Lately, I've been struck by a common theme emerging in my conversations: too many people feel disconnected from their dreams. Not just everyday goals like losing 10 pounds or finishing a project—I’m talking about the BIG dreams. The kind that light you up and give you that deep, internal sense that you’re on the right path.
What surprises me even more? This struggle doesn’t discriminate. I’ve heard it from people across all stages of life: those who are freshly retired, thriving in their careers, starting over, married, single, with kids or without. There’s a consistent thread: they’re surviving, but not thriving.
So what’s going on?
It’s not always a single, disruptive event that derails people’s dreams. More often, it’s the relentless pull of daily routines and the constant overwhelm of everything they have going on.
When life becomes a cycle of just "getting through the week," it’s hard to find the mental space to even think about your dreams. The weight of daily obligations leaves little room for anything else. Dreams fade, and before we know it, we’re left feeling unfulfilled.
But why do dreams matter, anyway? Why not just focus on surviving?
Because dreams give our lives meaning, purpose, and direction. Dreams are the North Star that helps guide us toward a life that feels aligned and fulfilling.
If you've lost sight of your dreams, know this: it's never too late to reconnect. What lights you up? What makes you feel most alive? Start there. (Keep reading for 3 steps you can take!)
As Bronnie Ware shares in her book The Top Five Regrets of the Dying, one of the top regrets is “I wish I hadn’t worked so hard.” There is so much more to life than simply working to survive. We were born to thrive, and thriving happens when we take action in the pursuit of our dreams.
Another regret she found was “I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.” Oftentimes, though, it’s much easier to stay in the comfort zone—following the lead of others, going through the motions, and fantasizing instead of creating real goals. In the High Performance Coaching world, we call this living a “Caged” or “Comfortable” life.
Having goals and dreams that reflect what you truly want demands stepping outside your comfort zone. This can feel uncomfortable, anxious, or even fearful—but that’s how you make progress toward what you really want. It’s how you avoid those regrets and shift into living a “Charged” life, full of growth, learning, and momentum.
Your dreams haven’t disappeared. They’ve just been buried under habits, routines, fears, and the overwhelm of daily life. And when it comes to goals and dreams, the “perfect time” to start simply does not exist.
The truth is that it’s always a good time to begin dreaming—and to TAKE ACTION towards those dreams. It’s up to you to change the “not now” into “now.”
So let’s go! Grab a journal and let’s dig into some ideas to figure out what your big dreams are, and what you can do to get started… regardless of what’s going on in life.
STEP 1: Brainstorming Goals & Dreams
Grab your journal and take a moment to pause, breathe, and clear your mind. This step is all about giving yourself permission to dream freely, without judgment. Do a full brain dump—write down everything that comes to mind. Big or small, wild or realistic, it doesn’t matter.
What you want is what matters here.
Let go of expectations. Let go of fears. Let go of what others might think. Just let your imagination flow and see what surfaces.
Maybe your dreams are crystal clear, like becoming a nurse, traveling to New Zealand, or learning to juggle. Or maybe they’re more abstract, like feeling a sense of freedom, helping others, or starting your own business—even if you’re not sure what kind yet.
Remember, dreams are deeply personal. Some we’ve carried since childhood; others reveal themselves as we experience life. Trust your inner guide and have fun with this process.
If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, here are some prompts to spark inspiration:
What do you want your ideal days to look like?
Who do you admire or envy? (These feelings can be clues about your own dreams!)
How do you want to make the world better? What impact do you want to leave?
What topics can you talk about endlessly? What do you daydream about?
What do you not want in your life? What would you replace it with?
What do your friends seek your advice on? (Is there a theme, like planning, travel, or encouragement?)
What activities make you lose track of time and light you up?
Use these questions to dig deeper, and let your dreams start to take shape on the page.
STEP 2: Clear the Clutter!
Just like it’s hard to find your keys in a messy room, it’s tough to find your dreams amidst the clutter of daily life. Clutter doesn’t just fill physical spaces—it shows up in your mind, schedule, relationships, and routines, draining your energy and focus. And where your attention goes, your energy flows.
To create space for your dreams, you must clear the clutter that’s weighing you down.
Let’s explore where you might need to declutter:
Mental Clutter: Where is your attention going? Are you constantly distracted, daydreaming, or worrying about things beyond your control? What’s pulling your focus away from what matters most?
Emotional Clutter: Are you stuck replaying the same drama or conflict? Are there unhealthy relationships that leave you feeling drained or overwhelmed?
Physical Clutter: Is your home or workspace a source of stress? Does walking through the door remind you of unfinished tasks and chaos?
Time Clutter: Is your calendar packed to the brim? Are you overcommitted to projects or obligations that leave no room for your own goals and dreams?
Self-Care Sacrifices: Are you consistently giving up exercise, healthy meals, or downtime to meet others’ demands or attend events that don’t truly fulfill you?
Decluttering isn’t just about removing things; it’s about reclaiming space for what truly matters. When you clear out what doesn’t serve you, you create the room and energy to pursue your dreams.
Take an honest look at these areas and ask yourself: Where can I let go, simplify, or say “no” to create more space for “yes” toward my dreams?
STEP 3: Take Action Now
Nothing—and I mean nothing—will change without action. Even if your vision isn’t perfectly clear, forward movement is better than staying stuck. Here’s how to take those crucial first steps:
Identify Your Next Steps: What’s one action you can take today to begin your journey?
Hire Support: If clutter’s weighing you down, consider investing in help. A professional organizer, housecleaner, or handyperson can clear the physical clutter faster, freeing you to focus on your dreams.
Set Daily Intentions: Each evening or morning, decide what you want to accomplish—including at least one action toward your goals.
Find Accountability: Don’t go it alone! A coach, group coaching program or accountability partner can keep you on track.
Commit to Learning: Every dream requires growth. Dedicate time each day to learning something that supports your goal.
Check-In Regularly: Your dreams will evolve as you do. It’s okay to pivot. If a goal no longer excites you, let it go and refocus on what does.
Progress happens one action at a time. What small step will you take right now to move closer to your dreams?
You deserve to have dreams and to pursue them. I know that it can feel overwhelming, and even scary, but you’ve got this! Get that momentum going by taking action today and before you know it, instead of “I wish I had…” you’ll be saying “I can’t believe I did that!”
Another action you can take towards figuring out your goals and dreams is to join the Create Your Vision & Plan for an Amazing 2025 Monday, January 6 at 7:00pm CT. Grab a friend, sibling, parent, coworker and sign up!
Enjoy the journey,
Julie
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