10 Steps to Achieving Your Dreams

Put Your Dream to the Test

Best selling author, Dr. John Maxwell, challenges you to put your dream to the test and bring it to life in one of his latest book releases, Put Your Dream to the Test. John describes a dream as “an inspiring picture of the future that energizes your mind, will, and emotions, empowering you to do everything you can to achieve it.”

Five common reasons people have trouble identifying their dreams include: (1) Some people have been discouraged from dreaming by others, (2) Some people are hindered by past disappointments and hurts, (3) Some people get in the habit of settling for average, (4) Some people lack the confidence needed to pursue their dreams, and (5) Some people lack the imagination to dream.

If you’ve given up hope, lost sight of your dream, or never connected with something worth working towards, John provides a step-by-step action plan that you can start using today to see, own, and reach your dream.

Put Your Dream to the Test by John Maxwell. Purchase the book in Beliefnet’s Online Shopping Mall.

The People Question: Have I included the people I need to realize my dream?

If you want to realize your dream, you have to include people. Whether they play a large role or small one, you will not be able to fulfill your dream without the help of others. Your dream team will include those willing to come alongside you and work with you. They will include those who inspire you, who are honest with you, and whose skills complement yours. You must be able to effectively communicate the vision with your people and connect them with your dream logically, emotionally, and visually. “People buy into the dreamer before they buy into the dream.” Show them your heart and be patient with their engagement.

The Cost Question: Am I willing to pay the price for my dream?

Did you count the cost? Are you truly willing to pay the price for the dream? The journey toward your dream is personal and so is the price that must be paid for it. You have to make the transition from believer of the dream to buyer of the dream. Paying the cost means you will face conflict and even crisis that often leads to discouragement. The price will be higher than you expect, it will be paid more than once. Though the cost is great on the road to accomplishing your dream, the rewards are worth the effort. Challenge the status quo, get out of your comfort zone, and give all you have for your dream.

The Significance Question: Does my dream benefit others?

A dream isn’t worthy of a person’s life if it does not benefit others. Who will your dream benefit? Many times we are focus on a dream that will make our lives and the lives of our immediate family better. Regardless of why the dream was initiated, at some point the needs of how the dream benefits those in our sphere of influence and beyond should be determined. First, invest in yourself. This may sound selfish but you cannot help others until you have invested in yourself. Next, once you have achieved your success, reach down and lift someone else up. Lastly, share a dream with others. If you can share a dream with others, it expands both their possibilities and yours.