Turn Your Dreams into Reality: It’s Not Too Late

Life gets busy. We often find ourselves saying, “I’ll have time when the kids start school, when summer vacation comes, when I settle into my new job…” But the reality is that time is a resource we must create, not just wait for.

For years, I dreamed of writing a book. Yet, life had its plans—I graduated from college, raised my kids, and celebrated twenty-five years of marriage with a Hawaiian getaway. I thought becoming empty nesters would grant me the time I needed to write. I was wrong! Even now, we are adopting and raising disabled adults. I have a regular day job too. Despite these commitments, I carve out time to write throughout the week. I set specific goals for how many pages I want to write and edit. I prioritize what truly matters to me: my kids, my husband, and my job. The TV and social media take a back seat when I have writing to do.

The first step in turning your dreams into reality is setting clear, achievable goals. When I decided to write my book, I knew I needed a plan. I set specific targets for myself, such as writing a certain number of pages each week. This helped me stay focused and track my progress. According to research, setting specific and challenging goals leads to higher performance 90% of the time compared to easy or vague goals.

Time management is crucial. With so many responsibilities, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. I created a schedule that included dedicated writing time. Whether it was early in the morning before work or late at night after the kids were in bed, I made sure to stick to my schedule. 

It's important to prioritize the things that matter most. For me, that meant balancing my time between my family, my job, and my writing. I had to make tough choices about how I spent my free time. Watching TV or scrolling through social media had to take a backseat to my writing goals.

Every journey has its obstacles. There were times when I felt discouraged or too tired to write. But I learned to push through those moments. I reminded myself of why I started and how much it meant to me. Self-discipline and persistence are key. According to a study by Angela Duckworth, the author of "Grit," passion and perseverance are more important than talent in achieving long-term goals.

Having a support system is invaluable. My family and friends encouraged me and celebrated my milestones with me. Whether it’s a partner, a friend, or a writing group, having people who believe in you and your goals can make a huge difference. It’s also important to take care of yourself physically and mentally. Writing can be a solitary and mentally draining activity. I made sure to take breaks, exercise, and spend time with loved ones to recharge. A balanced lifestyle keeps you energized and motivated.

Achieving my writing goals brought immense satisfaction. Seeing my book take shape was incredibly rewarding. It wasn’t just about the end result but also about the journey and the personal growth I experienced along the way. 

Everyone has dreams and goals they want to achieve. Whether it’s writing a book, starting a new career, or learning a new skill, the steps are the same. Set clear goals, create a schedule, prioritize what matters, overcome obstacles, find support, take care of yourself, and enjoy the journey. Turning dreams into reality is not easy, but it’s possible. It requires dedication, hard work, and a willingness to make sacrifices. But the sense of accomplishment and pride you will feel is worth every effort. 

Don’t wait for the perfect time because it may never come. 

Start now and make time for the things that truly matter to you. 

Your future self will thank you.