How to convert a dream into a goal

Posted on October 10, 2013June 30, 2014 by DC JAMES

Dreams are unrefined hopes and cost-free aspirations that we might do some day. Converting a dream to a goal is a decision to take tangible steps to pursue it.

Goals are specific future targets that we are committed to becoming or accomplishing in an action-oriented, time-specific way.

Step 1: Choose an objective

Choose a dream you want to pursue or an area of your life you want to work on.The Wheel of Life Exercise can help you decide what to focus on.

Step 2: Make it S.M.A.R.T.

Next, try to define dreams or areas in your life that you want to work on using the S.M.A.R.T. format of: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-specific. Use the definitions below as a guide for refining your goal:

Specific: A goal is specific when you can describe it concretely to others. Example: “I want to be wealthy” is not a specific goal—how much money is wealthy? “I want to be a millionaire by the time I’m 40,” or “I want to be able to retire at my current income when I’m 60” is specific.

Measurable: You need to be able to recognize when you’ve accomplished it. Example: “I want to be a better leader” is not a measurable goal—how do I know when I’m “better”? “I want to improve my leadership skills by completing a coaching certification this year” is a measurable goal.

Attainable: It can’t be a pipe dream or something unable to be realized. Example: “I want to take a second honeymoon on our anniversary this year” is probably unattainable if you are seven months into a pregnancy and your anniversary is in two months.

Relevant: A goal is relevant when it’s important to you—when it references your values. Example: “I want to be making all our payments on time by December” is a relevant goal for someone whose core personal financial value includes being debt free.

Time-specific: Goals are not open-ended—they have dates attached. Example: “I want to start a home for unwed mothers” is not time-specific; while “I want to get the training I need to start a home for unwed mothers and launch it in the next five years” is specific.

Published by DC JAMES

DC JAMES is the modern embodiment of the gifted and versatile Renaissance man. Along with being a successful Life Coach and established Author and Publisher, he is a popular Fitness Trainer, Entrepreneur, and Project and Marketing Consultant. He began his career in the business sector, a career that had lasted an impressive 25+ years. He has worked for companies like Robert Allen’s “Challenge Systems”, Upper Deck, Taylor Made Golf, Watkins Manufacturing, High Definition Cleaning Services LLC and Roehl Transport His versatility and multitude of talents are evident in his past work as a pastoral minister and Worship Arts Music Director. Being an avid music lover, DC James wrote, played, arranged, and produced two music CD projects along with several collaborations and compilations; of with Mat Kearney and Patti Labelle Very early in his life, he has discovered his talents for helping people maximize their personal and professional growth. He studied life coaching under Dr. Joseph Umidi from LifeFormingCoach.com. DC JAMES specializes in motivating and empowering people to achieve their full potential. His books and tools, such as The A.RT.F.O.R.M and Quantum Planning S.Y.S.T.E.M.S have inspired and helped many to make a positive change in their lives. DC JAMES continues to coach and publish books and is a coveted speaker at conferences and network meetings on various topics, including Internet marketing, personal and business credit, fitness, life/relationship skills, project management, event management, arts, music, and transformational strategies for personal development. For DC JAMES, The “HEAD” Coach, a Generalist in specialties of transformational coaching and spiritual guidance are more than just a career choice. They are the opportunity for an individual to make a significant impact on the world and society. View all posts by DC JAMES