Turning Intentions into Reality: Part I in the "Goals & Dreams" Series

Rosemarie's post on "The Road is in Your Mouth" reminded me of the coaching methodology I put together when I started my business 7 years ago for use in working with clients to effectively set goals. It was based on solidifying intentions, deliberately communicating those intentions to the "universe", and then taking the necessary actions to make them happen.

The idea is similar in that it requires commitment on our part to do what we truly intend to do. These intentions start as ideas, dreams, visions, hopes and become the foundation for our personal, interpersonal or professional goals.

Whether personal, interpersonal, or professional - our goals are supported by those who are key in our universe. By "universe", I mean our key stakeholders or supporters that will journey with us, beside us, or behind us as we take action toward our goals. Our universe might be our spouse, our parents, our children, our co-workers, our friends - or ALL of them. These people hold us accountable to our goals and dreams and, therefore, our commitments.

Here is the first step you can take today to start turning your intentions into reality: identify your true goals that you want to commit to from your list of hopes and dreams. I admit that I am often short-sighted in my own goal-setting and have a hard time imagining some of my own dreams ever making it to reality. One helpful aid can be found in Matthew Kelly's book "The Dream Manager". Kelly speaks about a role in an organization to help people uncover their dreams and then puts plans together to work towards them. Since we don't typically have a resource in that particular role, Kelly has also mentioned having "Dream Sessions" with your family and friends to help uncover those hopes and dreams you have with those who can support you (your "universe").

So dreaming is the start to understanding what intentions you are committed to. Then you communicate the intentions to those key to supporting you in your universe, and take actions to that end. It's simple when stated here - but those very people with whom you deliberately share your intentions are the very ones to help support you and keep you going.

Our next blog in this series will focus on the next step to realizing your intentions, goals, hopes and dreams -- action-planning.

Question to Ponder: What hopes and dreams are you committed to making real intentions and goals? Who is on your key list of people in your universe that will support you? What obstacles are in the way that you also need to communicate so you can get support when they come up?