The Difference Between Goals and Dreams
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If you want to be successful in life, you need to understand the difference between dreams vs goals. Both are important, but if you never move past dreaming, you'll struggle to find success. Here's a breakdown of the differences and how they affect your life.
What is a Goal?
What is the difference between dreams vs goals? Understanding this starts with defining these terms.
A goal is something that you create for yourself. It’s based on actions you take. They require focus and attention to reach.
What is a Dream?
A dream is something you create in your mind that does not require your action. They’re completely imaginary and may not be based in reality.
Dreams vs. Goals: What’s the Difference?
There are multiple differences between dreams and goals. Understanding these differences will help you set proper dreams and goals for yourself, so you can feel a measure of success.
Characteristics
Dreams exist fully in your mind. Goals can be tangible. You can write them down or use physical measurements to see if you reach them. Dreams are entirely mental, and change regularly.
Specificity
Goals should be specific. You need to have a way to measure them to know that you’ve achieved them. This will keep you focused and moving toward them.
Dreams are not specific. They can be endless, and they have no specific outcome you’re trying to achieve. They can be endless, and they can change regularly.
Time Frame
For a goal to be effective, it needs a deadline. You will only know that you've achieved your goal when you hit it by the deadline you placed on yourself.
Dreams are not bound by the laws of the natural world. As such, they don’t have deadlines. Many people will keep their dreams in mind for their entire lives and never actually reach them.
Action
Goals are based on your actions. You must do something to achieve them. They require hard work to achieve and a growth mindset.
Because they are not tangible, dreams require nothing more than your imagination. For this reason, most people have dreams, but many people never translate those dreams into goals or put in the action necessary to reach them.
Realism
Goals are real and tangible. They are based on reality, and they should be something you can realistically achieve with your own actions. They are founded on the real laws of the physical world. This doesn't mean they can’t be lofty, as goals can be big. However, even if they seem insurmountable, they should be based on reality.
Dreams, on the other hand, are imaginary. They don’t have to be based on reality, and they may never be acted upon. They can be supernatural.
Measurement
A goal needs to produce a result, and that result needs to be something you can measure. For instance, you could set a goal of earning six figures by a set year. You can measure this.
On the other hand, a dream is not measurable. A dream could say that you want to be “rich” when you are “old.” Again, these are not something you can measure because who can say what rich and old mean?
Tips for Those Who Are More of a Dreamer
Everyone dreams. You may not put words to your dreams, but you likely have a dream or two. Not everyone sets goals.
If you find that you’re more of a dreamer than a goal-setter, consider these tips:
- Visualize: Visualize where you are now and where you want to be. This will help you hone in on dreams that can become goals.
- Grow your dreams: Dreams aren’t bad as long as you also have goals. Grow your dreams, and see which ones you can transform into goals.
- Enjoy your dreams: Give yourself permission to dream, and enjoy the dreams you have. Just don’t get so caught up with them that you never make goals, either.
In some ways, dreams and goals, though they are different, should work hand in hand. You’ll use your dreams to establish measurable and attainable goals, and your dreams give you an outlet for your imagination.
As long as you take action to shift from dreaming alone to embracing goal setting, there’s nothing wrong with some dreams.
The Importance of Setting Goals
Dreams are important, but so are goals. Learning to set goals is a key to embracing success.
Goals give you something tangible to reach toward. You have the ability to track your progress as you reach the goal. They also increase your feelings of success as you reach the goals you set.
Setting goals gives you a focus in your daily life. The actions you take will either help you achieve your goals or keep you from doing so. This focus also increases your motivation.
Goal setting is a key factor in developing a growth mindset. When you have a goal that’s attainable, you develop a sense of responsibility over how you live your life. You know what you need to do, and you are the only one who can physically do it.
Finally, setting goals forces you to set priorities for your life, both in the long-term and short term. For example, if you are setting a goal to lose weight, you will prioritize your diet and exercise routines. If you are setting a goal of having a healthy love life, you will prioritize meeting new people.
Are you ready to set more goals? Read Jonette’s 10 steps for goal setting or her strategies for achieving your goals.
Becoming a Better Goal Setter with Jonette
Understanding dreams vs goals is a key factor in ensuring you can have success in your life. Setting goals is a key factor in success, but it can be hard to do if you’ve never tried. This is where a
personal life coach can help. Jonette Dyer has been offering her
personal coaching services to women in Orange County who are ready to start achieving goals. She offers the services of a
life coach, with options to focus on
career coaching, mental health coaching and relationship coaching as well.
Learn more about Jonette Dyer, or request your session to
start your journey today.
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