A Dream Is Not A Goal
The start of a new year often feels like a world of possibilities unfolding before us, filled with excitement and ambitious dreams. But if we're honest, how often has that spark faded because we resist setting real goals? Why? Maybe it’s fear of failure or the overwhelm of not knowing where to begin. Yet, another year can slip by without action, leaving our dreams untouched and our potential unfulfilled. Think about this—saying, “I want to change careers this year” feels safe and inspiring, but it’s also vague and noncommittal. Taking it further with a SMART goal, like “I will update my resume, apply to five targeted jobs per week, and land a new role by May,” suddenly makes it real—and yes, a little uncomfortable. That discomfort is growth trying to happen. Take Teri, for example. She dreamed of running her own handmade jewelry business for years but hesitated to set solid goals, afraid of not following through. Finally, she pushed past the resistance, committing to design 10 pieces by February and launching her Etsy shop in March. The moment she acted, her fear became fuel, and her dream became achievable. This year, 2025, can be different for you, too. Resistance is natural, but don’t give it the power to hold you back. Balance your big dreams with tangible, actionable, and time-bound goals. Start today—write them down, face the discomfort, and take that first step forward. Another year doesn’t have to just pass by; it’s your chance to create something extraordinary.
Ladies, let’s talk about the kind of power we all possess. The kind that takes a spark of inspiration—a dream—and turns it into something tangible, actionable, unstoppable. Because here’s the truth: a dream is only the beginning. To create a life that thrives, we must turn those dreams into goals and boldly step forward to pursue them.
Consider Denis Watley’s quote, “The reason most people never reach their goals is that they don’t define them or seriously consider them as believable or achievable.” Now take a moment and really ask yourself, how often have dreams floated through your mind only to fade away, unfulfilled? Not because they weren’t worthy but because they were never written down, planned out, or intentionally acted on.
The time to change that is now.
What’s Holding You Back?
Maybe it’s fear. Maybe it’s uncertainty. Or perhaps it’s the belief that you couldn’t make your dream come true. The truth is fear will try to keep you in your comfort zone. It will remind you of past failures, invent roadblocks, and whisper doubts louder than any encouragement. But here’s the secret real goal-getters know—you don’t have to stay stuck.
Your dreams matter because they are the starting point of greatness. But what separates those who dream from those who achieve is the choice to define clear goals and take deliberate action. Dreams are the “what”. Goals are the “how.”
Dream vs. Goal
For example:
- A dream says, “I want to start my own business.”
- A goal says, “I will launch an online boutique by June 30th. I will dedicate 10 hours weekly to planning, designing, and building my website.”
Breaking Barriers Through Focused Action
1. What would you change with a magic wand?
If there were no limitations—no fear, no doubt, no overthinking—what would you change to create a more exceptional version of your life?
Maybe it’s launching your dream project, letting go of toxic relationships, or building your confidence as a leader. Write it down. Concretely defining what you’d change brings that “what if” closer to “why not?”
2. What’s the first small sign of change?
Picture this. You wake up tomorrow, and that magic wand has done its work. The change you dreamed of is here. What’s the first small sign that tells you the shift has begun?
For example:- Do you feel inspired to draft a business plan?
- Do you catch yourself smiling because you’ve committed to moving forward?
- Do you notice you’re spending time doing things that align with your passions?
3. When have you seen success before?
Think of a time when you felt strong, confident, and capable. Even if it was fleeting—what happened? What actions or habits contributed to that moment?
For example:
- You could network effectively to secure a past career move.
- You may have overcome fear to learn a new skill or prioritize your well-being.
Look back at your own life for evidence of what you can accomplish. You’ve done it before—and you can do it again.
From Dream to Reality
These three questions aren’t just tools—they’re game changers. They’ll shift how you think, pushing you past fear and into action. Step by step, your dream transforms into something achievable.
But remember, it’s not enough to simply answer these questions. You must act on them. Every breakthrough starts with one small, bold step.
- Define what you want.
- Write down your clear, actionable goal.
- Commit to taking the first step today.
Lady BOSS Challenge
This January, I’m calling on YOU to stop dreaming and start doing. Find a moment of quiet this week. Write down your goals. Be specific. Be bold. Then, choose one thing—just one—that you can work on immediately.
Your dreams are beautiful. Your goals can change your life. Together, they make you unstoppable. Ladies, this is your year—your moment. Turn your dreams into action and go claim your greatness like the Lady BOSS you are.
The world is watching. It’s time to show them what you’re made of!
You’ve got this!
What’s your magic wand goal? Go ahead and share it in the comments or with your Lady BOSS sisters. Accountability is the first step to transformation!