I took a bit of a blog and social and media sabbatical a couple of weeks ago but I’m back. I’ve done that over the last few years. I use it to re-center my focus on God, get some clarity, and plan for the future. I usually just write my plans in my journal but this year I decided to do a vision board. I’ve always wanted to do one. Last year, I joined the Patreon of content creator – That Chick Angel. It was probably one of the best decisions I made in 2020 and a catalyst that helped me to exercise consistently. The group that I’m in – also known as the Angel Wings – took some time out for a vision board party via Zoom. I was thrilled about it.
The party gave me some good food for thought. I had already been thinking about it the week prior in my devotional time but it really confirmed some things for me. I am a big believer in the power of spoken words, however, I never thought about the power of the words that I write.
Here are a few tips I’ve learned over the last several weeks with putting your dreams on paper. (Whether literally or virtually.)
List Them Out
I don’t know about you but things in my head get jumbled sometimes. (Okay a lot of the time. 🙃)
I enjoy blogging but I also LOVE journaling. Something about writing out what’s going on in my life brings me peace and helps me sort out my thoughts. I also love to make lists. I am Type-A by nature and even though I have let a lot of my orderly tendencies go as a mom of three kids, making a to-do list helps sort out the clutter of my mind. While a list is practical in accomplishing daily goals, a dream list is even better at keeping track of yearly ones.
It also helps me to keep my dreams at the forefront of my mind. I am more driven when I have my dreams and goals on paper or in an app on my phone. Not to mention it’s great to have something to refer back to at different points throughout the year. At the beginning of 2021, I ran across a list of goals from January 2020. It was so interesting to see what I had accomplished and what is yet to be completed.
Be Specific
One of the things I heard loud and clear from the Angel Wings vision board session was to be specific. Several of the ladies shared how important it was for them to have clearly defined goals/dreams instead of generalized ones. For example not only to get hired but to get hired making a certain amount of money. What is it that you are wanting? Do you want to start a new career or hobby? Be more active? Do you want new relationships/friendships? What are you looking for? Don’t be afraid to add it to your list or board.
When I was in 8th grade, I made a list of what I wanted my husband to be. (Yes, eighth grade is young but I did it.) Even back then I loved lists. I remember when I met my boyfriend at 16 years old. He checked off all those things. After we got married, my mom was going through old papers and found my “husband” list. (I should’ve had her keep it. She wanted to but I told her no. 🤦🏾♀️ ) But my husband still checks off all of those boxes.
Make a Plan
This is the first year that I am putting this into practice, following up my dreaming with steps to accomplish them. I’m really good at getting my desires on paper every year but I don’t think I’ve ever planned for the follow-through. For years, I’ve imagined what I’ve wanted my blog to be and I am steadily working on it. But this year, I have made an action plan and I am carrying it out. I’ve not only written goals but a process in how to fulfill them. Some things in life you can’t plan (i.e. a whole pandemic) but you can have measures in place to keep moving forward.
Never Too Late
Don’t be fooled. A dream and or goal can start at any time. Not just at the beginning of the year. A person is never too old and it is never too late. If there is breathe in the body, it’s possible. It can be a weeknight or early morning. The important thing is to get started.
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I read a devotional earlier this year that really helped me get into a good headspace with my goals called New Year: Living with Purpose on the Youversion Bible app. This plan gave tips along with scriptures that build faith in not only creating goals on what you want to do but what God is calling you to do in your life. I highly recommend it.
I hope in sharing my steps in planning my goals you are inspired to move forward with yours. Here’s to watching those dreams come true in 2021 with goal setting, planning, and hard work. ✨
