The path paved with good intentions is nothing without the actions. The journey of life will provide you with: –
- bends in the road (new opportunities),
- sharp turns (unexpected changes),
- hills (life’s upheavals) and
- bridges (fear).
You notice along the way there are many side streets. Some appear interesting and even tempting.
As humans, we often stray from the path, finding other areas of our life that we want stimulated.
Sometimes we’re looking to escape or find an easier way of doing things.
We discover after a while these alleys are nothing more than distractions. Some emotionally and others financially costly.
These are our life experiences. Once we feel the sting of the lesson; we are righted for a time and head back on the path.
Are you a detours kind of person? Seeing the path directly in front of you. Yet some of those side streets light up like Time Square on New Year’s Eve. It’s easy to be lured down these avenues.
You go down enough of these streets to recognise there are no short cuts in life and diversions create chaos.
Dreams + Action = Reality
The path is set, when goals are planned and actioned. There’s a flexible map ready to navigate through life.
You have a clear picture in your mind of all your desires. But you have a job to do, bills to pay and responsibilities that keep you shackled to the daily grind. You feel fortunate enough although you want for more.
There’s never any half-hearted attempts at your end. You do what you’re so ‘freakin’ good at, for others to reap the rewards. Persevering for the time being is acceptable. Although staying where you are will never sit right. Not for a minute.
As a single footstep will not make a path on the earth, so a single thought will not make a pathway in the mind. To make a deep physical path, we walk again and again. To make a deep mental path, we must think over and over the kind of thoughts we wish to dominate our lives. – Henry David Thoreau
How do you go about creating a life style that goes from good to great?
You continue with those high standards. Giving every part of your life 100% attention as you always do. However, you become greedy with how you divide your time. Asserting your needs. Keeping a balance between obligation and social activities on the calendar.
Now, you have two jobs. One that brings in the bacon. The other that will develop into something more than a dream in the coming years.
Work slowly but consistently, developing your projects.
- You’re going to be realistic with how you plan.
- You won’t over load yourself. Although tight time frames need discipline.
- Take regular time off from your project to refresh. So you’re invigorated upon return.
- You won’t expect to work like a Trojan horse during the day, maintain a house, family and do your second job without sleep.
- You won’t ignore your other commitments or divorce your family until you come up with your desired riches.
Seven to ten years down the track you see you and your family having a better lifestyle than you do now. You commit to this dream. Why not have a steady plan when the little ones are growing up? They need stability and routine anyway.
However life gets busy. Those little people are the priority in your life. Your partner complains they feel like a single parent. You reduce the time you spend on your dream until you stop.
You’ve jumped off the path. No need to fear, that journey is waiting right where you left off. It doesn’t move until you get back on it. It’s not easy to forget or leave behind.
Can you feel that restless yearning when you stop walking towards your dreams? It’s a reminder that you’re ripping yourself short. Always feeling unsettled when you’re not working on your project.
Can you feel that restless yearning when you stop walking towards your dreams? Share on XWhile you’re walking the path, you instill valuable lessons in those around you.
- Never give up on dreams.
- The path provides more than just capital and a job to enjoy. The lessons are far more valuable.
- You’re an example to others. Maintaining a strong will to persist, strive, fight, and struggle. You’re dreams are worth the endurance.
RELATED: Keep the faith, find your fire and set the world alight.
Not letting go.
A burning desire sets the pace. Be reasonable about what can be achieved in a day, week, month and quarter. It’s important to remain on the path. Although you have to keep a healthy balance with your other commitments. You really do want to enjoy what you have now.
It’s never advisable to wait until you reach a certain mark before life can begin. You know the saying, I will be happy once I get…. Or life will be better when I have achieved….
You may want more. There’s nothing wrong with that. Just don’t ignore what’s directly in front of you. Close friends and family. Starving those who love you of your presence.
On a regular basis check in with yourself. Appreciate your blessings. And acknowledge all the hard work you regularly do.
On a regular basis check in with yourself. Appreciate your blessings. Acknowledge all the hard work you do. @thedigger0 Share on XWalking the path creates opportunity.
