That feeling never goes away. You feel on the verge of anger. The sense of futility at work, of not getting anything that you care about done. Yes, the people are nice, mostly, but it’s just so unfulfilling. Definitely, something must change.
But what? How do you the next job will be any better? Is it the job, something else, or maybe, you? Anger gives way to doubt, then futility, then depression. In your worst moments, you’re just a failure. In your best, you’re back to anger.
Anger is good because it can get you moving. It’s a recognition that you are meant for something better and have been boxed in by yourself, your situation, and others.
Use the anger to make a commitment, right here, right now. You’re going to figure this out no matter what it takes, and you’re going to make a change.
Your Dreams
If you don’t know where you’re going, you’re likely to wind up somewhere you don’t want to be. Maybe that’s how you got here. The solution is to have dreams, a life vision, to give your life direction.
You have the power to Direct Your Life, once you discover the dreams you cherish.
As a child you were asked, “Who do you want to be when you grow up?” As an adult, if you’re not working on your dreams, then you’re working on someone else’s dreams. You get what you accept in life, and that acceptance takes you away from your dreams. When you “settle” for less than what makes you happy, you begin the unhappiness and anger you feel in your current situation.
Ink It to Discover
Let’s get the answers down on paper. It’s time to Ink It and not just Think It. Writing your dreams and goals down greatly improves the chance you’ll accomplish them. Sit down at your keyboard or with a pad of paper, wherever you feel the most comfortable, and start writing about what you want from life, what your story is when you’re older, then, do the following:
- Put yourself in a positive frame of mind by thinking about your future self. If something negative comes up, right it down, and come back to the positive.
- Answer the following questions about your future self:
- Who do I want to say that I am?
- Who do I want to be with?
- What do I want to experience?
- How do I want to feel?
- What matters to me?
- What change do I want to see in the world?
- Re-read your writing. Circle or highlight the dreams you have. Is each one important to you, personally, or is it someone else’s dream for you?
- Write why each is important to you. Repeat this why question up to 7 times for each dream until you get to the big why of each of your dreams.
- If you’re not happy with your dreams, keep writing until you are pleased with the result.
- When you like what you see, rewrite your goals using your big why and in order of importance, on a fresh page or new file. Put a date on it so you can keep your future versions in order.
These are your goals. Stick your list on your fridge door and review them regularly. Also keep a copy in your files, either a photograph or typed. They’re subject to change as you discover constraints or new dreams; regardless, they are under your direct control.
After You Discover Your Dreams
Read and do the activities in the posts below to transform your dreams into accomplishments!
- Direct Your Life
- You are here => How to Discover Your Dreams in 6 Steps
- Ready for Your Future? How to Commit to Your Dreams
- Five Steps Turn Dreams Into Goals in One Hour
- Ten Challenges to Goal Setting (and how to resolve)
- Set Your Quarterly Milestones
- Create Your Agile Monthly Plan
- Master Taskers Prioritize and Execute
- Nine Steps Adjust Your Plans and Improve Your Progress with Your Monthly-Assessment in One Hour
- Nine Steps to Celebrate and Learn from Your Quarterly-Assessment in One Hour
- Reflect Annually to Celebrate with Loved Ones and Continue Directing Your Future
Credit
Image by Enrique Meseguer from Pixabay.