Turning dreams into reality takes work, but nothing worth doing is ever easy! Achieving any dream requires a plan and the determination to work that plan. While not all dreams may be achievable, it’s important to teach youth how to thrive in the real world while keeping their aspirations alive. Striking a balance between dreaming big and staying grounded is key.
The Dream
Dreams are the foundation of all achievements. However, it takes more than just dreaming—it requires action. Achieving a dream depends on various factors, many of which are outside the dreamer’s control. These factors often reveal themselves over time, either through self-evaluation or external feedback. As a result, the dream may evolve. But remember, it’s crucial that the dream doesn’t fade; instead, it should adapt. A dream is what fuels greatness and provides the motivation to push forward.
Setting Goals
A dream without action is just that—a dream. In Dream Big: Inspiring Youth to Chase Their Dreams in Sports and Life, we highlight the importance of enjoying the process. Achieving anything worthwhile will require effort, and that effort is “the process.” The process begins with setting clear goals and creating an actionable plan.
Goals should be broken down into three categories:
- Long-term goals: Your ultimate objective.
- Intermediate goals: Milestones to help measure progress.
- Short-term goals: Small, actionable steps to keep you moving forward.
As your long-term goals evolve, you may need to adjust your intermediate and short-term goals accordingly. Adaptability, self-awareness, and the ability to learn from feedback are all essential skills for success. By setting and working toward your goals, you’ll create a pathway to achievement.
The Process
“The Process” is where the magic happens. Life, like sports, is mostly about the journey. For example, in sports, a game might last two hours. If an athlete plays 10 games, that’s only 20 hours of game-play in an entire season. Now, compare that to the hours spent training. If an athlete dedicates just 30 minutes a day to practice, that amounts to 182.5 hours per year. Clearly, the process far outweighs the time spent in actual competition.
Games are fun, but if you don’t enjoy the work, you’ll struggle to follow through with your plan or may even feel miserable along the way. Either find a way to make the process enjoyable or consider pursuing a new dream. When you can find joy in the process, you’ll be on the path to achieving something truly special—whatever it may be.
Steps to Turning Your Dreams Into Reality
- Dream Big: Set your sights on what you want to achieve.
- Set Goals: Break your dream into short-term, intermediate, and long-term goals.
- Put in the Work: Embrace the process and go after your goals with determination.
Where Sports Meet Life
Ultimately, this is life. Sports teach us valuable life lessons, and the process is one of the most important. Whether on the court, in the classroom, or in your career, everything you do involves a process. Learn to embrace it, savor every moment, and keep pushing forward. With the right mindset, you can take on any challenge and enjoy the journey along the way.
Dream. Set Goals. Work Hard. Repeat.
BtL
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