Dreams Are Not Achieved By Dreaming
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Do not get me wrong. Dreaming about your future is good. All college students should have someplace they are trying to go, something they are trying to achieve. However, students should also understand that dreams are not achieved by dreaming. Success is rarely achieved by chance.

When students apply the wrong approaches, they are setting themselves up for failure. They frequently choose a direction or approach that is ineffective because it is comfortable and safe. The most successful students, adults and employees try things, even when they are a little bit scared. Risk taking is part of life. If your dream is worth it, taking a few calculated and reasonable risks will likely be necessary.

The college years are filled with opportunity. They are one of the best parts of your life. Pay attention. When students do not see, hear and take advantage of the opportunities that surround them in college, they may have to wait a long time for another opportunity that is as important or as great. That is the wrong kind of risk to take.

Issues That Will Hold You Back

- You don’t know who you are or where you want to go
- You are waiting, but it is not a good strategy for moving forward
- You are drifting, but it seldom takes you where you want to go
- You tried cheating and found that it is always a poor choice
- You do not recognize the good opportunities
- You fail to listen to those who are already successful
- You offer only a halfhearted, unfocused effort
- You are unrealistic about what it takes to achieve success
- You fail to take full responsibility for your future
- You blame others fort your poor performance
- You are not willing to pay the price

“If you don’t get what you want,
it is a sign either that you did not seriously want it,
or that you tried to bargain over the price.“

– Rudyard Kipling

Dreams seldom come about by chance. They require clear thinking, dedication and hard work, usually over a long period of time.

“It takes twenty years of hard work to become an overnight success.”

– Diana Rankin

We all have dreams. You have them too. Therefore, you should consider the following:

- Write out and clarify your dream
- Create a plan to achieve your dream
- Decide to be successful
- Gather the necessary resources
- Begin to move in the direction of your dream
- Break the steps down into small pieces
- Take daily actions that support your dream
- Evaluate your progress
- Consider revisions and adjustments
- Establish milestones
- Work on your dream everyday
- Be prepared for obstacles and setbacks
- Never give up

Regardless of what your dream may be, it is important to realize the dreams are not achieved by dreaming. Worthwhile dreams will test your resolve, challenge you to push your limits and make something better for people other than yourself. Do not be hesitant. Ignore the skeptics. If you believe in your dream, start working on it today.