This Beautiful Message by Pastor Leon Fontaine - Springs Church, Canada

You can watch his videos, audios and read his articles; his mail id: info@leonfontaine.com

Mapping out your Dreams for 2012

As we’re nearing the end of another year, it’s a good time to take stock of our accomplishments. Did you achieve your career goals in 2011? Thinking back to the beginning of this year, what were your goals? But here’s the most important question—did you write them down?

As we’re nearing the end of another year, it’s a good time to take stock of our accomplishments. Did you achieve your career goals in 2011? Thinking back to the beginning of this year, what were your goals? I’m sure you had a few.

But here’s the most important question—did you write them down?

Studies have shown that people who write down their aspirations are more likely to fulfill them. And those who break those aspirations down into smaller achievable goals and keep track of them on paper find that it becomes easier to chart progress and stay focused.

The process of writing down goals also embeds them in your mind and makes them part of your thoughts. You envision yourself fulfilling those goals and in your heart you begin to really believe you can do it.

What goals are you setting for this year? Spend some time thinking about it. Envision and meditate on the dreams you have for this year. Maybe you want to grow your business. Travel more with your family. Publish a book or write a song. Whatever your goals are, it’s important that you can see what success would look like for you.

Personally, I like to set aside quiet time each week to reflect on my goals and envision what success looks like in my life. In our busy lives it can be a challenge to set aside regular time for thinking and planning. But long ago I realized that the more effort I put into mapping out my agenda, the more I remained in control of my own destiny. It helps me to stay focused and when I’m focused—look out. I can achieve amazing things. I know you can too.

Here are a few more thoughts:

1. There’s a dream inside you. If you don’t know what your dreams are, it’s your job to find out. What are you passionate about? What makes you angry? If poverty and abuse make you angry, your dream may involve making a difference in the lives of the poor and mistreated. If you can’t stop thinking about visiting other countries, maybe your dream involves travel. When you speak about a certain topic, does your heart beat a little faster? Do you suddenly feel energized? Do others tease you about how you can’t stop talking about it? Those are all clues that you’re onto something—stick with it and your calling will become clear.

2. Your ability to handle pain is a key to success. Football players are trained to overcome the fear of being pummeled to the ground by other players. You can also train yourself to resist letting fear stop you. Great marriages need two people who can handle pain. Otherwise, real conversations won’t happen. Having a winning career or business, being physically fit, raising great kids or fulfilling any dream will require effort. Just make sure you make your dream bigger than the pain.

3. Plans are vital to making your dreams come true. Become an architect and builder in your life. Start with a dream. Break it into smaller goals. Research options, find a mentor or take a course that will project you in the direction you wish to go. Planning is simply drawing a map on paper to get you to the dreams you have in your heart.

One of the most important parts of a business or career plan is balance. Plans aren’t all work and no play! Include time for family in your plans for 2012 and make sure you relax and enjoy your holiday season with your friends and family. Merry Christmas!