Read More Where Does Money Fit In the Goal Setting Process?Some view... Read More When it comes to achieving accomplishments there are two foundational... Read More MAKING GOALS: Effective and motivational goals engage employees in work... Read More Another year has flown by and here you are at... Read More I am sitting in a shopping mall, waiting for my... Read More If you've ever had any sales training, you've probably been... Read More Fortune will flow into your hands like a river flow... Read More Want to achieve your goals faster?Edward W. Smith, motivational speaker,... Read More We all have goals and dreams that we want to... Read More We hear a lot about the steps we should take... Read More If you, just by coincidence, read my short article about... Read More If you sometimes feel as though you're caught in life's... Read More Today I want to discuss the missing link in goal... Read More Want a key to unlock your inner wisdom? Try keeping... Read More Here is a unique way to combine your breath and... Read More What is your reason for setting a goal?This is the... Read More It is from intentions that all things manifest. To intend... Read More "Now is the accepted time to make your regular annual... Read More On Apollo 13, the crew staged the first strike in... Read More GOALS SHOULD BE QUANTIFIABLE: It should be possible to analyze... Read More It's been said that everyone has goals, whether we know... Read More Can goals be easily reached? This question is in most... Read More Before you go on an interview process or even start... Read More
Adsense
websites
Goals Can Take Years To Achieve
Exploring Beneath The Surface
When You See Money as a Tool in Your Goal Setting Process, You Will Lead a More Balanced Life
The Twin Actions of Accomplishment
Making The Goal-Setting Process a Partnership
How To Keep Your Resolutions and Reach Your Goals
Do You Really Value What You Wish For?
Reaching Your Goals: A Ridiculous Way to Succeed
Focal Point Of Success
Quick Tips On Achieving Your Goals
Organizing Your Goals
Setting Goals ? Things to Think About
How To Find Lasting Goals
Are You Stuck? Consider Changing Your Focus!
How to Achieve More by Dealing with Resistance
Keep a Dream Journal: Why Bother?
Achieve Goals Using The Lasso Principle!
Is Personal Goal Setting REALLY Necessary?
Reach Your Goals- Set Clear Intentions
Resolution: Stop Dieting for the Health of it!
Lessons from the First Space Strike
Setting Goals and Obtaining Results
The Top 10 Steps to Set and Achieve Your Goals - Every Time!
Reaching for the Goal
Goal Setting and Interviewing
Affordable and Reliable Web Hosting Starting at $4.49/Month
Creativity Management ? Short Term Goal Setting
Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More
The Value of Focus in Reaching Your Goals
"One aught never to turn one's back on a threatened... Read More
Is There An Anxiety Solution For Those Who Fail To Keep Their Resolutions?
In a nutshell... YES!I've given a lot of thought recently... Read More
Is that W-A-L-R-U-S?
A few years back, I went to London, England. I... Read More
How To Keep Your Resolutions and Reach Your Goals
Another year has flown by and here you are at... Read More
Why, When You Set Goals, Do You Fail to Reach Them?
Why is it when you set goals for yourself most... Read More
Self Improvement and the Importance of Flexibility
People who want to achieve success in their lives and... Read More
Get It Done-Or 3 Ways to Advance Your Goals
1. WORK WITH THE END IN MIND- OR FOCUS ON... Read More
Intense Desire: Rocket Fuel When You Set Goals!
Have you set goals, personal or business, and failed to... Read More
If You Cant See Your Way to Completing Your Goal, Its Time to Check Your Vision
Have you been having trouble achieving a specific goal? Are... Read More
Whats the Next Action Step?
Nothing gets done unless an action is completed. Everything we... Read More
7 MUST-HAVE Conditions To Goal Setting
The three keys to living without limits have always been... Read More
Get a Clear Mental Picture of the Goal Already Accomplished
"A man can be as great as he wants to... Read More
Its The Ride That Counts
Having goals is a good thing. It means that you're... Read More
How Clear is Your Vision?
Wouldn't it be nice to know that there is a... Read More
Excellence is Never an Accident
"Excellence is never an accident; it is always the result... Read More
Lessons from the First Space Strike
On Apollo 13, the crew staged the first strike in... Read More
Setting Goals and Obtaining Results
GOALS SHOULD BE QUANTIFIABLE: It should be possible to analyze... Read More
Ingredients That Make A Winner
Whether we like to admit it or not, other people's... Read More
Goal Setting Skills Ensure Success
SO WHAT DOES GOAL SETTING OFFER? It closes the manager-employee... Read More
The Process of Developing Meaningful Goals
DEVELOPING A GOAL-SETTING CHECKPOINT: The process of developing meaningful goals... Read More
If Wishes Were Horses Then Beggars Would Ride!
And if Bull frogs had wings they wouldn't bump their... Read More
Requirements for Successful Goal Setting and Achievement
Benefits of Goal SettingGoal setting helps us determine our priorities,... Read More
Fear Factor
Is it possible for an individual to pass a course... Read More
Achieving Success Through Effective Goal Setting
It is important to have goals because they are good... Read More
Goal Setting |