It’s only while you’re ‘action-ing’ the path that opportunity knocks.
- You won’t grow in knowledge if all you’re doing is planning.
- You won’t meet your business partner. The one who has the capital to finance your product, if you’re only dreaming it.
- Your future business does not get off the ground without regular attention.
Rare opportunities arise when you’re in the ‘action-ing’ part your project. How could chance come your way if you were watching TV?
If you’re walking down the right path and you’re willing to keep walking, eventually you’ll make progress. – Barack Obama
Long term plans are hard to stick too.
It’s easy to come up with a number of excuses not to action your dreams. Juggling everything else you have on your plate. Time and energy aren’t always available.
It’s tougher to know you will be doing the same job in five years’ time. All because you ignored what you wanted out of life.
Hard work never killed anyone. Determination does not shy away from road blocks. Persistence never let fear whisper defeat. Discipline only scared the lazy and unmotivated.
You weren’t put on this earth to just survive. There is a specific purpose. You have a blue print, an innate calling. A unique identity that is for you alone. Nobody else will be able to walk a path like yours. Not your family or friends.
RELATED: When positive thinking goes crazy and what you should do about it.
Passion and finding how it can be turned into an income.
The path should never be ignored or taken for granted. It requires attention and development. The work has only begun when you find what you’re passionate about. 
How do you turn your desires into cash? That’s the challenge.
Soon enough those rusty clunks turning over in your mind will present a few ideas. Investigate and test run any concepts that have the potential to take you to where you intend to go.
The more you work on these notions, the more ideas you will get. It can’t be stressed enough, you have to be at the action stage of dreaming for progress to be made.
The Path challenges.
- You have to work within societies structures. Find a way for your passion to fit into the rules. Navigating your way around laws and legislation. While remaining authentic and true to your brand.
- You have to work out how to make consumers want you. Marketing yourself and your product.
These areas are time consuming. Yet you’ve come this far. Additional learning and coaching may be what’s needed. It’s another area in your business that requires attention. Research, preparation and action are what you’re become accustomed to. Keep going.
You’re obligated to your fellow man. Sharing your special talent, a quality nobody else possess in the world. You have the potential to create change, ignite thoughts and stimuli for others. Working for ourselves benefits our families and many more. There is no other joy like it.
Wrapping up.
You can talk about goals all you like. Keeping your dreams alive is all about the ‘doing’. Working towards you’re desires with steady persistence.
Balance realistic time frames with your passions. It won’t be easy and will require a lot of discipline and foresight on your behalf.
Be sure not to participate in life part time. Enjoy and appreciate your family, friends and obligations. Living for today and the future.
Those closest to you will be influenced by your determination. The world is blessed when you’re walking the path. You dreamed, created and action-ed it. That’s how magic happens.
If you enjoyed the post, you may be interested in a Free Self Development Workbook. The focus is on having a better relationship with yourself – because you’re worth it. Add your email address to the box at the side of the screen.
Hi Rachel,
That’s so very true 🙂
Discipline and actions are requisites to converting your dreams into reality. Though the intentions and planning are important too, you cannot fulfill them unless you start implementing them with determination.
If you’re super determined, super focussed, and supercharged, rest all is fun! Even if it is not, you take it all in your stride. There are no shortcuts to success, and even if there are, they require hard work, and most important of all, action.
However, such passion and perseverance may take time to develop. It’s okay to fail and make mistakes as far as you keep going and as you mention, re-tread the path until you’re successful.
Yes, it’s not easy to achieve a work-life balance either but then where there’s a will, there’s a way. At times, you just can’t help and have to take sides – either family or work. You’ve to keep yourself flexible, especially if you are a working mother.
I agree with you that we should not give up. Things may not always happen as per the plans, but if you keep dreaming and keep the fire alive, your plans may actually happen.
Thanks for such an inspirational post. Have a nice weekend 🙂
Harleena Singh recently posted…3 Little-Known Blog Pages You Should Monetize
Hey Harleena,
There’s no short cuts to success. The biggest lesson I had to learn in life along with a lot of others. Expecting after three weeks of hard work that I should be rewarded with money, accolades and swarming fans. Always expecting short turn overs to reap massive rewards.
