We all have dreams and goals that we have not fulfilled due to procrastination, lack of self-trust, paying heed to negative thoughts and giving up. But dreams are meant to be lived. Here are ways to make your dreams come true.

1. Take the first steps

The first step to following your dreams is to note them down. After that you will need to draft a course of action that will help you achieve your dreams and the timelines. If your dream is to go back to school for a higher diploma or postgraduate studies, shop around for the colleges that offer the course and the college fees required. Then look for ways to find the time and money to take you through. This is the planning stage and as they say, ‘you get what you plan for.’

2. Believe in your goals

Reading through the scripts of people who accomplished great things, you will realise that they had big dreams from the word go and they swore by them. Tell yourself, and those who care to listen, that even though your dream is big, you will achieve it by working hard and seeking help when needed. Visualizing your dream is a great step towards making it a reality.

3. Set a time limit

Estimate how long it will take you to achieve each goal. The best goals are those that are time based. Stick the note you made in the first place complete with time limits in a strategic place where you will be able to see it every single morning or at night before you sleep.

4. Keep like-minded company

The saying, ‘show me your friends and I will tell you who you are’ has never been truer. If you want to be a lawyer, then you better get lawyer friends and start hanging out with them gleaning as much information as you can from them. We live in an era where your network is your net worth so keep good company. Listen, take advice from them and get to know what they did that made them succeed and know what works best for you.

5. Get funding and business partners

For many people, self-employment or having a side hustle that complements their income is a dream they harbour. It may not be realistic to tell someone to quit their day job to follow their dream of being an entrepreneur in these uncertain economic times. Good thing is, you can have your cake and eat it. Look for a trustworthy business partner who has the same goal as you and start a venture. Be clear about your roles from the outset even if it means getting a lawyer to draft an agreement so as to avoid mental, financial and emotional challenges along the way.

6. Be ready for hindrances

In everything good you do, be ready for disappointments and failure. Pursue your dream even in the face of obstacles and use the setbacks as motivation to try harder. Learn from your mistakes and failures and continue until you get what you want.

7. Meet other dream seekers

If you are motivated to pursue your dream, you will attract other dreamers that have the same interest as you. Surround yourself with people that were patient enough to pursue their dream. When surrounded with such a team, you will never give up and when you fall, they will motivate and push you to get up and try again.

8. Use your dream to help others

Be ready to give a helping hand, which will inspire you when the going gets tough. Acts of kindness are good for the soul and it doesn’t have to be monetary – send out good vibes, encourage someone or give nuggets of wisdom to someone who is also pursuing their dream. Remember, we attract what we give. Shine a light to a stranger without expecting anything in return.

9. Do it for happiness

There is nothing more gratifying than doing what you are passionate about. Whilst chasing your dream, enjoy the journey. Celebrate small goals and every so often, reward yourself and when you finally get there, give yourself and those who helped you along the way a big reward. Be gracious and use your dream to better others. When all is said and done, go back to number 1 and plan for an even bigger dream!