Today’s post is a throw-back-Thursday. It’s a post I wrote over a year ago, but feels very fitting for this time of year. We’re almost a week into the New Year which often means our enthusiasm for New Year’s resolutions and goals is starting to fade. If you’re feeling this way, give this tip a read. Don’t give up on your resolutions…they’re something you really want. So keep moving forward one step at a time.
This past weekend I got together with some friends for wine, food, and best of all, conversation. Over the course of the evening I learned that one of my friends has a dream to write a book. There is a book living inside of her that has been trying to get out for nearly nine years.
I asked my friend if she thought that book would be out of her now if she had spent just a little bit of time on it each week over the course of the past nine years. Her answer was yes. And so I encouraged her to stake a claim to a small slice of time everyday or even every week, whatever she could work into her schedule, and get started on that book now. (I personally can’t wait to read her book!)
This conversation got me thinking. I know that my friend is not alone. So many of us have dreams that are stuck inside of us…dreams we are going to get around to pursing someday. Do you? Do you find yourself saying someday I’ll write that book. Someday I’ll leave this job I don’t love and start my own business. Someday I’ll go on a dream vacation to Europe. Someday… I’ll start living the life I’ve dreamed of.
What if someday was today?
I’d like to encourage you to stop waiting. Make someday today and start pursuing your dream regardless of what’s holding you back. Stake a claim to a small slice of time every day or every week, and use it to take small steps in the direction of your dream. Yep, someday can be today, so why not make it so?
What’s your dream? Are you inspired to start today? Tell me about it in the comments below. (Simply posting your dream below is a terrific first step, by the way!)
I have always wanted to be an editor – for novels. Unfortunately, I don’t even know how to go about it!
Thanks Andrea. I did a quick google search…here’s a place to start:
http://www.wikihow.com/Become-an-Editor
Piece together a plan. You don’t have to know every step before you begin…just find a first step to take and take it. When you do, the next step will become more clear.
Congrats on your dream and for sharing it here! I wish you much success on your journey.
Aby
My dream has been to take my family to London and Liverpool in order to do the Beatles pilgrimage. Probably about 5 yrs ago, I listened to a Tony Robbins tape and he encouraged me to take just one step toward that goal, so I opened up a special savings account and had $100 taken out of my checking automatically. Next June(2014) we are going! In fact, I just made the hotel reservations today. Now to purchase the airline tickets. Yay for dreams!
Yay for you Valerie! That is awesome!!
Your post is wonderful, motivational and needed! Like your friend, I want to write a book (books), something I’ve wanted to do since I was a child. I write a lot–although not as much as I’d like. I definitely need to carve out time for this so that it’s not just a dream. Thanks for your blog!
You’re welcome. Good luck with your books, Michelle! You can do it! 🙂
Me too, Michelle! I listened to a speaker who gave me inspiration just a couple of weeks ago. He was 84 years old when he published his first book (second at 85, third at 86 and now he’s about to get his forth book published at age 87!) It’s never too late to accomplish our dreams of writing a book!
Also, he mentioned about writing one page everyday and after a year you’ll have over 300 pages to work with – I’ve heard this one before, but maybe THIS time I’ll follow through . . .
Good luck with your dreams! 🙂
I am an inspirational speaker, counselor, author & promoter of others.
Right now I do all of this by getting info. from everyone I can if they live in MD, D.C., VA and PA (in the USA) I get paid by each lead I give to the people who quote the auto, home, renters insurance through the agency we all work for.
When I get to a point where I am no longer dependent on others to pay my bills I will then start paying off the debt I have & then have my book published. Then I will focus on speaking where I can speak & by this time I will have people who see I practice what I preach so I am sure they will want counseling.
What a timely post Aby! The holidays and a new year coming up always get me thinking about goals and what do I want the coming year to be like… Lately I have been thinking that I really want to get back to crafting. I love it but got away from it when my twins were babies — too tired and not wanting little fingers to get into things. Now that the boys are 11, almost 12, I have started stitching again. But now I want to do those BIG projects that I always put off… the big Santa for over the mantel, the Nativity scene, there are probably five or six really big pieces. I am going to start them and if I do a little bit each day, eventually they will get done! And I will have something wonderful to leave the boys and their future spouses.
I’d also like to walk the Camino. Can’t walk 500 miles right off the bat, but my girlfriend and I have decided to commit to a 5K and we’ll start training in January.