Now that’s an impossible dream, not realistic with the potential to give disappointment time and time again. Then I learnt that the lessons, the hard work and those pesky challenges that scare us like no other and then the amazement and wonder that we got through; pay far more in experience and knowledge than what I was first looking for.
Failure. Oh its tough the first couple of times. Head facing the ground, world upon our shoulders. Then we jump back on that path all energised again. We get better at falling and then jumping back on our path. They are wonderful lessons and great war stories. Not initially but as we get older, they were the ones we talk about with laughter in our voice and hearts.
I think some of us need juggling lessons to find the balance of work and life. And being on the net where time flys and we say, next time I won’t get caught up doing this, we get better at it because time is of essence. Flexibility like you said is key especially when life is busy. Taking sides, oh the pain of priority. I get it. I found once I began to trust that I would complete everything I had set out to do, I got better at the juggle. Rigidity doesn’t allow growth.
Harleena, the creation of AHA supports dreams, hard work and determination. I always think AHA is a community that energises and up lifts people to walk their dreams.
Thanks for your amazing comments.
Rachel.
Hi Rachel,
For many of us, our dreams are what carry us forward. It’s the belief that what we’re working on today will yield good results.
Those quotes by Thoreau and Barack Obama tie your message of having a goal and working toward it.
Those thoughts we are filled with are the thoughts our subconscious mind will work on. Let us spend our time on our own dreams, thinking it, and our subconscious will work on it, and show us a way forward.
What we do today determines our success tomorrow. You’re right, we must not allow ourselves to be distracted. We must not give up. Not for anyone.
Great post, Rachel.
Hey Terrance,
I believe it to be your first time here, so welcome.
Oh the dreams Terrance. They are so wonderful and then we have to action them. How scary. Looking to better ourselves and everyone around us. Working hard and diligently, working through fear. Meeting it all. That is great.
However we are emotional beings so some days can be a struggle, those are the days that can break people, or make them lose their way with doubt. But just like you said, dreams and thinking it will put our subconscious to work. That marvelous back of house machine that works magic, and brings creativity to the surface. Our brains, wonderful operators when used correctly. So amazing I still shack my head at all the possibilities of the brain presents.
Staying focused and determined are what will keep us on the path.
Thanks for your comments Terrance.
Rachel.
Hi Rachel,
Many people are standing right there at the crossroad of planning and actions.
Sometimes we have to push the door of opportunity open.
Taking time off to refresh is a big one for me. It’s so easy to get caught up in what you’re doing that sometimes I loss the track of time.
Learning to face your realities is a challenge of itself. The discipline of self honesty starts when we ask ourselves what our fears are and how can we overcome them.
You’re right the big question is how to turn our desire into cash.
Its posts like these that help us walk the right path.
Thanks
Vernon
Hey Vernon,
I agree, I was one Vernon, standing at the cross road of planning and action. So organised I was. I could write lists and plans but the day of action, I could always find a reason not to start. Too many years of this is enough. Like you say pushing ourselves through that door, now its the only way I see it. For myself and others. But I want us all to hold hands and storm through that door of just starting or working on a hurdle. A supporting one another.
What is so wonderful about refresh is it gets us more productive and creative. I learnt that lesson. Time away from the project is so beneficial. When I saw that, refreshers are penciled in all over my plan. Because it benefits progress and that’s what I stand for.
Facing realities, I believe it to be tough, but tougher not facing ourselves. We can do this gently and be kind to ourselves. Making truth seeking and self care a rule.
Thanks for your wonderful comments as always Vernon.
Rachel.
Hi Rachel, inspirational one…its really hard facing realities and still be able to push forward with your dream…
Arun Raj recently posted…Train Children Play Independently – Parenting Tips
Hey Arun,
I agree its hard facing reality, but if we are the ones holding the power on how that reality can be shaped, then we should at least walk one step at a time towards it.
Rachel.
