We dream of the spectacular—famous, rich and beautiful. Perhaps, these dreams are within reach. The spectacular thought, however, doesn’t automatically materialize into fulfillment. I can envision writing a best-selling book, but actualization requires work, and lots of it. Dreaming is easy. The little-engine-that-could would’ve never made it over the hill if his “I think I can” rung loud while the little train remained safely parked at the station. Thoughts, hopes, and dreams motivate but alone accomplish little. What first appears in the mind must eventually translate into action; Dreams come true when the thoughts materialize through skill, effort, persistence, and self-discipline.
Positive Psychology and Action
Where modern positive psychological fluff ends, we must add sweat equity, filling in the immense space between thought and achievement. Thoughts may—but not always—motivate action, but if the action is inappropriate or ill-advised we don’t move closer to our goal, often advancing towards the wrong endpoint.
The person lost to heroin addiction, surrounded by examples of those fighting and failing, often acts on motivating thoughts with actions that don’t work. They may entertain proper thoughts of sobriety but act, either out of ignorance or escape, in ways that fail to materialize the dream.
The goal of positive psychology, then, isn’t to make us feel good but to motivate constructive action. Obviously, when sad and depressed actions screech to a halt. We need to feel good, believing we can achieve; and that belief pushes action through goals and developing skills. Positive actions make dreams come true.
“You have to dream before your dreams can come true.”
~A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
Ingredients Necessary to Make Dreams Come True
Dreams that come true begin with hopeful but depend on many factors that we shouldn’t disregard. Knowledge plays a crucial role. Most highly successful people engage in a daily diet of reading, gathering vast amounts of information. The wider their view, the more knowledge they can draw from to achieve dreams, and the deeper the well for response to interfering and unplanned obstacles.We have to learn, and keep learning throughout life. Knowledge weirdly points to areas of deficient knowledge. The ignorant stand securely in their stupidity. The wise quickly understand how little they know and how much there is to learn.
See Gaining Knowledge for more on this topic
“Drop by drop – a whole lake becomes.”
`Bulgarian proverb
Work
Dreams require considerable work. Success comes from blisters on the hands, putting knowledge to work, trying new methods, and implementing ideas.Dreams don’t materialize from thoughts; they come to life from work.
See Life is Difficult for more on this topic
“Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.”
~Thomas A. Edison
Persistence
We don’t momentarily stand-up, drag ourselves off the couch and do something dazzling. We move towards the spectacular through determination, discipline and acting correctly. Small changes to routine give new direction, moving us a step closer to more dramatic transformations. Small steps are not always rewarding. We easily look over their importance. Making dreams come true is a collection of small failures, successes, joys and sorrows. Our patient persistence to learn through doing is a necessity for obtaining any dream of significant value.
See Staying on Course for more on this topic
“Ambition is the path to success. Persistence is the vehicle you arrive in.”
~Bill Bradley
Supportive Others
We need both inner and outer resources. Nothing of value sprouts from resource depleted ground. We gather resources from supportive others and supportive mindsets. Growth oriented environments (inner and outer) are a necessity to nourish the tender sprouts of dreams into flourishing realities.
See Supportive Environments for more on this topic
A Few Words by Psychology Fanatic
Dreams can come true, even against the odds. I have seen it. I have experienced it. The constructive life focuses on development of small character traits that are essential to achievement. We need a strong foundation to support the weight of the castle of our dreams. From consistent minute changes, our spectacular achievements spring to life. The motivating chant of “I think I can” shoves us forward, pushing us from the comfort and security of the station. When our motivating positive chants meet with focus, action, persistence, and resources, we move forward climbing over steep hills, towards spectacular dreams and a better life.
