Dream It, Believe It and Do It

Quite a number of us spend an ample amount of time dreaming of what we could be, and less time awake trying to turn those dreams into a reality.

Dreams are essential. In fact, we’re encouraged to dream because it gives us a sense of purpose, enables us to set objectives and allows us to eliminate mediocrity.

However, it becomes a nuisance as soon as we allow our dreams to remain dreams.

So how do we realise our dreams?

Set goals for yourself. When setting goals, always address these three questions: “What do I want to achieve?” “When do I want to achieve it?” Finally, create a visual image of where you would like to see yourself and address the third question: “How will I achieve it?”

Furthermore, your goals should be ‘smart’. Your goals should be defined and specific, for example, don’t say, “I want to pass Financial Accounting 3”, but rather be specific and say “I want to pass Financial Accounting 3 with x%”. It is important to have measurable goals so that you can track your progress. Your goals should challenge you, stretch your abilities, but still remain realistic and attainable. A relevant goal is one which proves to be worth your while. Lastly, your goals should have a target date.

Implementation. Before you can even commence the evaluation of your potential strategic options, you need to believe and have faith that you can achieve your goals. Thereafter, select a strategy that will allow you to achieve your goals; the strategy should be suitable, feasible and profitable. Once you have chosen your strategy, incorporate it into your calendar or daily schedule. This allows you to prioritise while keeping the end goal in sight. Write down your goals where you can constantly see them with reasons why you would like to achieve them to keep yourself focused and motivated. In addition, it is also pertinent to have a great support system – one that can encourage you, advise you, pray for you, and shares in your interests and vision.

Evaluate your performance. “Management by exception” is a practice used by management accountants in which they examine and investigate the variances between budgeted results and actual results. The rationale behind this practice is to compare the deviation between your set goals and your actual outcome by assessing whether the deviation is favourable or adverse, and considering the factors that caused the deviation. If the deviation is adverse you would want to change your strategy completely or make amendments to better achieve your goals.

Every great achievement started in the mind of one person, they dreamt it and dared to realise it. Walt Disney once said “all our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them”. Therefore, dream it, believe it, and be like Nike – just do it!

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