Hi Rachel,
Ahhhhh……I knew there was something about you when I met you that I connected to. You and I certainly think alike. Probably because we both have a social service mindset. LOL
I loved this post. I agree so much with it. I think we have to just identify what we want and go for it. One step at a time. I know alot of people who don’t think BIG because they tell themselves that they couldn’t possibly get that far. I mean who can get a gold medal, who can go to the olympics, who can become famous, who can earn a million dollars? You can, that’s who! I have never let what people think of as the impossible be something that I let hold me back. I never allowed myself to be intimidated by it. All the people who get all those things I mentioned I do not believe are any different than anyone else except for maybe one thing….they don’t say NO to what they want. They want it and they go after it with dreams, plans, goals and action. What do they get in the end…..success in a journey along the way!
Wow, sorry for such a mouth full. I said you got me inspired girl. I was in a hum drum mood today until I read this. Thanks for cheering me up. : )
Have a great week Rachel. I’ve got you bookmarked and am subscribed now so I can get your posts. Yeah.
Irish
Irish Carter recently posted…Live Healthy: Take Your Journey to Weight Loss
Hey Irish,
Your compliments had me doing a mental mind dance. Thank you.
That’s all we can ask of ourselves, one step at a time. I get the Gold metal thing. I too always thought what if it could be me? Okay not marathons, or running but looking my passion in the face and putting it in a head lock and saying I making something of you.
The big picture overwhelms people. Yet that big dream was never something that happened all at once. For those who stay away from their dreams, they will never be completely satisfied. They have ignored an internal calling. That does stuff to us. And not the most positive either. The could have avoided watching other people reach their dreams. Had the had enough get up and go mixed with guts.
Never apologise for having your fingers dance across the keyboard with motivation. That is so complimentary that my post sent you on a tangent. You’re more than welcome to that here anytime you like.
Truly glad that our paths crossed Irish – I will benefit from a like minded social service mindset.
Thanks for you wonderful comment.
Rachel.
Hey Rachel,
After a long time! Hope you have been great!
A great article indeed. I suppose everyone on this earth loves to dream and set goals. But few among them are actually able to achieve that. It is definitely not because they are lucky. You have to go the extra mile to get fortune walk with you.
Thanks for sharing this. Have an awesome week ahead. Take care 🙂
Manidipa Bhaumik recently posted…Digital Pro Theme from StudioPress – Your Digital Products got a New Stage!
Hey Manidipa,
Great to see you – hope all is well at your end.
We’re all dreamers. That honey pot is always never too far from someone who has dreams. But it’s hard work that makes them come true and has many benefits to it. We learn, grow and develop. We feel a satisfaction after completing a big job. We celebrate our victories and dab our tears in failure. But luck is not in hard work. Not even when an opportunity arises.
I remember reading a wonderful post at the blog Have a Laugh on me. And she was talking about how she got upset because people were telling her how lucky she was to have a supportive husband, kids and work from home. When it was because of her effort she put in, not luck. I agree.
Glad to see you back, will pop over and see you soon.
Rachel.
Hi Rachel
What an awesome post? I couldn’t help but nod my head in agreement.
We can talk about dreams all day but the most important factor is action. Action speaks louder than words.
Planing is important and a great plan could benefit so much but still without action, there is no effect.
I love the tip about navigating around social structures. Yes it can be difficult to do such and still be authentic but it doesn’t mean it cannot be achieved.
Thumbs up Rachel. You sparked so much insight in me. Have a wonderful day. Thank you also for linking to my post. Take Care.
Hey Ikechi,
Actions are what stand out for me as well. Even the smallest of actions say more than words.
Planning has so many positive elements to it. Its like a record and when we hit our marks they are success and when we don’t they are records of what we need to shine the light on and think about. Maybe change direction. Planning also shows how far we have come if action is taken. I always get a kick out of going through my yearly diary because I am still in the stone age and find a paper diary so much better for me. I have to go through it each year to transfer info and it shows me how far I have come.
Glad the post sparked insight Ikechi, what a great compliment – thank you.
Rachel.
Hi Rachel
We all have the ability to dream. We also have the power to turn dreams into reality. The choice is ours.
