How to reach your dreams?

Do you have a dream? We live in such a busy world, it’s almost foreign for us to think about pursuing our dreams. How would we possibly fit it in when we have such a busy life? Work, kids, home, obligations, commitments, and on top of it all, we try to spend a few minutes a day to take care of ourselves. How can we possibly think of switching gears and pursuing our own personal dreams? As godly women, we want to follow God’s will, but how do we know what God’s will is? Simply ask God. “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

God speaks to each one of us in a myriad of different ways, the more we seek the more we find. “Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.” (Hebrews 10:36) This scripture was instrumental to lead me to my God given destiny. Once I understood my calling, my starting point began with “declutter”. Decluttering from every aspect of my life. That meant, clean up and let go of people, commitments and material things that I simply don’t need or that don’t fit within God’s purpose. When we declutter, we are creating “room” for more valuable activities and projects, and I believe these changes will lead us to God’s will. I started to declutter a few years ago, and for me it’s an ongoing effort. I started my decluttering project on the physical end. I went through all material things that I own and examined all things that I thought had value. I realized how attached I was to material items that just held me back from pursuing new endeavors and ultimately from glorifying God. Clutter and disorder weigh me down and restrict me (consciously and sometimes subconsciously) from focusing on anything new.

My first step was to donate or throw away unnecessary things, clothes, and any little gadget that was holding me back. I essentially made room to breathe, to feel peace and to some extent to reinvent myself into the person that I want to become and grow into. The next step I took was to declutter emotionally. What this means to me is to deal with any negativity or unresolved issues and finally address them. There are many ways to dissect these emotions. Sometimes we can get there on our own, sometimes we may consult with a wise friend to unpack these feelings, sometimes we may seek professional help, but regardless, prayer and releasing it all to God is essential.

I discovered that I had some hidden emotions to resolve. I also figured out that it takes discipline and desire if we want to shift our emotions. But the truth is that we can’t do it alone, we need community and we defintiely need God. He will hold your hand and walk you through it, “For I hold you by your right hand – I, the Lord your God. And I say to you, don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.” (Isaiah 41:13)

When you decide to take action, I encourage you to ask God to guide you daily. And consider the following tips:

1. Write down your goals and seek accountability by partnering with a friend, a mentor or a coach.
2. Make a commitment to engage in at least one activity per day that will take you closer to your goal. Read an article, sign up for a class, write down an idea, listen to inspirational podcasts. The options are endless. Make time for what you want. Do it while you wait in line, or in your car, or while you have a few minutes to think between tasks.
3. Give up something that takes you away from reaching your goals, even if you gain a few minutes, 30 minutes or even better one hour a day, this could be so valuable! Focus on more meaningful, life changing activities.
4. Join a support or networking group, virtual or in person. Stay connected with others that are interested in your niche.
5. Keep it simple, don’t overload yourself with too much information or too many tasks. This approach might overwhelm you and that may cause you to stall your project and ultimately get discouraged. The goal is to stay motivated and excited instead. Take small, manageable steps, address one thing at a time and follow an outline of your goals.
6. Make it fun and a life project, remember why you want to stay motivated and focused. Your passion for your dream will take you there. Even if you face challenges you can turn them into learning opportunities, a journey that God wants you to experience and convert into a “positive” outcome.

Always keep God in the mix, He promises to never forsake you or leave you. Fill your heart and your mind with optimism and faith. “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” (Romans 8:28) When you decide to follow your dreams and live your life with confident expectation then nothing or no one can affect you negatively, it’s so powerful! Stay humble, change your patterns and have faith. All glory to God!