When was the last time you allowed yourself to dream? Bigger question, when was the last time you turned a dream into reality? In junior high, my English class conducted a literary analysis on the poem Harlem, by Langston Hughes. It was not until adulthood when the words of the poem sank in. The poem is short and sweet and packed with a powerful punch that leaves you in a mix of emotions with frustration of being one. Let’s unpack it:
What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun? Or fester like a sore— And then run? Does it stink like rotten meat? Or crust and sugar over— like a syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sags like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?
In my Avoiding the Student Loan Trap article, we unpacked how student loans have become impediments for Americans, specifically in minority communities. Oftentimes, dreams are put on the back burner because we’re so busy trying to sustain life; but what if we removed the obstacles blocking us from living the life we dreamt? There is something great within each of us and the time is now. Follow these three simple steps to turn your dream into a reality:
- Write Your Vision
Oftentimes, we dream but never document it. This is an area that I, too, need to work on. Since we’ve established that we can no longer afford to defer our dreams, we have to take action. Whether you keep a pen or paper near you at all times or use an electronic device, focus on documenting a vision for your dream. Doing this will help you capture goals and required resources. Writing your vision out formulates your dream in a way that’s visual and actionable.
- Believe It!
Countless times you’ve probably talked yourself out of embarking on a dream. I know I have. This is where you have to convince yourself that fear has no room to grow. More often than not, we talk ourselves out of a good idea or we allow others to sway us. Don’t allow others to fuel your dreams more than you fuel them yourself. Your dream is just that, yours. I know that’s easier said than done but asking loved ones for advice after you’ve set a plan is only a good idea if they aren’t afraid, themselves.. Not everyone can stomach risk. Keep that in mind as you build your support system and believe in your vision and your ability to bring it to life.
- Execute Your Plan
Don’t be a victim of ‘analysis paralysis.’ I, myself, am guilty of this. Everything won’t be perfect and having a small team of people to remind you of that is important. At this point, you have an actionable plan and you believe in your vision so now it’s time to implement it. Start small but don’t limit yourself. There will be plenty of opportunity to grow and your goals should account for that.
Many businesses have formed during the pandemic and my husband and I are so happy and excited to see that growth. It signifies that dreams once deferred did not remain denied. Dream big for yourself, write your vision, and make it plain.