Thanks for sharing your dreams, Beth! Starting with a 5K is a terrific way to pave the path to walking the Camino! Congrats to you!!
Hi, Aby – Great question! Two things immediately came to mind. I just read an article today by an author I admire. He said he believes everyone has a ‘book in them’. Everyone has something to say! Unfortunately, he says, most people die without ever writing their book – because they don’t start. I’ve had a book ‘in me’ for several years. I want to write my ‘story’ for my kids and grandkids so they will know me better – know what makes me tick, what gets my heart beating a bit faster (besides them!). I’ve started my book. I have the title page and the first few lines already. It’s a beginning!
When I took your ‘How To Achieve Your Goals’ workshop you had us write a letter to ourselves, dated five years in the future. I took a long time writing mine and it was truly what I envisioned for my hubby and me. We are on our way to making it become reality. Life without ‘stuff’, clutter was at the heart of it! We’ve been working hard at it. We’ve made progress on the backyard shed, the garage and the attic. We’re being ruthless and making some tough decisions to toss, donate or recycle much of what we find. We have a picture in our minds and we’re moving toward our goal so ‘someday’ can begin as soon as possible!
~Adrienne~
Hi, Adrienne,
Thank you for your comment. I’m so happy to hear that you’re moving ever-closer to that picture you painted in your letter to yourself! Congrats to you!
Aby
Like your friend, I also want to write a book – or three or four 🙂 You have inspired me to finally kick my own butt into gear with the writing. I think sometimes it’s just pure laziness mixed with a fear of failure. But even if I were to honestly believe I wouldn’t be published, I think my life will be richer just for taking the time to write a few hours a week.
Love getting your posts in my email!
Lots of love and blessings,
Rachel
Yay, Rachel!! I’m so happy you’ve decided to start writing your book. You’re right – your life will be richer. Congrats to you for going for it!
Aby, you have been an inspiration to me over the last few years. I started a blog called “the Imperfect Organizer” on Columbus Day. I know nothing about blogging and I am fumbling along. I would recommend a blog to anyone who is thinking of writing a book. It’s a nice way to satisfy your creative itch and the feedback is immediate. I think getting organized is the first step to living your dreams. Once you get your house in order, you have more time and mental energy to concentrate on the things that really give your life meaning. Thanks for all you do!
Congrats on your blog Kimberly! I knew nothing about blogging when I started either…you figure it out as you go. 🙂 You’re so right about clearing physical clutter…it really does clear the path to other meaningful opportunities.
Aby
What are we waiting for! You are so right that now is the time and it’s all about baby steps to get there! Thanks for posting this inspiring post!
Thanks for your comment Ellen! 🙂
Wow Aby, I have to tell you that you wrote just what I’ve been thinking about in this past months. I’m reading a book called “Start”, by Jon Acuff, and I’m pretty sure that today is our best day! We can’t wait no longer! Today is the day to start making our dreams come true and the best moment is NOW!
I’m sorry about my English, I’m Brazilian. But when I started to read you article I just felt that I HAD to write back to you! Hope you understand what I’m saying!
with love, Joyce Coelho.
Your English is wonderful as is your message. Thank you for commenting Joyce! Today is the best day to start, isn’t it? 🙂
Thanks for sharing……i too have wànted to write my autobiography, i began when i wàs àround 26 years old, I am now 55 !!! I have just done little bits here and there, but its my goal to finish before the end of the year, due to the nature of the book its held me back due to others being alive, they still are but I’m still going ahead…..i certainly can be doing with moral support that’s for sure……
In 2013, I went to Nicaragua on a mission trip. It was quite the trip. I took many photos. I have kept telling myself I need to load my photos onto Shutterfly. Then start my book. They do a great job in printing. So this month I will start uploading photos…..then print. I was given $ at Christmas and will add a bit more for Shutterfly gift card so there is some money put away for the book.
Thanks for your inspiration!!
Great to hear! You’re taking the first steps. It should be fun. Enjoy!
Thanks for that post, Aby! My dream is to run a businnes like yours in my country but I have no idea how to start. Have you any suggestions for me?
Hi Erika,
If you’ll use our contact form (choose customer service) and send me some thoughts on what you’re wanting to do, I’d be happy to share some ideas. Thanks! ~ Jay
Aby – 1,000,000 thanks for your thought provoking e-mails! For years I have desired to sell 100% of our excess stuff on e-bay & get organized! What holds me back is not having a mentor… Do you have recommendations please???
“E” (in VT) 🙂