Not only pursuing our dream, but someday living it is, well, a dream we all have.
The problem for most of us is in the quest to pursue our dream is that we are short on TIME & ATTENTION.
Let’s start with the first problem: time.
Where do you spend most of your time?
The average person spends the most time at work. About 13 years of their lifetime AND will have had about 12 different jobs!
Now let’s talk about that other problem: attention.
Did you know that the average attention span is now just 8 seconds?! That’s less than that of a goldfish! (who is 9 seconds, by the way)
Here’s two things that we know about our dreams, one, they are BIG and two, they are scary.
Big – why else would it be a dream of ours instead of an achievement of ours?
Scary – mostly because we overthink the entire process of getting there and overwhelm ourselves to the point we can’t even get started!
Okay, enough of the depressing reality of what we already know. What can we do about it?
Glad you asked (she types sarcastically).
5 things you can do NOW to pursue your dream even if you are short on time and attention:
#1 Unsubscribe
Yep, sounds basic, but if I were to ask you how many unread emails were sitting in your inbox right now, would there be less than 10? I can hear you laughing…
If it’s not something you are going to ACT on in the next 24 hours…DELETE.
Odds are the emails sitting there are because you gave your e-mail for a reason. Maybe it was a free printable of how to clean out your inbox, an e-book How-To clean out your inbox, a weekly newsletter with a blog of how to clean out your in box, a discount code for the e-course, etc. (getting the picture?)
Those may have captured your attention at the time and you got what you needed when you signed up, but is it still relevant now?
If it’s something you repeatedly delete, leave unopened or tell yourself you’re going to go back to it later (and do not)…UNSUBSCRIBE.
Seriously, stop getting the offers you KNOW you are not ready or going to act on or are helping you pursue your dream. It served it’s purpose at the time…move on.
#2 Find a mentor
Cliche’ I know, but hear me out on this one. We all need people in our corner to inspire, encourage, support and teach us, but for most of us – all of those “ingredients” do not all come wrapped up in the same person for each of the “categories” of our lives.
Can you think of different people that you find inspiring, encouraging, supportive and that you love to learn from for different areas of you life? How about ones that point you to the pursuit of your BIG & SCARY dream?
I know for me, a lot of those people are ones that I have never even met in person. Yet, they inspire, encourage, support and teach me through their writing, their speaking, their videos, conferences and even emails.
Yep, I subscribe to the emails that I know I will open each and every time because it will either inspire, encourage, support what I’m trying to accomplish and/or teach me how to do it!
#3 Read, watch, listen.
This goes hand in hand with the above tip.
There are countless books, blogs and articles can you read about whatever topic you can think of! So imagine reading one that is specific to your particular need right now. When you see the words, you remember them better. (just sayin’)
What podcasts or audio courses can you be listening to instead of the radio or your playlist while you are commuting, cleaning or working out?
Are there YouTube videos you can watch instead of another Netflix binge?
How about a conference, seminar or workshop? Face to face interaction and hearing from the person who’s passionate about the topic is so helpful, not to mention, refreshing!
Do you see how all of these can propel you toward progress in pursing your dream?
#4 Create a “happy place”.
Not everyone can hop a jet to a luxurious locale that ends with feet propped up, a tasty beverage in hand and a breathtaking view to post on social.
However, you can create a space that you can retreat to in order to refresh, refuel or just relax. (even if it’s super short-lived)
A hot bath with the door locked and earbuds to drown out the knocking. (’cause your peeps will come knocking)
A small part of your closet with cushy pillows where you can pretend you’re E.T. hidden behind the clothes, but with a Tervis cup filled with something adultish with a lid and straw. (don’t want to get thirsty or spill wine on that dress that’s two sizes too small)
Listen, even if it’s a corner of the couch with a cozy blanket, lit candle and a tasty hot beverage.
Not gonna lie, sometimes a cold drink in my car in the garage with the radio on is a sweet spot for a few, til I’m discovered.
I’m just saying, do what you have to do in order to find the space and place that allows you to exhale. (even if it’s just for a few minutes)
#5 Have a good ‘ol Brain Dump
I’m not even going to elaborate on this one because I wrote a whole article about it here. (go check it out) Besides, I’m waaay past your 8 second attention span!
Congrats if you have read this far – you have exceeded the average person’s 8 second attention span!
So proud of you!! You really are a goal-getter!
Listen, pursuing any dream is not easy, especially these days when time and attention is so very short! But I hope with tips like these YOU will be making progress!
Making progress toward pursuing my dream with steps like this right there with ya,
Still not sure you’ll have the time? Here’s a 3 Step “filter” to be sure you DO!