The immense power of determination cannot be measured. It can turn victims into winners. All we need to do is dig deep and find the power inside.
Life is to be lived, not to be feared. French philosopher Michel De Montaigne said: “He who fears he will suffer, already suffers because he fears.”
Let your greatest fear be that one day you look back and realize that you never truly lived because you were afraid to live your dream.
Great post.
Igert recently posted…Is It Possible to Make Money on the Net?
Hey Igert,
What an exciting comment you left. No determination cannot be measured because there are so many elements to it. Dreams do come true when we have fire, discipline and determination in our belly. Always having a back up plan for when we feel demotivated, have hit a brick wall or when it all seems too much. Because the reality is we will certainly feel all these things on our path. So we can prepare for it all. It is never when we are treading solid ground that we worry. Its when we are not on top of it all – that’s what we need to be prepared for.
I agree with your quote. My fear is always sitting in my rocking chair later on in life regretting what I did not do because of fear. Never have to worry about that now, I walk toward fear. And I encourage others to do it as well. Thanks Igert.
Rachel.
Hi Rachel,
Pretty much agree with most of what you’re saying . . . do quibble a bit that you have to “Find a way for your passion to fit into the rules.”
After all Thoreau didn’t exactly fit his passion into the rules, nor did Joseph Campbell who frequently went his own way, or found a way to bend the rules to get what he wanted.
That’s not to say that I advocate being an outlaw in pursuit of your dreams – but sometimes if you follow your passion – you have to create your own rules, and find the people who think similarly so you can create new groups – as Ghandi did.
The one thing I think everyone needs, if they’re going to dream and follow their passion, is a firm belief that it’s okay for them to do so.
Thanks for the thought provoking article!
Hey Quinn,
I agree with you Quinn an unshakeable belief that its okay to follow your passions. I am an advocate of originality and doing it your own way. An encourager in fact. However to make money and have your product and services work for you, it has to be packaged so that others are interested. That’s what I meant by follow the rules. Maybe I should have said know the systems and manage your way around them. Follow the rules that suit and be rid of the rest.
But when you give me examples of Ghandi he followed universal laws of kindness and love. Very powerful man, he created a path in his own right. So I get what you are saying. Okay get your Ghandi on when your in the creation part of your product. Thanks for your comments. I enjoy and appreciate your truths Quinn.
Rachel.
Hi, Rachel
Discipline and action are required to achieve anything for ourselves.
I like the formula: dream + action = reality. Even we take just a small action in consistent matter, the fruit of your dream will be here.
The popular quote,” Good is the enemies of great”, means that to achieve our dreams we must do better than just “good”. When we fail, we pick ourselves up and do it again. When the distractions come along, we need to move our eyes back to the main path.
There are always choices along the path, “short cut’ is not one of them if we want to win.
Love the post and will share!
– Stella Chiu
Stella Chiu recently posted…3 Risky Medical Practices in Western Medicine
Hey Stella,
It’s the small consistent steps that count and make a difference to our lives. I love your quote.
Its always wise that we remember we are doing it for ourselves first and foremost. What I mean; its like that person who has been working hard for a couple of months and is over it. Nobody has given them feedback or acknowledged their hard work. They start to become discouraged. When really it is regardless of the external world. We cannot give up because we are not receiving attention. We can’t forget that we are the reason we are doing.
I can confirm first hand, short cuts – well there are none. That has been tried and tested by me.
Thanks for your comments.
Rachel.
Hi Rachel,
I remember years ago when I used to set a timeline for my dreams it was so unrealistic. I just wanted it so bad that I tried to rush it. And of course it didn’t work out that way, which lead to much frustration. Being realistic is important because you don’t want to discourage yourself because of something foolish.
~Lea
Lea Bullen recently posted…9 Things You Can Do Anytime to Relieve Stress Quickly
Hey Lea,
Nothing wrong with wanting it so bad. Its that disappointment we feel when we don’t make it on time. I always say I can have anything I want, but my dam timing is always out.
