Dreams vs Goals

As 2013 comes to a close and 2014 peers over the horizon, I started thinking about my goals for the coming year. 

My thoughts swirled…

So, you wanna do some dumb resolution thing for 2014?

No. That’s a bit tired.

OK, maybe write out your dreams for the coming year then…or your goals.

Well, which is it…dreams or goals?

I dunno. Who are we talking to?

It’s me…you.

Oh, so glad it was me talking and not you talking.

What were we talking about before we interrupted us?

The conversation between myself and myself got more strange (if that’s possible) so I continued it on Facebook. I asked if dreams were different from goals and, if so, how? Here’s a few of the responses.

Hmm interesting question!! I think that maybe someone with goals intends to accomplish then. Unfortunately, people often times don’t necessarily have hope (like real expectant hope) that all dreams will come true. However for me personally, I probably have more hope and joyful expectation (dreams) than I do concrete goals and game plans for accomplishing things. I think it’s most powerful to have goals and dreams married with one another.

-Michelle L.

And then…

I see them as similar, but that goals have a strategy for making the dreams reality.

-Tom P.

And a fun story…

A read an article contrasting the youth of today with a true account of a boy many decades ago. This boy wanted a horse but his mom said it was a crazy idea because they lived in the city. Not being deterred, the boy saved his money for a few years for a lawn mower. Then started a business and earned enough for a horse AND a place to board it across town-only having a bike to ride to visit his horse. It took several years, but one day he told his mom he had a horse! She didn’t believe him, but after he convinced her, she drove across town to the stable, and met his horse! All because he saved his money for a mower, to start a business, to save his money to rent a place to board a horse, and then bought an actual horse. This was just a kid! Many would say it was a dream, but he set goals and saw his dream come true. I’m sure as a child he could’ve used his cash for toys, candy, or the movies, but he had a dream.

Rachel H.

2013 was a monumental year for me and and my family. I became a father, published my second book, left my job as a public relations manager and started a business. Leaps of faith, risk and rewards to make dreams tangible.

My wife and I have felt that the phrase for 2014 is a simple one: the best is yet to come. It is.

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Question: How do you make your dreams a reality?