Every plan, idea, and even expectation, has one element in common, they all start in the present. They are thought of, planned and executed in the present, not the future.
To give a very simple example, imagine you're planning your holiday. While you will book your holiday today, you're won't actually be traveling until the time it is booked for; let's say the summer. What this illustrates is that everything you do in relation to the future is done in the present.
Let's explore some practical tips you can consider today to reach your dreams.
1. Focus on the present so you have control of the future.
The number one tip for planning for the future is to set goals.
Goal setting focuses your mind on achieving one specific goal. You can set as many goals as you want to, however in order to avoid making the process overwhelming it is better to set one goal at a time and only move on to the next one when you have achieved the other.
The three main questions to have in mind when setting goals are:
What specifically you want to achieve. The more specific you are, the more focused you get. For example, if you want to buy a house think about the location, the kind of house, the style, the size of rooms, the garden, the features etc., so that when you start looking for a house you know exactly what you want. You are so focused you don’t even think about any other kind of house.
When specifically you want to achieve it. Give yourself specific and realistic deadlines such as in three months’ time, at the end of this year, in the first quarter of 2020. Avoid deadlines such as sometime next month, later in the yea,r maybe by June next year, for they are too vague. And as you know 'vague' is the opposite of 'focus'.
How specifically you want to achieve it. This is extremely important because it gives you total control of the steps you need to take in order to achieve your goal. Since your mind is focused on achieving the goal and as you pay close attention to the performance of each step towards the goal, if you need to adapt, adjust, or completely change any of the steps, you can do so promptly and without hesitation.
2. The most important element in achieving a goal is to take action.
Take action as soon as you set your goal. Otherwise, only thinking about your goal becomes a theoretical exercise. Dreams can only come true when you take action.
3. Make your dream a goal.
When setting your goal keep in mind that the most successful goal is to create possibilities.
The most successful goal is to have the courage to see it through. The most successful goal is implemented with compassion and appreciation.
Every dream starts in the present. Every goal is set in the present. Every single step of the goal, every adjustment or change you need to make is made in the present. Remember, by having control of the present you can change your future.
About the Author
Regina Brancato-Dunderdale, BA, NLP Master Practitioner, Master Hypnotherapist and Time Line Therapy®. Regina helps women overcome anxiety, guilt, fear of public speaking, insecurity, and lack of confidence. Her practice allows women to have the career they want, make their dreams come true, and most importantly allows them to be true to themselves. You can learn more about Regina here.