Being realistic and reasonable means we are making it easier on ourselves. We can go about achieving our goals like a Sargent hell bent on meeting their targets and come down on ourselves like a military court or we can be gentle because we trust ourselves. The choice is ours. Thanks for sharing your lessons.
Rachel.
I have to be honest with you… I hate discipline… I hate to do lists. I’m a very free spirited and hardworking person. God blessed me with a hubby who loves discipline and lists. He also helped my husband become very successful at his job. I have learned so much from my hubby and have become disciplined and can not live without to do lists. Totally agree that balance is key. Yes, there are no short cuts even though I really wish there was. Loved dreams+action = reality. Trying to teach this to my children. Thank you again for such a great read.
Hey Homegrown Adventures,
Free spirits are a blessing to those who are disciplined and vice versa. You would lighten up the disciplined person and the list builder will assist the free spirit to remain more focused. Sounds like there is a great balance and many lessons in your relationship.
I’m with you, I would love short cuts. Without the reach or sacrifices we make, our goals would not seem as magical as they do.
Dreams + Action = Reality is a great lesson for the children. However having a mum and day that work hard and aim for their dreams, those actions alone are so valuable.
Thanks for your comments.
Rachel.
Hi Rachel,
This is a great post you’re written. I’m all for setting goals to achieve my dreams. I used to set outrageous goes only to be let down at the end of the year when I didn’t meet them.
Then I changed it to smaller, more realistic goals and that seems to be working for me now.
What I do need to work on is finding balance to spend time with my family. 🙂
Great post Rachel!
Cori
Corina Ramos recently posted…Seven Pages Every Blog Should Have
Hey Cori,
At least you used to aim high and continue to the end of the year. That’s impressive. I would run out of steam within three months, get disappointed and stop. Linger for a couple of months. Not being happy with being idle, I would start something else, aim too high again and go through the same negative process.
I think we all need to learn the lesson of realistic goals. But what we also have to acknowledge is our eagerness to go after our dreams.
If your organised at work and use a diary or scheduler, pencil in time for your family. I know it sounds odd, but if that’s how you normally work, I can guarantee you will put that time away for them and make use of that time. Even have it as a running joke. As you kiss hubby on the check remind him that he is penciled for attention at a certain time.
Thanks of your comments.
Rachel.
Thank you very much for your article. It is gorgeous. This article is motivating.
I want to learn how to manage your time and budget. But while I would not succeed. I think I lack discipline.
Hey Nadya,
You have already found the answer to why you’re not managing your time and budget well. Lack of discipline will always put things on hold. I have a post called Reprogramming the mind is as easy as a carrot a day. This post details a simple exercise to do in order to acquaint yourself with how your own mind will sabotage you whenever possible. Let me know if you want me to share the link. Thanks for your comments.
Rachel.
Beautiful post dear! absolutely believe that discipline is one thing which will never go in vain..your discipline in one aspect might yield result in another unexpected aspect too 🙂
Nisha recently posted…LUVAS Recruitment 2016 –22 Posts of Registrar & Others
Hey Nisha,
I could not agree with your comments more Nisha. Planning, persistence and patience are what make dreams come true. We can be heading down one path, when an opportunity takes us on a completely different adventure entirely. Now that’s exciting. It is all in the actions when this occurs.
Rachel.
Very thought provoking post!
I am a firm believer in discipline.
Values like punctuality, sincerity define ones personality.
To some people discipline might sound to be a serious person
but that’s not true.
Discipline is a way of living, it’s a habit rather I would say.
Looking forward to more such lovely posts 🙂
Sunaina recently posted…NPCC Recruitment 2016 –50 Posts of Assistant Engineer (Civil)
Hey Sunaina
Its your first time a Dig A Little Deeper, so welcome.
I could not agree with you more, discipline is a way of life. Its neither serious or playful, it just is. When people are sloppy we begin to doubt their words. How we represent ourselves to the world highlights our core beliefs. Showing up on time demonstrates organisation, discipline, respect for those who we are meeting and a lot more. Sincerity is a truth within us that glows externally. Who would not want to show these strengths off.
Thanks for your comments.
Rachel.