What Is A Dream?

A dream is a deep desire.

It is a cherished goal, representing something you deeply wish to achieve in life.

An example: My dream is to retire at the age of 35.

The Essence of Dreams

Dreams define, motivate and shape the direction of our lives.

These longings go beyond surface-level wants and reflect the core of who we are – our values, passions and the life we envision for ourselves.

Dreams:

• Are rooted in purpose
• Are a catalyst for action
• Enable growth and fulfillment

Without dreams, we exist without purpose, adrift and unfulfilled.

STEP 1: Visualize the Dream

Visualizing the dream is the art of mentally experiencing your aspirations as though they are already real.

It involves creating a vivid and detailed picture of your desired outcome, which can inspire action and bring clarity to your path.

Here’s how to do it:

• Be Specific:
  • Clearly define the dream: What does success look, feel, and even sound like?
    • Example: Imagine yourself standing in your dream home, feeling the warmth of the space.
• Engage All Senses:
  • Make it vivid: Include sights, sounds, smells, textures and emotions in your visualization.
    • Example: Picture yourself crossing the finish line of a marathon, hearing cheers and feeling the adrenaline.
• Practice Regularly:
  • Dedicate time daily: Spend a few minutes visualizing your dream with full focus and emotion. It could be at various times and locations.
    • Example: At a quiet time, in your favorite room corner; or while you lay in bed, just before you fall asleep. These two are my personal favorites.

STEP 2: What Does It Take (Milestones)?

This is where you begin to get out of your head in order to align your visualization with actionable steps.

Identify milestones required to achieve your dream.

Some milestones, you may already know.

Some, you will need to research.

Often times, you may be completely clueless.

Example: Research what it takes to run a marathon and you’d likely come up with the following milestones

• Commitment & Training Plan: Choose a marathon date, commit to a goal and select a training plan that matches your current fitness level and schedule.
• Build a Base (Weeks 1-4): Develop a solid running foundation of running 3-4 times per week. Aim for 8-10km by the end of this phase.
• Increase Weekly Mileage (Week 5-8): Gradually increase total weekly mileage by 10% per week. Aim for 12-15km long runs at the end of this phase.
• Introduce Speed and Hill Work (Weeks 9-12): Build strength and improve running efficiency by adding intervals, temp runs or hill reps once a week. Achieve 18-20 km long run.
• Simulate Race Conditions (Weeks 13-16): Peak training and preparation with 32-35 km long run at a similar time of day as the race.
• Tapering (Final 2-3 Weeks): Recover, while maintaining fitness, by keeping your runs short and easy. Keep runs under 10km.
• Race Week: Prepare mentally and physically for race day by reviewing race route and logistics, stick to light runs (3-5km) to stay loose, hydrate well and carb-load 2-3days prior.
• Marathon Day: Run your race! Stick your pacing strategy and fueling plan, stay positive and adjust as needed.

Here’s what a summarized view could look like:

Milestone	When to Achieve
Commit to Training	Week 0
First 10 km Run	Week 4-6
Half Marathon Distance (21 km)	Week 10-12
Longest Training Run (32-35 km)	Week 13-15
Taper Begins	2-3 Weeks before race Day
Marathon race Day	Goal Day

Your dream is now slowly coming alive.

STEP 3: Make A Plan

This is where you further break down your milestones into actionable steps by breaking each into smaller, specific tasks that are clear, achievable and time-bound.

Here’s how to do it effectively:

1. Truly Understand the Milestone: Clarify the goal and ensure you fully understand what the milestone represents and why it is important.
   • Example Milestone: Run 10 km by Week 6
2. Break It Down: Identify sub-steps, by splitting the milestone into smaller tasks or phases.
   • Example sub-steps for the 10 km milestone:
     • Week 4: Run 4 km comfortably
     • Week 5: Run 8 km at a steady pace
     • Week 6: Complete 10 km
3. Assign Timelines: Allocate specific dates for each sub-step to keep yourself on track.
   • Example:
     • Week 4: Run three times (2 km on Monday, 3 km on Wednesday, 4 km on Friday)
     • Week 5: Increase to 8 km (5 km on Monday, 6 km on Wednesday, 8km on Friday)
4. Prepare Resources/Requirements: Identify the tools, gear, or information needed for each task.
   • Example: For a long run, ensure you have proper running shoes, a hydration plan and a route mapped out.

STEP 4: Action The Plan

Now it’s time to integrate the plan into your daily life.

Add the tasks to your calendar or any preferred planner or training log, to create accountability.

• Example: Block time in the morning for runs or strength training sessions.

STEP 5: Monitor & Adjust

Track your progress by checking off completed steps and reflect on whether adjustments are needed.

• Example: If you find the 8 km difficult in Week 5, repeat the distance before progressing.

Summary

1. Visualize your dream.
2. Create milestones.
3. Make a plan
4. Action the plan.
5. Monitor & adjust.

Next Steps For You

Deliberately find some free time to do the following:

1. Identify that dream you’ve been bottling up.
2. Follow the 5 steps to actualize that dream.